The P-R-O Convention attracts the best dancers from professional sports and one of them is Chelsey from the Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders. I first met Chelsey three years ago covering the Arizona Cardinals Cheerleader auditions and what I remember about her was that she was a great dancer and had a great personality. She was memorable then and memorable now. So here we are, three years later and Chelsey is one of the 2011 P-R-O Convention All Stars.
The P-R-O Convention is the premier professional cheerleading and dance convention. Held annually in Atlanta, Georgia, P-R-O features instructors from NFL, NBA, MLS, and the WPFL. Professional cheerleading squads and dance teams came from all over the country to attend the two day event.
The staff of All-Pro3 gave James and I complete access to the convention’s events. In the second part of my article, we continue our coverage of P-R-O with a report on Sunday’s events.
The Washington Wizard Girls just completed their season and they sent a few girls from the current squad to P-R-O. One girl that I remembered from last year was Samantha, an amazing dancer whose personality really shines when she performs. I took the opportunity to snap a few photos of the lovely red head between sessions. So without further ado, I present Samantha, a 2011 P-R-O Convention All Star.
Each year the top cheerleaders and dancers from professional sports convene in Atlanta to attend the premier professional dance convention, the P-R-O Convention. Over 260 girls from as far away as Seattle, Arizona, New York, Canada and Mexico came to learn routines from the best choreographers in professional cheer and dance. The 2011 P-R-O Convention is an amazing weekend of dance. See for yourself.
In the two years that I have been going to P-R-O, I have noticed that Derric Whitfield’s sessions are very popular and seem to be a hit amongst his students. Perhaps its the choreography or perhaps its his personality that he infuses into each of his routines. I don’t know. But as a casual observer, you get a sense that the girls really enjoy his instruction judging by the laughter and hollering going on in the room. His routines typically are a high energy, hip hop affair with a segment that can only be described as “ants on fire” level of movement. That “out of your mind”, burst of frenetic energy is usually the part that gets the girls laughing…particularly when Derric demonstrates the 8 count segments.
Both James and I enjoy covering his sessions as they always prove to be most entertaining. So, in this edition of the 2011 P-R-O Convention All Stars, we feature Derric Whitfield and his Houston Energy Dancers.
I live in Los Angeles and one of the best things about the P-R-O Convention is that I am able to photograph squads that I would probably never get to shoot otherwise. And one of those that I looked forward to covering was the Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders, who seemed to bring every cheerleader on their team. Their squad has a special quality that could only be described as a clean cut, Midwestern look…it’s a wholesome, fresh faced look and it works.
In our second edition of the 2011 P-R-O Convention All Stars, we turn our attention to one of the most noteworthy cheerleaders, Indianapolis Colts Cheerleader Britney G. I was fortunate to snap a few photographs of the lovely Colts cheerleader prior to the start of festivities on Saturday. So please enjoy our coverage of this 2011 P-R-O Convention All Star.
As I begin to cull and post process the best images from the over 8,000 taken, I wanted to post a few images for you to see what went on at the premier professional cheer and dance convention. This year, I am starting a new series highlighting some of the most memorable cheerleaders in attendance, the 2011 P-R-O Convention All Stars.
So while I edit my photos and write my convention report, please enjoy the first feature, spotlighting one of the first ladies of football, Washington Redskins Cheerleader Ashley W.
Phoenix in April is an amazing place to behold…particularly if you are covering the 2011 Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders auditions. And I was very fortunate to be able to do so.
Friday, April 1st 2011. The Los Angeles Clippers were in town to play the Phoenix Suns and so was I. I was there to cover one of the hottest dance teams in the NBA, the Phoenix Suns Dancers.
The 2011 Sacramento Mountain Lions cheerleader auditions are this Saturday and if you have the talent and the desire, the Mountain Lions are looking for you.
Preliminary Auditions
Saturday, March 12, 2011; Registration begins at 11:00 am
Sacramento Youth Football Training Center
5845 Dry Creek Road
Rio Linda, CA
To sign up for the auditions, please visit the Sacramento Mountain Lions web site.
To register for either the February 26 or March 12 Preliminary Audition please complete and print out an application. Please include the audition fee of $25 as either cash, check or money order made out to the Sacramento Mountain Lions. This fee is to cover audition costs and will not be returned.
Audition FAQs
What Are You Looking For?
We are looking for 32 Lady Lions with a passion for football. Essentially we need physically fit, attractive and confident young women with great personalities who love to interact with fans. Previous dance/cheer experience is a plus.
What Should I Bring To the Tryout?
Participants need to bring a non-returnable resume and headshot. Because the first audition is a potentially long day, performers should bring plenty of snacks, water, towel, curling/flat irons, and make-up to re-fresh throughout the day. A state-issued Driver License, Identification Card or Passport.
What Should I Wear To the Tryout?
Dress should consist of a half top (sports bra, crop top) and shorts (hot shorts, dance trunks or briefs preferred, stomach must show) with dance or non-marking sole tennis shoes. Flesh colored nylons or dance tights are required! Keep in mind, the judges will want to see what you would look like in the Lady Lions Uniform.
A special audition outfit is not required, but if you would like to order a costume or see examples of what to wear you may go to our Facebook page or visit:
www.angelakingdesigns.com, www.dadesignsdancewear.com, www.thelineup.com.
How Should I Wear My Make-Up?
Make-up should be worn. We recommend stage make-up in shades that compliment you. The Lady Lions wear a red lipstick in uniform; we highly encourage candidates to do the same at auditions.
How Should I Wear My Hair?
Hair should be worn down in a current hairstyle, make sure it is not in your face. Hair does not need to be your natural color, but no extreme colors like red, blue, purple etc.
What If I Have a Tattoo?
If a tattoo is visible in your audition attire, please cover it with makeup. Members of the Lady Lions cover all tattoos visible when interacting with fans and on game day.
What About Jewelry?
Lady Lions are allowed to wear one-stud in each ear and an engagement and/or wedding band. No other jewelry is allowed.
Please take all visible piercings out before auditions. This includes tongue rings and belly button rings.
What Should I Not Bring?
Family, friends and fans. The preliminary audition is closed and limited to participants only. The finals are open to the public.
What Will The Audition Process Be?
Preliminary auditions will be a multi-step process. Candidates will start the day with a short warm-up. A short across-the-floor routine will be taught and candidates will perform in group of 2. If needed, judges will deliberate and the Director will announce the numbers of those moving on to the next round.
Candidates will then learn a short dance routine that is similar to what Lady Lions perform on game days. Candidates will be given a short amount of time to go-over the routine and then broken up in groups of 2. When it is a candidate’s turn, she will give a short speech about herself and then perform the dance routine twice in front of the judges. After all candidates have auditioned the judges will deliberate and the Director will announce the numbers of those who are Finalist.
Finalist will receive information regarding the Final auditions at the end of Prelims.
Is there a minimum/maximum age limit?
You must be 18 by June 1, 2011. There is not a maximum age for tryouts
