Mom knows best: By starting Chocez on her dance journey, Nashville fans are enjoying her sixth season with the Titans Cheerleaders

Imagine that it is the first quarter of your first game as an NFL cheerleader, and you look up at the stadium’s big screen, and whom do you see? Let’s have Chocez of the Titans Cheerleaders fill in the rest from her rookie season’s initial quarter. “My first season, first game, first quarter, we are watching the Jumbotron for the play of the week, and they picked a fan to answer the question,” Chocez recalls. “I could not believe my eyes; it was my mother and she knew the answer. I was so surprised I didn’t know what to do.”

Perhaps when Chocez literally looked up and saw her mom, the person that Chocez looks up to most, it was a sign that that being on the Titans sidelines was the perfect place for Chocez. Also, it is not surprising that Chocez’s mom knew the answer because she has always had the right answers for Chocez, such as dance being the perfect answer during an emotional time when Chocez was nine years old. Chocez is in her sixth season as a Titans Cheerleader, and she shared memories with UltimateCheerleaders including a journey filled with dance, family, and friendships, all enhanced by a Titans Cheerleaders experience that was completely unplanned. Not unexpectedly, being part of the Titans arose from Chocez doing what she always does; helping out a friend.

Chocez is from Chicago, and I bet she is a fan of the frozen precipitation currently covering the Chicagoland area. “One of my favorite memories growing up in Chicago would be on Christmas morning running down stairs, looking out the window over into the park, and seeing it covered in snow,” Chocez says. “I love snow!” Well, right now Midwesterners have a lot to love!

Chocez’s unique name was a gift from her dad. “My father named me Chocez, pronounced ‘Show-keys’”, Chocez explains. “It’s a Native American name meaning Little Princess.”

And when the Little Princess was little, Chocez used her mirrored living room as the location for pretend video shoots, in which Lil Chocez would be singing and dancing, based on her own choreography. “I was a singing dancing rapper back in the day,” Chocez recounts. “Some of my favorites were Shai: ‘If I ever fall in love,’ TLC:’What about your friends,’ Janet Jackson:’Escapade/ Control/ Rhythm Nation,’ LL Cool J:’ I need love,’ Whitney Houston: ‘The Bodyguard Soundtrack’. Some of my other favorite artists were Tevin Campbell, Jodeci, Mary J. Blige, and 2 Pac.”

Chocez started dance classes at an essential time when her mom suspected that they might just start bringing smiles back to her daughter’s face. “My father passed away when I was nine years old,” Chocez shares, “and my mom said when she took me to my cousin’s dance recital six months after his passing, that my face lit up and I never took my eyes off the stage. She said she had to sign me up because I had not looked that happy in a while. On my first day of class, I was ready to go. I am a visual learner, I was quiet, and trying to mimic everything I saw.”

Starting classes started a cascade in which dance became a focal point of Chocez’s life. Chocez studied tap, ballet, and jazz, and also participated in cotillions where she danced the waltz, tango, and the rumba. After high school, Chocez moved to Nashville to attend Fisk University on a dance scholarship and joined the University’s performing dance company, Orchesis, which toured throughout the states. This included Chocez being selected as the director’s touring demonstrator during workshops. At Fisk, Chocez received her Bachelor in Arts majoring in Dramatics, Speech, and Dance, and then remained in Nashville to receive her Master’s in Education, studying Curriculum and Instruction at Tennessee State University. During her time in Nashville, during and after college, Chocez was in local plays as well as traveling to teach choreography to various groups such as high school dance teams.

But during all of her life of dance, cheering for a pro sports team did not cross Chocez’s mind, although she is a sports fan. “I have always been a sports fan,” Chocez says. “However, my sport was basketball. I loved and still love the Chicago Bulls. Although I am not a strong player at basketball, I can really shoot, especially on the games at Dave & Busters.”

But it is not surprising that Chocez, the ultimate friendliest soul you will ever meet, was initially linked to Titans pro cheer to help out a friend. “A school friend of mine asked me to go with her to the audition for support since I love to dance,” Chocez details. “I had no idea about pro cheer until after I made it through to finals my first time trying out. I arrived dressed for a dance audition, and when my friend was cut in the first round, I was pulled aside and told they liked me but I was dressed all wrong. My friend helped with an outfit so I could stay in the competition. Although I did not make it that year all the girls were very nice and helpful with telling me how to prepare for the next try-out. Once I learned about it, I worked on my necessary areas and returned the following year to tryouts stronger than the first time. I worked out and arrived next time dressed for the audition!”

The next year, Chocez remembers, “At finals the second time, I remember being backstage listening to the names being called, and I remember hearing them say my last name but not my first. So I’m thinking, ‘I did not know that there were two of us here,’ then finally someone yells, ‘They were calling you.’ I ran out embarrassed, shocked, and confused at the same time, all with a smile on my face.”

Now, in her sixth Titans Cheerleader season, when asked about memorable times on the sidelines based on weather, most memorable routines, any times she was extra close to the action, and most memorable sidelines Halloween costumes, Chocez answers, “Last season we had one rain game where we danced in clear ponchos. When we performed at the Hall of Fame game in 2009, we did a joint kick line with the Buffalo Jills. A few years ago I was cheering towards the crowd when Santana Moss of the Washington Redskins was run out of bounds, right next to me. This year’s Halloween costume, Queen of the Nile, was the most memorable for me because it was so different and detailed compared to the years before.”

Chocez is such a pleasure to photograph on the sidelines, always ready with a pose and smile, and the camera absolutely loves her. Has Chocez always liked getting her photo taken, even as a young girl? “Yes, my mother is a camera person, always documenting all events and candid moments; I am always ready with a smile because of her,” Chocez answers. Of her favorite calendar shoot photos, Chocez says, “My favorite calendar picture was last year’s photo, when I was Miss July. That was my favorite photo shoot of them all; I even made it on the back cover of that calendar.”

And Chocez has had other memorable times with the Titans Cheerleaders off of the field, especially last season’s eleven day trip during the Super Bowl to Diego Garcia. Diego Garcia is an island located in the Indian Ocean where the Navy provides logistical support to US operational forces in the Persian Gulf. Chocez along with Titans Cheerleader Stefanie flew on military planes to the island after ending the commercial flights in Singapore, and joined together with cheerleaders from the Bills and Texans. After their visit, the trip ended with a 27 hour journey of flights back home. “I was blessed with the opportunity to travel to Diego Garcia and Singapore earlier this year to represent our team for the Soldiers during Super Bowl,” Chocez expresses. “This was a huge honor and I will never forget my first experience traveling out of the country as a Titans Cheerleader.”

For six seasons, Titans fans have had the pleasure of seeing Chocez on the sidelines. When does Chocez decide that she will try-out again for the Titans Cheerleaders, and what keeps her coming back? “We are one of the few teams that do not have a cap on how many years you can be a Titans Cheerleader,” Chocez responds. “As long as you look the part, can do the choreography, and make it through to finals, then you survived another year. You are never ‘not allowed’ to try out, it is your choice; however the outcome is not up to you. I usually know going into the next season that I am coming back before try-outs, but last year I decided the day of try-outs. I have been a Titans Cheerleader for the last six consecutive years for the love of dance, our fans, my teammates and coach, and our Titans team. Those reasons make it hard not to come back.”

During Titans games, one notices that the long-time season ticket holders greet the Titans Cheerleaders like game day friends. And with her six seasons, many greet Chocez enthusiastically. “It is exciting to look in the stands and see familiar faces especially when they are just as happy to see me!” Chocez exclaims. “I do feel a connection and their emotion for the plays of the games. A lot of times they say things that I am thinking but not allowed to say.”

Off the field, Chocez enjoys her doggie, a good match for the “Little Princess.” “I have a Cavalier King Charles named Prince,” Chocez says. “He is not purse size but small enough to still be carried on a plane. I would like to get a German shepherd as well. I am a dog lover!”

And Chocez’s favorite things to do in Nashville include, “I love going to Opry Mills Mall and Dave & Busters. Whenever I have visitors, I always take them downtown on Broadway, the Gulch, and the Opry land area.”

And of course, Chocez’s life includes dance, and she is a dance teacher. “I have a four year-old Ballet/Tap class, eight year-old Tap class, and ten year-old Jazz class.” As someone whose life was changed through dance, what does Chocez see as the benefit of dance for young people? “Dance allows freedom of expression and exercise in a fun way,” Chocez explains. “It helps you to learn about your body, and spark an internal flame for constant self-improvement in dance and in our daily lives; at least that’s what it did for me.”

And besides being talented and beautiful, no matter from what walk of life, it would be difficult to meet someone as friendly and engaging as Chocez who is so accommodating to everyone. Did Chocez inherit her engaging personality from someone, or did her parents emphasize the importance of kindness to others? “Thank you for that, I feel my mother and sister have a lot to do with it,” Chocez says. “I naturally want to help in any situation, but yes, my mother emphasized the importance of kindness through her own actions. I have watched my mother never meet a stranger and extend herself on countless occasions for people she hardly knew. My sister is somewhat the same way; she is truly a people person and shows sisterly love to those that cross her path, especially to her students, and members of our sorority (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.), so it is not a second thought for me. I love seeing others smile and having something to do with it!”

With her mom and sister’s influence so essential for who Chocez is, it is not surprising that when asked about who her personal “Titans” are, as defined as “a person of enormous strength, power, influence, et cetera,” Chocez replies, “The Titan in my life is my mother for surviving and conquering lung cancer. She is cancer free and getting stronger every day. She has always been my Titan!”

Chocez continues, “The teachers that played a big part in the person I am today are my sister and Dr. P. A. Fields, Jr. My sister, Eva, has always been a positive voice and strong support system for me growing up and especially during my Titans journey. She paved the way for me to go after my dreams and goals. Dr. Fields was my Professor and mentor at Fisk University. He really stressed professionalism and the importance of taking care of the ‘instrument’ meaning our bodies as dancers.”

Chocez’s journey shows the power of dance to open up a new world, and, by helping out a friend, the inclusion of Titans Cheerleading in her path took her to Nashville’s biggest stage, and also to the opposite side of the world. How would Chocez compare herself now to the person who first showed up at Titans try-outs? “I have grown a lot from the 2007 season to now,” reflects Chocez. “Honestly, I eat better, dance harder, and now I am more of a football fan than basketball. I have learned a great deal about golf, etiquette, fitness, skin care, and hair care. I was body shy; now, I am comfortable walking down a runway in a swimsuit or dancing in a two-piece uniform in front of 70,000 fans. I am thankful to have had this experience; it has truly enhanced my life.”

By helping return a smile to Chocez’s face, her mom set her on a path that Chocez’s smile now is so infectious, it warms the entirety of LP Field, even in December! It is truly a pleasure to get the opportunity to feature Chocez, and wish her and her family an excellent 2013! And let’s hope that Chocez decides that year seven is in the offing!

Thanks so much to Chocez for sharing her experiences, and to the superb Stacie Kinder, Director of Cheerleading for the Tennessee Titans for all of her assistance!

And there are more photos of Chocez from 2012 at this link at this link…