Newser auditions to take off with 2016 New York Jets Flight Crew
By Danielle Cinone
New York Daily News
April 3, 2016
All photos: Jeff Bachner for New York Daily News
Fasten your seat belts, bring seat backs forward and put tray tables away, it’s time to take off.
Around 300 young women — including this reporter — were ready to soar Saturday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., for the 2016 New York Jets Flight Crew squad auditions.
To become a member of the elite cheerleading team, which accepts only about 40 topnotch dancers, candidates must climb through three rounds of auditions, plus an interview.
Daily News reporter Danielle Cinone was one of about 300 women who attended the 2016 New York Jets Flight Crew squad auditions.
Saturday was just the beginning for all of us hoping to cheer on Gang Green come football season.
Nami Ito, who has auditioned in the past but hasn’t quite made it, thinks she has a winning strategy this time, already envisioning herself as a member of the troupe.
Nami Ito
[View Gallery: Newser auditions for spot on New York Jets Flight Crew]
“I learned that I need to prepare as if I’m going to be on the field,” Ito said.
The NFL must have international appeal, because the 25-year-old moved here from Japan four months ago, carrying the dream of wearing the Jets’ green and white.
“Keeping a strong, positive attitude is key,” said Jessica Swany, 23, of Long Island.
As a dancer and figure skater since elementary school, I know the sweat and tears that go into auditioning. It’s part of the life.
Before arriving at the tryout, I choreographed my dance moves and practiced in front of a mirror to ensure the judges would feel my energy.
When I first arrived at the stadium, I went through security and checked in, received my contestant number and pinned it on. Dancers trying out were required to wear a sports bra and shorts, dance tights and dance shoes of any type.
Once we placed our bags down in the Toyota Club overlooking the football field, it was time to stretch. I was surrounded by women doing splits and high kicks and going over their routines.
A few ladies stretched with me, including many novices who were finishing up college or starting careers, and experiencing the audition grind for the first time.
Then it was time to start.
“We are not looking at your flaws, we’re looking at what’s best in you,” Denise Garvey, the director of the Jets Flight Crew, said encouragingly.
She told the young women they would perform in groups of five and needed to introduce themselves by name, age and hometown, and provide an interesting fact.
During my performance, I made sure to smile extra-wide. The trick, I know, is to exude confidence, even if your stomach is turning upside down.
“Keeping a strong, positive attitude is key,” said Jessica Swany (c.), 23, of Long Island.
I flipped my hair and danced for a whopping 90 seconds. It felt like an eternity.
After all the ladies competed, we were given an hour break for the judges to discuss and choose who would make it to the second round.
Only 86 girls of 300 made the cut — myself included. I couldn’t believe I made it to round two. I was both relieved and excited.
“We are not looking at your flaws, we’re looking at what’s best in you,” Denise Garvey, the director of the Jets Flight Crew, said encouragingly.
For the semifinal round Sunday morning, hopefuls will have to learn a choreographed routine and perform together.
Garvey asked those who didn’t get picked to keep their heads up and keep trying — to stay focused on their dreams.
“If you didn’t make it, take this experience as a steppingstone. A steppingstone to better yourself for next year,” she said.
