2012 Charger Girl Final Auditions – Part 1

I’ve decided to make this a three-parter. I will be posting the photos over the next couple of days, so as not to overwhelm you with too many photos at once.

A few things you need to know before we get started: This first batch includes the ladies whose names start with the letter “A”, as well as some miscellaneous photos. There are also a few girls whose names I don’t know. (I know many of the dancers, or am at least familiar with them, so most of the names are right. A few are guesses, based on what I thought I heard during the intros. My apologies for any names I got wrong or spelled incorrectly.)

The auditions followed the usual format. For the first phase of auditions, the dancers came out in groups of three. They introduced themselves to the judges by name and number, and then performed the choreographed audition routine. These are the photos where the dancers have poms. In the second phase of auditions, the dancers lined up by number, and then stepped out individually to perform solos that show their unique style, skills, charisma, showmanship, etc.. Those are the photos where you see all kinds of leaps, turns, tumbling, and floor work. No poms in those photos.

Also, I’m sad to say, this year I don’t have many group photos. I usually get most of those after the dancing is finished and the girls are waiting for the judges to deliberate. Unfortunately this year I was asked to leave after the solos. (Nothing personal, I’m sure. The media were asked to leave – probably so they wouldn’t spoil the next day’s announcement, and I was sitting right there, so I was asked to leave, too.) I’m really sad that I didn’t get any photos after the team was announced. It’s really fun to capture that moment of joy for the new team. But there’s always next year, and hopefully they’ll let me stay next time around 🙂

Now, on to the photos. The full gallery is posted on my flickr page [click here]. As I said, I’ll be adding more photos over the next couple of days. I’ll be sure to post a heads-up here so you know when to go look for the new stuff.

Ok, let’s do this.

First up, we have number 141. File this one under “Name Unknown.” Her name sounded like Daneen. Like “Janeen” with a “D”, but I could be making that up. I know this is kind of a weird photo, but her hair looks cool.

I have no idea who this is. Tawnie was 511, the highest number in the group. So when she finished, I turned my camera off. Then this girl, number 349, danced out on the floor to do her solo. She must’ve shown up late because I swear this was the first time I’d seen her that evening. I can only guess that something awful must’ve happened to make her miss the first half of the audition. Lawdy, what an awful feeling. You’re over an hour late. Now you have a choice to make. Show up late and look like a flake? Or blow off the whole thing entirely? I guess, if you ever want to audition for the Charger Girls again, you show up late and hopefully with a damn good excuse. I felt for her.

Really sweet girl with a Japanese name I did not catch at all, and I really tried! That’s what I get for taking Spanish instead of Japanese.

Another one – no clue what her name is. I have her on video (twice!) saying her name. Still no idea what it is.

I wanted everyone up and down the hall to wave, so I had to kind of make a jackass out of myself for this one. “YOOHOO! HEY EVERYBODY! LOOK OVER HERE!”
Won’t try this one again.

The more I look at this, the more my neck hurts.

This here is Alexa. She was a New England Patriots Cheerleader last year. She’s some sort of legacy. I know squat about NFL history, but I gather her dad played for both the Patriots and the Chargers. This is a big deal in some circles.

Alexandra

The first of four Alexises. (Alexi?)

This Alexis was a rookie Charger Girl last year

Alexis #3

Alexis #4.

It’s a good thing I can’t do this move, because I’d want to do it all of the time. I’d be all “Hi, I’m Sasha. POW!” and I’d throw my leg up in the air. It would probably get annoying.

This is Allison, the girl I liked, but she didn’t make the team and I hope she tries out again next year.

I’ve never met an Allizon with a “Z” before. Allizzzzzzon.

YES! Amanda is back after a year off.

This little lady is Amber.

I wonder why they made Andrea change her top? She was wearing blue at prelims. I thought it was pretty cute. This pink deal is a little more va-va-va-voom.

I guess I just answered my own question, didn’t I?

Angela was a rookie last year. I don’t know why, but I have almost no photos of her from prelims. How did I not know how cute she is? (She probably hates it when people call her cute, but she just IS. Sorry.)

Interesting thing about Anjelica (besides the fact that she spells it with a “J”): She pronounces it UnJELLica, not ANNjelica. 7UP is the UNcola. She is the UNjelica.

The girls on the team refer to her as “Jelly,” which is ok only because she isn’t chubby.

This is Ari. Rhymes with berry. Fairy. Hairy. Merry. Scary. Wary.
I’m out of rhymes.

Exhibit A: if you want to be on the team, THIS is how you must work it.

Ashley #1. Another not-great photo that I thought was kind of cool anyway.

Ashley #2

There were six redheads in the finals this year. Three of them returning veterans.

This here is Audrey.

Stay tuned for the letter “B” tomorrow!