Philadelphia Wings Angels Cary, Melanie & April on Sunday afternoon
Last Wednesday 127 dancers (including 32 current Cheerleaders) graced the stage of the Nova Care Complex at the Eagles Cheerleader Semi-Finals.
For the second year in a row, select Eagles season ticket holders were invited to help judge the semi-finals.
Alicia is looking to return for her 8th season with the squad.
Veteran Marissa has my vote for best audition outfit.
Chastity is finishing up her 1st year on the squad.
Teresa is hoping to come back for season three.
Melissa is a former Philadelphia Soulmate and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.
What’s next?
Interviews this week, then another cut down to the 60 finalists, who will compete on April 22nd for a chance to be a 2013-14 Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader.
Natalie and Jenica at the Philadelphia Fight Vixens Dance Team Auditions on Sunday morning
From milb.com
On Saturday, March 30 the Charlotte Knights held Knights Fest at Knights Stadium. The annual event was filled with fan-friendly activities including behind-the-scenes tours, inflatable games for kids, National Anthem auditions, and a media celebrity softball game on the field. One of the key moments of the day took place after the first inning of the softball game as the Knights revealed their first-ever “Dance Team”. Now, the Knights need your help in naming the team.
Fans interested in naming the team can email their suggestions to Media Relations Director Tommy Viola at tommyv@charlotteknights.com. Entries must be received by Tuesday, April 9 at 5:00 p.m. The winning name will be revealed on Opening Day during the Dance Team’s pre-game performance.
Beginning on Opening Day, April 11, the Knights Dance Team will perform at Knights Stadium and become a mainstay throughout the season. Below is the Dance Team’s schedule, which features 11 games this season.
2013 Knights Dance Team Schedule:
Thursday, April 11
Saturday, April 20
Saturday, April 27
Saturday, May 11
Saturday, June 1
Saturday, June 15
Saturday, June 29
Saturday, July 6
Saturday, July 27
Saturday, August 17
Saturday, August 31“The Dance Team will play an integral part of our on-field entertainment during our final season at Knights Stadium,” said Knights General Manager of Baseball Operations Scott Brown. “We expect them to bring an exciting new element to our games. Having them perform will be a great way for us to boost the energy at the stadium!”
The Charlotte Knights Dance Team’s official dance studio is Anne Marie’s Academy of Dance. During each game that the team performs, fans in attendance will have a chance to meet and greet the girls on the Knights Stadium concourse. Photos with the girls and autographs are encouraged!
Kings Vision was on hand for the 12-13 Ice Crew calendar photo shoot! Check out this profile featuring Ms. January, Nikki.
It’s the 10 Year Anniversary
P-R-O Convention
in HotLanta!
June 22- 23, 2013
A New Concept in the sport of Professional Cheerleading & Dance. Useable choreography, knowledgeable staff, industry leading guest instructors…you will get it all at P-R-O…
Need a time-out dance? We have got you covered. A sideline routine? Done.
Pom, funk, jazz… you will get it all.
It is not the name that counts it is the choreography. Useable, crowd entertaining choreography for your professional team.
Registration Fee:
Early Bird Special: $205 by June 1
Regular Price $269
*Hotel Not Included
[P-R-O Convention Registration]
Redskins Cheerleaders Auditions begin tomorrow, Yay!
But it also means that some of our good friends are hanging up their poms and moving on.
Three of the Redskins Cheerleaders posted their goodbyes to the Redskins website this week.
From Redskins.com
Captain Michelle Says Goodbye
Dear Redskins Fans,
“Hail to the Redskins”, a simple and yet powerful four words that will forever lift my heart and emotionally take me to a place of love, support and family. It saddens me to announce I will not resume my position on the field this year among my teammates but will watch lovingly and supportively from the stands. After 6 years with the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders and having the honor of being a Captain, it’s time to “hang up the pom poms.” It would be very easy to write a farewell novel (versus a speech) to thank all of those who have made this journey so memorable, but I will stick to those who have had the greatest influence on me. Regardless, the depth of my appreciation for the last 6 years, cannot be summed up in one letter but here is my best shot…
Dad and Mom- Without you both, I would never be where I am today. You brought me into this world and then you gave me the world (plus the moon and the stars). Thank you for 18 years of cheerleading support and 24 years of life support. Thank you for all the uplifting words of encouragement and thank you for being my cheerleaders! Dad- thank you for all the boot shining and jumping up and down in the stands so I would know the difference between you and all the other fans! Mom- thank you for all the meals and snacks to go, eyelash runs and mending my last minute uniform needs. As parents, you are the epitome of perfection in my eyes and thank you for instilling in me the insight and judgment to know the right thing to do. I’m honored to be your daughter.
To my dedicated leader and director, Stephanie. Thank you for selecting me!! I am forever grateful to you for picking me out of hundreds of other ladies to be a member of this wonderful family. Thank you for being a great example of how important it was to not just excel on the field, but also in life for the past 6 years. I will miss seeing you but know you are always there. Thank you.
A quick shout out and thank you to the men and women who serve our country! As a cheerleader, I was given the great honor of touring many countries and visiting what seems like hundreds of bases all over the world…to include Iraq and other deployed locations. You are the reason why I kept cheering so many years. Without our servicemen and women, the freedoms we all enjoy as Americans would not exist, and neither would the NFL. GOD BLESS AMERICA and GOD BLESS YOU! I am one of YOUR biggest fans!
Last but certainly not least, thank you to Redskins Nation and every Redskins fan out there! I became a Redskins Cheerleader at 18 and have grown through adulthood with such a strong identity. Thank you for making this journey worthwhile. The burgundy and gold will always hold a special place in my heart and I hope I have made each and everyone of you proud. You are fan-tastic! HTTR!
… And to my teammates- As I wipe away tears writing this letter, all the words that come to mind are that I love each and every one of you. “Once a Redskins Cheerleader, always a Redskins Cheerleader!” It has been the greatest honor to dance with all of you. I cannot wait for the alumni reunions and celebrations of life that we will share in the years ahead. I’m always here for you.
As I say farewell, I would like to conclude this message by saying… All things in life worth having, are worth sharing. Thank you for sharing in this special journey with me. I am forever grateful.
With Love and Appreciation,
Michelle
07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12
Captain Talmesha Says Goodbye
Dear Redskins Fans,
These past 8 years as an NFL Cheerleader and 5 years as a Washington Redskins Cheerleader have been amazing. As I retire, I reflect on the many opportunities I have been afforded by being a part of the Redskins organization. In addition to interacting with you all, the fans, one of the things I will miss the most is boosting the morale of our military both locally and abroad. Their love for and dedication to our country is inspirational. I am eternally grateful that I was able to meet so many of our troops and thank them personally for their service. I would like to thank my director, Stephanie Jojokian, for always pushing me to be a better dancer and for entrusting me with the role of captain. I would also like to thank my teammates and fellow captains, they are all amazing women and I am appreciative for the friendships that will last a lifetime. My accomplishments would not have been possible without God and the love and support of my family. I am truly blessed with family and friends who have always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Mom, Tene, Charlie, Romney, Lauren, Toccara, and Scott, thanks for always being there for me. Lastly, I have to thank my father. This 2012-2013 season was dedicated to him. He was always my biggest cheerleader and is now my angel in heaven.
The First Ladies of Football have a saying “Once a Redskins Cheerleader, always a Redskins Cheerleader.” This saying definitely resonates with me as I embark on a new chapter in my life. I will take a piece of the team with me wherever I go. I look forward to watching the game in the stands with you all cheering our Washington Redskins on to victory.
Hail to the Redskins,
Talmesha
’08, ‘09, ’10, ’11, ‘12
Pro Bowl Cheerleader Tecoya Says Her Goodbye
Dear Redskins Fans,
This is probably one of the hardest things I’ve had to do as an adult, but after 4 years, I will be retiring as a Washington Redskins Cheerleader. As I write this letter, I can still remember my first draft day, first fan appreciation, and most importantly when they called #45 as a new member on the team in 2009 (yes, I still remember my audition number). I have done so much with the Redskins organization and can not fully express into words my gratitude for every opportunity given.
By being a Washington Redskins Cheerleader, I have been given many performance opportunities, the chance to support our troops overseas, and memorable appearances that allowed us to bring Redskins to you, up close and personal. I can do nothing but smile, as I reflect on the speechless moments this experience has added to my life.
I would like to thank my beloved and most respected Director, Stephanie Jojokian, for constantly pushing me to reach my maximum potential. I thank every captain I’ve ever gotten to work with for showing me the prime example of a leader. I thank every woman who has ever hit the field on game day, for I am constantly reminded of the words: passion, dedication, commitment, and most importantly SISTERHOOD. I thank my teammates for believing in me to be their representative as the 2013 Pro Bowl Cheerleader. The humbleness and honor that stems from such a title is indescribable, and I hope you feel like I have lived up to what was expected. And Last, but certainly not least, I have to thank the oh so famous Redskins Fans! Game day isn’t the same without your energy and support. I will miss familiar faces, Bud Tent, Fifth Quarter, the Hogettes, and seeing the smile on a kid’s face when he or she is brought to a home game for the very first time.
So, REDSKINS FANS, this is it! Once again, I thank you for all of your kindness, support, and keepsake moments. You won’t be able to catch me on the sidelines, but you can definitely save me a seat in the stands. I am forever a fan of the Washington Redskins and of course, Hail to the Redskins!!
Cheers and Love,
Tecoya
[Washington Redskins Cheerleaders]
By Jill E. Sheetz
Reading Eagle
The Cheer FX and Dance FX teams from the Academy of Movement in Sinking Spring performed prior to a tip-off of a Philadelphia 76ers game at the Wells Fargo Center.
Jennifer Caputo-Pietrobone founded the Academy of Movement in 2007 with a business partner and friend, Heather Gidusko. Caputo-Pietrobone began her professional dancing career with the MISL Philadelphia Kixx Dance Team and then continued with the Philadelphia 76ers Dance Team from 2003 to 2005. She holds a degree in kinesiology with a minor in dance education from West Chester University, where she was a member, captain and choreographer for the WCU Dance Team.
Caputo-Pietrobone and Gidusko, who had formerly danced professionally as a Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader, wanted to share their passion for dance along with teaching fitness and nurturing confidence in girls and women in the community.
“We had the same concept and philosophy to provide quality movement classes that instilled fitness concepts and, more importantly, confidence in girls of all ages,” Caputo-Pietrobone said. “We were both eager to pass on our experiences to as many students as possible.”
The school has grown to include more than 400 students, ranging in age from 2 to 52, and 10 staff members, nine of whom have danced or cheered professionally.
“We offer toddler movement classes, cardio fitness-based classes, dance classes, cheer classes, tumbling classes and more,” Caputo-Pietrobone explained. “Our two newest additions to the studio are the inception of Berks County’s only all-star cheer team, Cheer FX, under the direction of Jenelle Walchek, and the studio’s new entertainment team, Dance FX, under the direction of Erica Hassler and Lauren Timek.”
Both of these teams had a chance to show off their talents and hard work during the Primetime performance. The students, ages 7 to 17, and five staff members took to the court to cheer and dance for the crowd.
“Cheer FX performed a routine jam-packed with stunting, tumbling, a jump sequence and exciting cheer-style choreography,” Caputo-Pietrobone said. “Dance FX chose a high-energy hip-hop routine. The girls were amazing. Both of the teams practiced independently for the month prior to the performance, and then a combined team practice for the first time took place the night before.”
Caputo-Pietrobone said the girls were nervous before the performance, which was to be expected. Approximately 200 of their family members and friends were in attendance to watch and support them.
“Right before they went out I told them to, ‘Take a second and take it all in. We have prepared, we have practiced, we have perfected. Now just have fun!’ ” Caputo-Pietrobone said.
A former 76ers dance teammate of Caputo-Pietrobone and director of the 76ers Dance Team, Dayne Nadler Hafetz, assisted in arranging a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with several of the dancers and the Cheer FX and Dance FX teams.
“The girls loved every second of it, and it seemed as though everyone had a blast,” Pietrobone-Caputo said. “The meet-and-greet was definitely a highlight for some of the girls, and the support we had from friends and family was humbling.”
When asked if the Academy of Movement students have plans for a similar performance opportunity in the future, Caputo-Pietrobone responded enthusiastically, “Can’t wait to do this again at halftime of the Philadelphia Soul Game on May 11!”
Liz of the Philadelphia KiXX Dance Team
By Dana Hunsinger Benbow
Indianapolis Star
Editor’s note: Indianapolis Star reporter Dana Benbow is following Leanna Elmore, 23, of Crawfordsville through the final weeks of Indianapolis Colts cheerleader tryouts, including a hectic night of auditions Tuesday.
Leanna Elmore dazzled the interview portion in her blue sapphire business suit. She was well-spoken. Eloquent.
As judges spouted out questions, she rattled off answers, not missing a beat.
What’s your favorite quote?
“A scripture,” said the 23-year-old Crawfordsville woman, who is one of 49 women who has made it to the final three weeks of Indianapolis Colts cheerleader auditions. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Favorite memory at Purdue University (where Elmore graduated in 2012)?
“Dancing at the first Purdue football game,” she said. “All summer long practices outside in the heat. Just imagining the stadium full on that first game. It lived up to all the expectations.”
The panel of judges smiled. Elmore did too as she walked out of the meeting room at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center Tuesday, where auditions were taking place.
“It was much better than I expected,” she said. “I came in really nervous but by the time I was ready to speak and sat down I was good to go. I just felt that calm flow over me.”
Not so much when it came to the next challenge: the football test.
“That was rough,” she said, as she turned in her paper,
After all, it didn’t just ask no-brainer questions like, “How many points is a touchdown worth?” It had obscure questions like, “What is a gunner?”
Elmore got tripped up filling in the different players in the right positions on a formation.
“I’m ready to dance,” said a flustered Elmore after the test, who has been dancing in all forms since she was 2.
But first she was on to the fitness boot camp, where she was tested on how many sit ups and push ups she could do in two minutes. She was also in for an intense sprint test that had the cheerleader hopefuls run until they dropped out.
Elmore did well. Not spectacular. Out of 24 women in the group, she fell out about halfway through.
“I wish it was more distance running and not sprints,” said Elmore. “That was tough.”
But what wasn’t tough for Elmore, who has won plenty of national dance competitions, was the final portion of Tuesday’s auditions: showing off her dance skills.
She snapped each move crisply. She kicked her legs high. She smiled. She flipped her hair.
After a solo dance routine that Elmore choreographed herself, she was praised by Colts choreography coach Michelle Allison for her unique dance style.
“I felt like I finished out strong, showcasing what I can do, what I feel like I’m best at,” said Elmore at the end of the night. “I feel like i did pretty well throughout the day but I felt like I really finished out strong.”
Elmore and the other 48 women will return Tuesday for the next portion of auditions, tweaking and learning more dance routines.
It’s all preparation for the final night of tryouts April 17 at the Hilbert Circle Theatre, on which the final squad will be chosen.
