2011-2012 XFC Cage Dolls Auditions

Based in Tampa, the XFC Cage Dolls are the official dance team for Xtreme Fighting Championships (an MMA company). In their fourth year of existence, the Dolls perform in the hexagon cage throughout the fights. The diverse team includes members who have worked with the teams in the NFL, AFL, and even WWE. This is their first major casting.

[XFC Cage Dolls]

Ravens Cut Down to 60 Cheerleaders

The first public unveiling of the Ravens’ cheerleaders was nerve-wracking.
by Mike Duffy
BaltimoreRavens.com
March 26th, 2011

The Ravens came into Saturday’s “Making the Cut” event with just about 80 cheerleaders looking to join the team for the 2011 season, but only 60 would get past the judges.

At the end of the event, which was raucous to put it lightly, 60 stood tall, and the Ravens came out with the newest cheer team for the upcoming season.

“You know what, for me to say I’m impressed by the whole group of people means a lot,” said Ravens Cheerleader Director Tina Galdieri. “Even the ones that didn’t make our squad, I know that they worked hard. I was very proud, and I was proud of this organization.”

As the only team in the NFL with a coed squad, the Ravens kept 40 women and 20 men for their stunt unit.

The night – held at the Sheraton City Center-Baltimore – was more than sold out, with over 600 fans supporting the Ravens’ cheerleaders.

Some of those fans were family of the contestants and some were just supporters of the Ravens.

Regardless, the intensity of performing in front of a capacity crowd was palpable.

“I was the first dancer called, and I was so nervous,” said Ashley, a rookie trying out for her first time. “I just didn’t want to get cut. It was amazing. I’ve been doing the dance until I was blue in the face, so I felt like I just didn’t want to mess up.”

The ladies had to perform in a kick line to show their flexibility, complete a dance skill move and execute their choreographed dance to music.

The men demonstrated their skills in stunting by lifting the ladies effortlessly.

The quality of competitors impressed the judges, which included former Ravens wideout Qadry Ismail and 98 Rock’s Mickey Cucciella.

“It’s definitely a competition,” Ismail noted. “These people really train hard to represent the Baltimore Ravens as a cheer squad. We’re looking at people who are going to be in the stadium, and if it’s a third down or a critical situation where you need the crowd to get into it, you’re got to have the right kind of cheerleader to bring the energy.

“I’m taking this seriously, and I’m sure there’s a lot of girls and guys out there who are expecting me to take it that way.”

The Ravens’ cheerleaders are known for their philanthropic efforts, attending nearly 150 appearances during the year in addition to their gameday duties.

So, to have the final squad intact at this point in March is a boon to Galdieri.

“Organizing 60 people is a tough task,” she said. “We’ve got practices, training camp of our own and getting uniforms.

“We’re hitting the streets in May.”

Living a Dream: Local Resident Chosen To Be Atlanta Falcons’ Cheerleader

By Drew Brent
River Valley Leader
March 25, 2011

Every kid has a dream of being on the big stage. Whether it’s to be a movie star, quarterback, or music artist, every child grows up hoping one day to be in the spotlight. For one River Valley resident, that dream will now be a reality. Naiz Bolin, a student at Arkansas Tech, will be an Atlanta Falcons cheerleader next year.

“I was so shocked,” said Bolin. “It was almost like an out of body experience. I feel so blessed to have made the team my first year to try out.”

Bolin was a member of the Arkansas Tech dance team and cheer squad at Arkansas Tech. She says her experience was a definite help in her selection. “I would say it has helped. I’m horrible with technique and that’s one thing being on the Golden Girls has helped me with.” Bolin also said that this job was a part of a long history of dance for her. “I started taking dance when I was three and began cheering on a squad in 7th grade and have continued both in college and now professionally. It’s my passion,” she said.

Bolin’s duties far exceed just cheering at football games. “Obviously cheering for the Falcons and crowd leadership is our primary purpose, but we are also ambassadors for the team and city of Atlanta. We have our calendar shoot in just a couple of weeks, some have the privilege of going overseas to visit troops, we also make frequent appearances for different organizations,” she said.

Bolin, who is from Hamburg originally, says the transition from small town Arkansas to Atlanta will be a big change, but one she’s looking forward to. ” Atlanta is 8.5 hours from Hamburg so it’s within a driving day’s reach to get there. Hopefully it won’t be that bad, but it’s definitely going to be a culture shock moving from small town Hamburg, Arkansas to Atlanta but I’m so ready.”

A Beach Girl That Loves Dancing on the Ice: Panthers Ice Dancer Jacqueline Is One of Florida’s Coolest Pro Cheerleaders

Jacqueline of the Florida Panthers Ice Dancers, getting a visit from Stanley C. Panther during the March 19th game against the Islanders

Palm trees, sunshine, and 80 degrees on one side of a door; cold temperatures, ice, and flying pucks on the other. Such contrasts are evident at the BankAtlantic Center for Florida Panthers games. Arriving fans passed by swaying palms on their way to the March 19th Panthers-Islanders game, only to enter doors into a chilled arena with a frozen surface ready for NHL action. But interesting contrasts didn’t end there. Take Jacqueline of the Panthers Ice Dancers. Jacqueline has some interesting contrasts in her own life.

These include Jacqueline’s passion for both arts and science, specifically dance and biology, both big parts of her life. Also, Jacqueline’s heritage is half Venezuelan and half Bolivian. Not only are there obvious differences between Venezuela (hot, equatorial, miles of coastline and beaches, not so spicy food, and baseball loving) and Bolivia (land locked, mountainous with “three mile high” La Paz, cooler, a bit spicier food, and fans of soccer), but if each country had a collective personality, Venezuela would be outgoing, energetic, and pageant loving, whereas Bolivia would be more laid back, relaxed, and focused on natural beauty.

Upon meeting Jacqueline, one begins to notice that she has taken the best parts of all of these interesting dimensions. As she greeted fans outside the BankAtlantic Center, she was outgoing and friendly, but with a charming graciousness and easy smile that that sums up all the best traits of all of her family lines.

Jacqueline and Courtney greet fans prior to the game outside of the BankAtlantic Center

Cheering and dancing for the Miami-area Panthers, who play their home games in Sunrise, Florida, Jacqueline was born and raised in Miami. Dance has been a big aspect of her artistic side since a young age. Jacqueline relates, “I started dancing when I was five years old. I started out dancing ballet and jazz at a dance studio in Miami Lakes. It was then that my love and passion for dancing began. I was on the dance team throughout middle and high school. I love everything about it, from the long hard practices and training to the crazy chaos that goes on backstage on performance days. There’s something about being on stage and performing that makes me so happy.” And this is obvious once the music starts, and Jacqueline transforms as her dancing side energetically takes over.

But there is a scientific side to Jacqueline also, as she is a full-time student majoring in biology, with a goal of becoming a pharmacist. As part of her preparation, she works part-time at a pharmacy. Again, her enthusiasm about this side of her life also triggers a passionate response, as Jacqueline describes, “I love my job as a pharmacy technician. I enjoy being able to helping others feel better. I have worked in the pharmacy for almost four years, and I learn something new every day I work. What excites me about being a pharmacist is the knowledge in knowing how effective medication can be, how it works, and much more. When the pharmacist recommends or counsels a patient, I always listen and try to learn and catch up on what they say to the patient.”

How can we spread enthusiasm about science to young kids? Jacqueline replies, “I think science should be approached to kids in a fun and positive way. Kids see it as such a difficult challenging subject, and it sure is, but it can also be very interesting!”

Jacqueline, along with Catherine and Courtney, amidst the palms and sun outside the arena

As far as her ancestry, Jacqueline says, “My background being Venezuelan-Bolivian is quite a contrast; my friends call me a mutt!” So with these national contrasts, let’s see where Jacqueline leans. Does she prefer beaches or mountains? Jacqueline says, “I am a beach girl.” Spicy food or something milder? “I enjoy spicy food but have to be in the mood for it,” replies Jacqueline. Baseball or soccer? Jacqueline says, “I love watching all sports, especially HOCKEY!”

Jacqueline values her connection to both sides of her family, saying, “I have a really big family on both sides. I enjoy the warmness of being around family and the culture when I go visit. In Bolivia, my family owns property in the country called ‘El Beni,’ and we all take a family trip every three years to the farm, and go horseback riding, fishing, and hunting. It is so different from here, and it is so good sometimes to get away from the daily routine and spend time outdoors, bonding with family. Venezuela has beautiful beaches and great food! My family from Venezuela lives in Caracas, but I enjoy going to the beautiful beach in Maracaibo.”

Jacqueline walks down the aisles to get the crowd going

This is Jacqueline’s second season as a Panthers Ice Dancer. Jacqueline’s Ice Dancer journey started when, “A friend of mine went to a Panthers game and saw the Ice Dancers, and suggested I audition. I will never forget the day of final auditions when they announced my name. I was so happy I cried!”

Besides work and school, practice and personal workouts also are part of the schedule, as Jacqueline explains, “We usually have dance or ice practice two to three times a week. My workout regimen consists of doing thirty minutes of cardio on the treadmill or the elliptical, and also thirty minutes of circuit weight training. I also enjoy taking spinning and hot yoga classes!”

Jacqueline (left) and the Ice Dancers hit the ice for their performance during the second break

Continue reading “A Beach Girl That Loves Dancing on the Ice: Panthers Ice Dancer Jacqueline Is One of Florida’s Coolest Pro Cheerleaders”

Tale of NFL’s Oldest Cheerleader to Get Film Treatment at New Line

Richard and Lauren Shuler Donner producing story about 42 year-old Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader Laura Vikmanis.
by Borys Kit
The Hollywood Reporter
March 24, 2011

The story of Laura Vikmanis, who at 42 is the oldest cheerleader in NFL history, is getting the big-screen treatment.

New Line has picked up the story of Vikmanis, acquiring her life rights as well as a pitch by scribes Emily Cook and Kathy Greenberg, whose credits include Gnomeo & Juliet and Ratatouille.

Richard and Lauren Shuler Donner are producing, as is Donners’ Co. president Jack Leslie.

Vikmanis, a mother with two teenage daughters, was shaken after her husband left her for a younger woman. At a Cincinnati Bengals game, her sister suggested she find something to make her happy, and Vikmanis, who had been a dancer, looked to the field and said being a cheerleader looked like fun.

At age 39, she tried out for the Ben-Gals squad but failed. Vikmanis, however, spent a year improving her fitness and working on routines and returned to tryouts the following year. She made the squad, thus serving as an inspiration to her daughters and as a mother figure to the cheerleaders, many of them 20 years her junior.

Leslie introduced Laura Vikmanis to Joseph Veltre, head of Gersh’s book department. Gersh used synergy beyond just books for this project and the tale made its way to Gersh-repped Cook and Greenberg, who saw the video. A brief phone conversation with Vikmanis convinced them that a movie was possible.

“In her real life, it was easy to find a way into the story,” Cook said. “She is a 42-year-old in a sea of 20-year-olds; she’s definitely a fish in out of water. It’s a great contrast. And she proved you can reinvent yourself at any age.”

“It’s really a feel good populist story in the vein of Blind Side. It’s got more comedy to be sure, but it’s an earnest story,” Greenberg added.

Cook and Greenberg honed Vikmanis’ story into a pitch and circled back with Leslie, who brought the Donners on board. They took it to New Line, where the pair was beginning to write Gaggle, an adaptation based on a dating book set up at the company.

Michele Weiss and Merideth Finn will oversee for New Line.

Cook and Greenberg are additionally repped by Kaplan/Perrone.

Gersh also repped the Donners’ Co. in the deal.

Gersh will be shopping the book rights.

NBA Dance Bracket: 2011

I’ve been completely asleep at the switch. The 2011 NBA Dance Bracket started earlier this week. And this time each of the squads submitted a video of a performance from an actual game. This weekend in the East it’s the Magic Dancers vs the Cavalier Girls and out West it’s the Mavs Dancers vs the Timberwolves Dancers.

[NBA Dance Team Contest: 2011]

Titans Cheerleaders Visit Troops at Naval Base in Curacao

By Stacie Kinder
Titans Online
Mar 24, 2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Titans Cheerleaders, including sisters, Alyson and Stefanie, recently traveled to Curacao, Netherlands Antilles to visit some of our U.S. troops. The ladies were part of a military tour through the Armed Forces Entertainment, and were accompanied by Houston Texan Cheerleaders Andrea and Ariana, a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleader, Tomoko, as well as two Comedians, Jay Davis and Theo Von.

• Photos

Upon landing at Curacao International Airport, the cheerleaders met their military contacts and other members of their tour. They received a proper military orientation on the naval base and enjoyed dinner at the Rif Fort, which overlooked the Caribbean Sea.

The next morning, Alyson and Stefanie explored the naval base and met several military personnel. On base, they toured two aircraft, including AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) and a refueling plane. The ladies learned that the AWACS planes are strictly for radar signaling and can detect friendly or enemy aircraft from hundreds of miles away. These planes are also used for surveillance from the air.

In addition to learning about aircraft, the cheerleaders rode in a fire truck and learned how to operate the water systems on board. Dressed in firefighter gear, they also experienced shooting water from the truck and managing firefighter tools.

“Experiencing the life of a military firefighter was interesting and incredibly fun,” Allyson said. “ It was like living out a childhood dream!”

After touring the base, the cheerleaders had lunch with several Air Force and Navy men and women. They listened to the stories and experiences of each service member. The ladies offered camaraderie and support to all the airmen and sailors at the lunch.

That afternoon, the group had a few hours to travel around the island; all the entertainers visited Watamula blow hole, a beautiful scene located on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea – only accessible via unpaved roads. Later in the evening, the cheerleaders were a part of a military show, which included the comedians, all the NFL cheerleaders and a local band called “Happy Peanuts.” The evening was concluded with a fireworks show on the beach. Hundereds of people, both locals and service men and women, enjoyed the entertainment provided by the group.

Stefanie summed it up, “Our trip was unforgettable. It was such an honor to visit the men and women that fight for our country every day.”

This month’s visit to Curacao is the fifth military tour of which the Titans Cheerleaders have taken part in the last year. The Titans and their Cheerleaders are proud to support our United States Armed Forces.

Advance to the Flight Crew Finals by Submitting Your Own Audition Video

Want to become a member of the NY Jets Flight Crew? Here’s your opportunity to advance directly to the audition finals for the 2011 Flight Crew! To enter, submit your application form and email your audition video to flightcrew@newyorkjets.com

Please include your full name and contact info in the body of the email. Look for potential candidates’ videos to be posted on our Facebook page. The submission deadline is April 11th and the Flight Crew finalist will be announced April 12th. Your audition video must meet the following criteria:

– Length: 1 minute max
– Introduction: In a full body camera shot, introduce yourself by saying –
– First name
– Hometown
– What you do for a living (job, school, etc)
– 1 or 2 sentences on why you think you should advance straight to the
final round of auditions
– Perform: a short dance routine incorporating the following –
– High kicks
– Double turn
– Your personality!
– Attire: fitness tank top, dance shots, beige tights, dance shoes or sneakers

[NY Jets Flight Crew Auditions]