Cheerleader Profile: Ladies of Ontario Fury Dancer Jessica

This is Jessica, a first year member of the Ladies of Ontario Fury.

Why did you become a professional cheerleader?

I’ve been a technically trained studio dancer my whole life. It wasn’t until I started college that I even considered dancing on a team. After auditioning for my school’s team at the beginning of my freshman year, I was immediately hooked. Dancing for a crowd of fans cheering you on is such a different thrill than performing on a stage in a theater, and so much more exciting! I’m doing what I love for a living, and putting my dance degree to good use!

What was your favorite experience as a professional cheerleader?

After auditions were over, we had a weekend boot camp where us rookies got to learn the ropes of being on a professional team. That was the first time it really hit me that my job is so much more than having rehearsals and performing at games. We represent such an amazing foundation and inspire so many of our fans to pursue their own dreams and I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to experience something like this.

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

I’ve always been a leaper instead of a turner, so I’m always throwing leaps into my choreography or freestyle. Tilt jumps, single stag leaps, surprise leaps…just to name a few. But you always gotta throw on a big smile and some hair-ography for extra style!

What are the three words that describe you?

Optimistic, energetic, and easygoing.

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

I was a HUGE choir/drama nerd growing up. I sang in choir for 8 years and in high school I started participating in my school’s musical productions. I would love to get back into singing and acting one of these days! Some of my favorite musicals are West Side Story, Chicago, Avenue Q, Spring Awakening, and Wicked.

What is your favorite music genre?

I like just about all genres of music! I prefer music that makes me want to move, so I usually stick to more upbeat genres like dance, pop, and hip-hop. But I also listen to reggae pretty often, mostly when I’m driving to and from work because it keeps me calm in all that traffic. J

What is the one thing you can’t live without?

The beach! I grew up right next to it, and sometimes I wonder why I even left. I’m always happiest when I’m around warm sand, sunshine, and the sound of the ocean.

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

Snapchat! I like seeing little pieces of everyone’s day and what they’re up to. And of course sending ugly selfies and pictures with all those cool filters to my closest friends is always fun!

Who is the one person that inspires you the most?

I know this isn’t one person, but both of my parents have been such strong influences in my life. They’ve never once discouraged me from following my heart and doing what I love and always believed in me. They will forever be my biggest support group and my number one fans. I love you both and I don’t know what I’d do or where I’d be without you!

What is your motto to live by?

There’s both good and bad in life, and you can’t have one without the other.

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

Just TRY, and don’t give up! I know that’s a very generic piece of advice, but if I ever let any of the rejection I’ve ever gotten in my life stop me from achieving my goals, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Just smile, stand tall, and rock what you’ve got! All your talent is bound to be noticed.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Ten years!? I don’t even know where I see myself next week! Ha ha! But I do know that at some point in my future, I’d like to have a family of my own and hopefully be in charge of my own dance studio.

For more information about the Ontario Fury, please visit their website here.

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