At the midway point in the season, every game is important if you want to make the playoffs and especially so if you are playing a division rival. So the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens had a special importance because the division lead was at stake.
The Steelers have a potent offense with play makers at all the skill positions and the Ravens counter with the top ranked defense in the NFL and that’s a good thing considering the Ravens offense has been rather stagnant the past two weeks. An interesting match up indeed.
So what happened? The Steelers rolled up 395 yards, converted 10 of 16 third-down plays and held the ball for 36 1/2 minutes. They scored 23 points against the Ravens, whose offensive woes continued. Led by Joe Flacco, the Ravens were limited to one touchdown and three field goals against the Steelers and that wasn’t enough to defeat their rivals. The final score, Steelers – 23, Ravens – 16.
On to better things…the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders. Click here to view this week’s images.
There weren’t any bigger games on the schedule in Week 9 than the one between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints, the teams with the two best records in the NFC. People expected this game to be a shoot out and it did not disappoint. Young and talented, the Rams Jared Goff passed for 391 yards and three touchdowns, but the Saints have a future Hal of Fame quarterback in Drew Brees, who matched Goff’s touchdown total and added another one for good measure. Alvin Kamara chipped in two rushing touchdowns to help lead the Saints to the victory. Final score: Saints – 45, Rams – 35.
This game was as good as advertised and with the win, the Saints move ahead of the previously undefeated Rams to become the new favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
With the game recap out of the way, let’s take a peek at this week’s Saintsations photos. Click here to view the Saints game day gallery.
Barnstormers Announce Dance and Promo Team Tryouts
Tryout Scheduled for Sunday, December 9 at Wellmark YMCA
DES MOINES – The Iowa Barnstormers will host their annual dance team tryout on Sunday, December 9, 2018 at the Wellmark YMCA on Grand Avenue in downtown Des Moines.
This year, a joint tryout will be held for both the Storm Chasers Dance Team and the Flight Line Promo Team. This audition is open to any female 18 years of age and older who is interested in representing the Iowa Barnstormers both on-field and in the community. The Open Tryout will be held under the direction of Coaches Rebecca “Perry” Perryman (Storm Chasers) and Juli Pettit (Flight Line).
The Storm Chasers Dance Team will perform on the field at every home game both pre-game and at half-time. The Storm Chasers will also lead sideline cheers throughout each and every game. The Flight Line Promo Team assists in cheering on the team and participates in all in-game and on-field promotions throughout each game. Both teams appear at different community events throughout the year.
All participants, for both dance and promo teams, will take part in learning a short sideline pom routine that they will perform in small groups and a brief interview segment. Participants will also be judged on personality, style, and appearance. Those who are interested in the Storm Chasers Dance Team will carry on to learn a one minute choreographed dance routine from Perry which they will then perform in front of a panel of judges.
Participants are encouraged to note if they have interest in both teams.
Check in and registration will open on December 9 at 10:00 a.m. CST with the tryout beginning at 11:00 a.m. CST. All participants will be required to submit a registration payment and sign a waiver and release form. Pre-registration will cost $20 with day-of registration fees increasing to $30 per participant. Pre-registration is now open, forms can be found online and printed from the Iowa Barnstormers website.
Forms for the Storm Chasers Dance Team Tryout can be found here.
Forms for the Flight Line Promo Team Tryout can be found here.
Those interested in both teams will only need to complete the Storm Chasers Tryout form.
Those who have questions about the Storm Chasers Dance Team, Flight Line Promo Team, or what to expect at the tryout can contact Juli Pettit in the Iowa Barnstormers front office at 515-564-8457 or e-mail julipettit@theiowabarnstormers.com.
DETAILS:
What: 2019 Storm Chasers Dance Team and Flight Line Promo Team Tryouts
Who: Women 18 years or older by December 9, 2018
When: Sunday, December 9, 2018 (Registration: 10:00 a.m., tryouts begin at 11:00 a.m. CST)
Where: Wellmark YMCA, 501 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309 (Group Exercise Room)
Cost: Pre-registration: $20.00, day-of: $30.00
Attire: Cropped dance or athletic top (mid-drift must be showing), hot pants or shorts, skin-toned tights or hose, dance sneakers, jazz shoes, or sneakers, performance ready hair and makeup.
Season Tickets for the Iowa Barnstormers 2019 season are on sale now for as low as $80 per seat. Call the Barnstormers front office at (515) 633-2255 or log on to www.theiowabarnstormers.com for more information.
Prep classes will be offered for prospective participants leading up to the final tryouts. Classes will be held in the studio of the River Kings Front Office building. On the evening of the prep classes, participants can check-in at the River Kings office located at 240 33rd Ave SW, Suite D in Cedar Rapids.
The first two prep classes will be offered on Friday, November 9th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 11th from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Participants are not required to attend prep classes but are highly encouraged. Classes are available at a cost of $15 per class or two for $20. Registration for the prep classes will be handled on-site the day of the classes at the River Kings Front Office.
Dance Team Tryouts will a two-day, closed event at the River Kings Front Office building with the first round being held on Friday, December 7th and call-backs and interviews taking place on Sunday, December 9th. All participants must be 18 or older at the time of the tryouts (December 7, 2018).
TRYOUT SCHEDULE AND DETAILS
First Round – Friday, December 7, 2018, at the River Kings Front Office building.
Registration opens at 5:00 p.m. There will be a $25 fee for participants, cash only. Participants will also be required to complete information and waiver forms and provide a 5” x 7” or larger head-shot, all photos are non-returnable. Registration forms are available online at GoRiverKings.com.
Instruction begins at 6:00 p.m. with the sessions lasting until approximately 8:30 p.m. Tryouts are led by Dance Team Director Jen Marks. They are a closed event and not open to public viewing.
Participants should wear form-fitting, two-piece dance outfits, and comfortable shoes. No jazz pants or baggy pants will be allowed. Please wear dance briefs or boy shorts. It is suggested that participants bring make-up, hair products, a towel, a bottle of water and a snack.
After instruction and warm-ups, participants will learn combinations including basic kicks and turns integrated into a few short, repeating sideline dance routines. Participants will perform in small groups and first cuts will be established after the completion of the first round.
Finalist Interviews – Sunday, December 9, 2018, at the River Kings Front Office building
Finalist Interviews will take place from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Each finalist will be scheduled for a private interview with a small panel of judges consisting of the Dance Team Director and River King Front Office Staff. Participants should dress business casual for their interview and look professional.
Finalist Callbacks – Sunday, December 9, 2018, at the River Kings Front Office building
Finalist callbacks will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Callbacks are mandatory for all tryout participants who are selected to advance after the first round. Finalists will be chosen based on scores compiled from their dance routines and interview scores. This round is also closed to public viewing. The 2019 River Kings Dance Team will be selected that evening.
CLICK HERE FOR application PACKET
For more information about prep classes and tryouts fill out the form on this page (to the right on desktops) or email River Kings Dance Team Director Jen Marks at jen@goriverkings.com.
Lightning Girl Tryouts are set for December 2nd!
Sioux Falls Convention Center
1:00PM – Registration
1:30PM – Learn dance, sidelines and technique
3:30PM – Break to prep for auditions
4:00PM – Auditions
4:30PM – Interviews
5:00PM – Team Announced
Not quite the dancing queen or can’t make practices but would love to be involved?
To help on game day and be part of the community, contact Nickole: lgcoach@siouxfallsstorm.com
Click to Download 2019 Tryout Application
REQUIREMENTS
Q: What are the requirements to be a LG?
A: You must be 18 years of age. You must be a high school graduate as of June 2018 for the year you are auditioning. You must be a full time college student, mother/homemaker or employee.
Q: Do you consider being a LG a full time job?
A: No, this is a part-time job. Most of the Lightning Girls are also a full-time college student, career women or mother/homemaker.
Q: Are there any age requirements?
A: You must be 18 years of age by the Open Audition. Ages of LGs have recently ranged from 18 ? 34. There is no ?maximum? age limit.
Q: Are there any height or weight requirements?
A: No. We require that LGs must be in good health, look well proportioned in dancewear and can meet the demands of the LG uniform. There are no specific height or weight requirements.
AUDITION SPECIFICS
Q: Are you required to have any cheer or dance experience to audition?
A: No, it is not required, though most candidates typically have some performance experience.
Q: How many people audition each year?
A: The number of applicants varies from season to season. We usually host about 20-30 women at Open Auditions. Do not worry about numbers though! Be confident and go for it! We want to see YOU this year at tryouts!! Attending the prep class will help you feel more confident!
Q: What should I wear to auditions?
A: Nothing loose fitting. A crop top or tight tank and hot pants or trunks is desirable. Dance shoes and skin tone tights (non-shimmer) are suggested, but not required. Wear what makes you feel confident! It just needs to be form fitting. Any color attire is fine for Open Auditions. Come dressed to perform. Bring a warm up jacket/pants to wear in between audition segments to keep warm.
Q: What should I bring with me to auditions?
A: Bring a water bottle and a snack for the day. You will also need a non-returnable recent photograph of yourself to be used for identification, tryout application, and the non-refundable application processing fee of $25 (cash or check made payable to Lightning Girls). You may wish to bring some personal items such as make-up and extra nylons ? just in case. You will be able to touch up after learning the routine and before auditioning in front of the judges.
Q: If I do not advance to making the team, will my application be kept on file?
A: No. Each person must re-apply and audition from year to year. Also, no photos will be returned, so don?t use a photo you cannot ?part? with!!!!
Q: If I am not selected for the team, may I call the LG office to receive the judge?s comments/scores?
A: No. The judge?s sheets are not kept on file and comments about your audition are not available. The judge?s decision is final and confidential. Thank you for understanding. The waiver you sign will acknowledge you understand this and release rights to any feedback.
Q: How can I best prepare to audition if I want to become a LG?
A: Dance!!! Call your local dance studio and take a class. Attend our optional prep class, led by the LG coaching staff and alumni LG, to learn more about the Lightning Girls program. Work on your flexibility. Take workout classes or do workout videos. (These help build stamina and increase your speed for learning choreography.) Be confident!
Q: Is the Prep Classes required to audition?
A: No. The prep class is optional, but if you are available and can make it we suggest you attend to feel most prepared. We provide excellent preparation details for the upcoming audition. Evaluations from past participants reveal they feel much more confident when they attend. Material is taught by the LG Coach, alumni or captains.
Q: What will the judges look for at Open Auditions?
A: ?The Whole Package?
- Personal Appearance (physical fitness level, poise, confidence, orderly and polished presentation, facial beauty, etc.)
- Dance Ability (flexibility, versatile performer, crowd-pleasing, grace, style, strength, routine confidence, technique, etc.)
- Showmanship (smile, eye contact, projection of positive support for the team, positive body language, posture, etc.)
- Personality (bright, outgoing, enthusiastic, professional, mature, responsible, a ?team player?, a strong desire to support the Storm and the LGs, willing to accept and show improvements on constructive criticism, availability in schedule to meet team demands, etc.)
- Enthusiasm (energy, hard working, goal oriented, improvement focused, driven, exciting to be around, etc.)
***The judges will be looking for potential, not necessarily perfection!!!!!
Q: How should I wear my hair to auditions?
A: We are proud to be sponsored by Vanessen?s Hair Design. You might consider making an appointment for a consultation with one of their trained experts before auditions. They can make suggestions on how to style and wear your hair and/or make-up. Their staff helps to make the LGs beautiful! Basically, we are looking for a hairstyle that is complimentary, has IFL glamour and can ?dance? well. Remember, if selected to the team, we will work to ?establish your look? with the professionals!
Q: How should I wear my make-up for auditions?
A: The main thing is to wear your make-up in a manner that is flattering to your natural features, makes you feel confident and will stay in place for the long day at Open Auditions. More suggestions will be offered at our prep class.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q: How many spots will be available on the team?
A: The number of team members varies from year to year, but is approximately 14-20. All returning veteran team members must still go through the audition process. Our incoming team captain or captains may be waived from the audition process. This varies from year to year.
Q: Is it ok to audition if I have a tattoo or body piercing?
A: YES! We may require some to be covered or removed during public appearances/games during the season though.
Q: What should I expect during the Open Auditions?
A: You will arrive on time to registration, where you will turn in your application packet if haven?t mailed in already including an application, your recent photo and application fee, sign a release/waiver agreement, and be assigned an audition number.
- You will have time to warm up/stretch. You may be asked to perform a warm-up of skills across the floor. You will learn the first routine and then be assigned an audition group of approximately 3 or 4 women. You will be allowed a short time to practice in your small group and then you will begin performing for the judges in your small groups. If you can tumble, you will be given an opportunity to demonstrate this during the audition, but is an optional skill only. Plan to stay the whole time! You will NOT need to prepare your own choreography for Open Auditions. Reminder to pack a water bottle, warm up clothes, snacks, touch up products/tools, etc. as it can be a long and exciting day!
Those selected for the team will be announced at the end of the day. Open Auditions and Interviews are closed to the public.
We have been featuring so many photos from the NFL, let’s change things up with some photos of NBA dance teams. So let’s take a look at some images of the Charlotte Honey Bees. To view more images of the Honey Bees, click here.
Phoenix, Ariz. – The Arizona Rattlers Sidewinders dance team will be hosting auditions for the 2019 squad on Saturday, December 1st and will be held at the Talking Stick Resort Arena.
“The current program and team members have set the bar very high,” said Sidewinders Assistant Director Shelby Regier. “We are so excited to continue the positive, hardworking standard that has been set for the team and can’t wait to see what next season has in store.”
Registration for the auditions begin at 1:00 p.m. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and must provide identification. There will be a $20 application fee for each applicant. This fee however, is waived for dancers who have attended a prep class. The auditions will begin at 1 p.m. Applicants should wear a half top, shorts, and either tennis shoes or dance shoes. Bare feet are not permitted.
Prior to the auditions, the Sidewinders are hosting prep classes, which are open to the public. Three more classes will be held prior to the Audition. They take place at the Talking Stick Resort Arena on Thursday, October 18th, Thursday, November 1st, and Thursday, November 15th.
“Attending one of our prep classes is the best way to prepare for auditions,” stated Regier. “You will have the opportunity to learn a routine similar to what you will see on audition day, as well as get any of your questions answered by veteran team members and the directors!”
Participants in the prep classes can register at 6:00 p.m. and the classes will run from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. There is a $20 cash only fee. Any dancer under the age of 18 must have a parent signature to participate. Classes provide the opportunity to learn and practice routines with current Sidewinders team members, along with workout and audition prep tips and tricks.
For more information please email, sidewinders@azrattlers.com or visit www.azrattlers.com.
