Serita is a six-year veteran of the Broncos Cheerleaders. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Services/Management and works as an accountant.
Wizard Girls on the court
Back on New Year’s Day (it seems so long ago) at the invitation of Wizard Girls Director Jessica Pikulski I got the chance to shadow the Wizard Girls around the Verizon Center before and during the New Orleans-Washington game.
Caitlin
At 5:30 (for a 7:00 tipoff) the Wizard Girls are in the their practice uniforms and rehearsing in the “Dust Bowl”, an area just off one of the tunnels leading to the court.
Waiting for the elevator
It’s 6:00, after rehearsal, a quick uniform change and the it was up to the main concourse.
Upstairs on the concourse
The biggest crowds and the longest lines were for Wizard Girl photographs and autographs.
(more…)
Due to the impending snowstorm, the Philadelphia Soulmates Final Auditions have been postponed from tonight to Thursday night. The location is still Chickie’s & Pete’s in South Philadelphia. The auditions are closed, but once the squad is selected, they will be unveiled to the public for the first time that evening.
This is Deonna at last week’s semi-finals. She’s danced the the NJ Prancers last season, and her tryout uniform is the same one that Natalie, the Prancers coach, wore when Natalie made the NY Jets Flight Crew.
Are you a current, former or prospective professional dancer or cheerleader? Does your team need fresh choreography? Would you like to meet others in the industry or hear about audition opportunities?
Then get ready for the Midwest Pro Dance Workshop in Kansas City, Missouri on Sunday, January 16, 2011!
AGENDA
** Learn choreography from elite alumni and directors
** Representing the NFL, NBA, AFL, MLS, and MLB
** Get tips from the pros on fitness, nutrition, makeup, attire and more
** Network with other performers from the east coast (and beyond!)
** Receive giveaways from sponsors including attire and cosmetics
COSTS
** Morning (9:00am-12:00pm): $45 Register Now!
** Afternoon (1:00pm-4:00pm): $45 Register Now!
** Full day (9:00am-4:00pm): $79 Register Now!
** Directors: Bring 2 or more squad members and receive complimentary admission.
** Refund Policy: 75% of registration fees may be refunded through January 13.
CHOREOGRAPHERS
Our choreographers are top alumni and directors of dance and cheer teams in the NFL, NBA, AFL, MLB and other sports leagues. They will teach 6 sidelines and 2 routines in length of 45-60 seconds, representing all major sports leagues. Read choreographer bios and view photos here!
**Amber Taylor, Kansas City Royals Game Day Entertainment Choreographer, Kansas City Comets Ashley Worrell MitchellGalaxy Girls Choreographer, Kansas City Wizards Girl MLS Performer, Local studio owner
**Ashley Worrell Mitchell, Author of “Half-time Highlights: A Guide to Dancing in the NFL/NBA,” Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader, San Antonio Spurs Silver Dancer, Dallas Mavericks Dancer, Kansas City AFL Brigade Girl, Current director of the Missouri Western State University Dance Team, Former local studio owner
**Jenni Hansen of JK Choreography, Lead Choreographer of the Kansas City AFL Brigade Girls, Choreographer for Pitt State, Central Missouri State, Johnson County Community College, and creator of the local hip hop phenomenon Nu Swagger
PRESENTERS
Featuring experts in the area of fitness, hair, makeup, and interview skills.
Tina Pulley, Alumna Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleader, Certified Life Coach and creator of Innergize Your Life. Tina will get you smiling from ear to ear as she explains how pro dance is more than just performing, but more importantly “innergizes” the team’s audience and fan base, and at the same time lifts your spirits as an individual.
Michele Gregor, 3-year Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader, Fitness and Nutrition Coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, Figure/Bikini Competitor, Full-time Occupational Therapist, Certified Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer. Michele Michele Gregorwill take the group through a fun and life-changing workout, plus answer questions about getting in pro shape!
Melissa Blayton, the official Make-up Artist for the Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders. Melissa specializes in the application and training of make-up for HDTV, print work, editorials, and commercials. She can create the perfect look for an entire team or your specific audition. www.melissablayton.com
LOCATION
Stars Unlimited Dance Studio
6602 Royal, Suite D, Pleasant Valley, Mo. 64068 – near Liberty, Missouri off of I-35
WAIVER FORM
A liability and image release form is required and will be emailed to you upon registration. Please bring it with you to the event. Participants ages 16-17 must have authorization by a parent or guardian.
Soulmates Finalists (click to enlarge)
Soulmate bootcamp has been going on for close to a month, and last night the finalists were selected. Today (Thursday) the hopefuls will interview with team management. And then next Tuesday the forty dancers will compete for a spot on the squad at Chickie’s & Pete’s in South Philadelphia. While the finals are closed, fans should still stop by. After the squad is selected, they will be introduced to the public for the first time.
In the six-plus years since I’ve started this site, I’ve been privileged to be cover cheerleaders and dancers on fields and courts, at auditions and boot camps, and even during the making of a swimsuit calendar. But I never had a chance to attend an actual professional rehearsal…
Until last week, when Denise Garvey, Director of the New York Jets Flight Crew, and her squad graciously allowed me to attend their Wednesday night rehearsal at the Atlantic Health Jets Practice Facility in Florham Park, NJ.
Denise Garvey: Jets Flight Crew Director, Former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, Nets Dancer, Knicks City Dancer, and new mom!
The rehearsal was on the same field that the players practice on. It’s massive with enough space to attempt field goals under game conditions. Unfortunately, heating a “room” this size is not really an option…
So it was really cold! That’s why the Flight Crew are decked out in their adorable Reebok jackets and long pants. And in some case gloves!
This is Lauren Z.’s second year with the Flight Crew. She lives in Connecticut, so her commute to Florham Park clocks in at about an hour and forty-five minutes. When she’s not cheering she’s a dance and gym instructor working with kids from two years of age all the way up to high school.
Ryann with a candy cane. The performance the squad is working on is a nine(!) minute holiday half-time show for the last game of the season (this past Sunday). With so many formation changes to keep track of…
The Cheerleaders have pinned a note to themselves reminding them where they need to be. Here are 2011 Pro Bowl Cheerleader Mandisa (left, wearing the note) and Christie.
This is Krista’s first-year on the squad. She earned her Bachelor’s from St. John’s where she studied Speech Pathology and now she’s working on her masters. She grew up on Staten Island where she was captain of her high school cheerleading team.
Third-year veteran Lauren P. is quite busy. She’s a retail store manager, a cake decorator, a nanny and teaches dance on the side.
It was a real thrill to see how a big performance gets put together. And I want to give a big “Thanks!” to Denise and her squad for giving me the chance to watch and share these photos.
Now is your chance to audition for the Long Island Lizards MLL Professional Dance Team!
Long Island Lizards Dance Team: OPEN AUDITION
SUNDAY JANUARY 9th, 10 AM @ CATZ Training Facility in Commack, NY
Please Register Online at longislandlizards.com/dance-team
2010 Long Island Lizards Dance Team
::REQUIREMENTS::
MUST be 18 or older- Photo ID Required
Technical Dance Training
$10 Audition Fee
Headshot & Resume
Wear Attractive Dance Attire
Crop Top
Bring Jazz Shoes as well as Sneakers
Hair & Makeup Must Be Performance Ready
::Candidates MUST Be Able To Attend::
Promotions
Games
Weekly Practices
Bring snacks/water
[Complete Audition Information]
By Marisa Sung
Asiance Magazine
This is Kristen’s first season with the New Orleans Saintsations. She currently attends Louisiana State University and is pursuing a degree in Nursing. She plans on becoming a labor and delivery nurse. Tried and true loyalists to the City of New Orleans and their beloved New Orleans Saints, the New Orleans Saints Cheerleaders have served as volunteers to thousands of charities, ambassadors throughout the world for the City of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana, talented and athletic performers and dedicated football fans. Regardless of the score at the end of the game or the plays made, the New Orleans Saints Cheerleaders have stood on the sideline as a symbol of the strength and dedication of New Orleans. Unlike the other Cheerleading Teams of the NFL, many former members lost all their photos in the aftermath of Katrina.
ASIANCE: What inspired you to become an NFL Cheerleader?
10 years ago, I participated in the New Orleans Saints- Junior Saintsations’ Dance Team Camp. Being a part of this program inspired me to one day earn a coveted spot on the team. Anyone who knows me, knows I set my goals early and big!
ASIANCE: What background do you have that contributed to your success as a professional cheerleader?
I have trained as a dancer for 15 years, and have been modeling both runway and print for the past three years. I know these experiences combined, have assisted in my success.
MORE IMPORTANTLY – My passion for the city of New Orleans has contributed to my success. I am a resident of New Orleans, and have experienced “the good” and “the bad” with our city. Being a Saintsation has brought my passion to a whole new and different level; I believe in embracing who you are and where you are from!
ASIANCE: Did you receive any resistance from your family as this profession is not a typical choice for a traditional Asian family member?
No resistance, just support! I am very fortunate to have family here in the states and in the Philippines who support and share in my dreams, talents, and vision. Unfortunately, part of my family lives in the Philippines, and they are not able to come to the states, so I share my NFL Saintsation experience with them via Facebook; they think I’m a movie star!
ASIANCE: When did you realize you wanted to be a New Orleans Saintsations Cheerleader?
Dancing in the New Orleans Superdome as a Junior Saintsation. It gave me a glimpse of what it would feel like to actually be a Saintsation.
ASIANCE: Who is your favorite current Saints player?
Drew Brees. He led the Saints to our first Superbowl win in Franchise History, has a New York Times best seller, and still remains humble and real.
ASIANCE: What is the first thing you notice in a man?
His smile and his eyes.
ASIANCE: What qualities do you look for in a boyfriend?
Someone who is very supportive, as this is an important value in my family. Then……outgoing, adventurous, intelligent, kind, and confident.
ASIANCE: Did you ever have a nickname given to you by a boyfriend?
HMMM.. At least none that I knew of.
ASIANCE: Do you have a celebrity crush on someone who is in the public eye that you would like to date? We want a feel for your type!
Yes! Ever since The Notebook came out a few years ago, I have had the biggest crush on Ryan Gosling; I am a hopeless romantic .
ASIANCE: What was the worst pickup line you have ever heard?
“Are your feet hurting? Cause you’ve been running through my mind all day.”
ASIANCE: Name three words that describe you.
Involved, Determined, and Nerdy!
ASIANCE: What is your favorite activity to do in New Orleans?
New Orleans is famous for its diverse food and cooking styles. There is something for everyone here. Eating is definitely my favorite activity; “Good eating, good cooking, good living/loving” Chef Paul Prudhomme!
ASIANCE: What is your best feature?
My legs.
ASIANCE: What is the most adventurous thing you have done?
Flying to Times Square in New York City to Film the Madden 11 commercial with Drew Brees and three other Saintsations, all in less than 24 hours.
ASIANCE: What is the best part about being a Saintsations Cheerleader?
The amazing opportunities it offers. Besides having the best seat in the house on game day, I get to be completely involved in the community. I have traveled across the state of Louisiana, and even to NYC, representing the Saints and the NFL.
ASIANCE: Do you think that Asian/Asian American Women are finally making strides on the professional cheerleading squads?
Absolutely. I think being Asian-American gives you a little something extra, but we’re just like any other woman trying out, except we don’t have the typical “Cheerleader” look that has been stereotyped for generations. “Bottom Line”- The NFL wants that cheerleader(s), regardless of ethnicity, with a presence who on and off the field, reaches and connects with fans/community.
ASIANCE: What is the greatest accomplishment in your life thus far?
Being where I am today. As mentioned earlier, I am proud that I followed through with my dream and goal of becoming a Saintsation. I feel today, young people lose sight of their dreams and focus way too early. I am realistic to know I can’t change everyone, but I hope to at least make an impact in lives.
ASIANCE: Can you tell us about a crazy fan/stalker incident?
At our Halloween game, while meeting fans in Champion Square, someone dressed up as Jason from Friday the 13th, unexpectedly came up to me with a fake chainsaw and pretended to slice me up.
ASIANCE: Where do you hope your NFL Cheerleading experience will lead you to?The sky is the limit! Our time as a NFL cheerleaders are limited and I am fortunate to have a Director that is aware of that. She believes in the importance of becoming the best women possible before we leave our NFL cheerleading careers, so we make strides afterwards. My future goal- Miss USA/Miss Universe!
ASIANCE: You all look so gorgeous on the field. How do you manage to look so perfectly coiffed throughout the routines and in all types of weather?
Luckily, I have the honor of cheering in the Superdome. Whether it is hot, cold, rain, or shine down in New Orleans, it does not matter. We always have perfect conditions for Saints Football….and perfect hair!
ASIANCE: Do you have any “beauty secrets” that you can share with our readers?
When you are having fun, and are your “true” self, that is when you are most beautiful.
ASIANCE: What advice do you have for young girls aspiring to become NFL Cheerleaders?
Dream it, feel it, think it, do it! Always believe in yourself and never give up, because all dreams are right in the palm of your hand- NOW GRAB IT!
