DC Body Armor

So what Pro Cheerleading Squad performs under the most difficult conditions?

Until this year the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders had to endure the brutal August heat for pre-season games at Texas Stadium.

And the Buffalo Jills have to break out the thermal packs in December and January when the wind whips through Ralph Wilson Stadium.

But how about the Body Armor, the Dance Team for the AIFA DC Armor?

Consider this: Washington DC, Memorial Day weekend, Indoor Football, NO AIR CONDITIONING!

They bring some portable units into the DC Armory, where the team plays its home games. But the conditions are still tough, though the Dancers manage to smile through it all.

Body Armor Directors Bea Codjoe and Jane Said. Bea works for a DC non-profit, sort of like a “community kitchen,” while Jane works on the helpdesk for the Department of Labor.

Jess is a graduate of Princeton University. (More on Jess later this week)

Shawni has her Bachelors and Masters from the University of Maryland. She helps keep the country safe working for the Department of Homeland Security as a Criminal Research Specialist. She danced at the University of Maryland and has coached high school and all-star cheerleading squads.

Ten months ago she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Sanai. Shawni says she was a little self-conscious about trying out for team so soon after giving birth. But with hard work, determination and the support of her Directors, she made the team and she look great.

While the holiday weekend might have reduced the crowd, the fans who turned out made up for it with their enthusiasm. Kids scrambled for the football when it went out of bounds, and where ever the Body Armor went they were greeted with high fives and requests for photos.

Nicole is a graduate of James Madison University and a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative.