Cheryl
This will probably be our last look at the NFL pre-season as the Vikings and the Saints kick it all of tomorrow evening.
Stephanie
One moment of suspense at end of the 1st quarter. The Cheerleaders were lined up by the end zone, ready to enter the field for their end of quarter break performance, when the Eagles scored a touchdown with 0:00 on the clock.
Erica
Normally after a touchdown the Eagles Cheerleaders hit the endzone and perform to “Fly, Eagles, Fly.”
Alicia
So which routine would they perform? Both! They performed the touchdown dance, and then after a quick breather, hit the field again for the quarter break performance.
Sarah
[Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders Website]
Here’s your first look at the 2010-11 Washington Wizard Girls Poster. This poster will be given out for free to fans at all home games.
(click to enlarge)
[Wizard Girls Official Website]
(Yes, the Arena Bowl was just a couple of weeks ago, but it’s never too early to start thinking about auditions)
The #1 way to prepare for Sidewinders Auditions!!!
* Learn a “game-style” routine
* Have a “q&a” with Sidewinders Directors
* Get audition tips
* Learn what being a Sidewinder Dancer is all about
* Classes are strongly recommended, but not mandatory to audition
* Auditions will be held in late January/early February and we strongly recommend that you attend prep-classes (although, they are not mandatory to audition), so that you have time to prepare and be “Game Day Ready” at auditions!
Prep-Class Dates:
Tuesday, September 14th
Wednesday, September 22nd
*More dates to be announced
* Both Classes will be held at US Airways Center (www.usairwayscenter.com) and will run from 7:00pm-8:30pm. They will be held on the Suns Practice Court. Security will direct you where to go once you enter the building. Please enter through the employee entrance/door in the parking garage, go down the stairs, and check in with security. Parking is available in the structure on Jefferson or metered parking.
* Wear comfortable attire and shoes with a non-marking sole.
* Cost: $15/single class fee or $30/3-pack pre-pay option. (You can apply your pre-paid packages to any future dates, October-January).
*Please sign up online to reserve your spot. Payment will be collected at the door, along with the Release Waiver (Dancers under 18 require a parent’s signature).
[Complete Sidewinders Prep Class Info]
By Elspeth Lodge
Providence Journal
Behind the tight abs and toned arms of the New England Patriots Cheerleaders are months of circuit training, running ramps, kicks, and workouts including the famed grueling and effective P90X Fitness Program, according to the squad’s director/choreographer, Warwick’s Tracy Sormanti.
“The Patriots cheerleaders work extremely hard to stay fit,” says Sormanti. “Six sets of eight kicks, running the ramps at the stadium, and their own personal workouts are key components to their fitness programs.
“Our circuit training drills, using a combo of the players’ equipment, such as heavy bags, medicine balls and steps, integrated with the cheerleaders’ equipment, such as balance boards, hand weights and jump ropes, ties it all together,” she adds.
“Couple that with a ‘no junk food policy’ in the locker room, which carries over into their personal lives, and it lends to overall healthiness,” Sormanti says. “That gives these women a feeling a confidence and empowerment — you look good, feel good, you perform even better.”
Sormanti did not always aspire to lead, let alone be a Patriots’ NFL cheerleader, but “I always loved to dance,” she says, and was a cheerleader in high school. “I was on my way to the beach and I heard about ‘Patriots Cheerleader Tryouts’ on the radio.”
The spur-of-the-moment adventure changed Sormanti’s life; she cheered on the Pats for five seasons, before moving up the ranks to director and choreographer, which, she finds just as, and possibly even more, gratifying than being on the team.
A native of Warwick, Sormanti was always a Patriots fan, but when she got to the tryouts she felt intimidated by all the “gorgeous cheerleading talent.” She almost stepped out of line –– but, she stayed put–– because, “my mother taught me never to be a quitter,” she said.
Sormanti got to design the 2010 cheerleading uniform for her squad; not only have the Patriots returned to their “patriotic colors” (from just white) but are more glamorous than ever before. Each red, white and blue uniform is bedazzled with 650 crystals so that the women are sure to stand out on the sidelines.
The cheerleaders showed off the new uniform for the first time at the opening of the “Cheers through the Years Exhibit” at the Hall at Patriot Place in July. The exhibit –– a compilation of photographs, videos, artifacts and a map of the evolution of the cheerleaders –– was a testament to the hard work and dedication it takes to be on the squad.
More recently, just fitting into smaller and more revealing uniforms has been an added reason for working out.
“These [uniforms] are really trendy,” says Lisa Matta-Paze, a member of the late 1970s, early ‘80s squads. “Back in the olden days, they were very simple,” she says, “but you have to be very thin to wear these. You can’t have anything extra.” .
[New England Patriots Cheerleaders]
Another great interview from our friends at ScienceCheerleader.com:
Meet Melissa, a Tennessee Titans Cheerleader and a medical researcher at Vanderbilt University, specializing in molecular neuroimaging. Last we heard from Melissa, she and her co-cheerleading/scientist pals sent us this greeting:
Melissa’s back as a participant in our ongoing effort to playfully challenge stereotypes and inspire young women to consider careers in science and technology. Our favorite quote from Melissa: “I wish I had a knack for Newton’s laws, but I’m much better with action potentials!” Goooo Melissa!
What type of scientist are you, Melissa?
I am currently working as a clinical research coordinator specializing in neuroimaging. I was a neuroscience major at Vanderbilt University and since graduating, have devoted myself to full time medical research at Vanderbilt. I worked in a molecular neuro/psychiatric lab for two years, studying genetic expression of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and Parkinson’s disease, and since then, I joined the aforementioned neuroimaging group, specializing in PET, fMRI, and fat-water imaging. I am trained in various molecular techniques, including but not limited to qPCR, primary tissue culture, DNA and RNA extraction. With regard to neuroimaging, I am trained to use many imaging analysis tools such as statistical parametric mapping and voxel based morphometry. My title is Research Assistant II: Neuro Radiology.
Read the rest over at ScienceCheerleader.com
[Melissa’s on the Titan’s Website]
By Natasha Alvarez
The Summa
April 27, 2010 was an exciting day for two St. Thomas students, when they were selected to become a part of the Houston Texan Cheerleading Squad. Junior Nicole Hickl and Senior Michelle Lewis have proven to be true “shining stars.” Soon, they will shine on the field as much as they do on campus.
During the summer, both of the cheerleaders had the opportunity to practice, train, travel, and do appearances as a team. They both packed up their gear and traveled to Atlanta for a Professional cheerleading camp.
“That was really exciting because we got to meet cheerleaders from the [Indianapolis] Colts, the Washington Redskins, and the San Antonio Spurs,” Hickl said.
Practices started right away on July 8 to ensure that everyone was in the best shape for when season came around. They have practices that range from three to four hours that take place three nights a week.
Both of them have come such a long way as professional dancers, and, more importantly, they have learned valuable lessons from the experiences.
“What I learned is that, if you have a goal, once you reach it, you have to keep reaching for it,” Lewis said.
“You have to go beyond just what you expect. Obtaining it is not enough. You always have to keep working hard for it.”
Michelle
Lewis has managed to find balance with her academics and her outside responsibilities. Lewis is preparing for a fall semester with heavy course work as a Liberal Arts Pre-Medical student.
“I’m still trying to figure everything out,” Lewis said. “But I feel like eventually my schedule will regulate and I will definitely make sure that I have everything on point.”
Lewis has quickly learned of the many responsibilities that come with the title.
“You are a representative of the Houston Texans and you have to uphold that standard that the Texan cheerleaders have,” Lewis said.
“We are known as being really good girls and we are ladies. First off you always have to look pretty and composed, and along with that you have to keep up with the dancing.”
In order to keep up with these demands, Lewis must work hard in order to give her absolute best. Lewis has put in extra practices in order to perfect her skills for even more tryouts.
“I work out every day even more” Lewis said. “I wake up at 5 a.m. every morning to go workout. The tryouts shows you where you are and where you need to push yourself to be.”
Nicole
Hickl is also a very involved student on campus, majoring in communications and holding several important responsibilities such as Student Government Association Vice President and Head Orientation Leader.
Despite all the responsibilities, Hickl manages to find the time to enjoy the experience.
“It’s pretty amazing,” Hickl said.
“It didn’t become real until the website was actually launched. It is just amazing to see myself on the website, the same one that I looked at every day during tryouts.”
However, Hickl must overcome several obstacles that she has had to face. Hickl rolled her ankle during her first dance performance. She hopes to be fully recovered by the first regular season game on September 12.
“First, the most challenging thing, before I got injured, was getting back into the swing for long hard hours,” Hickl said. “Now it’s dealing with my injury. That’s probably the hardest thing. Sitting at practices and watching all the girls practice their dances and knowing that I am supposed to be dancing there with them.”
As for the Texans, both cheerleaders are really looking forward to a great season.
“I expect good things from the team this year,” Lewis said. “I am hoping we get to playoffs and I think we can do it.”
The latest from Aubrey Aquino:
My newest episode of On The Flipside is fresh off a Final Cut render! 😉 I’ve spent pretty much all of August in Austin, TX, so why not shoot an episode there as my “backdrop” location!!? For this edition I changed up the graphics a little and had to do subtitles… See the highlights from Nike and Converse’s (inaugural) World Basketball Festival in NYC. Jay-Z performed at Radio City Music Hall, LeBron James hosted kids in Harlem, USA Basketball had an exhibition and NBA players from France, China, Brazil and Puerto Rico all chimed in, in their native language…hence the subtitles! Then we’ve got Matt Barnes doing his annual camp at EA Sports, Golden State Warriors Rookie Ekpe Udoh and CGL Sports Yacht Celebration in Miami, plus a behind the scenes look at the Jacksonville photo shoot for Sweethearts for Soldiers!
By Jennifer Schroeder
TCPalm.com
Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders Brianne , Andrea and Samantha.
As Brianne Herndon and two other Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders smiled for fans at a recent promotional stop in Vero Beach, it was easy to see their beauty.
But a professional cheerleader is more than just a pretty face.
Herndon, a Fort Pierce native and graduate of John Carroll High School, is a rookie on the Dolphins cheerleading squad and travels more than 600 miles a week to practices in Miami.
“It’s a huge commitment, but I knew what I was getting into,” said Herndon, 19. “We practice four times a week for four hours a day, but we also do a lot with area camps and appearances.
“I love being a good role model for the girls who look up to us.”
Davie’s Andrea Simeoni, 25, and Miami’s Samantha Ruiz, 21, are both in their second season. They said that in addition to practice, much of their time is spent out in the community meeting fans, representing the Dolphins organization at charitable events and taking part in the annual Dolphins swimsuit shoot — which was in the Dominican Republic for the 2011 calendar.
“We do a lot of work with military forces and women in distress,” Simeoni said.
October is breast cancer awareness month, and Simeoni said the cheerleaders will participate in the Glam Doll Strut, which takes place annually in Fort Lauderdale to raise money for breast cancer research.
“The Glam Doll Strut is a great event,” said Ruiz, who is squad co-captain. “We get to invite people to walk with us, or they can sponsor a girl on our team.
“Also, the Oct. 4 home game against New England is dedicated to raising money for breast cancer research. The players will be wearing pink gloves and gear, while we’ll wear our pink uniforms.”
Herndon said that a strong educational background and being able to speak in public are important factors in the selection process. Herndon is enrolled at Indian River State College pursuing her associate degree with a major in fashion design.
“While dancing and being in excellent shape are definitely part of the job, being well-spoken, upbeat and able to talk to people is even more important,” said Simeoni, who works full time in human resources and is seeking a bachelor’s degree. “Almost every girl on the squad is either a college graduate or enrolled in college.”
“You can be the best dancer at tryouts, but if you can’t do an interview or speak intelligently then you aren’t going to make the squad.”
All three said the best part of being a cheerleader is game day, and the hardest part is finding a balance between school, work, practice and events.
From the West Tigers Website:
Wests Tigers cheerleader Kymberley Roebuck has been crowned the Big League Cheerleader of the Year for 2010.
One of eight finalists, Kymberley’s natural beauty, warmth and her plea to help a brave little Wests Tigers supporter saw her receive the most votes from the public.
The Big League competition ran throughout the season and featured the very finest cheerleaders from the NRL teams.
Prior to the final, Kymberley decided to donate her prize should she be successful to Lleyton Giles, the five-year-old boy who is battling a terminal liver condition.
Lleyton and his family were special guests of the Wests Tigers against Penrith at Campbelltown Sports Stadium a few weeks back after the team met and were inspired by this young boy at a training session.
Wests Tigers arranged for Lleyton to lead the team out onto the field with captain Robbie Farah before he placed the ball down for kick-off with Benji Marshall.
Following the game, Marshall lifted Lleyton above his shoulders as they thanked supporters before the players formed a guard of honour for Lleyton to run through.
Two days later, Kymberley met with the family to inform them of her decision to donate any prizes to Lleyton to enjoy.
Kymberley will now donate her first prize of a $2000 voucher from GoDo.com.au. Go Do is a leisure/adventure website offering thousands of different activities such as whale watching, weekends away, helicopter rides and much more.
As part of her prize, Kymberley graces the cover of this week’s Big League magazine which features a two page article entitled ‘Heart of Gold’ telling of her decision to help Lleyton.
“I told people before the final that they were not voting for me but for Lleyton,’’ Kymberley said.
“Like many people, I was so touched by what Wests Tigers did for Lleyton at Campbelltown. It was only when I was driving home after the game that I decided that should I win the competition, then I would donate the prize to Lleyton.
“It hit me hard. What I learnt from meeting with Lleyton is that life is too short and you can’t take anything for granted. He is such a beautiful boy.
“I just like to thank all of the Wests Tigers supporters who voted for me. Wests Tigers is the best club in the NRL to cheer for.
“It is nice to win the competition but I’m just glad that I have been able to help Lleyton.”
Okay this isn’t strictly our territory, but there’s a new show debuting on the CW next week called Hellcats.
Hellcats revolves around Marti, a pre-law college student at Lancer College in Memphis, Tennessee who comes from the wrong side of the tracks. When budget cutbacks and her mother’s constant carelessness cause her to lose her scholarship, she looks for a new scholarship. She overhears that one of the cheerleaders has become injured and a place on the team is available. She hates cheerleading but upon hearing that the new member would get a scholarship she uses her dancing skills from high school to try out. She makes the Hellcats, the college’s competitive cheerleading team.
Marti is played by Alyson Michalka, the daughter of a former Raiderrette, Rams Cheerleader and UCLA Cheerleader.
From Canmag.com:
The CW’s new series Hellcats may seem like the typical CW drama about young adult girls. The stakes of college cheerleading go a little further than other teen dramas. Aly Michalka plays Marti, a law student who joins the Hellcats to stay afloat in school, and they get intense.
“Cheerleading is bad-ass,” Michalka said. “These people are athletic. These people work out like crazy. These people are trustworthy people because they are there to catch you when you are up in the air, flying. They are there to have your back. When you are injured, they are there to help you out. You have to go and see a doctor, you have to be on medication, you have to be out of the squad sometimes, and you are not able to make nationals. It’s this team effort and I think that that makes our show, it makes us as actors bond even more. The stakes go up higher for us because we have the respect for these characters and for these real-life girls that we know are in America that are doing the same thing. So it makes it special for us.”
The girls of Hellcats have pretty much started training for cheer from scratch. “I have no cheerleading background, but my mom happened to be a Raiderette that went to the Super Bowl, and they won, which is rad, and a Rams cheerleader and a UCLA cheerleader. I know, right? So that’s kind of a cool thing, that my mom has that background. So I guess I have it in my blood, but I’ve never had an interest to be on a squad, probably because there’s no home-schooling cheerleading squads. I don’t know. That might be weird, a home-schooling cheerleading squad, but I have a dance background for sure in free-styling, and I’ve been a part of dance companies before, like hip-hop dance companies when I was a teenager. So the dance aspect I’m really comfortable with, but cheerleading-wise, it was something completely new to me, and that was really fun to dive into.”
Hellcats premieres September 8 on The CW.
