Cheerleader Profile: Ladies of Ontario Fury Dancer Ashlynne

Introducing Ashlynne, a first year member of the Ladies of Ontario Fury. Let’s get to know her a little better.

Why did you become a professional cheerleader?

I’ve been dancing for my whole life, but my experience on my college dance team at UCR was what made me realize I wanted to be on a professional dance team! In my senior year, I knew that I wasn’t ready to give up performing with a team, so that’s why I decided to audition for Fury. I wanted to be working with girls who have the same kind of dedication to dancing and a team as I do.

What was your favorite experience as a professional cheerleader?

Every time I run out onto that turf. Performing in front of a crowd gives me the best rush, and I live for that feeling! I also really enjoy meeting the fans and taking pictures with them; they’re always so excited and that makes me even more happy to be there.

What is your favorite dance style?

I think that contemporary and lyrical styles are so beautiful, and I love doing those and putting all of my emotion into it. But sassy jazz is the most fun for me, especially to perform!

What is your favorite dance move? What is your go to dance move?

Leaps are definitely my favorite. My go-to is always a hair flip! ?

What are the three words that describe you?

Passionate, because when I know what I want, I put everything I have into it. Talkative; whenever I’m with my friends, we can go on talking for hours and hours! And nocturnal haha. All of my energy comes out at night!

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

I’m an extremely competitive person and a perfectionist. I grew up as a serious figure skater for 11 years, competing regionally and nationally, and that mindset has carried out into my life after skating. Even things I do for fun, like dance, I always want to be my very best, and if I make any mistakes it bothers me a lot. Sometimes I have to remind myself to lighten up and not be too hard on myself because I’m doing this for the love of dance and performing, not to be perfect!

What is your guilty pleasure?

Netflix. I try not to start new shows as much as possible, because once I start, I can’t stop. I’m definitely a binge-watcher. I’ve watched an entire 24-episode season in a single weekend! ?

Facebook, Instagram or Twitter? Or some other app. What’s your favorite app?

It would probably be a tie between Instagram and Snapchat. With Instagram, I love being able to share pictures with my friends, and go back to see my favorite memories all in one place. But with Snapchat, it’s cool that I can keep up with what my friends are up to on a regular basis and share my fun moments instantly!

Who is the one person that inspires you the most?

My older brother. We used to fight a lot when we were younger, but now I really look up to him. He is always trying to better himself, whether it’s academically or just as a person, even though making changes in your life is one of the most difficult things to do. I aspire to be like that as well.

What is your motto to live by?

“Work hard, be yourself, and have fun!” That’s from Michelle Kwan, a legendary figure skater. I have always looked up to her, and that quote really resonates with me. Work hard for what you want, always stay true to yourself, and do what makes you happy to make the most out of your life!

What advice would you tell someone who aspires to become a professional cheerleader?

Never give up! If you know in your heart that it’s your passion, then go for it. Auditions can be really scary and intimidating, but just getting that experience is so beneficial. Just because one team doesn’t have a spot for you doesn’t mean that another team wouldn’t be honored to have you, or that the following year won’t be your year for your dream team. As long as you want it, keep trying! Don’t let yourself look back one day and wish you had tried to follow your dreams when you had the chance.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I hope I will have started a family, still be living in Southern California, and be working as an occupational therapist, with lots of memories of dancing and traveling to look back on!

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