The Bloomington Extreme and Extreme Dance Team Director Stacy Terry, owner of Stacy’s Dance Factory, have set the tryout date for the 2011 Bloomington Extreme Dance Team, presented by Extreme Motors and Stacy’s Dance Factory. Auditions will take place on Saturday, December 11 from 12 – 2 pm at The Workout Company, located at 419 Kays Drive, Normal, IL.
Qualified candidates must comprise skills in hip-hop, stylized jazz/technique and pom along with the passion to entertain, be a respected role model, learn, and be in the public eye. Dancers must be at least 18 years of age as of February 15, 2011. Registration forms can be picked up at Stacy’s Dance Factory, 3 Towanda Service Road, Bloomington, IL, or at the Bloomington Extreme’s Administrative Office, 2201 Eastland Drive – Suite 3, Bloomington, IL. Registration forms are also available online at www.bloomingtonextreme.com. There is a non-refundable registration fee of $15. Completed registration forms can be sent or dropped off to the Bloomington Extreme office along with a check or cash for the audition fee by Wednesday, December 8, 2010
[Bloomington Extreme Dance Team]
By Lydia Adams
Titans Online
Whoever said cheerleaders weren’t smart was seriously mistaken.
Melissa, Alyson, and Jennifer recently took a trip to our nation’s capital to teach young girls that being a cheerleader and a scientist is cool!
Each cheerleader received a science uniform and performed for the thousands of science enthusiasts who came to meet the eleven women — from across all professional cheerleading leagues — who have bridged the gap of cheerleader and science.
While at the USA Science and Engineering Festival, the ladies performed, signed calendars and met with young girls who also aspire to become a cheerleader turned scientist.
MEET THE LADIES
Melissa graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Neuroscience.
She is now working in research at Vanderbilt with the neuroimaging group, specializing in PET, fMRI, and fat-water imaging.
Previously, Melissa worked in a molecular neuro/psychiatric lab for two years at Vanderbilt. Melissa says that she was first inspired to study science by her pediatrician at a young age. Her future plans include continuing her education as a graduate student as well as furthering her path as researcher. She is also considering medical school, pharmacy school, or various PhD programs across the country.
Joining Melissa at the festival was Titans Cheerleader, Alyson, a Belmont University graduate with a BS in biology and chemistry. Currently, she is waiting on her acceptance into medical school.
Alyson also volunteers all around Nashville, partnering with different physicians and learning more about the medical field. Alyson began her love of dance and science at the age of 4.
Although she has come a long way in both of her careers, the world of medicine will be her ultimate career path.
About the festival, Alyson said, “I was honored to be a part of such an amazing group of women who are all interested in science, and also are from the NFL, NBA and other professional dance leagues. Volunteering at the USA Science and Engineering Festival as a Science Cheerleader has allowed me to combine two major passions of mine: dance and science, in hopes to inspire others. By speaking and advocating our campaign to break stereotypes with science and cheerleading, I encouraged many young girls to pursue science related studies in the future, even if the cheerleader side of them says no.”
Jennifer, a Tennessee Titans Cheerleader Alumn and 2007 Pro Bowl Representative, is another ‘cheerleader turned scientist.’
As an engineer at Nissan, she finds her passion in heat transfer and physics. While Jen navigates the professional world of engineers, she says, “Telling other engineering professionals that I was a cheerleader for the Titans always gets a great reaction during ice-breakers at industry events.”
The Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders are much more than just “sideline distractions.” All three of these women are continuing to make the team proud as they pursue their dreams both on and off the field.
Thanks to reader Steve who shared a few of his photos of the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders in their “Tribute to Veterans” uniforms worn at Sunday’s game.
More of Steve’s photos here.
Michael Dumas
Press-Register
It’s been a banner year for Chastity McLemore, and also a year of firsts.
The 24-year-old from Picayune completed graduate school at the University of Southern Mississippi, and was subsequently hired to teach cheerleading, physical education and health at East Central Middle School — the first step in her career as an educator.
And speaking of cheering, McLemore spends her Sunday afternoons cheering alongside the world champion New Orleans Saints as a member of its Saintsations — her first job as a professional cheerleader.
“I’ve always wanted to be a part of the Saintsations since I was growing up,” said McLemore, who has a pedigree in the realms of dancing and cheering.
Not only is her mother an all-star cheerleading coach back home, Chastity’s dance coach and one of her high school coaches also were Saintsations. And to take the job at East Central, McLemore gave up her position as William Carey University’s cheerleading coach to her sister-in-law.
Juggling two burgeoning careers in different states might burn out some, but six months into her list of “firsts,” McLemore is taking it all in stride, choosing to see providence at every turn.
“(Being a Saintsation) is truly a blessing, and having a job at East Central is a blessing,” McLemore said. “There are lots of teachers who don’t have a job right now.”
Saintsation 3.jpgCourtest New Orleans SaintsMcLemore is seen here in a publicity photo from the New Orleans Saints.She did have a few other options — some closer to Mandeville and Baton Rouge, where the Saintsations practice twice a week — but she found the right fit through her research of the Jackson County School District.
“The best offer was at East Central,” she said. “I’d heard a lot of great things about the community, about the school.
“I went with my heart, and I felt like what was best decision for me and for my career.”
Many at East Central Middle feel the same way, especially Principal R.L. Watson, who didn’t know McLemore had tried out with the Saintsations at the time she interviewed. All he knew was that he had to find a driven coach willing to develop curriculum that went hand-in-hand with the state’s new requirements regarding physical education in schools.
Gone were the days of extended recesses; Watson needed a worker, and said he found one, and more, when he hired McLemore. And he wasn’t the only one who thought so, either.
“In a middle school, you’re probably not going to get a much more credentialed person than what she is,” Watson said. “I think the parents have recognized that, and have jumped in and supported her.”
And if Watson had any doubts about McLemore’s enthusiasm, they were flung aside at the school’s pep rally before playing rival Vancleave two weeks ago.
“(It) was probably the best ever, in my opinion,” Watson said. “The teachers were all involved, and you talk about loving it; the kids just ate that up.
“She’s brought some new life into that program, she really has.”
Whether it’s as a professional cheerleader or educator, McLemore says her experiences have helped her mature, which in turn helps her to be a better role model for the students in her classes and on the East Central cheerleading team.
“What I tell my students is to never give up, always believe in yourself 110 percent, follow your heart and everything happens for a reason,” she said. “I think they are receptive to that.”
[Kickoff Crew Audition Information]
Yes, I confess, I slacked off with the photos from AllPro3. I still have photos from half a dozen squads to post. I am desperately trying to play catch-up. This morning I’ve uploaded photos of the fabulous ladies of the Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders.
A double does of Eagles Cheerleaders. First at the Friday Night Bud Light Party:
Kim and Jessica at Barnaby's in West Chester
Kim and Jessica in a very packed house at Barnaby’s in High Street in West Chester
Kim
Jessica
Saturday morning it was off to Acme in South Philadelphia.
Sarah and Corrine at Acme
Corinne may be a rookie, but she pops that knee like a vet.
Sarah
Of course, Sara’s no slouch in the knee popping department.
Corinne
Get to know [Jessica],[Kim],[Sarah],[Corinne] all at PhiladelphiaEagles.com
By Bob Kostanczuk
Post-Trib.com
As a new member of the Chicago Bulls’ Luvabulls, Asia Dickens is able to ratchet up her love of footwork a notch. “I’ve been dancing since I was about 10,” said Dickens, a 26-year-old Gary resident who will keep the fan energy going at Chicago Bulls games this season.
“It’s overwhelming and it means a lot to me because it’s a steppingstone in my career,” Dickens said of her inclusion on the 2010-11 Luvabulls squad.
Catherine Core, Luvabulls director, said Dickens possessed the personality, the dancing experience and the ability to be “a good ambassador” for the Bulls of the National Basketball Association.
“She had all of what we look for,” said Core, noting that about 300 women were invited to audition for the 2010-11 Luvabulls squad.
However, many more hopefuls had applied, but were not offered a chance to try out, Core added.
Dickens came to the audition with national television experience from her time on MTV’s “Made,” a reality series about transforming lives. A 2003 graduate of the Emerson School for Visual and Performing Arts, Dickens was able to complement that Gary education by studying dance at the prestigious Alvin Ailey School in New York City.
Nowadays, Dickens will get a stipend when performing with fellow Luvabulls at Chicago’s United Center, said Core, who declined to reveal the per-game pay.
“They’re not going to get rich on game-day pay,” Core recently said. “All the girls that join the Luvabulls have to have a full-time job. They have to have a full-time job or be a full-time student with part-time employment.”
Dickens keeps busy outside of her engagements with the Luvabulls. “I am the rehearsal director and I’m a choreographer and instructor at the South Shore Centre for the Arts,” said Dickens, alluding to the dance studio on Lake Street in Gary.
Her stint with the Luvabulls allows her to play cheerleader at Bulls games, in addition to adding flash at a charitable golf outing or other team functions.
Known for their attractiveness, Luvabulls also get to sign autographs and pose for photos with fans.
There is no denying that in order to be one of the couple of dozen members of the Luvabulls, a woman has to exude a fair amount of sex appeal.
“That’s part of the package,” Core acknowledged. “We need to be entertaining without being provocative. They do wear skimpy outfits.”
The NBA Development League Champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers announced Wednesday that they will hold a party at Pepper’s at Uptown on Wednesday, November 10 at 7:00 p.m. to launch the 2011 Snake Charmers Swimsuit Calendar.Calendars will be on sale for $10 each. Free appetizers will be served while they last.
Every member of the Snake Charmers, as well as choreographer Nora Cano, a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, will be available for photos and autographs.
[Rio Grande Valley Snake Charmers]
I can always rely on our loyal readers to help me out. Here’s our newly updated list:
Kristie was a Washington Wizards Girl and is a current Washington Capitals Red Rocker. She’s worked on Capitol Hill for six years. And in bit of Cheerleader serendipity, Congressman Bob Brady (see below) is her boss.
Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader Natalie is the deputy press secretary for the Georgia General Assembly. She previously served as communications specialist for Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue in Atlanta. During her three-year tenure in Governor Perdue’s office, Natalie acted as spokesperson for First Lady Mary Perdue and assistant to the Governor’s Press Secretary, serving as a liaison between the Governor’s office and national and international media.
Virginia First Lady Maureen McDonnell is a former Washington Redskins Cheerleader.
Debra Brady (seen here with husband and Congressman Bob Brady) cheered for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jeanette Dousdebes-Rubio (seen here with husband and Senator-elect Marco Rubio) is a former Miami Dolphins Cheerleader.
Dr. Jennifer Horrell, the wife of three-term Missouri State Representative and 2008 Democratic nominee for Lt. Governor Dr. Sam Page, cheered for the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the back of my mind I remember an Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader who ran for the Georgia General Assembly, but can’t seem to locate any record of this. Any help tracking this down, or other suggestions to the list are welcome.
