Ultimate Cheerleaders

2011-12 Checkmate Auditions begin August 14th at Extreme Ice Center in Indian Trail, N.C.

The Charlotte Checkers are looking for highly motivated candidates to become part of their interactive cheer team. Candidates should be at least 18 years of age, must commit to a full year of rehearsals, games, (including preseason and playoffs) and be prepared to support the Checkers in their second American Hockey League season!

The schedule is as follows:

Sunday, August 14th – Preliminary Auditions at Extreme Ice Center, Indian Trial, NC
Registrations at 11 a.m. auditions noon-5 p.m.

Those who advance past Sunday prelims will be asked to continue through “finals week.”

MUST be available Monday, August 15th and Tuesday, August 16th from 7-10 p.m. for finalists rehearsals. MUST be available for a 30 minute business interview at Checkers main office (located in downtown Charlotte) on Monday (8/15) or Tuesday (8/16) afternoon. Final auditions will be held at XIC on Wednesday (8/17) from 6-8 p.m.

All candidates must arrive at auditions wearing midriff top and long, fitted dance pants. If you can ice skate please come with skates to showcase skating ability. If you are not yet a skater, please be prepared to learn skating techniques before the start of the Checkers season.

Please pre-register by sending your name and contact information to checkmates@gocheckers.com.

Come be part of the most exciting sports team in town!

Two weeks ago the Philadelphia Soulmates traveled back to the 40s for Salute the Military night. See all the photos here.

After weeks of tryouts and competition, 16 dancers became the 2011-12 Portland Trail Blazers’ BlazerDancers today.

In order to claim one of the coveted 16 spots on the 24th edition of the BlazerDancers, hopefuls had to go through a rigorous audition schedule that began July 9, at the Trail Blazers Practice Facility in Tualatin. Dancers were taught and judged on three different routines. Those that survived the cuts made it into the finals, and were joined on Sunday by any dancer that was on last year’s team and wished to reclaim her spot. All 16 spots are up for grabs, and while last years dancers get a bye into the finals, even those hoping to return for another season have to compete and earn their spot.

“We had one of our strongest groups in a long time this year, so the competition was very intense,” said Trail Blazers Performance Teams Manager Michelle Woodard. “It’s been a long process, and we are excited to announce to our fans who made the cut tonight on Courtside.”

All 36 finalists performed the three routines that they learned the previous weekend at the Winningstad Theater. In addition to the three group routines, all finalists were required to choreograph a one-minute solo routine and perform an unexpected 30-second “Hot Time Out” routine at the end of the day. As if that wasn’t enough, finalists who weren’t on the team last year were required to have an interview with members of the front office staff to ensure that those selected are great representatives of the Trail Blazers organization both on and off the court.

Former Seattle Sea Gal and Sonics Dancer Ali Dee is starring in a new reality series from CMT called Texas Women. The show started last week. New episodes air Thursdays at 10/9c.

[Official Ali Dee Website]


Think you have what it takes to be a Wizard Girl? Then sign up below to register for Wizard Girls Open Tryouts!

Tryouts start on Saturday, July 30th and will conclude on Monday, August 1st. Saturday’s schedule is below and check out our FAQ page for more info.
Tryouts Schedule – Saturday, July 30
8AM: Registration at Verizon Center
9AM: Warm ups
10AM: Tryouts begin

[Wizard Girl Registration]

Dance & Cheer Choreography & Leadership Workshops
Saturday, July 23-Sunday, July 24, Chicago, Illinois

For cheer and dance performers, directors, choreographers and hopefuls from all levels. Learn from the pros and meet others in the cheer and dance industry during this weekend retreat in beautiful Chicago!


WEEKEND AGENDA
Saturday, July 23:
Cheer & Dance Leadership Workshop, 10:00am-2:30pm
All State Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, Illinois
Whether you are an aspiring or current coach in high school, college, semi-pro or pro levels of cheerleading and dance, this event will help guide you in your endeavors. You’ll meet others in the industry while hearing from seasoned professionals. Lunch included. Presenters include directors of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks Energee! Dance Team and the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks Ice Crew, as well as Angela King Designs and Integrity Fitness.
Saturday, July 23:
Chicago Rush Arena Football Game, 3:00-10:00pm
All State Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, Illinois
Go behind the scenes at one of the best game day environments in arena football. Tour the stadium, watch the dance team field rehearsal, enjoy a great, action-packed game, and socialize with the directors and coaches throughout the night!
Sunday, July 24:
Cheer & Dance Choreography Workshop, 8:30am-1:30pm
HiFi Fitness, 820 North Orleans, Suite 100, Chicago, Illinois
Ideal for current dancers and directors seeking pro style choreography, as well as future pro dancers seeking to develop performance experience. Material will include two routines in length of 45-60 seconds as well as several short sidelines in the NBA and NFL styles. You’ll enjoy “Pro Tip Breaks” with advice in hair, makeup, attire, communication, fitness and more. Choreographers hail from the NBA, NFL, NHL, AFL and more.
Recommended Hotel:
Rosemont Chicago O’Hare Hotel
5550 N. River Road, Rosemont, Illinois
Across the street from Saturday facilities, transportation will be provided to Sunday events
847-678-4488 | Request $89.00 per night Going Pro single / double room rate


PRESENTERS and CHOREOGRAPHERS

Lois Wagner Koepke, Director of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks Energee! Dance Team. On Saturday, Lois will present “Going Pro – What I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Took The Job!” Whether you coach at the elementary or high school level, the semi-pros or pros, there are effective coaching approaches and attainable professional goals. By learning how to run a team like a business, you will learn the difference between coaching as a mentor and coaching as a professional. Both approaches work – knowing when to use which technique is the key.

Wynne Lacey, Director of the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks Ice Crew and the IFL’s Chicago Slaughter Dance Team. On Saturday, Wynne will present “Emotional Intelligence: Getting the Most of Yourself and Your Team.” As a professional director and life coach, learn how to define your optimal success as an individual and as a team. Break through learned patterns and behaviors and empower yourself to achieve new opportunities. On Sunday, Wynne will present sideline choreography that can fit various entertainment settings.

Brandon Sobotka, Integrity Fitness, Sports Performance Consultant for Indiana University, North American Director of Community Programming for the Global Fitness Challenge. On Saturday, Brandon will present techniques to challenge your team for optimum performance. Well rounded in the scope of business, fitness and sport, Brandon understands profit and loss, leadership, people, performance turnaround, programming, customer service, training and development, integration and retention. His techniques will aid you in understanding how to challenge and drive people in a fun and purposeful style.

Pierce Hutchings, Personal Trainer, HiFi Fitness. On Sunday, Pierce will lead the group in a fun, challenging boot-camp style work out. Take this work out back to your team and learn how to set team and individual goals in the areas of fitness and nutrition.

Gloria Esposito, Director of the AFL’s Chicago Rush Adrenaline Dance Team. Gloria was a 4-year NBA dancer and captain in Chicago. As a member of the Chicago Rush Dance Team, she was selected to the AFL All Star Dance Team. She continues to perform in the Chicagoland as a member of the Brooze Brothers and contributes as a staff member of Wynning Teams. On Sunday, Gloria will teach an NBA-style routine.

Laura Eilers, Director of the SIFL’s Richmond Raiders “Lady Raiders” Dance Team. Laura was an NFL Cheerleader for 6 seasons, 5 years in Kansas City, where she was a captain, and 1 year in St. Louis. Laura performed in 7 countries with the Armed Forces Entertainment, cheered at the NFL Hall of Fame Game and represented a special tour for NFL Mexico. She was a 4-year instructor for Universal Dance Association, is the current choreographer for University of Richmond and was recently crowned Ms. Virginia United States 2011. On Sunday, Laura will teach an NFL-style routine.

Angela King Designs Go Wild! Wear. AKD is the international leader in cheerleading and dance fashion for 21 years. Founder Angela King Twitero has created looks for the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders, Chicago Luvabulls, Chicago Adrenaline Rush, Chicago Blackhawks Ice Girls, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders, San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush, Los Angeles Laker Girls and more. On Saturday, AKD will present “Creating A Brand: What Your Attire Says About Your Team.” National sales director Laura Eilers will discuss how professional attire during performances as well as rehearsals can change the dynamics of your group. Learn how to define your team’s look, work within a budget and fund raise for costuming. View the Go Wild! Wear collection on both Saturday and Sunday, and receive a 10% discount on future orders.

[Complete Workshop Information]

The Allen Americans Ice Angels Director/Choreographer Stephanie Di Biase-Wheat announced today the 2011-2012 Ice Angles Prep classes and auditions.

Prep Classes are to be held on Friday’s starting July 22, 29, August 5 and 12 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at XD2 Dance Studio located at 1802 Pleasant Valley St. 300 Garland, TX 75040. Each prep class will cost $15 (cash only) . Prep classes will give you the edge and a step up in the audition process. Prep classes are taught by Ice Angels Director Stephanie Di Biase-Wheat and will help you experience the hip-hop style of dancing that will be done throughout the season. “I look forward to sharing my experiences and expertise that I received as a dancer and choreographer for the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Desperados”, Di Biase stated. Dancers will have the opportunity to participate in a “mock” audition, receive feedback after performances and much more.

The Allen Americans Ice Angels are looking for 16 beautiful, talented and fit ladies who love to perform in front of thousands. These 16 ladies will be apart of an exceptional dance team crowned Best-of-the-Best in the Central Hockey League during the 2010-2011 season. You will be competing against other girls for the opportunity to perform at 30+ games, take part in community events, meet great friends and above all be an Allen Americans Ice Angel. First round of Auditions will take place Saturday, August 13 at 9:30 AM at XD2 Dance. A $25 Cash application fee along with the 2011-2012 Allen Americans Ice Angels Application (CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD) and a picture of yourself is due the morning of tryouts. Semi-Finals will be held Wednesday, August 17th at 7:30-10:00 p.m. at XD2 Dance. Finals will be held Saturday, August 27 at the Allen Event Center 6:00-9:00 p.m.

All audition participants must be 18 years or older prior to August 1, 2011. Dance shorts with half top or tank top along with a pair of tennis shoes are required for both prep class and auditions.

Be sure to “Like” the Allen Americans Ice Angels on Facebook at www.facebook.com/allenamericansiceangels

The Philadelphia Vixens Dance Team have posted individual profiles far all the dancers. Check them out here.

Thanks to reader James who snapped these photos of Washington Redskins Cheerleaders Marisa and Judy at an appearance at a 7-11 in Gaithersburg.

Marisa and Judy

Marisa and Judy

[Redskins Cheerleaders at Redskins.com]

After nearly three months of fan voting, Prowlers Dance Team member Gizelle will represent the Orlando Predators as part of the “AFL Dream Team” at Arenabowl XXIV.

The “AFL Dream Team” is composed of one dancer from each AFL team who along with performing at the ArenaBowl will also make appearances during the AFL’s championship week.

“’AFL Dream Team’ adds even more excitement and entertainment for our fans at ArenaBowl,” Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz said.

36 dancers (two in each market) competed for a spot on the team. Fans voted on one dancer per team once a day on ArenaFootball.com. The dancers with the most votes on each team made the cut.

[Gizelle at OrlandoPredators.com]