Gina Capelli
Good friend of the Blog Gina Capelli put together this profile of herself for AlumniCheerleaders.com. I enjoyed it so much I decided to run it here:
Let’s just put it this way, my mother danced when she was pregnant for me! Dancing is literally in my blood. The second I could walk my Mom threw me into a dance class. Maybe that’s why I have had a love for performing since childhood. On weekend nights I entertained my family in the living room imitating Madonna, Prince, all the great hits from the 80’s haha. My mother and father were always behind my dance career 200% and that pushed me to make them proud. I had also been a competitive West Babylon Eagles Cheerleader from age 7-17 years old which motivated me to go the “Pro Dance/Cheer” route.
AFL NY Dragons Firedancers
After high school I decided to study modern dance and ballet as a Dance Major in Nassau College. My college was directly across the street from Nassau Coliseum where I discovered the AFL New York Dragons. In 2003 when I became a NY Dragons dancer I realized how much I enjoyed being a part of a dance team and entertaining crowds. The girls were so sweet and helpful, NEVER any drama, and they were the most supportive girls you could meet. If you had lipstick on your teeth, if you looked silly, if you just needed a friend they were the girls to call. I started my second season as a team captain which gave me the opportunity to choreograph routines and help make our team look amazing! At the end of my 2007 season I was chosen to represent the Dragons in New Orleans as a member of XXI Arenabowl AFL Dream Team. Within the same month, there was a search for 10 girls to be apart of the first ever New York Jets “Flight Crew.” Together with 4 former FireDancers we set out to the audition. Lucky enough all five of us made the 10 member team, making it a fantastic experience and absolutely unforgettable. (talk about DREAM TEAM) It was so amazing to be apart of an NFL team that was growing in the public eye so quickly. The number one memory I have was the first time we ran out of the Meadowlands Arena Tunnel at the Home Opener. The deafening roar from the 80,000 fans gave me the adrenaline rush to fly through 100 yards with a 6 foot flag and go-go boots. All 10 of us were so grateful to experience game day even when we had to dance in 50 mile per hour winds, hail, and freezing rain storms. It gave us something to laugh about on the long trip home.
Arena Bowl Dream Team
NY Jets Flight Crew
After the Jet season ended I decided I wanted to return to the New York Dragons. When I returned I was asked to dance as a NY Islanders Ice Breaker. The NY Islanders share the coliseum with the Dragons making the new experience an easy change of pace. Dancing for the NHL was a big change for me since I had been use to the football field, but I was with 7 close friends of mine making the time well worth it! The NY Dragons are now under the NEW ownership of Steve & Shanna Silva. Their goal is to improve the whole AFL experience. Their enthusiasm has shown how much they care and I am very excited to return to the new season as captain!
Gina and best friend Anne-Marie on the NY Islanders Ice Breakers
In between the ending of the Jets season and my decision to return to the Dragons, I was chosen to be an MTV MADE Coach (Streamer Episode) where I coached a Harry Potter loving girl named Jaimie who wanted to try-out for her high school dance team. While filming the show I was flown to the most beautiful island, Hawaii. Mahalo MTV! I still keep in touch with Jaimie, making sure she always pushes herself to DANCE! Outside of the Pro World, I teach everything from ballet to breakdancing and coach gymnastics at Elite Gymnastics and Dance Studio in Amityville, NY. I also currently work as a Cosmetologist on the weekend and a Talent Coordinator for AHEAD OF THE PACE during the week. PACE is an event company that provides responsible talent for events, promotions and conventions throughout the country. I personally aim promos towards Pro Cheerleaders, Dancers, Aerobics Ins., and Collegiate Dance and Cheer Teams.
With Jamie and the producers from MADE
I’ve been blessed with the opportunities I have had along with the friends I’ve made along the way. My future goals are to give back to the performers in my field and possibly to one day coach a Pro Team myself! I know the possibilities are endless thanks to the support from my family, friends, and one of New York’s Finest my fiance Vinny!
