L.A. KISS Girl Auditions Next Weekend!

Bring Your Talent, Your Heart, and Your Swagger on Saturday, January 17th

Auditions for the 2015 LA KISS Girls are just around the corner! (Details below.) The team has a new Director, Lindsay Rodolico, and we’re all looking forward to the energy, experience, and creativity she brings to this role.

When it comes to the AFL, this definitely isn’t Lindsay’s first rodeo. She’s a pro, having danced for the Philadelphia Soul’s Soulmates from 2005 to 2007. In her final year on the team, she served as a captain of the squad, and represented her teammates at Arena Bowl XXI in New Orleans.

After retiring from the Soulmates, Lindsay relocated to Los Angeles, but remained involved with the Soul, as director of their junior dance team. Meanwhile, she also continued to pursue her passion for dance, choreography, and working with children. Lindsay joined the LA KISS organization last year, taking on the positions of Stage Manager and Junior Dance Team Director. And this year, her role has expanded to include an additional title: Director and Choreographer of the LA KISS Girls. Lindsay took a few minutes to speak with us about the KISS Girls audition and her plans for the upcoming season.

Ultimate Cheerleaders: Congratulations on taking on this new role! It’s great to see a former AFL dancer taking on direction of an AFL dance team. Were you always interested in directing a professional dance team of your own?
Lindsay Rodolico: Directing my own professional dance team has always been a career goal for me. I am so driven by all of the fine details it takes to create a successful team and I am excited to have the opportunity to pull from such a talented pool of dancers in LA to create something amazing and unique for next season. Representing such a legendary brand, Kiss, is also a dream come true and a humbling honor.

UC: How does directing the “big girls” team differ from working with the junior team?
LR: I hold a high standard for both the junior and pro squads and the products both need to exude professionalism and quality entertainment. I would say the main difference is the expectation I hold for the “big girls” to find a balance of maintaining their sexy, talented demeanor while also serving as role models for the juniors. My goal for the juniors is to encourage and mold them and, with the pro squad, I focus a little more on how to model their role with confidence and maturity. Big picture, the leadership is similar with an age-appropriate approach and respect to crowd appeal!

UC: You’re still working with Jr. Soulmates. That must involve a lot of travel! Is it difficult to juggle gigs on both coasts during the season?
LR: I have decided to focus my heart and attention on the west coast this season and am no longer working with the Jr. Soulmates. I have so many special memories and bonds with the Philadelphia Soul and hope to collaborate at some point with their dance team choreographer and one of my best friends, Michelle Spaventa, and maybe even throw in a little game day surprise!

UC: Last year, in addition to directing the LA KISS Junior Dancers, you were also the on field stage manager for the home games. I’m sure those two jobs kept you insanely busy on game day. What made you decide to take on even more this season?
LR: Insanely busy is pretty accurate but I am one of those people who thrive off of a productive dose of insanity! I am extremely passionate about dance, sports, and rock n’ roll and this was an offer that I absolutely could not pass up to combine all of those fields. Everyone has the same amount of hours in the day and I might as well fill mine doing things that I love and pursuing opportunities that will enhance my life.

UC: It’s always fun to see a new director put her stamp on a dance team. Last year, Paul Stanley said he wanted the KISS Girls to be powerful, edgy, and sexy with tons of attitude. Can we expect this year’s team to have a similar vibe and direction?
LR: Paul’s vision is spot on and I have so much respect for the image, brand, and career he has created and endured, along with Gene Simmons and the other admirable members of KISS. I plan to continue to collaborate with our ownership in envisioning and creatively constructing a team that best represents our iconic brand.

UC: How would you describe your style as a choreographer and the type of dance/performance we will see on the field this season?
LR: Crowd-pleasing, diverse, entertaining, creative, and fun! I find inspiration in so many different places and it is tough to pinpoint one certain style to describe me. I like to remain open to whatever my creative soul wants to entertain and explore. I believe that leadership is the key to a happy and motivated team and I plan to use my skills and previous experience to showcase the talent on our team.

UC: I know you have lots of exciting plans in mind for the KISS Girls. I’m sure you want to save some surprises for the season, but can you give us any hints about the changes to come?
LR: Bigger, bolder and better in 2015! The element of surprise is what keeps our crowd engaged…Get ready LA KISS fans!

UC: Auditions are only a week away. What kind of dancers are you looking for? Who is your ideal LA KISS girl?
LR: We are looking for sexy, edgy and highly talented dancers looking to be part of a premier dance team representing one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. “Ideal” is boring to me and I want dancers to show up, with an abundance of confidence and talent, and show me why they should be in one of our uniforms. This is not a cookie-cutter squad and I want unique individuals who are willing to embrace their inner rock star and commit to the responsibilities and benefits of being a part of a professional dance team.

UC: The inaugural LA KISS Girls were 13 strong. Are you looking for the same number of ladies this year?
LR: I am looking to build a squad of qualified dancers, not just fill spaces, and do not have a magic number in my head at this point. I do not want to sacrifice quality for quantity but would be open to increasing the number of girls to around 20 if the talent is present at auditions.

UC: Is registration only on the day of auditions, or will dancers be able to register in advance?
LR: Dancers can pre-register at www.lakissfootball.com for email updates or just show up at the open call on January 17th.

UC: Being an LA KISS Girl is a fun job, but it’s also a commitment. Can you tell me a little about what the job entails?
LR: Responsibilities include rehearsals (minimum 2x/week), performances at all LA KISS home games (10 weekends), participation in team appearances, and being a brand ambassador for the LA KISS and KISS brands in the community and in social media.

UC: Thank you so much for your time Lindsay!

Aspiring Kiss Girls, please make a note of the important information below. See you on the 17th!

Audition Details

KEY DATES
* January 17: open call, @ Equinox in Irvine, 1980 Main St Irvine, CA 92614 (Registration at 10, audition starts at 10:30)
* Dates for interviews and finals will be posted soon!

REQUIREMENTS
* Must be 18 years of age
* Advanced dance experience recommended
* Bring photo and resume (Head-shot AND full body shot preferred)
* Must dress in shorts/briefs and crop top with flesh colored tights (only); Midriff must be showing! Rock/edgy attire is encouraged
* Wear dance/athletic shoes or boots and also bring a pair of heels

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE 17TH
* Dancers will learn a routine and 1-2 cuts will be made at open call.
* Dancers will be presented in front of a group of 8-10 diverse and qualified judges in the sports, music, and dance fields.
* Dancers will perform for the judges in groups of 3 to 6.
* Finalists will be announced at the end of day and then will be invited to proceed to the next round!

If you’re curious about what game day is like for the team, click here for a backstage view, with photos and video!