Interview with Redskins Cheerleader Charo
Marisa Sung
Asiance Magazine
Jan 2011
This is Charo’s first season with the First Ladies of Football! She attended the University of Maryland College Park where she majored in business and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. At the current time, Charo is working as a Tax Associate for a large international public accounting firm. She is in the middle of completing the CPA exam having completed the first two parts. From the Redskinettes to the First Ladies of Football, the Redskins Cheerleaders are the longest running cheerleading team in the NFL. Founded in 1962, and originally named the Redskinettes, this team has brought worldwide recognition to the Washington, D.C. area, the Redskins football team, and the NFL. Partnered with the largest and most prominent Alumni Association among cheerleading teams–in 2008 over 1,000 strong–the women who have cheered and continued to support the Redskins have also helped raise millions since the team’s inception and support more charities and community events every year.
ASIANCE: What inspired you to become an NFL Cheerleader?
I love dancing and I love football. There’s not much else you can do that combines both dancing and football – plus we get the best seats in the house!
ASIANCE: What background do you have that contributed to your success as a professional cheerleader?
I’ve been dancing since I was five years old. Ballet, jazz, modern, etc – I did it all. I think that my parents putting me through pre-professional dance training until I was 17 definitely contributed to the level I am at and my ability to make the cut.
ASIANCE: Did you get any resistance from your family as this profession is not a typical choice for a traditional Asian Family Member?
No – my family is used to me dancing and performing so they actually encouraged the larger scale of this profession. My mom is the one who grew up in the Philippines and she has supported my dancing from day one.
ASIANCE: When did you realize you wanted to be a Washington Redskins Cheerleader?
In college. I tried out two years ago in college and kind of became enamored with the idea of it all. And then this year, my dream came true when I made the team!
ASIANCE: Who is your favorite current Redskins player?
London Fletcher
ASIANCE: What is the first thing you notice in a man?
His smile and his shoes
ASIANCE: What qualities do you look for in a boyfriend?
He should be quick-witted, intelligent, adventurous, have good manners, and he MUST work out!
ASIANCE: Do you have a celebrity crush on someone who is in the public eye that you would like to date? We want a feel for your type!
Sean Faris. But he’s kind of obscure so I’ll go with James Franco.
ASIANCE: What was the worst pickup line you have ever heard?
Do you have any raisins? Well how about a date?
ASIANCE: Name three words that describe you.
Hard-working, witty, free-spirited
ASIANCE: What is your favorite activity to do in Washington?
A perfect day in DC would be lunch & shopping in Georgetown on M Street, then relaxing at the Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin.
ASIANCE: What is your best feature?
My skin
ASIANCE: What is the most adventurous thing you have done?
Cliff jumping in Grenada or dog-sledding in Quebec – you pick.
ASIANCE: What is the best part about being a Redskins Cheerleader?
The free stuff! No I’m kidding – the WRC family that you become a part of. Seeing these girls inside and outside of practice really makes my heart warm and fuzzy. I also absolutely love the feeling of performing for thousands of fans at FedExField.
ASIANCE: Do you think that Asian/Asian American Women are finally making strides on the professional cheerleading squads?
Yes, from what I’ve been seeing, it seems that there’s at least one Asian/Asian American woman on every squad, if not more. It makes me pleased to know that our minority is being represented in the NFL.
ASIANCE: What is the greatest accomplishment in your life thus far?
Earning my degree – my parents were the first to graduate from college in their respective families so I’m proud to continue that.
ASIANCE: Where do you hope your NFL Cheerleading experience will lead you to?
Cheering in the NFL definitely provides a lot of new opportunities and networking possibilities but right now I’m completely content cheering with the Redskins.
ASIANCE: You all look so gorgeous on the field. How do you manage to look so perfectly coiffed throughout the routines and in all types of weather?
Even if it’s raining and we’re soaking wet and freezing I think the key to looking “perfectly coiffed” is to smile and have fun! Oh and waterproof makeup.
ASIANCE: Do you have any “beauty secrets” that you can share with our readers?
Always take your makeup off before you go to sleep!
ASIANCE: What advice do you have for young girls aspiring to become NFL Cheerleaders?
Never lose sight of WHY you do what you do. And always, always do what you love. The rest will fall into place!
