Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders get Yongsan jumping

Wednesday, January 06, 2010
by Pfc. Kim Hyung-joon
USAG Yongsan
[photos]

YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea – A visibly star-struck group of about 30 Yongsan children attended a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders workshop Dec. 20 at Yongsan’s Child, Youth and School Services gym before a larger show later in the day.

The Cowboys Cheerleaders gave lesson to children on step coordination, poses and smiling, followed by an actual demonstration by the cheerleaders. The performance was given with holiday background music, creating frenzied applause from the children.

“I’m very happy and excited. I learned cheers and how to walk during the shows,” said Abigail Sigler, a second grader at Seoul American Elementary School.

Shortly after the workshop, your correspondent spoke with Ally Traylor, one of Cowboys Cheerleaders.

Kim: Is that your first time participating this event in Korea?

Ally: This is actually my second year being part of the USO tour since its first tour in 1979. It’s my third year as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.

Kim: What is the main purpose of the event?

Ally: The main purpose of this event is our entire tour through out Korea. It truly says “thank you” on behalf of the entire nation and the Dallas Cowboys. We are so excited to be here and to bring holiday theme to support them anyway possible as well as their families.

Kim: What do you guys exactly teach girls during the workshop?

Ally: We taught them a little bit of what we do in Dallas. Our cheerleaders are probably known for the silence dance on the football field, so we taught them some of what we do like cheer dances and chants. Then, we allow them to perform for their parents.

Kim: Are there any specific reasons you became a cheerleader?

Ally: I became a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader because it’s a childhood dream of mine. Actually, I grew up in Missouri in families who loved watching Cowboys games. Of course, what a better way to export the Cowboys than being Cowboys cheerleader?!

Kim: Who is your favorite NFL player?

Ally: My favorite NFL player is Tony Romo. He is our quarterback and has a great personality and gets his job done on the field.

Kim: What do you feel about playing against your rival team, the Philadelphia Eagles, especially quarterback Donovan McNabb?

Ally: We are having fun and healthy rivalry with the Eagles as they are part of our NFC East. It’s fun when we face the opponents like them, and we do have a special history of having rivalry with them. Donovan McNabb is very talented and he also gets his job done on the field, so hopefully whenever we face them, we just do a little bit better.

Following the interview, the cheerleaders moved the stage to the Collier Field House and performed a high-energy musical and dance concert.

During the show, cheerleader Trisha Trevino asked Cowboys trivia questions and handed out gifts to those that were able to answer correctly. Some of the questions asked were: how many Super Bowls have the Cowboys won and how many stripes are in the Cowboys Cheerleaders’ uniform? The answers were five, and 15.

Garrison Commander Col. Dave Hall and Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph Rusch and their families joined the Yongsan crowds to cheer the Cowboys on.

“This is clearly the main event at Yongsan,” Hall said. “It is another example of our being an Army Community of Excellence and strengthening ties within the community. I really appreciate the cheerleaders for forfeiting their Christmas and New Year to be on the road to entertain us. What a great main event for Yongsan community!”

Following the show, the cheerleaders mingled with the audience, signing autographs and posing for photos with fans and community members.