DCC and CMT just seem to go together. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders will be featured on Friday night’s episode of “The Singing Bee,” CMT’s highest rated original series. The cheerleaders will compete in this karaoke-style game show to win $10,000 for their chosen charity. The show, which will air June 17 at 8:00pm ET, happens to be the 50th episode on the network. Also, click here for a YouSendIt link to a few fun highlight clips from the episode.  The cheerleaders show off their singing skills, do a group dance, and teach host Melissa Peterman how to do their signature move, “sexy hips.”

Here are some links to three of the video clips:

Dancing Bump Out

Singing Bee Show Final Countdown Kick

Random Shuffle Dancing

For six seasons, Bloomington, Illinois has been home to the “Extreme” of the Indoor Football League (IFL), and for all six seasons, the Extreme Dance Team has been entertaining fans and cheering on the team. And for each of those six seasons, Alice and Alicia have been the one constant, the only members of each and every edition of the Extreme Dance Team, hence the “most Extreme” dancers in the league. If there was a Mount Rushmore carved to celebrate the Extreme Dance Team, Alice and Alicia be the first two set into the stone. Alice and Alicia graciously agreed to participate in an interview with UltimateCheerleaders.com prior to the Extreme’s June 3rd game against LaCrosse in Bloomington. Like their first names, there are a lot of similarities between Alice and Alicia, but also some interesting differences. For instance, one of them has never had an embarrassing moment on the field, whereas the other blacked out during a routine, but it fit in perfectly with the choreography.

Another difference is that Alice has been dancing on stage since she was a teeny tike, whereas Alicia started a bit later. Alice says, “I think I probably came out of the womb dancing! I was first inspired to dance while watching my older sister perform in dance competitions. I knew, from an extremely young age, that I wanted dance to influence the remainder of my life. I started dancing at two years old and by the age of five, I was choreographing my own solo routine with the Owner/Head Instructor of Rogers School of Dance in Pennsylvania.” Alice mentions in her on-line bio that she won a dance contest at age five, winning a trophy taller than she was. Does she remember the song and experience? “I absolutely remember the song, ‘Dinosaur Rock n’ Roll’ and even remember most of the routine! My dance instructor from Pennsylvania and I named the routine ‘Alisaurus’, a take-off of my name and the nature of the song. At my very first solo competitive event debuting ‘Alisaurus,’ I was awarded first place in my category. I was also awarded ‘Overall Top Score’ of the entire competitive event that included dancers from all over and up through 18 years of age. I still have that ‘Overall Top Score’ trophy, which stood taller than me, showcased with my other trophies and medals. I remember being a little nervous for my solo debut; however, I was so excited to showcase my choreography. My family was so ecstatic, supportive and had so much faith in me. They have always believed in me and that means the world to me!”

For Alice, dance is not just a solo activity, she has been part of many dance and cheer groups prior to being part of the Extreme Dance Team, explaining, “I have pursued all types of dance teams including competitive dance teams, musical theater dance teams and ballet companies. My cheerleading experience dates back to a young age when I participated in competitive cheerleading. I continued my love of cheerleading throughout all six years of my junior high and high school career. Each of these years, I was selected as Captain of my cheerleading team and privileged to be named an All-Star Cheerleader by the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA). I thoroughly enjoy the sport of cheerleading, the athleticism required, and the camaraderie with fellow teammates. I currently serve as the Head Competitive Cheerleading Coach for a local cheerleading team and feel so fulfilled and grateful to be able to teach children what I love to do.”

Alicia shares her contrasting dance journey, “My dance story is a little different than most. I didn’t even know I wanted to dance until junior high, whereas most people dance from a very young age. When I was going into 7th grade, I decided to participate in poms, which at the time did not hold tryouts. The squad was over 90 girls and we took up the entire gym floor at basketball games. I haven’t stopped since then! Dance is my number one stress reliever and has always made me feel good about myself. I absolutely cannot imagine my life without dance at this point. It brings me pure fun and joy and I always try to make that come across when I perform. My favorite type of dance is hip hop. I love the music, the hard hitting motions and the attitude I get to portray!”

Both Alice and Alicia were born outside of Illinois, but from different directions. Alicia started her life in bluegrass country, recalling, “I was born in Lexington, Kentucky because my dad was going to seminary school. We moved to Quincy, Illinois when I was still an infant because my dad got a job as a pastor of the Free Methodist church. We then moved to Bloomington because both of my parents are from here and they wanted to be closer to family. I have lived here since I was four.” Alicia remained in the area for college, as she adds, “I went to Heartland Community College on a scholarship and majored in Elementary Education and later transferred to Illinois State, graduating in 2009. I got engaged a week before graduation and planned a wedding and got married during my first year of teaching. Last year I taught first grade and now teach second grade.” Alicia now teaches in the same school district that she attended from elementary to high school.

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…because they were! Just like last year’s parade, when they performed with and accompanied the Pointer Sisters during Indianapolis’ 500 Festival Parade, the Pacemates walked along with a float carrying classic rock group REO Speedwagen. REO was the feature performer at the Snakepit Ball, held later that night. In addition to the Pacemates, Pacer players Jeff Foster and Mike Dunleavy were in the parade.

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Back on April 16th, I had the opportunity to see the wonderful Cleveland Goddesses in action at the Gladiators AFL game against the Voodoo, and was so pleased to be able to interview Dance Team Coordinator Kristen Bickel, and Goddesses Kristie, Elise, and Danielle. Here are a few more photos of the evening’s activities of the Goddesses, plus, there is a second important cheer team with loads of spirit, the Kickoff Crew.

Plus, for this Saturday’s game on March 21st, the Goddesses are supporting the the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women.”  See their video:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKtcWXJqkK4[/youtube]

Prior to the Glads-Voodoo game last month, the Goddesses circulated to meet fans in the concourses prior to the game, including encountering a sizable lion.

The Kickoff Crew rose to the occassion, and enthusiastically showed their precision at the main entrance gate of the Quicken Arena. Heather Zidek is the coordinator of the co-ed Kickoff Crew.

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Need yet another example of how pro cheerleaders have initiative and creativity, beyond that of mere mortals, all the while performing their multitasked lives with a spirit of positivity? Take LaShe Jackson, Director of the Blu Raes Dance Team, that performs at Marion Blue Racers games of the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL).   LaShe started cheering at age eight for the Midget football program in Marion, Ohio, and she continued cheerleading during middle school and high school.

But wait, there’s more, the true measure of really having cheerleading in one’s blood is still coming. When LaShe matriculated to college at Ohio State-Marion, they had no cheer squad, so what did she do? LaShe created a cheer squad for OSU-Marion! So not only was LaShe a student, not only was she a cheerleader, she was Scarlet Wave Cheer Team Coordinator (and founder, and organizer, and developer,…). LaShe recalls, “They did not have a cheerleading team, and I really wanted to cheer; that’s what I do! So I created (the cheerleading team), I hosted a try-out, and I bought the uniforms, and we had one.”

And not only was she running a college cheer team that she herself initiated, LaShe was cheering on the pro squad for the previous incarnation of CIFL indoor football in Marion, the Mayhem. The Mayhem were replaced by the Marion Blue Racers, with a new owner and CEO at the helm, LaMonte Coleman, who was on a Super Bowl team with the Steelers and was an indoor football MVP running back. LaMonte was GM of the Mayhem, and knows talent and drive when he sees it, and therefore knew that LaShe should run the Blu Raes dance team. LaMonte was amazed at how LaShe was able to keep the Mayhem’s squad together last season, and wanted her to be Director within his new organization. LaShe says, “I could not turn that down. This is my passion; this is what I love to do, so I accepted it.”

And as you would expect, LaShe is not just Director, she is one of the Blu Raes. With $4 a gallon gasoline, if scientists need to develop a perpetual motion machine, they should study LaShe on game day. Going from one task to the next, LaShe must have done dozens of laps around Marion’s Veterans Memorial Coliseum, long before the game even started. Blu Rae Director LaShe was not spinning as fast as a Blu-Ray DVD, but no doubt she was more efficient. But time was ticking, game time approaching, and LaShe was still on the move, out of uniform, and one wondered if LaShe was even going to be dancing that night. But, like the super hero she is, LaShe emerged in uniform and was ready to hit her marks when her lovely squad’s time had arrived.

LaShe is currently studying Communications at OSU-Marion with a goal of being a sportscaster. If LaShe could be the sideline reporter for any team, pro or college, which would she choose? LaShe ponders, “I am a real big fan of the Indianapolis Colts, for some reason, I don’t know why. But I’d like to do basketball, I want to do NBA. I’m not sure for what team, wherever I could go, it would be amazing.”

With LaShe as Director, Blu Rae India as captain, and a dedicated squad, Marion can have a football team and a dance squad that reflects Ohio’s passion for football. It is something about football that the state of Ohio naturally raises it from just a game to something more: a lifestyle. So, the Marion Blue Racers, who describe themselves as the “only professional football team in central Ohio,” know the obvious, they need a cool dance squad to add to the game day experience. And because this is Ohio, there are dedicated dancers who want to be part of the entertainment, and support their team to go the distance. Together, this creates the Blu Raes, a squad with its own family ties, all while being part of the Blue Racers family.

So let’s meet the rest of the Blu Raes, who were performing on April 30th at the Blue Racers game against the Chicago Knights. The Blu Raes squad’s name provokes thoughts of Blu-Ray DVDs, so how would they respond to this question: if you were stranded for a month on a desert island with ONE DVD, which would you choose?

India, the Blu Raes captain, answers, “’Love & Basketball.’ It is my favorite movie because it is a mushy love story that all of the girls like. It’s like every girl’s dream come true.” On this night, the Blu Raes were not the only women performing on the field; Julie Harshbarger is a kicker for the visiting Knights. If India could play any position on the field, what would she choose? India responds, “I want to be a running back. They get the ball a lot, and all they have to do is take off with it, which would be easy for me.” We should check with Blue Racer CEO LaMonte whether being an RB is so easy. Besides being Blu Rae captain, India is a full-time mother and a full-time student majoring in finance.
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In Cleveland, every spring, sometimes suddenly and without warning, an event occurs that is so cherished: the first bright, sunshiny, warm-ish day; aka, the first “nice day!” See, spring happens everywhere, but after months of snow and gray skies, there is a special rejuvenation when it happens in Cleveland. For example, Kristie, one of the Goddesses dance team that performs for the AFL’s Cleveland Gladiators, says, “Cleveland goes crazy when there are the first nice days of spring. Everyone’s windows are down blaring music, and downtown restaurants open their patios. I usually head down to one of them with my friends to hang out and enjoy the nice weather. I also like to go for a walk around town with my iPod!” Goddess Elise concurs, “There is nothing better than the first warm day in Cleveland! I don’t have many days off for outdoor activities, so I’m excited not to freeze while I’m walking to work from the parking lot! When I do get extra time I love to run or hike the trails in Cleveland’s Metroparks.”

But, luckily for Clevelanders, even if Old Man Winter takes his sweet time moving out of town, the Goddesses brighten and heat things up during the spring at Quicken Arena. Kristie has been on the Goddesses since their beginning, remembering, “I tried out for Goddess back in 2008 when the team first came to Cleveland. I heard about the team from another dancer. I really did not have much experience auditioning, and did not know what to expect. I was pretty shocked that I made the squad! I was fresh out of high school competing against girls who had far more experience than I did. The experience has been unforgettable and amazing. I’ve met great groups of girls that are hard working and share the same passion as I do. Even the game itself is incredible!”

Rookie Goddess Elise is experiencing this excitement for the first time. Elise’s impetus to join was, “I tried out for the Goddesses because my dance friend, Alyssa, has been on the team for two years. I would see all of her pictures on Facebook, and it looked like she was having so much fun! I have always wanted to be a part of a professional dance team, so I saw this as an awesome opportunity. I was so excited to make the team, almost instantly we all became great friends. It has been so amazing to work with such great dancers; everyone on the team is so talented. The whole experience has been surreal. I have never been a part of something that is so much fun with such great people. All of the hard work we put into it is worth it.”

Elise’s surreal experience included those first moments stepping on to the field, as she recalls, “Being on the field for the first time was unreal. The day before the first game, I got so nervous because I had never performed on turf before. On the day of the first game I started to get very excited, and by the time we ran through the tunnel and onto the field, I couldn’t believe that it was actually happening! After we performed and stood on the field watching the hype video, I had chills. The fans cheering in the stands, the lights, the smoke, the players, the whole atmosphere was unreal! At that point I was so excited and proud of my dance team. We had made it to the first game.”

Veteran Kristie can relate, remembering her first game, “As you’re standing there ready to go out on the field for the first time, the emotions are endless. I was so excited to be able to perform and do what I love in front of thousands of people. There is so much anticipation building up to that first game. All of your hard work pre-season is about to be laid out there for everyone to see. Along with being excited, I was a nervous wreck! There were so many things running through my mind. Do I remember all of the choreography? Am I going to mess up? And most importantly, does my hair look okay?! Once you are on the field everything kind of falls in place.”

Kristie is a lifelong Clevelander, from the eastern suburbs, and Elise is from a small town to the south. Kristie says, “My favorite thing to do in Cleveland is go to all of the sports games. Cleveland is such a sports town. Everything runs off of game schedules and the fans are so passionate, it’s mind-blowing. Win or lose, our stadiums are always packed with fans.” Elise connects her favorite times to her new friends, “My favorite thing to do in Cleveland is to go to Sushi Rock or Barley House for a night of fun with the Goddesses!”

The road to Goddess-hood started for Kristie in athletics, as she recalls, “I originally started out as a gymnast. The floor exercise was my favorite, because of the dance involved. I went and saw my cousin’s dance recital and begged to be signed up for hip- hop and jazz classes. In order to strengthen my technique, I took ballet class. I started competing nationally and regionally for my dance studio. I instantly fell in love with it and the rest is history! I also cheered for my high school football team.”

A family connection was also part of the dance genesis for Elise, saying, “I have been dancing since the age of three, when my mom worked at a local studio. She started me in classes right away. As a little girl, I participated in dance competitions but I eventually grew out of it. When I was a preteen I enrolled in a pre-professional ballet school. I belonged to a Youth Ballet Company all through middle school and high school. While I was with the youth ballet, I had so many awesome opportunities and even danced with the Cincinnati Ballet when they came to Cleveland!” Recently, Elise had a wonderful experience in the Big Apple, fondly recalling, “This past summer I was had the opportunity to intern with Broadway Dance Center in New York City. I lived in Manhattan for the whole summer while taking classes everyday at BDC. It was the most invaluable experience of my dance career. I love NYC and feel like it is my second home. Maybe one day I will be able to live there for good!”

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At eight-thirty in the morning on a Saturday in downtown Cleveland, the streets were quiet and unoccupied, with the exception of a group of people gathered outside an entrance to the arena. It was one of those Cleveland spring days, rotating sun and sudden rainy downpours, with one constant, wind! So, the waiting girls, plus a sprinkling of parents, huddled in circles, but with eyes wide open wondering what the morning would bring to prepare for a performance that night. All were happy when the arena doors opened and the wind swept them into the arena’s entryways. The group of pre-teen and teen young women was starting a long, busy, and exciting day at Quicken Arena. It was the morning of the Jr. Goddesses Clinic, which would prepare these girls to perform on the field later that night with some of the Goddesses, the dance squad for the AFL’s Cleveland Gladiators. Three of the Goddesses, Danielle, Heather, and Angela, plus Dance Team Coordinator Kristen Bickel, braved the early morning winds to lead the clinic which prepared the Jr. Goddesses for their performance at the Gladiators game against the New Orleans Voodoo, on April 16th.

Rather than to the field, the young dancers were escorted to the Cavaliers’ practice court. It was also a very busy day for Quicken Arena and its staff. On the previous night, the “Q” hosted a concert, then a hockey playoff game was inserted for noon on Saturday, overlapping with an Indians game across the street at 1 pm. Then the arena football set-up would follow to prepare for a 7:30 kickoff between the Gladiators and Voodoo, only then to prepare for another hockey game for noon on Sunday. Over a couple days, the arena changed as much inside as the weather varied outside.

Once they arrived at the court, first, the Jr. Goddesses received the tops that they would wear for the performance. Afterward, the girls took to the court, and Goddess Heather started them stretching, and then some initial movements. Although she is from an area of Ohio without sports teams near by so that she had this type of opportunity when she was younger, Heather has taught dance before and was a natural at easing the girls out of their initial early morning induced quietness, with a conversational style and some activity to get their blood flowing. It wouldn’t be long before the Jr. Goddesses were relaxed and talkative. The Cavs practice court probably felt initially warm and cozy, but it did not take long for the active dancers to feel the reality; it was HOT in there! At one point when asked if there were any questions, one Jr. Goddess asked the obvious, “Is there any air conditioning in here?”

Ready to rock the beat, the Jr. Goddesses were anxious to start practicing the routine, and Danielle of the Goddesses began showing them the steps with short segment by segment instructions. Danielle choreographed the routine that the Jr. Goddesses would perform, and selected the song, Willow Smith’s “21st Century Girl.” Looking for inspiration, Danielle went to Radio Disney to listen for songs and selected Willow’s for the performance. The Jr. Goddesses interest in dance and performing is mirrored in Danielle’s interest in being a Goddess, as she says, “I tried out for the Goddesses because I love to dance and I thought this would be a great experience. I was so happy and excited when I made the team. Performing is my favorite thing to do.” And the people around her are pretty happy about her being a Goddess too, as Danielle related, “My family and friends were excited for me when I made the team and everyone asks for tickets.”

Danielle is a college student, balancing school with her responsibilities as a Goddess, “I study psychology and sociology at The University of Akron. I also work on campus. I have scheduled my classes around practices and games. I am also able to make my work schedule so that it does not interfere.”

On this day, Danielle was teaching while the clinic participants paid close attention. Danielle went through each of the segments which was followed by the Jr. Goddesses doing a few run-throughs. Not only were the girls being junior dancers, a few were also “junior choreographers,” with lots of their own ideas for the routine. Danielle and Heather performed in front so the Jr. Goddesses so they could keep their eyes on their moves, and Angela eased into the back rows of the formation so she could help out and watch the progress. Angela could identify with their day, as she had the opportunity to perform at a Cavaliers’ NBA game as a high school freshman with her cheer team.

Danielle was a nice match to be Jr. Goddess choreographer, because she shared some attributes with the younger squad. Danielle can relate to the experience that the Jr. Goddesses were having, as she also danced from an early age, saying, “My mom put me in dance classes with my cousin when I was three years old and I have been dancing ever since. I cheered and danced in high school, and before doing Goddesses, I had been on my college dance team.” And Danielle’s personality matches some of the Jr. Goddesses, saying, “I may be outgoing while in my uniform, but outside of the team I am pretty shy.” Danielle said that right before the performance, some of the Jr. Goddesses were quite talkative, but that some of that may have been nerves, another feeling she can relate to, as Danielle says, “I am always nervous right before a performance. The nerves are what gives me the energy I need!”

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Oh, those gods and goddesses from Greek mythology had such drama-filled existences. They even had a goddess of chaos and discord (Eris, that trouble maker). By comparison, the Cleveland Goddesses seem to be quite happy, enjoying every minute of cheering and dancing for the AFL’s Cleveland Gladiators, and bonding into a close-knit squad. Those Greek goddesses could have used Kristen Bickel, who runs the Cleveland Goddesses, around to rid themselves of all of the chaos and drama. If Kristen was in charge of those goddesses of yore, her background and psychology degree surely would have made Mount Olympus a more harmonious place (suitable for the goddess Harmonia, even).

It is obvious if one spends any time with the Goddesses that Kristen and the squad are having a great time, but you can also hear it from the Goddesses themselves. Goddess Danielle says, “So far the experience has been amazing, I love all the girls on the team.” Elise seconds the motion, “I have never been a part of something that is so much fun with such great people.” Kristie agrees, “The experience has been unforgettable and amazing. I’ve met great groups of girls that are hard working and share the same passion as I do.” There has never been a more joyful group of goddesses than Kristen’s Goddesses.

For a sports lover like Kristen, it is appropriate that she is a native of football crazy Ohio, relating, “I was born and raised in Ohio. For ten years of my life, I lived in a small, rural town in southern Ohio, until high school when I moved back to the Akron, Ohio area.” Sports have provided a foundation in Kristen’s life from early on. Kristen recalls, “My mother told me I was always bouncing around and doing cartwheels down the aisles of groceries stores. I do not think she had a choice but to enroll me in gymnastics. I started that around the age of six or seven. Growing up, I was a very athletic person. I played soccer, softball, and ran track. If there was a girl’s football team, I would probably have done that as well! I am a huge sports fan and that is where my other love lies besides dance.” Sports even entered into Kristen’s field of study, saying, “I attended the University of Akron, and after changing my major many times, I settled on psychology with an emphasis on sports psychology.”

With a gymnastics background, Kristen “added dance to the mix at age 8. From there I knew dance is what I would be doing for a very long time.” Kristen continues, “I was in competition dance from about the age of nine until I graduated high school. I knew I would miss it so much that I still danced for my studio the first year of my freshman year of college.” Some of the highlights of Kristen’s early dance experience include, “At the age of thirteen, I was picked from a national dance competition to attend a summer intensive/performing group in Branson, Missouri, and Las Vegas, Nevada. That was an experience of a lifetime, learning from top choreographers! After that, I knew I had something special to offer the dance world. After graduating high school, I did compete for one more year, but then realized I had to move on and reach out to more opportunities.”

The next step for Kristen was jumping to the big NBA stage of dancing for Cleveland’s Cavalier Girls. Kristen says, “I needed to expand my dance career, and trying out for my college’s dance team just did not interest me. I wanted to do something bigger! I remembered my experience attending a Jr. Cavaliers camp the year before and I thought, what better way to combine my two loves, sports and dance!” When Kristen first participated in the Jr. Cavalier program, she was seventeen, and was immediately encouraged to try-out for the Cavs Girls when she turned eighteen. Kristen eventually took their advice, recalling, “I auditioned when I was nineteen and made the squad! I was so excited but somewhat intimidated as well with a whole new experience I did not know about. I was one of youngest on the team, so I was very shy about half of the first season. Once I felt comfortable, I knew I was in the right place of my career. I never performed in front of that many people before so opening night was quite an experience, but of course I loved it!”

Being part of the Cavalier Girls provided a world of opportunities for Kristen, as she says, “I was a Cavalier Girl for three seasons and a captain for the last two. The memories that stick out the most were when I had the opportunity to travel the world; to Iraq, Kuwait, and China. In September of 2006, we were chosen to go on tour for our troops in Iraq and Kuwait. Of course, our families were hesitant to let us go while there was a war going on, but with enough re-assurance that we were in good hands, everything went very smoothly. For two weeks, we traveled from base to base entertaining and signing autographs for our troops. I cannot explain how much gratitude these men and women showed us. They needed just a little aspect of the States to uplift their spirits while fighting for their country. It was the most fulfilling experience I have had to date and I would go back in a second!”

The whirlwind tour continued once they returned from the Middle East for Kristen and the Cavalier Girls, as she recalls, “We came home from our troop tour for two to three days and had to go right back out there to China! We were exhausted but once again it was an experience of a lifetime. We were out there promoting the NBA and entertaining the crowds of China. The people were all so excited! Even though none of us spoke Chinese, you could tell by the expressions that they were grateful to have us there. Although the cuisine was not to our liking, we still tried all of the dishes put in front of us. They were very interesting to say the least! In our spare time we would go sightseeing and Cheng-Du is known for their pandas so of course we had to check them out!” Those memorable trips continue to motivate Kristen in her new role, as she says, “Both trips were unforgettable and I hope my Goddesses will one day be able to experience something like that as well!”

Kristen not only performed in Ohio and across the world with the Cavalier Girls, but she was also on the cover of the Cavalier Girls calendar, in a photo on a boat on Lake Erie. With wind and water all around, was it tough to get the perfect calendar shot on Lake Erie? Kristen replies, ”This was actually the second calendar I shot as a Cavalier girl, so by the second go around I felt a lot more comfortable shooting. Getting the shot actually was not that hard to get since I was inside and sitting in the ‘captain’s chair.’ I actually was a little bummed at the time because I felt like they did not take as much time on my shot as they did for some of the others, but I guess it went well enough for me to be put on the cover! I was so excited during our calendar release party I cried!”

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One gets the feeling that a shortage of ideas will never ever really be a problem for Florida Panthers Ice Dancer Meg Liz Miller. And Meg Liz’s energy to put those ideas into action seems as abundant as Miami’s summer sun.   In a very rare combination, cheering for both major league baseball and NHL teams, Meg Liz has been on two South Florida pro dance squads; first the Mermaids of the baseball’s Florida Marlins, and currently finishing up her rookie season as an Ice Dancer for hockey’s Florida Panthers.

But that is just the tip of the iceberg. Meg Liz is a self-described “Athlete, Fitness & Motivational Enthusiast, Social Media Expert, Graphic Artist, and YouTuber.”  Multimedia in every way, this “Internet Fitness Starlet” comes complete with a website, Twitter, Facebook, and a YouTube channel, featuring her Ice Dancers calendar shoot video series (parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).  She applied her social media enthusiasm to her Ice Dancer friends by setting up individual Facebook accounts for the squad members, which allows unique connections to the fans.  Perusing Meg Liz’s website, one finds a beehive of activity, including being part of the Redline Xtreme Racing Girls, with the unifying factor of her desire to motivate.  Meg Liz’s site’s includes her statement of purpose, “My mission is to encourage all my friends, fans, and family to LOVE LIFE as much as I do.”

Meg Liz took time from this incredible buzz of activity to discuss her motivations and their connections to her pro cheerleading career with UltimateCheerleaders.com.  We learn about Meg Liz’s connections to an animated, legendary mermaid, to “falling into” being a Marlins’ Mermaid on opening day, to possibly trying on mermaid gowns someday on TLC.

UC.com: I can just imagine when you were young, you were the girl with the lemonade stand on the street, but yours had WiFi, a drive thru, and a customer loyalty program. Have you always had a lot of self-motivation and what is the first idea you remember having that you put into motion 100%?

MLM: Yes, you got that right!  I have always been the young girl who was constantly dreaming of MORE!  My nickname is “Ariel” from The Little Mermaid, partly because of my long red hair, and also because as a young child, my mind was always reaching into a different world where all my dreams would come true.  My first memory was when I was three years old sitting on my tricycle in my driveway; I remember thinking, “Why am I only three years old? I wish I was a big girl already so I could travel the world!”  It was a pretty courageous thought for a three year old, but my imagination at this age took my mind years ahead of my age!

UC.com: Motivation is a passion of yours. Do you remember when you first started try to motivate those around you and a success story that comes to mind of someone whose life was changed due to your motivation?

MLM: My favorite quote is “Use your talent, your influence and your experience, not just to accomplish your goals, but to help release a dream in someone else.”

I have always been an extremely happy, motivated and driven person!  Being the cheerleader in my own life was rewarding, but there came a time in my life when motivating myself wasn’t enough.  My first success story has been the most rewarding event in my entire life.  My older sister and I were two different people, and because we didn’t have much in common, we never were very close in high school.  After high school, she became very unhappy in her chosen life, was unhealthy, and was gaining weight because of this. It hurt me to see her like this, so I stepped in with my motivational enthusiasm, put her on a diet and a exercise schedule.  She started to see results immediately and with her new found happiness, we became very close, dieting and training together. In less than six months, my sister lost 80 pounds and was happier than she had ever been! Changing someone’s life like this was the most rewarding experience in my entire life, and made me realize my purpose on this earth!

UC.com: Who inspires/motivates you?

MLM: Being a fine artist my entire life, music has always inspired me artistically! Listening and dancing to my favorite song unleashes my creativity like nothing else can! Professionally, challenging myself daily with small goals motivated me to keep pushing towards the larger goals in my life!  In my opinion the best way to keep yourself on track is to celebrate the small victories!

UC.com: I am sure you hear it all the time, people want to be fit and eat well but they don’t have the time. For people with busy schedules, what are ways someone can fit some exercise into their day, and some good/healthy food one can eat on the run?

MLM: I think this is the worst excuse in the book.  If you don’t have time to take care of yourself, you are just quickly moving closer and closer to old age and sickness!  Taking care of your health should be your first priority and the first thing you think about when you wake up, because the longer you live the longer you can enjoy the fruit of all your daily labor!  My best advice is to start replacing what you already eat with healthier options.  Everyone knows that wheat bread is better than white bread and Diet Coke is better than Coke!  Make smart decisions!  In my opinion, the enemies to our nations health are sugar and carbohydrates! Your body has absolutely no need for sugar and contrary to popular believe you do NOT need carbohydrates for energy!  I receive all my energy from the vegetables in my diet.  My daily diet is carbohydrate free, gluten free, and sugar free, and I have more energy than I have ever had!

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Richelle Grant, Coordinator & Choreographer of the Carolina Panthers’ TopCats, informs us that audition time is quickly approaching.  Important events are coming up soon!!  First is the Audition Clinic on April 9th (click here for a link with information) :

Get ready for TopCats auditions by attending the TopCats Audition Clinic. Meet the TopCats staff and learn about the Pride of the Carolinas. Not only will you learn dynamic dance moves from one of the NFL’s leading choreographers, you will also be the first to receive the 2011 auditions music. New this year, hair, make-up and fitness experts will share their insider tips. Don’t miss this opportunity.

While you must be at least 21 years old to audition for the TopCats, anyone 18 or older may participate in the TopCats Audition Clinic. This provides a great opportunity to learn more about the Carolina Panthers cheerleading program and get a head start on auditioning in the future by gaining valuable dance and cheerleading skills from the TopCats.

Then, on the 16th of April, the try-outs to become a TopCat and a chance live the NFL Experience begin! (click here for info):

Experience the thrill of performing in front of more than 73,000 fans at Bank of America Stadium.

Serve as ambassadors of a first-class organization at charitable and corporate events.

Donate time and talent to the community through charitable projects.

Develop great friendships.

Learn dynamic dance routines.

Show your Panther pride and HAVE FUN!

THANKS RICHELLE!