The Baltimore Blast Cheerleaders after last Saturday’s home opener. Follow the team on Facebook.
Former Chiefs Cheerleaders reunite for Alumni Weekend at Arrowhead
Rachel Santschi
KCChiefs.com
Each year, the Chiefs host an alumni weekend, celebrating those who have worn the skirt, waved the poms, and sported the white boots on the sidelines at Arrowhead Stadium as Chiefs Cheerleaders.
Former, as well as current, Chiefs Cheerleaders talk about a bond that they share, describing it as a strong and unbreakable bond between each of the women on the squad. During alumni weekend, it was evident that this bond truly is never broken but can last through the years.
“Once a Chiefs Cheerleader, always a Chiefs Cheerleader,” Jennifer Green, Chiefs Cheerleader from 1993-2000 noted. “To be able to come back and see these women again and reminisce on the memories is amazing. This sisterhood lasts forever and being reunited with them is incredible.”
To begin the alumni weekend, on Friday, the former cheerleaders were invited to the current cheerleaders’ practice, which was a trip down memory lane for all.
“Walking into the practice facility all those memories came flooding back of how hard you worked, how much fun you had and the friendships that you created,” Shearon Nowak, Chiefs Cheerleader from 1993-1996 explained. “We watched the girls practice and then had the chance to talk about what it was like when we cheered, gave them some words of wisdom and we also brought a photo of us from our cheerleading days and shared a funny story or a special moment.”
The group took a tour of the stadium on Saturday and then gathered again on Sunday, before the game, to tailgate outside of Arrowhead Stadium, the place they still call their home.
“So much of our time was spent at Arrowhead, so it’s a special place to all of us,” Green said. “Every time I go through the gate, I get the goose bumps and feel like I’m transported back to 1993. Coming back for this weekend, it feels like I’m home again.”
Prior to kickoff, the group headed inside and stood on the field, where they recalled the memories of performing on that sideline, encouraging the crowd to get loud and cheering for the Chiefs.
“Being on that field brought back so many memories,” Raquel Thomas, Chiefs Cheerleader from 1998 to 2004 noted. “Cheering on those sidelines is something that you will always remember. Stepping onto that field again, brought back a wealth of memories. It was incredible to be down there again and see the current Cheerleaders perform.”
From those who cheered in the 1960’s to those who just recently hung up their uniform and retired their poms, all agreed that the memories formed are unforgettable and the friendships made are unmatched.
“You can’t help but feel this sense of pride and belonging to this organization, and I will never lose that feeling,” Green commented. “When Lamar was here, he instilled a real family atmosphere and being part of the Chiefs family is amazing. Arrowhead will always be called home for us and we will always share that bond of sisterhood. Like I said, once a Chiefs Cheerleader, always a Chiefs Cheerleader.”
By Stephanie Klein
MyNorthWest.com
It’s not just the Seahawks themselves the 12th Man misses during a bye week, but all things Hawk related: Blitz, Taima ‘the hawk,’ and of course, the Sea Gals.
Sherri Thompson, Sea Gals director, granted the ladies the week off. Well, most of them for most of the week. The show group is practicing for a big performance they have coming up at Joint Base Lewis-McChord on Dec. 7.
“We do costume changes, singing, a full-on hour-and-half variety show.”
And then there’s a Monday night game to get ready for, with practices on Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving.
So what’s it like for these 33 women who brave the conditions to cheer on the team and warm up the 12th Man every Sunday?
Thompson says the Sea Gals, most of whom have day jobs, arrive at CenturyLink Field early for a 1 p.m. game. They’re out on the field between 9 and 9:30 a.m. for a regular season game. They spend an hour practicing, 90 minutes if it’s a preseason game.
“We always do different dances, so it’s not like you’re going out there doing the same thing game after game, but with the different formation, a different dance, a different starting point,” says Thompson.
Between pregame, two minute warning dances, features, sideline dances, and fillers, Thompson says there are probably about 35 different dances the SeaGals learn before the end of the season.
But the hardest part isn’t the schedule or performances, it’s the cold weather.
“It’s hard to dance in a hat and coat and to perform kicks.”
But, like any other seasoned Northwesterner, they do a lot of layering. Thompson says the uniform also includes long plants and long-sleeve tops, not to mention vests.
After that, the signature white glamor uniform Thompson says has been called the best in NFL, sees little changes throughout the year.
“I love to accent to acknowledge and celebrate whatever we’re recognizing for that particular game.”
That may include pins or ribbons, but not much else changes once the uniform is decided.
After game day practice, Thompson says the Sea Gals get about an hour to polish their hair and makeup with the help of two makeup artists and two hairstylists available in the locker room.
“By the first game, they’ve been through makeup classes and calendar shoots […] and lots of practice for doing their own makeup.”
After getting glammed up, Thompson sends them out, with police escorts, to seven different locations in the stadium to sell calendars. Two groups go to Touchdown City at noon to perform before the game.
“Everyone is back in the locker room at about 12:30,” says Thompson.
They freshen up, do a final stretch, line up, and off they go.
“It’s just fun. Game day is fun, fun, fun, even if it’s raining.”
Thompson credits the 12th Man for motivating the Sea Gals and says she always feels a little sad for cheerleaders at stadiums with a lot of empty seats.
“By the end of the game, everyone is so excited and thankful to get those darn boots off their feet, but other than that, it’s really fun.”
Following the game, the gals head off in their own direction. They’ll go over notes and video on Tuesday.
Thompson, who was a Sea Gal from 81-83, says a lot has changed since she was in that uniform in the rain.
“You think back 30 years ago and people would go, ‘What’s a seagull?'”
Tickets Available For $35 To Get The First Look At the 2014 Calendar And Meet All 20 Dancers From The Warrior Girls
The Warrior Girls, the official dance team of the Golden State Warriors, will host the first-ever Warrior Girls calendar release party for the team’s 2014 Warrior Girls calendar on Monday, December 2 at EPIC Roasthouse (369 The Embarcadero) in San Francisco from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The calendar was shot over two days at various locations in South Lake Tahoe. The calendar release party is a ticketed event with tickets available for advanced purchase at warriors.com for $35. The ticket includes entrance into the exclusive cocktail mixer with all 20 members of the Warrior Girls dance team, the first look and individual copy of the 2014 Warrior Girls calendar, personalized signings with all members of the dance team, and hors d’oeuvres. Fans will also have the opportunity to win signed player items, tickets to an upcoming Warriors home game, a Stephen Curry 3-Point Record commemorative bobblehead, and more.
Tickets are limited and required to enter the event. Fans are encouraged to buy tickets online prior to the event.
Following the release party, the 2014 Warrior Girls calendar will be available at the Warriors Team Store at Oracle Arena and online at warriorsteamstore.com. The 2014 Warrior Girls calendar was shot in South Lake Tahoe, CA earlier this year and features all 20 Warrior Girls.
[Warrior Girl Calendar Release Party Tickets]
A trio of Baltimore Blast Cheerleaders
(We’re always happy to pass along news of what alumni are doing now. Hope Donnely cheered/danced for the Tampa bay Buccaneers, Orlando Magic and Tampa Bay Storm, as well as coaching/directing the TB Storm Dancers, TB Lightning Girls and the University of Tampa Cheer and Dance Tams)
By Megan Hendricks
83 Degrees Media
Hope Donnelly started this year with a mantra: “If you’re not scared, your dreams are not big enough.”
Her dream? To create a place that provides a sense of community, self-preservation and exploration of arts and creativity in a safe, supportive environment.
Donnelly’s dream is one step closer to reality as she begins renovations on the Rialto Theatre on north Franklin Street between Interstate 275 and Palm Avenue. Under the business name 8-Count Productions, the 10,500-square-foot space will soon be home to art galleries and other space for small businesses, two dance studios for private lessons and group classes, and event space for up to 300 people.
An Eckerd College graduate, painter and former professional dancer, Donnelly teaches art at Jefferson High School in Tampa by day.
She first had the vision for the space five years ago and has had her share of typical entrepreneurial challenges — finding the right real estate, obtaining funding, and general fear of the unknown. After contacting numerous banks, she found that most tried to make the business plan fit within their parameters. She finally obtained funding through a Synovus Bank’s Small Business Administration Loans program loan officer, who believed in the vision and found a product to fit her needs. Additional grant funding is being sought from arts and historical organizations, including the City of Tampa Historic Preservation Department. All in all, $500,000 is anticipated in renovations alone.
She credits her success thus far to the learning opportunities she has experienced in different professional environments, as well as the support of friends and mentors. The tipping point was when she met her fiance and business partner, George Carter II, who supported the vision with his heart and soul and is now an equal part of the creation. Carter will also provide choreography and photography services in the new building.
“It’s easy to get run down by the challenges, because there will be challenges,” says Donnelly. “But, having other people getting excited about the project helps keep me going. The sense of community has been amazing.”
Donnelly and Carter closed on the building October 15 and celebrated with a rooftop sunset toast with those who played a part in making it possible. Next steps include obtaining permits from the city that will allow the interior work to begin.
Donnelly was adamant about finding space in or near downtown Tampa, feeling that the area has so much talent and vision that it just hasn’t connected yet. She was also looking for walkability and a neighborhood feel in an urban environment. “We’re building a lifestyle, not just a business.”
Collaborative Space
The theater was constructed in 1925 and first opened its doors in 1926. It has been vacant since 2005, at which time it had been used as an auto repair shop. The renovation plans are to keep the historic nature of the theater in tact while adding a contemporary feel.
With dance classes and events mainly taking place after hours, small businesses will be able to use the space during the day for studios, galleries, video shoots, photo shoots and the like. This multifaceted approach challenges the typical dance studio or event space business model, which can be tough to maintain because of unused space during daytime hours.
“There is no right business model,” says Donnelly. “There is no right profession or business concept. What makes you happy can find its way into a lifestyle, making an income, generating enough to support yourself.”
Renovations are scheduled to be completed by Thanksgiving, allowing the space to be open for holiday events. The business will be fully functional in January 2014.
As for conquering fears, Donnelly recommends a mind over matter philosophy: “Talk about it often. The more you talk about it, the more likely it’s going to happen.”
Twenty dollars for the calendar, or for just 5 dollars more get it autographed by all the Ice Girls!
A trio of Philadelphia Wings Angels
Frequent contributor Kevin was in Miami on Sunday and he sent this note along with some photos of the MDC:
I treated myself to this weekends Dolphins home game honoring all military personnel. I even upgraded my ticket to the Ford Sideline Club, where you can watch cheerleader rehearsals prior to the game, then go the Dolphins sideline where you stand and watch the game from field level. If you want to watch any of the actual game though you have look at the video boards due to all the people along the sidelines. However you do get up close to the lovely Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders. Enjoy the pics with many uniform changes thru out this game.
