As a general rule, UltimateCheerleaders.com does not publish negative or controversial articles on professional cheerleading.  We know the lengths that these teams and their directors have gone to create a positive image and to become a source of pride and goodwill for the billion dollar organizations that they represent.  Recently, however, professional cheerleading has come under some scrutiny for some unflattering and negative publicity that threatens the existence of the endeavor, if some pundits get their wish.  In light of these recent events, Lara Travis, a former professional cheerleader for the Tennessee Titans and guest commentator for web site Outkick The Coverage, posted a thoughtful treatise on the topic, entitled In Defense of Cheerleaders and Cheerleading.

Here are a few excepts:

“In a former life, before three children and a husband who requires the care of a toddler, I was an NFL Cheerleader. That’s why recent attacks on cheerleading from many media outlets have struck me as particularly ill-suited; unlike the people writing the articles I’ve actually been on an NFL cheerleading squad and know exactly what the experience is like. And the truth is this, for the vast, vast majority of us, it’s a tremendous way to pursue our interests in competitive dance, team camaraderie and community involvement all while getting a front row seat to the best football in the country.”

“Over the past couple of weeks I have read several articles and watched the media cover stories about former NFL cheerleaders filing complaints against their former cheer organizations. I’ve thought a great deal about my own experiences, and talked with former teammates, both from college and the NFL…For whatever reason the mainstream media has decided to attack cheerleading and in so doing they are focusing on a small minority of girls who have had poor experiences and excluding the vast majority who loved every minute of being an NFL cheerleader.”

“One of these consistent story angles focuses on how cheerleaders are expected to maintain a certain weight or not allowed to change their hair. Really, this surprises you? This is professional performance. Maybe this does not seem crazy to me because I am familiar with the dance and performance world, but when someone tries out for a dance gig, and makes the cut, she or he is expected to look the same way throughout the performance season that they did when they tried out. No one forces extreme diets or eating disorders on the participants. This goes for hair, gaining or losing weight, piercings and tattoos, the entire make up of someone’s look goes in to a tryout selection – whether for dance, acting, modeling, singing, or any other type of performance role. This is not controversial, it is an integral part of the entertainment industry.”

“One of the consistent story angles also deals with the low pay. “But they are only paid $50 (or insert amount) a game!” these critiques typically argue. Yep, and all the women knew that when they tried out. In my own experience and those of everyone I’ve known or talked to, the actual pay is made very clear when you try out. When you read or hear how much money you will make for games and appearances, if you don’t like it, you don’t have to try out.”

“The attempt to compare cheerleader pay to the football player pay is ridiculous. There certainly is not a “gender pay gap” here. The two jobs are completely different and not even in the same stratosphere. One is a full time career, insanely dangerous and demanding, and drives the economics for a multi billion dollar industry. The other is football (ha ha. I couldn’t resist.)”

“When someone from USA Today says she thinks dance team, cheerleading, and especially NFL cheerleading should cease to exist because it is just fluff and eye candy for men, I know it’s an outdated and antiquated perspective rooted in dishonesty. First, because this seems to imply that the women who are part of these teams do not have the intelligence to think through their decision to be there. That they are being brainwashed by the wants and desires of men, and need to be saved from their own poor decision making to be cheerleaders, and the way to do this is to abolish the sport altogether. Furthermore that the revealing uniforms are demeaning to them, and there is no way a woman in her right mind would want to wear that. How insulting. And by the way, is there a problem with women looking good in skimpy clothes now? Is it 1950? If a woman feels good about how she looks can she not wear whatever she likes? Have you been to a beach lately? Women’s equality is about all women making the choices they deem the best, it isn’t about one woman telling another woman what she should be allowed to do.”

I applaud Ms. Travis for sharing with us her perspective and personal experience of being a former professional cheerleader.  To read the full article, please click here.  And check out the comments section in the article for some additional perspectives from some former professional cheerleaders.

On a personal note, in my experiences covering professional cheerleading, I am constantly in awe at all the impressive women trying out for these positions and the amazing directors and their assistants, who make professional cheerleading a positive experience for all sports fans.

With the NBA playoffs in full swing, we take another look at the Miami Heat Dancers.  Click here to view the most recent Miami Heat Dancers galleries.

Our tour of NBA dance teams continues with a look at the Indiana Pacemates.  Click here to view some recent Pacemates galleries.

In honor of the Houston Rockets making the NBA Western Conference Finals, let’s take a look at some of the best RPD photos from the season. If you would like to see more, click here to view the Houston Rockets Power Dancers gallery page.

AUDITIONS
Saturday, June 2

Registration 7 PM
Auditions Start 8 PM
Location Spectrum Center

Click Here To Register

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 18 years of age by June 2, 2018 (must be able to present valid ID)
• Must have graduated from high school or received G.E.D.
• Must have proper audition attire and footwear
• You must be available every night during the week of Bee Camp (June 3rd – June 8th)

AUDITION DAY TIPS

• Come dressed in your Hornets inspired dance gear. Show off your love for the Hornets in purple and teal! Must include a midriff top and shorts and non-marking shoes
• Bring a warm up suit or cover up. Restrooms will be available but there will be no formal changing area
• Concession stands will NOT be open, bring your own snacks and water

PREP CLASS INFO

Fitness Workout Clinic with Bonus Sideline Dance

Date: Wednesday, April 25th
7:30pm – 9:30pm
Spectrum Center (5th Street entrance)

• Get expert advice on how to prepare for auditions from the Honey Bees certified fitness trainers
• Includes a work out and individual personal fitness evaluation from trainers
• Bonus: Learn a Honey Bee sideline dance as well
• $20 (cash only) payable upon arrival
• Class is closed to public
• Bonus – learn sideline dance at end of fitness clinic

Beauty & Business Prep Class

Date: Thursday, May 17th
7:30pm – 9:30pm
Spectrum Center (5th Street entrance)

• A fun class to learn helpful hints and tips on how to prepare and what to expect at auditions
• Get expert advice on how to prepare your look for auditions
• Free giveaways and beauty samples
• $25 (cash only) payable upon arrival
• Class is closed to public

Dance Prep Class

Date: Thursday, May 31st
7:30pm – 9:30pm
Spectrum Center (5th Street entrance)

• Learn Honey Bees choreography similar to what will be taught at auditions
• Opportunity to have all your questions answered
• Free giveaways and beauty samples
• $20 (cash only) payable upon arrival
• Class is closed to public

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What should I do to prepare for Tryouts?
We suggest attending one of our prep classes to prepare you for the audition process

Do I need to have formal dance training?
No, you don’t know need to have any formal dance training.  Dance skills are recommended but the judges will be looking for other qualities such as physical fitness, entertainment factor,
and personality

Can my friends and family come to auditions on June 2nd?
No – the auditions on June 2nd are closed to the public but your family and friends can follow @hornets and @thehoneybees for updates, photos, and videos throughout the night

What do I need to wear to auditions?
Midriff top and shorts with a “Hornets” vibe. Outfit should utilize Hornets colors. Be creative, be unique, and show your love for Buzz City. Must wear non-marking soled shoes. Tennis shoes or dance
shoes recommended.

How should I wear my hair and makeup?
Please come with your hair styled and your makeup on.

Will there be compensation?
Yes, Honey Bees are paid for home games, appearances, and rehearsals.

What is the time commitment and is this a full time job?
This is a part-time job, all Honey Bees must either have another full time job or are taking classes.  Dancers must be able to commit to a full NBA game schedule as well as 2-3 rehearsals per week from July 2018 – June 2019. If you are unable to commit to rehearsals and games you should not audition

What are some of the perks of being a Honey Bee?
Exciting photo shoots, international travel, team-building events, opportunity to participate in charitable events, tickets to Hornets games, just to name a few!

What other dates should I be prepared for in June?
You should be prepared for the entire week after auditions (June 3rd – June 8th). You should also be prepared to attend events on the following dates: June 11th, June 21st-24th

If you have any further questions, please email Honey Bees Coach Brandii McCoy at honeybees@hornets.com

Follow the Honey Bees on Twitter and Instagram for tips and tricks leading up to tryouts @thehoneybees

Get ready for the 2018-19 Dallas Mavericks Dancers audition with a little help from the pros!