Raiderette Reveals The Perks of Her Job
From TimeOutBejing.com
Kelly Lack, a cheerleader for the Oakland Raiders, talks to Time Out Beijing about what its like to be a Raiderette and discusses the time she kicked so hard she gave herself a nosebleed.
How did you get interested in cheerleading?
I began dancing when I was 3 years old. My mom was a ballerina for many years and was my dance teacher. In elementary school, I tried gymnastics. My parents were huge football fans and would take me with them to local games. I remember sitting in the stands and not watching the football game at all! I was so entertained by the cheerleaders and wanted to be just like them. I would try to mimic their routines and hair flips while sitting in the stands. I loved that cheerleading was a combination of my two favourite sports, gymnastics and dance. A few years later, I decided to try out for my high school’s cheerleading squad. I was so excited to make the team my freshman year and have been cheering ever since!
How do you choose a sport to cheer for? Why was American football your choice?
Football was my number one choice to cheer for because it’s my favourite sport to watch. American football also has the biggest fan base. At any given game, I get to perform in front of thousands of die-hard fans. Also, to be a part of ‘Football’s Fabulous Females’, otherwise known as the ‘Oakland Raiderettes’, is a dream come true because we are one of the best professional cheerleading squads in the world.
How do you become a cheerleader?
To become a professional cheerleader is a lengthy and difficult process. For the Raiderettes, you have to go through two different rounds. In the first round, candidates arrive in daytime dresses with full hair and makeup. Usually 300-500 girls arrive for the preliminary audition. Judging is based on appearance, poise, and personality. By the end of the 8-10 hour day, about 100 finalists are selected. All finalists, including veteran cheerleaders, attend two night practices to learn choreography. The last round consists of an individual interview and a dance portion. The first time I tried out for the Raiderettes, I made it to finals, but did not make the team. It was one of my first professional auditions and I didn’t make it because I didn’t know what to expect for the audition process. The year following the try out, I worked on my dance technique, practiced my public speaking skills, and got tips from former Raiderettes about how to wear my hair and makeup. I went back to auditions calm, collected, and with much more confidence. When my number was called, I broke into tears and embraced my friends around me. It was a moment I will never forget.
What’s your signature cheerleading move?
My signature cheerleading move is a high kick. The Raiderettes are known for our kick lines and intricate kick combinations. In high school, I high kicked so hard I gave myself a nosebleed!
What’s the most fun or bizarre outfit you’ve ever worn?
The outfit that I love to wear is our Raiderette holiday dress. During our Christmas home game, we wear a short, black velvet, long-sleeved sequin dress trimmed in white fur. The outfit is cute and sassy, and our fans cheer extra loud when we wear them!
What do you do on days when you’re just not feeling energetic or peppy?
Anytime I am not feeling 100 percent at practice or on game day, I drink a five-hour energy drink. That usually gets me energetic and ready to work.
What are some of the perks of being a cheerleader?
The biggest perk of being a cheerleader is having the opportunity to perform in front of thousands of fans and cheer on my favourite team. Being a member of the Raiderettes has been life-changing. I made many life-long friends and have been fortunate to accomplish a lifelong dream of being a professional cheerleader.
What are common misconceptions about cheerleading?
A common misconception about professional cheerleaders is that this is our only job. The truth is that all Raiderettes either are students or have established careers, and cheering is a side job. When I am in my uniform and tell people I am a first grade teacher, they usually do not believe me. Professional cheerleaders are more well-rounded than most people think!
