[Complete Goddesses Audition Information]
By Steve Mazzucchi
Esquire
Dallas continued its dumbfounding tumble against Jacksonville, but this lifelong fan still gets us out of our seats with insights on Wade Phillips, the best team in the NFC, and why America’s Romo-less team has “no chemistry” this season
Sometimes you get the breaks, and sometimes the breaks get you. The latter is certainly the case for the 2010 Dallas Cowboys, who entered the season hoping — legitimately — to be the first team playing a Super Bowl at home. Instead, they began Halloween day at 1-and-5, and things just got scarier from there. Jon Kitna, starting in place of the injured Tony Romo, saw three decent passes bounce off receivers’ gloves right into Jaguar hands, and the team’s best chance to keep it close fizzled when he ran right into running back Marion Barber on a hand-off at the goal line.
To fans lamenting the 35-17 loss and an underwhelming season, we say, cheer up. Sure, it couldn’t get more lukewarm on the field, but along the sidelines, well, the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders have never been hotter. Witness Cassie, who has supported the team since birth. Really. “My mom is the choreographer, so I was born into the Cowboys family,” explains the third-year cheerleader and journalism student. “My rookie year, people thought that was the only reason I was on the team, but I’ve proved why I’m here. Now my mom is extra hard on me, so instead of nepotism, I have to work even harder.” She had us at “my.”
ESQUIRE: First off, how ’bout those Rangers?
CASSIE: I’m so excited about them. I’m close with one of the pitchers, Derek Holland, and I was at the game when we beat the Yankees to go to the World Series. I hate to say it because I’ve been with the Cowboys for three years, but it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever witnessed. It’s been a long time coming.
ESQ: ESPN analyst Cris Carter said, “The harder the Cowboys try, the more things go wrong.” Is that accurate?
CAS: There’s a lot of heart on the field, but with Romo hurt, I feel like there’s no chemistry. He actually had really good statistics this year. No one’s connecting, and that’s aside from all the penalties and everything. It looks like it’s gonna be a rebuilding year. It’s really hard to watch.
ESQ: The team’s first five losses were by a touchdown or less. Is that encouraging as you look down the road?
CAS: It’s really encouraging. Especially with Dez Bryant. He’s just above and beyond coming around for the Cowboys. At such a horrible time for the team, he’s giving everyone hope. It’s good to see other people leading the team.
ESQ: A couple weeks ago, Bucs cheerleader Tiffany told us, “I feel like Cowboys fans are all bandwagoners anyway,” and the numbers in the stadium have been dwindling. Your thoughts?
CAS: During a good season, there are Cowboys fans all over the U.S. and the world. It’s not the Cowboys’s fault that a lot of people latch on. The bandwagon fans, they’re okay to go. People who were fans when we had one win in 1989 are true fans. The true fans will stick around, and the Cowboys will come back.
ESQ: Wade Phillips’s job security. Discuss.
CAS: I’ve always liked Wade Phillips. I can’t really say bad things about him. We had a great season last year. Everyone is always quick to point a finger, but if there’s no player chemistry, it’s no one else’s fault. I have no idea what happens after this year, but I like Wade Phillips.
ESQ: What did you think about that mustachioed cheerleader in the stands?
CAS: That was hysterical. I think he should try out next year. They sell Cowboys Cheerleaders Halloween costumes, and they look really authentic. We see women in the stands wearing them all the time, but to see a man dressed like that was really funny.
ESQ: Did you guys dress up for Halloween?
CAS: We did Thriller for halftime. We did the first part with masks on the backs of our heads and danced backwards. We looked a little like zombies.
ESQ: Hot zombies?
CAS: I guess you could say that.
ESQ: We’re halfway through the season, and it’s still hard to tell who the really good teams in the NFC are. Who do you think is the strongest?
CAS: The Giants are really looking good, which I hate. They have the meanest, worst fans ever. They’re like Cowboys fans in that true Giants fans are fans for life. They’re really good this year, which is kind of shocking to me.
ESQ: Your favorite bands are Brand New, Taking Back Sunday, Alkaline Trio, The Used, and The Beatles. What concert tickets could a guy offer that would really impress you?
CAS: I went to an all-acoustic show with Jesse from Brand New, which was really awesome. I’ve never gotten to see Taking Back Sunday. I’ve loved them since I was in middle school, but I’ve never seen them because I’ve been so busy, so that would be one.
ESQ: You can talk and sing with your mouth closed. How the hell did you figure out you could do that?
CAS: At a high-school cheerleading camp, this other girl did it, then I just tried it and was really good for some reason. It’s kind of embarrassing. I’m really good at the national anthem. People always make me do that one. It’s like I have a little person in my mouth.
Date: Saturday, November 13 2:00-6pm and Sunday, November 14th 2:00-6pm.
Location: Premiere Dance Studio- 1664 Anderson Hwy, Powhatan, VA
Cost: $25.00
Audition Information:
*Must be 21 years of age by March 2011
*Audition is Closed to Public
*Candidates will learn a short dance routine as well as a sideline on Saturday and perform the choreography in small groups on Sunday
*Candidates will be asked several general questions about their background, past experience, employment and anything unique to the dancer
*Candidates will be judged on…
-Physical Fitness and Appearance
-Dance Technique
-Memorization and ability to pick up choreography
-Attitude and Personality
-Showmanship, Facials and Energy
Attire:
-Shorts, hot pants and skin tone tights
-Dance crop top (sports bra or athletic top midriff bearing)
-Dance shoes, sneakers or jazz shoes
-Full game day hair and make-up to be worn on Sunday, audition day
Darlings Benefits:
*Game Day Tickets *Gym Membership
*Salon Discounts *Tanning
*Game Day Giveaways *Sponsors benefits
*Perform at home Revolution Games in front of thousands of fans
*Be part of Richmond’s Indoor football community
*Represent the hottest dance team and indoor football team in Richmond
*Gain lasting friendships with other Richmond area dancers
Team Commitment:
*Practice Season January- Late June 2011
*2-3 weekly practices during game weeks
*1-2 practices per week during off weeks
*Perform at all home games (Season: March-June 2011)
*Each dancer will need to acquire at least one $50 sponsor
*Each dancer will also be required to attend a minimum of 5 appearances at local community events, charitable functions and business sponsored events
To help prepare you for the audition- Two prep classes will be offered. Friday November 5th & 12th
(8-9:30pm) Cost $10
Class to Include…
*Warm up and conditioning
*Across the floor technique
*A dance combination in the style of the audition routine
*A copy of the audition routine music
*Questions and Answers
Please Contact:
Choreographer Julia Abbott at darlingsoftherevolution@yahoo.com for additional information
It’s Election Day in the US, so I thought I’d trot out my list of politically-connected Cheerleaders:
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 US Senate Candidate 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.
The Washington Redskins Cheerleaders are en route home from an amazing tour in Afghanistan. Here’s a video from a part of their trip:
The Cavalier Girls will officially unveil their 2010-11 calendar at a special launch party on Saturday, November 6th at 7:00 p.m. at the Barley House in Cleveland’s Warehouse District. This event, which is open to the public, will introduce the new 14-month swimsuit calendar (November 2010 – December 2011), which features the ladies of the Cavaliers’ dance team.
In early October, fans had the chance to vote online for Cavs Girls Kori, Colleen and Jenna, or Meg as their pick to grace the cover of one of the hottest selling items in the Cavaliers Team Shop. Those in attendance on Saturday will be the first to see who gets this year’s honor! They will also be treated to performances by the Cavalier Girls.
Photos taken by Bryce Millikin Photography
Every pictorial in the 14-month calendar features Cavalier Girls photographed in stunning designer bathing suits on a high-gloss poster-like page photographed at a private residence in Aurora, Ohio. Each month’s photo also includes a special “CG tag” which gives fans access to exclusive Cavalier Girls content on their Smartphone. Through the Cavaliers partnership with the mobile marketing platform provider, Phizzle, fans can download a free app to their phone, scan each of the codes and make the pictures “come to life” with behind-the-scenes footage of the girls’ photo shoots (message and data rates may apply).
The $15 2010-11 Cavalier Girls calendar will be available for purchase at the launch party (cash or check only) and fans can have their copy personally autographed by the dance team that night. Starting November 8th, the calendar will be available at the newly redesigned and expanded Cavaliers Team Shop and online at cavs.com. All net proceeds of the calendar benefit the Cavaliers Youth Fund a fund of the McCormick Foundation.
The Barley House is located downtown at 1261 West 6th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113.
Wednesday, November 10th at 6:30 PM the Vikings Cheerleaders will be perform their annual MVC Program Variety Show at the Mall of America.
Performances will include: MVC small teams and game material, Solos and duet performances showcasing MVC talents in a variety of styles, MVC Training Program (audition hopefuls), A Team (Alumni MVC), MVC All Stars
Here’s a look at last year’s show:
World of Jenks 10pm ET/9 CT.
Jennelle Johnson has over 20 years of professional dance experience ranging from back-up dancing for recording artists Brian McKnight and Ludacris to her experience with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Erie Freeze. She graduated from Penn State University with a double major in International Business and Operations Management and served as the Captain of the Penn State Dance Team, leading the girls to two national titles and several regional titles.
After graduation Jennelle took her leadership to the next level, serving as Captain to the Erie Freeze AIFL dance team The Chillers. Jennelle continued to climb the professional ranks when in 2006 she joined the Cleveland Cavaliers Dance Team and began traveling with the NBA USO TOUR, entertaining troops in Iraq and throughout the Middle East. In 2007, Jennelle returned to Pittsburgh and to teaching, serving as the head instructor at the North Pittsburgh Dance Academy until earning the position as head coach for the Duquesne University dance team. Jennelle has a myriad of experience in dance ranging from Jazz, Ballet & Tap to Street Funk, Lyrical, Hip Hop and Krump. She choreographed countless routines & recitals for all ages in her past positions as team captains, dance instructor and head coach.
Try Out for the Dance Team
The Pittsburgh High Voltage Dance Team is the premier dance team for the Pittsburgh Power arena football team. The SPARKS perform at each of the nine (9) POWER home games, in the brand new CONSOL Energy Center, as well as make appearances at various community events in and around Pittsburgh.
The SPARKS are paid per game and for various appearances as well as receive a gym membership, free tanning, discounted hair services and airbrush tanning, a photo shoot and calendar shoot, POWER gear as well as many other benefits and perks. The SPARKS dance team will be the perfect balance between technique, beauty, and entertainment!
Preliminary Audition – Closed to the public
Saturday, Nov. 6th or Sunday, Nov. 7th
Wilkinsburg High School, 718 Wallace Ave, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221
$35 at the door, $30 if you pre-register
Registration starts 10:00am
(Pre-registration fees are non-refundable)
