Coming later this month workshops in Phoenix, Atlanta, and Cincinnati
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Pro Bowl Dan sent us a few of his photos from the Pro Bowl Cheerleaders “Battle of the Beauties” that was held last Friday.
There was volleyball.
Tug of War
Flag Football
Something that involved putting on fire-fighting gear!
And of course, performances!
Thanks, Dan!
By Michelle Park
Reading Eagle
Amanda L. Moreadith wanted the experience again: running onto the field at FirstEnergy Stadium and performing for a crowd of 8,000 Reading Phillies fans.
So, wielding red and silver pom-poms, the 19-year-old auditioned Sunday for the R-Phils Dance Team.
If she’s one of the 18 who make the cut, it would be her second year on the team.
“It just adds a lot of fun to my year,” said Moreadith, who lives in Muhlenberg Township. “I’m a huge baseball fan and the fans are amazing.”
Amanda L. Moreadith of Muhlenberg, center, waits her turn Sunday during auditions for the R-Phils Dance Team in the Fairgrounds Square Mall.
Twenty-six women 18 and older vied for the team spots during a final audition at the Fairgrounds Square Mall in Muhlenberg. College students, a mother of two and a former Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader were among them.
The R-Phils Dance Team performs three times a game at all of the minor league baseball team’s home games. Its members also make community appearances.
The women are judged on choreography, showmanship, public speaking skills, physical appearance and physical fitness, said Jennifer F. Caputo-Pietrobone, team director.
The names of the women who make the cut will be posted by noon today on the dance team’s page at www.rphils.com. Those who auditioned also could call a hot line Sunday to find out.
Team members receive a stipend of about $200 and sponsorship packages that include tanning, gym memberships and beauty services, such as teeth whitening.
by Daniel Gotera
khou.com Sports Reporter
They are usually entertaining fans here in Houston, but now, the Texans Cheerleaders are performing half way around the world.
“I know that we’re all totally thrilled just to go overseas and say thanks for what you do,” says Sonya, a three-year member of the squad.
Starting on Monday, three groups of ladies will head off to show their support for U.S. troops overseas. That includes Iraq, where Sonya and four others will spend two weeks showing their gratitude for all that those men and women are doing for us here at home.
“I expect excitement,” said Texans Cheerleader rookie Megan. “I think the troops will welcome us and will be happy to see us over there.”
Two other groups will head off Super Bowl weekend to Japan and Honduras, trips that the cheerleaders volunteered for and that the organization is happy to take part in.
“They’re going to remember these girls for the rest of the time they are there and until they are old and grey and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to wrap up our season,” said squad director Alto Gray.
And while they are there to show support, picking up a little something for themselves is definitely another goal.
“I really want a kimono,” said second-year member Nicole. “I swear people are asking me for knock-off Louis bags, they’re asking for kimonos so I am just going to have to take an extra suitcase back with me and pay for the shipping.”
Watch a video of this story here.
by Staff Sgt. Carolyn Viss
376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
Twelve talented women visiting the troops in Kyrgyzstan were excited to be the recipients of some entertainment Jan. 27, 2010, when they went with Transit Center at Manas Airmen to a local music school.
Washington Redskins Cheerleaders, along with Airmen from the Transit Center at Manas, pose for a group photo with a sign that reads “Bishkek” during a cultural tour of the city in Kyrgyzstan.While on an Armed Forces Entertainment tour here, the Washington Redskins cheerleaders visited the Abdraev Musical Boarding School in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where the students enthralled their captive audience for 30 minutes.
“It’s humbling to see such gifted children put all the time and effort into sharing their talent with us and be so interested in [our] culture,” said Abigail Dymond, one of the cheerleaders. “I would never see this kind of thing if it weren’t for the Redskins and AFE.”
As the only musical school in the whole country, the Abdraev Musical Boarding School has drawn 450 1st- through 12th-grade students from all around the country.
“I am very glad to see Americans here,” said Zarema Kiyizbaeva, Deputy Director of the Abdraev Musical Boarding School and a pianist of more than 30 years. “We’ve always been glad to welcome you as guests and interact with you.”
Many of the students are not from full families, or are in difficult financial situations, but the performance they presented was breathtaking.
“It’s absolutely amazing to see such talent at such a young age,” said Master Sgt. Linda Mezza-Romero, the 376th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron community service flight chief who was responsible for the cheerleaders’ tour once they arrived at the Transit Center.
The school is more than 40 years old, and produces world-renown musicians who finish their musical educations at a conservatory in Moscow before moving on to work as professional musicians in other countries including the United States and all over Europe, Ms. Kiyizbaeva said.
The Washington Redskins Cheerleaders pass out candy to students from the Abdraev Musical Boarding School in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.All of the young musicians have rigorous academic programs that accompany their musical training, and many were able to interact with Airmen and the cheerleaders in a bit of English. Those who weren’t able to connect verbally or through a translator still had profound interactions with their American visitors.
“Art as a form transcends all language barriers,” said Talmesha Richards, a Redskins cheerleader. “Ours is dance, theirs is music; but it’s all the same, and we get to share it.”
Asanbekova Rano, a 17-year-old 10th grade student, amazed the crowd with her proficiency on the violin.“I am very pleased you enjoyed my performance,” she said humbly. “I think the Americans are a very good and positive influence on the students here. Being able to perform for you motivates us to play better.”
But the honor of enjoying each others’ music goes both ways for the U.S. Air Force and the Abdraev Musical Boarding School. Just a few weeks ago, one of the U.S. Air Forces Central bands that was touring the area of responsibility performed for the students, creating quite the buzz.
“After the last Air Force band came through to play for the students, they were talking about it for two weeks,” Ms. Kiyizbaeva said.
The Washington Redskins Cheerleaders pose for a photograph in front of the guards during a history and cultural tour of downtown Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Similar to the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Va., guards stand to protect the Kygryz flag 24 hours a day.“It’s hard to come in to work every day and call it a job when it’s this much fun,” said Sergeant Mezza-Romero, who is deployed from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. In her time here, she’s arranged for many tour groups and visitors from the United States to perform at the Transit Center and for the Kyrgyz people. “Not every place in the AOR can take (visitors) downtown, so it’s a good chance for them to see how the military interacts with the local community.”
It also shows the local community that military servicemembers and civilian Americans care very much about the country of Kyrgyzstan, said Staff Sgt. Tina McCloskey, the noncommissioned officer in charge of Shooters, a 376th EFSS recreation facility on the Transit Center.
“It meant the world to me to be able to interact with the kids and further establish community relations in our own small way,” said Megan Bressler, whose full time occupation outside of being a Redskins cheerleader is teaching an outreach dance program to children ages three through the 12th grade. “It’s cool to see them light up on stage when they look up and see me smiling at them.”
Although they were here in Kyrgyzstan to raise troop morale for transiting Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, the Redskins agreed it was a nice bonus to see the city of Bishkek and the gifted students of the Abdraev Musical Boarding School.
“I know we give back to the troops, but who else gets to do this?” Ms. Dymond said. “It was just absolutely incredible.”
[Washington Redskins Cheerleaders]
“The Perfect Week” – When Barney is about to complete the perfect week – landing seven different girls in seven days – the gang roots him on in order to forget about their own miserable week, on HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, Monday, Feb. 1 (8:00-8:30 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. CBS Sports Broadcaster Jim Nantz and 2009 World Champion New York Yankee Nick Swisher guest star as themselves. Brooke Newton guest stars as Christy.
WHAT: 2010 Goddesses Open Call
WHERE: EUPHORIA HEALTH AND FITNESS
The Official Practice Facility of the Goddesses
20445 Emerald Parkway
Cleveland, Ohio 44135
WHEN: Friday, February 19
Registration from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Auditions begin at 6:30 pm
ELIGIBILITY: Women must be 18 years or older by February 19, 2010 and a high school graduate
ATTIRE: Must wear two-piece dancewear with a midriff top, lycra shorts and appropriate footwear
FEE: $25, non-refundable
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Women are asked to bring a PHOTO and RESUME to the tryout. Tryouts will be judged on dance ability, appearance, personality and attitude. Participants will be taught a routine and do not need to prepare their own. Those that are invited back should expect to be available all day on Saturday, February 20 for additional rounds of the audition.
[Cleveland Gladiators Goddesses Auditions]
So the Pro Bowl is tonight in sunny South Florida, don’t forget to tune in. On the sidelines representing the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders is three-year veteran Lauren. About this time last year Lauren was in Japan as part of an NFL Cheerleader good will tour. Before she left for the Pro Bowl, she took some time out of her busy schedule to answer a few of our questions.
How long have you been dancing?
I started cheering when I was three. My neighbor was a coach and
brought me to all of her practices to give my mom a break. I usually
just cried to go home, but by the time I was 5 I loved it! At Philly
cheerleading competitions there are usually 2 categories: All Around
Cheer and Halftime (all dance). As for technical dance, I didn’t start
dancing until college.
Were you on any squads/teams in HS or College?
I cheered for Cardinal Dougherty High School and was on Gwynedd- Mercy College’s Dance Team.
Why did you decide to try out for the Eagles Cheerleaders in the first
place?
I have always been a HUGE Eagles fan and loved the Cheerleaders. I
guess being on the team is something I have wanted since I was a l
little kid. My family has the Thanksgiving tradition of going to the
Parade every year and the cheerleaders were always the highlight for
me. Also in high school my team won a competition and the prize was to perform with the Eagles Cheerleaders during pre-game. I am pretty shy though so it took a lot for me to actually have the confidence to
audition.
How were you selected to be the Eagles Cheerleader Pro Bowl Rep?
The veterans on the cheerleading squad display interest in being
selected for the Pro Bowl. Then a panel from the Eagles Organization
selects a representative.
What kind of preparations have you been making for the trip to the Pro
Bowl?
I have been doing P90X to work on strength and stamina. There is a
Battle of The Beauties competition, which is a beach competition
between AFC and NFC cheerleader reps. My brothers and fiance have also been helping me practice my volleyball and football skills. It will be a lot more fun in Sunny Florida, it’s very cold here in Philly right
now! And of course, I have been learning and perfecting the
choreography that we will be performing at Pro Bowl.
What was your trip to Japan like?
Japan was an amazing experience. I had the opportunity to visit a US
Military Base, promote the NFL and the Eagles through various media
interviews, judge a NFL Cheer Challenge, shop on Harashuku Street, and eat lots of sushi. I didn’t want to miss the NFC Championship game, so I watched it in Tokyo at 4:00 AM! It was an intense tour and we had so much to do. The eight cheerleaders who we had never met prior to this became a strong team so quickly.
What kind of reaction did NFL Cheerleaders get from folks in Japan?
A very positive and enthusiastic reaction. We were treated so well.
After a Japanese woman cheers for the NFL and returns to Japan she has so many opportunities through various media channels and career options. The Japanese have a great respect for NFL cheerleaders. Their reaction and turnout to events helped me to realize how internationally loved and respected the NFL is.
What’s been the most memorable part your time as an Eagles Cheerleader?
The most memorable part are the women I have worked with and friends that I have made. I love everything that it entails, from the games to the variety of appearances we are involved in. I especially enjoy the Junior Cheer Clinic, this is such a special day for the girls. The calendar trips to beautiful and exotic places are also a highlight.
What’s one thing you’d like fans to know about you, that would probably surprise them?
I am an autism treatment therapist and special education teacher. I absolutely love my career. The children I have worked with have taught me more than I could ever teach them.
[Lauren at PhiladelphiaEagles.com]
Want to become a Maryland Maniacs Dancer?
Dance Auditions are almost here!
The Maryland Maniacs (www.marylandmaniacs.com) will be having auditions for the 2010 dance team! Home games will be played at University of Maryland’s Cole Field House and dance practices are held in Greenbelt, MD at our sponsor gym. The Maniacs Dance Program is looking to having an exciting and action packed year!
R U A Maniac?!
Dates: Saturday, February 13, 2010 and Sunday, February 14, 2010
Time : 12 pm – 4 pm
Location: Gold’s Gym 6222 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770
Cost: $20*
Audition Attire:
Form fitting crop top (No T-shirts)
Dance trunks, Dance Shorts or Cheer Shorts (No full length or capri pants)
Jazz Shoes / Dance Sneakers / Dance Boots
Hair & Make-up should be performance ready!
We are having a workshop to prepare dancers for our auditions!!
Workshop Information:
When: Sunday February 7th, 2010 (12:00 pm Registration)
Where: Gold’s Gym, 6222 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770
Cost: $15
Learn from the best – Maniacs Choreographer Jeremy McShan
Includes: free-style practice, technique improvement, choreography, and helpful information on how to make the team
*Audition fee waived for those who attend the dance workshop!*
To pre-register, please visit our website: www.marylandmaniacs.com. For additional info, email us at danceteam@marylandmaniacs.com.
Some of you may have noticed a decrease in the quality of some of my action shots. I believe I’ve located the culprit (bad lens) and hope this won’t be a problem any longer.
New look Philadelphia Wings Angels: 5 vets and 8 rookies
The Angels danced only once (and combined with my lens issue) so not that many action shots. Will do much better next time.
