Arizona State University
2/3/2012

Newswise — This Super Bowl Sunday, while the New England Patriots go head-to-head with the New York Giants, cut your eyes away briefly to the sidelines to consider the cheerleaders. Who are these women wielding pom-poms?

The Patriots cheerleaders are among nearly 4 million cheerleaders in the United States – many of whom pursue professional degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as health sciences.

Surprised? Stereotypes affect us all. Perhaps, this is part of the reason why: When Patriots cheerleaders rouse the crowd for the red, white and blue on Feb. 5, the Giants sidelines will be empty. Giants co-owner John Mara, quoted by the New York Times in 2010, defended the team’s elimination of its cheerleaders. “Philosophically we have always had issues with sending scantily clad women out on the field to entertain our fans,” Mara said.

But in an age when interdisciplinary studies are on the rise, perhaps two stereotypes need to be reconsidered and even combined: our image of scientists and our image of dancers. Scientists don’t just come with thick glasses and an overbite, and dancers have much more than tulle for brains.

“The power of a stereotype is in its ability to control behavior and limit opportunity,” says Mary Margaret Fonow, a professor of women and gender studies and director of the School of Social Transformation in ASU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “That we have difficulty putting cheerleading together with intelligence says more about us than about our student athletes who have the gumption to challenge the cultural stereotypes on and off the field.”

The ASU Sun Devil Spirit Squad is a prime example of how excellence plays out both on the field and in the STEM classroom.

Part of the Sun Devil Marching Band, the Spirit Squad includes the Sun Devil Spirit Leaders and Sparky’s Crew and Dance Team. Numbering about 40, these spirited students dedicate nearly 20 hours a week to practice, and they make 150 appearances each year, led by Julie Mayhall, ASU Spirit Director and ASU alumnus.

“These students are well-rounded women who are extremely talented, intelligent, motivated and disciplined, with many of them on full academic scholarships,” Mayhall says. “My captain, who is a senior and a fourth-year member, was just accepted to UCLA and ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.

“People are largely unaware of the community service efforts and practice they put into making their team one of the best in the country,” Mayhall adds. “We recently placed third at the College National Dance Team Championship in Division 1A. We’ve made great strides to become the best in our state, the Pac-12 and now top three in the country – all while upholding academics, spirit and pride at ASU.”

“We like to prove people wrong,” say Jessica Cooper, Logan Reginato, Rosie Nestor, Briana Plimpton and Roxane Jarvis, all STEM squad members, who are pursuing careers in nursing, medicine, marine biology and math education.

What inspired these young athletes to pursue science as well as dance? The same reasons that propel other men and women to achieve: a desire to change lives, a family member with cancer, the challenge of scientific discovery, or, as Jarvis says, because “I just love math.”

“I always get asked how I manage to do both school and the spirit squad and still keep a 4.0 GPA,” Cooper says. “In life, if you want something bad enough you will do anything it takes to achieve your goals. I like proving to people that you can be studious but also involved with your school. I love being a part of the ASU community, and I love performing in front of thousands of fans! Our team has such an amazing bond that I can trust my teammates with my life.”

Arizona State’s science-minded squad members were highlighted on a website traditionally focused on current and former National Football League and National Basketball Association cheerleaders-turned scientists and engineers. The site, Science Cheerleader, was developed by Darlene Cavalier. A former cheerleader for the Philadelphia 76ers and writer for Discover Magazine, Cavalier says it’s time to change the tone of science and science policy as well as stereotypes of women and cheerleaders.

“There are hundreds of Science Cheerleaders in the NBA and NFL well positioned to playfully challenge stereotypes and inspire young girls to consider STEM careers. In fact, if you tune into the Super Bowl this Sunday, no fewer than 13 of the Patriots cheerleaders you’ll see on TV, are Science Cheerleaders,” says Cavalier.

As the website shows, cheerleaders and dancers are software analysts, biomolecular and civil engineers, chemists, biologists and nurses, and they are ready to challenge the roadblocks that hinder women in the pursuit of science careers.

So enjoy your Super Bowl Sunday, but while you share your game stats consider this tidbit for Arizona for next year: Six of our Cardinals cheerleaders are engineers, nurses and scientists, and four of those are ASU alumni. Go Science!

To view Science Cheerleaders videos:
ASU spirit squad: http://www.sciencecheerleader.com/2012/01/asu-cheerleaders-we-like-to-prove-people-wrong/

Patriots: http://www.sciencecheerleader.com/category/the-science-cheerleaders/new-england-patriots/

Cardinals:http://www.sciencecheerleader.com/2012/02/how-many-az-cardinals-cheerleaders-are-science-cheerleaders/

Skip Rozin
The Wall Street Journal

The New York Giants are proud of their 87-year-history in the National Football League, and have largely achieved their popularity and success while eschewing the frivolity embraced by most other teams. This means no mascots or cheerleaders. The Giants are one of only six NFL teams—along with the Bears, Browns, Lions, Packers and Steelers—that don’t employ a cheering squad.

There was a time however, when the Giants did have cheerleaders, for at least one season and possibly as many as five. This was about five years after the Baltimore Colts were credited with fielding the first official squad in 1954.

The New York Times introduced the Giants’ 10 cheerleaders, young women ranging in age from 17 to 20, in October of 1959. Various reports had them cheering as late as the 1963 season, but official confirmation is sketchy. Giants’ vice president of communications Pat Hanlon says he has a memory of their being used “ever so briefly in the mid-60s.”

Even more clouded is what ended their tenure. The league’s official documenting agent NFL Films didn’t begin regularly shooting Giants games until 1964. But there is a good chance that the squad’s demise has to do with an ill-fated attempt to use flip cards, those slogan-carrying placards popular at college games.

Accounts from fans who learned the story from parents or broadcasters describe 10 cheerleaders coming onto the field, each with a card intended to combine for a message to motivate the Yankee Stadium crowd. An alternate version had a card section consisting of hundreds of participants in the stands.

Not in question is what happened next. At the signal, the cards were flipped over to reveal not words of encouragement but “OG GINATS OG.”

“It was a disaster,” said Ed Croke, who was the Giants’ head of communications in 1976 when he told the story to a group of reporters; he retired in 1993. “We never tried that again.”

That goes for the flip cards and, presumably, the cheerleaders.

By Elizabeth Nida
The Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN
Feb 04, 2012

Slide show: Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders

Being a Minnesota Vikings cheerleader has “changed my life,” says a 23-year-old Rochester mother of two.

“Through hard work, I got here,” says Amanda, who asked that her last name not be used, as is the Vikings’ policy. “It was something I always wanted.”

She’s one of two Rochester women who were on the Vikings cheerleading squad this past season. Amanda, a Rochester Community and Technical College graduate who has been on the squad for two seasons, says she plans to try out again in April.

Tami Krause, the head coach and coordinator for the Vikings cheerleaders, says Amanda “sparkles” on field.

“Right away during auditions, she caught our attention because she’s someone who has a great presence about her,” Krause said. “She’s a wonderful performer, very eye-catching.”

Women on the squad generally range in age from 18 to 30. To be selected, cheerleaders must have full-time jobs or be full-time students or mothers. The cheerleaders are paid, as a part-time job, but “we don’t make millions,” said Amanda. About 200 women typically try out for 35 spots on the squad.

Once on the squad, the women practice about 10 hours a week, and 3-mile runs and workouts with personal trainers are routine. Community service and public appearances also are expected.

“It’s not pom poms and red lips and game-day only,” Krause said. “It’s a lot more than that.”

Socializing between cheerleaders and Vikings players is prohibited and it’s spelled out in contract, Krause said. “We like to keep it very professional,” she said. “We tend to have to fight enough stereotypes.”

The rules don’t stop cheerleaders from having favorite players, though. When asked who her favorite Vikings player is, Amanda said, “Obviously, Marcus Sherels,” the Rochester John Marshall standout.

By Brittany Penland
The Charlotte Observer

As part of their work with community organizations, two Carolina Panthers cheerleaders helped promote an open house for a new residential foster home Saturday.

The TopCats cheerleaders visited Jyra’s Angels, a foster home in Concord that will open shortly to serve the needs of six teenage girls.

The home was established by Shemeca Dogan to create a positive and healthy lifestyle for young women ages 13 to 18. “It’s a residential foster home, and I want these girls to feel like they are at home,” Dogan said.

The three-bedroom home is decorated with inspiring quotes, flowered shower curtains and purple bedspreads. Dogan said she will begin searching through foster care applications from the N.C. Division of Social Services in the next two weeks to select girls to live there.

At the open house, cheerleaders Jenny, 23, and Kiswuana, 22, (they are contractually forbidden from giving their last names) spoke about being positive role models.

“It’s important to never give up,” said Jenny. “You are going to face hard times, but you have to stay motivated.”

They also spoke about body image and leading a healthy lifestyle. And they signed photographs for $5 each that will benefit Jyra’s Angels.

Their first guests at the open house were members of a youth cheerleading team from Salisbury.

“I’m just looking forward to having fun and learning about cheerleading,” said Chanel McManus, 11.

The team’s cheer coach, Katrina Oliver, said she brought her team to visit the TopCats so they could learn how to follow their dreams. The youth squad also performed two cheers in front of the TopCats.

The open house is one of 150 community appearances the TopCats make throughout the year, said Riley Fields, the Panthers director of community relations.

“Whether it’s making hospital or school visits, supporting community and corporate events or through the TopCats’ own outreach programs, the squad helps the team connect with fans throughout the year,” Fields said.

During football season, the women spend up to 20 hours per week working as TopCats, which includes practicing twice-a-week, attending football games and making appearances – on top of their regular jobs .

“My most memorable event was going to Levine Children’s Hospital during Halloween and dancing for the kids in the lobby,” Jenny said. “I will never forget that.”

During their Jyra’s Angels appearance, TopCats also talked about the Junior TopCats program, which invites 300 girls ages 7-14 from across the Carolinas to team up with the Panthers cheerleaders and participate in three cheer clinics. Participants also can perform a halftime routine during an NFL game.

“I hope our girls at Jyra’s get to participate in things like Junior TopCats,” Dogan said. “I know I’m not going to be their parent, but I want them to be involved in positive activities in the community.”

Click here for a look back in time at recent, and not-so-recent Super Bowls.

Philadelphia Eagles Liberty Belles at SuperBowl XV

By Jay Oza
North Andover Patch
January 31, 2012

[Photos]

Two amazing journeys started in the football season of 2001.

A young quarterback by the name of Tom Brady buttoned up his chinstrap after hometown favorite Drew Bledsoe went down with a severe injury.

The same season, a young dancer named Melissa Amershek moved to North Andover and joined the Patriots cheerleading squad.

The adventure that ensued will forever live on in the hearts of New Englanders, and it would also help Amershek open up a dance studio in North Andover that was recently voted the number 1 dance school in Andover and North Andover in each of the last two years.

For Amershek, the owner of Just Dance in North Andover, that journey began with a test.

Amershek joined the cheering squad in 2001 with only a basic understanding of the game. “They make you take this five page test,” Amershek told Patch. “You’re not allowed to be on the field until you pass the test and you know your stuff,” she continued.

And with that, a seed of passion for football was planted. “By the second or third game we were so into it we could make calls ourselves,” she recalled.

As Brady gained confidence and wins, Amershek and her cheerleading teammates had a phenomenal view from the field.

“It’s intense being on those sidelines,” she said. As the playoffs approached, the intensity increased.

In the divisional round of the 2001 playoffs, the Patriots hosted the Oakland Raiders in what is unanimously known as one of the most dramatic, picturesque, and exciting football games of all time.

The “Tuck Rule” game was played in almost blizzard conditions and it was the last game played at the old Foxborough Stadium. In the waning minutes, the game was almost lost when Brady appeared to have fumbled the ball.

Amershek and her teammates held their breath on the sidelines until the final ruling declared that the Patriots would retain the ball.

“Thank God for that call, it’s made history,” Amershek recalled.

After winning the AFC Championship in Pittsburgh, Amershek, Brady, and the Patriots moved on to Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans.

“To be there for the Super Bowl, it was unbelievable,” Amershek said.

When asked which experience was more memorable, Amershek replied “It was the first successful Super Bowl so that would have to take the cake.”

“The Snow Bowl was a close second; that was the last game in the old stadium,” she continued.

Amershek now runs one of the Merrimack Valley’s most successful dance studios, Just Dance.

“This is my passion; it’s what I love to do,” she said.

“I had over 100 customers on day one of opening my doors, and it’s grown every year,” she continued. “Right now we’re at about 300 students and it’s still growing.”

Amershek also credits the town of North Andover for fostering a good attitude toward businesses. “When you’re trying to open a new business in this area, the town works with you so much,” she said. “It’s business friendly, its family friendly, and it’s just a nice, safe area.”

Just Dance offers competition and recreational programs as well as a popular boutique. “We have something for everyone,” Amershek said.

As for her beloved Patriots, there is a big game on Sunday, in case you needed a reminder.

In Super Bowl XLVI, Amershek, like many of us, is hoping for another Patriots victory. “I don’t want to jinx us, but I’m thinking Welker as MVP,” she said.

The adventure continues this Sunday as Brady and the Patriots hope for a fourth Super Bowl win and Amershek and her students continue to dance their hearts out.

Here they are, the 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th edition of the Pussycat Dolls. (I have completely lost track by now.) The new line up includes Laker Girl alum Vanessa Curry, and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader alum Erica Jenkins.

Back: Chrystina Sayers, Lauren Bennett, Vanessa Curry, Erica Jenkins
Front: Paula Van Oppen

FYI: the other three PCDs might look a little familiar to you too.

Chrystina was a member of “Girlicious,” the girl group created as a result of the reality show “Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious.” Girlicious was a sort of spin-off of “Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search For the Next Doll,” which has its own pro-cheer connection. The winner, the one selected as “the next doll” was New York Knicks City Dancer Asia Nitollano. (She won, but never actually joined the group. The whole thing seemed kind of shady, but I digress.)

Lauren was a member of the “Paradiso Girls,” the first PCD spinoff group created by Robin Antin, with one or two of the also-rans from “Search for the Next Doll.”

Paula was a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance, season 6. She auditioned for season 5, but got cut. She auditioned for season 6, and made it to the top 20, but then dropped out to be in a movie (“Burlesque, ” according to the grapevine.)

ou of which was “PussycatThe new PCD will make their big debut during the Super Bowl, in a commercial for GoDaddy.com. Watch it here:

Join the world famous Science Cheerleaders! Are you an NFL & NBA current or alumni cheerleader working in or studying science, engineering, math and technology? The ladies have been featured by NASA, on CNN, in Discover Magazine and in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Now the Science Cheerleaders will perform the Big Cheer and entertain at the national Science & Engineering Festival in Washington, DC on Friday, April 27-Sunday, April 29, 2012.

Hotel, uniforms, poms, autograph cards are provided. Cheerleaders must fund transportation, meals, and white boots. Cheerleaders must learn four short routines and cheers by video. Current cheerleaders should acquire permission from directors to participate.

Going Pro Entertainment is proud to serve as the choreography and creative production team for the Science Cheerleaders. Costuming is provided by Go Wild! Wear by Angela King Designs.

If you qualify to be named a Science Cheerleader but are not interested in wearing the uniform or performing, there are other opportunities for you! “The Big Cheer” will be led across the United States in various cities on April 27. This is just one way you can serve in the Science Cheerleader role without leaving your hometown.

All qualified cheerleaders should contact THE Science Cheerleader Darlene Cavalier at darlene@sciencecheerleader.com. Learn more about the Science Cheerleaders programs at www.sciencecheerleader.com. Learn more about Going Pro Entertainment at www.goingproentertainment.com.

[Science Cheerleaders at GPE]