All Photos by Jessica Stierwalt Photography (formerly Jessica Chan, WRC alumna)
Growing up Abby Dymond studied ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and pointe at Metropolitan Ballet Theatre in Maryland. She was a dance major at the University of Arizona and Ensemble Company member, and a former company member Capitol Movement Inc. She performed with artists Wale, Hot Chelle Rae, Montgomery Gentry, The Beach Boys, among others. During her time with the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders (2005-12) Abby participated in twelve Military Appreciation Tours including tours to Afghanistan, Iraq, Europe, and Middle East, performed in the Chinese New Year’s Parade in Hong Kong, cheered for the IPL Cricket League in India, served as a captain for three seasons and capped of her career representing her squad at the 2012 Pro Bowl.
She started her studio “on accident.” She had so many requests from friends asking her to help them with dance and technique and; asking where she taught classes that Abby decided to teach a class of her own. Dance is her passion, Abby says. “I’ve danced my whole life and I absolutely love to teach. There’s no better feeling than witnessing someone having an ‘aha moment’ doing their first perfect technical pirouette or making a big improvement as a dancer.”
That one class turned into a whole studio with several teachers, dance styles & performance opportunities. This was a natural progression for her when Abby retired as an NFL Cheerleader. Allure Dance DC has allowed her continue living her passion and share that passion with others.
Allure Dance DC offers adult dance classes to students of all levels. Offering thrilling, leading-edge classes, their focus is on providing a strong technical background with innovative, fun material. Whether you are interested in learning how to dance, perfecting your dance technique, learning fierce choreography, performance opportunities, looking for a great workout, or a place to share your passion and love of dance – Allure Dance is the place!
Several of the instructors are former NFL & NBA dancers including Ashley Clausnitzer, Lindsay Murray, Kelly Owens Allen.
Class Descriptions:
BASICS: This dance class will teach you dance fundamentals – TURNS & LEAPS! Focus will be on the basics of technique. Learn placement, alignment, balance, strength & flexibility, terminology.
VAMP: a femme fatale character with a certain exotic, striking, glamorous allure…This THRASH JAZZ class will teach you jazz technique & fundamentals with a sexy, fun, hair thrashing flair!
STILETTOS: Bring your heels, booties, knee-high, or over-the-knee boots to this sassy, flirty, fun dance class! Dancing in heels is valuable skill for every dancer – & lots of sexy fun.
FLEX: Deep stretching mixed with floor barre and pilates related exercises. Improve on flexibility and strength. Focus on core & dancer alignment.
CONTEMPORARY: A mix of elements from ballet and modern with a strong focus on dance technique. This style includes pedestrian movements, raw expression and abstract concepts.
BALLET ROCK: Classical ballet class set to ROCK & POP MUSIC.
FLOOR BARRE: A method of Ballet exercises on the floor that helps strength your core & the proper dancer muscles and improve alignment.
Allure Dance is currently running a Performance Series. Anyone can sign up to perform with us regardless of your dance level. Their 1st Performance Series was this past Winter, with a performance at Theatre on the Run’s black box theatre at the end of February. It was a huge success! Back by popular demand they’ll be working towards another performance this summer.
Summer 2013 Performance Series. 10 weekly classes culminate in a live stage performance on Sunday, June 30th, 2013 at Theatre on the Run in Arlington, VA. Classes run thru June 27th.
Choose from the following dance styles, or sign up for all 4!
Contemporary: Wednesdays 7-8:30pm
Stilettos: Wednesday 8:30-9:45pm
Ballet ROCK: Thursdays 6:30-8pm
Vamp: Thursdays 8-9:30pm
Allure Dance DC (Theatre on the Run)
3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive
Arlington, VA 22206
[Like Allure Dance on Facebook]
A member of the New York Jets Flight Crew
Kings Vision was on hand for the 12-13 Ice Crew calendar photo shoot! Check out this profile featuring Ms. November, Priscilla
Courtesy of Valerie Vaughn
Prepare for Lady Cat auditions by attending the Lady Cats prep classes
Fitness Workout Clinic
Wednesday, June 12th
7:30pm – 9:30pm
Time Warner Cable Arena (5th street entrance)
• Get expert advice on how to prepare for auditions from the official fitness trainers of the LadyCats
• Includes a work out and individual personal fitness evaluation from trainers
• $20 (cash only) payable upon arrival
• Class is closed to public
Beauty/Business Prep Class
Monday, July 1st
7:30pm – 9:30pm
Time Warner Cable Arena (5th street entrance)
• A fun class for you 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
• $20 (cash only) payable upon arrival
• Class is closed to public
Dance Prep Class
Thursday, July 11th
7:30pm – 9:30pm
Time Warner Cable Arena (5th street entrance)
• Learn LadyCats choreography similar to what will be taught at auditions
• Opportunity to have all your questions answered
• $20 (cash only) payable upon arrival
• Class is closed to public
Follow the Lady Cats on Twitter and Instagram for tips and tricks leading up to tryouts @theladycats
[Complete Lady Cats Audition Info]
By Dustin Barnes
Clarion Ledger
Lauren Stanley Reed has been a cheerleader for Mississippi most of her life.
But now the 22-year-old Waynesboro native and former Mississippi State University Pom Squad captain has set her sights on another goal — the Dallas Cowboys and their elite cheerleading team.
Reed, an MSU graduate, has gone through the audition process, and she’s prepping for a chance to make it to the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders’ training camp this summer to compete for a permanent spot on the team. Votes from her home state could help secure her a spot for the camp.
The training camp experience is filmed and aired later in the fall, part of CMT’s “Making The Team” reality show, Reed said. And while the show’s judges will decide the rest of the participants who will have a shot to impress at the camp, audience votes can guarantee a spot at the camp for one of the contestants.
Already, Reed has seen support pouring in from her Mississippi State friends, coaches and teammates. But as she pointed out, her goal isn’t to just represent MSU but the entire state.
“I’m the only girl from Mississippi, so I’m representing the entire state,” she said. “And I’ve been overwhelmed with all the support.”
The praise for Reed and her dedication also comes from Melissa Nichols, MSU’s Spirit coordinator who worked with Reed during her time on the Pom Squad.
“I would say Lauren is not only beautiful on the outside, she’s also beautiful on the inside,” Nichols said. “She has a caring heart.”
Nichols said Reed was one of the best all-around performers she’s seen on the squad during her time at MSU. “Not only is she good with dancing, but she’s great at catching the crowd’s attention.”
The results of the vote will be revealed on May 19. If Reed doesn’t garner the most votes, she still has the chance to make it to the camp, she said.
To be on the Dallas Cowboy cheerleading team is a chance to take her love of dance and cheer to a much larger level, Reed said.
To her supporters, Reed said, “Be thinking about me. I’m just going to dance my heart out.”
A Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader
A Charlotte Lady Cat
From TitansOnline.com
Forty-eight young women gave lively performances before a robust crowd at the Wildhorse Saloon Tuesday night, and 28 were selected as Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders.
The crowd applauded the dances of the young women, and a distinguished panel of judges determined which finalists would hear their name called by Titans director of cheerleading Stacie Kinder to receive contracts and congratulatory roses.
Ashley A., above, will be cheering for the Titans for the second season, and Brittni will be a rookie after they were selected by judges.
The 2013 Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders Final Auditions presented by Sun Tan City concluded an extensive evaluation process by Kinder, who said every finalist should be proud.
“The decisions were so incredibly close and tough,” Kinder said. “We had an incredible pool of talent. I really grew to love all 48 candidates over the course of the audition process. They’re unique and talented in their own way. It’s a bittersweet feeling to have a wonderful team of talented individuals while having to say goodbye to women you really care about.”
Nineteen of the 28 have at least one year of experience with the Titans, but nine will be cheering professionally for the team for the first time.
The veterans and rookies shared in excitement for each other’s accomplishments as each name was called.
The returning members are: Anne B., Anne P., Ashley A., Ashley P., Brintley, Chasity, Erica, Evony, Heather, Heidi, Jena, Jessi, Jessica, Katy, Mariel, Stormi, Tandra, Whitney and Yalea.
The rookies are: Brittni, Brooke G., Hannah, Jocelyn, Kendal, Kiara, Kristen, Monica and Stephanie C.
They’ll develop strong bonds with their teammates through hours of rehearsals, during their photo shoot for the 2014 Titans Swimsuit Calendar, representing the organization at community appearances, and performing on game days at LP Field.
Kinder said there was a crescendo of energy that began when the ladies arrived at the Wildhorse Saloon. Some opted for boots, while others performed in dance shoes in groups of three.
“About 4 o’clock, when they’re all getting here and walk through the doors for the first rehearsal, the excitement is electric, and it is such a unique and wonderful feeling to see all those girls so excited to have the opportunity to try out,” Kinder said. “Then, it’s great to see them have their chance to shine on stage. That’s a part that I really love.”
A distinguished panel of 11 judges that included former Titans/Oilers great Derrick Mason, Kelly Sutton with Fox 17 (WZTV), dance expert Nick Bass and beauty queen Allison DeMarcus scored the performances.
“Our judges were honest, they worked hard, they really scrutinized,” Kinder said. “They knew what they liked, they knew what they didn’t like, and that’s what you want out of a judge: to have an opinion and own your opinion and put that opinion down on paper.”
Clyde “The Glyde” Avant served as host and emcee, and the intermissions were filled with a great routine by DC Dance Factory, and the rocking sounds of the Greez Monkeez.
Rehearsals will begin May 15, and the calendar shoot is scheduled to begin June 1 at Emerald Grande and Harborwalk Village in Destin, Fla.
