By Seth Berkman
(Hoop Magazine Jan-Feb Issue) NBA.com
Like the players, do the dancers have a training camp?
We start at the beginning of September. It’s always fun to start off the year, especially with the new girls. You don’t really know everybody yet and it’s an exciting time.
How many years have you been dancing with the Magic?
This is my fifth season with the Magic.Do you embrace taking on a leadership role with the squad?
I am a Leo so I think leadership has always been a personality trait. [laughs] I’ve done this for so long that it’s sort of natural. I love when the girls have questions, especially if it’s their first season and they don’t know how games work or rehearsals usually run, it’s nice to be able to help out.
And you’ve danced with other teams as well?
Yes, this is actually my third team in the NBA. I danced with the Cavs—I’m originally from Cleveland so I danced with the Cavs in college—the Atlanta Hawks and then I moved down here [to Orlando]. I just keep moving south apparently because it’s not warm enough for me anywhere. [laughs]
Was it hard for you last season during the playoffs when Orlando played Cleveland?
[laughs] It was probably harder for my father than anyone [else]. …I had a feeling if we got through Boston it would be us in the Finals. My dad loved to argue with that. It wasn’t hard for me, my poor mom was stuck in the middle of it. It was kind of fun, the camaraderie. My dad would send e-mails to all the girls like, “Big game tonight, try not to get too excited.” It was cute.How different was it performing in the Finals as opposed to the regular season?
It was huge. I had never been to the playoffs until I danced with the Magic. My first season down here we went and every year we got better. I don’t have words to explain what it is like dancing in the Finals. It’s packed, it’s intense, people are crazy…it was awesome. It was the most surreal experience I’ve ever had. Dwight [Howard] and Jameer [Nelson] stayed out for the trophy ceremony and I loved that. I hope it shows them to be hungrier and want it more.In the WNBA and with the NBA practice uniforms they’ve started selling sponsorships; do you think that will happen soon with dance teams?
I think they already do somewhat. I personally wouldn’t be opposed to it as long as it was a sponsorship that went along with the ideas of the organization and helped benefit the team. They do that with the soccer uniforms in Europe. If it’s a good way to make more money and help everyone out in the long run, why not?
Having danced for three teams, do you find a lot of differences between each team’s routines and how they’re run?
I think the organizations are all entirely different. The actual routines that we do—there’s a thing called Pro Dance that a lot of teams go to and it’s in the summer and you’ll pick up a lot of choreography from that. It’s funny, when I started dancing for the Magic, they were like we’re gonna bring this dance back from last year and I thought “This looks really familiar,” and I had done it in Atlanta. Most teams will have their own choreographer that they will bring in. I would say the biggest difference is the organization and how they choose to run each team.Besides dancing, you also work for Clear Channel?
I am a key account coordinator, which basically means all the advertising business that comes out of South Florida, I am the coordinator that handles all that business. I don’t sell, but I coordinate and make sure that everything is in and all the loose ends are tied up.Is that what you studied in college and want to continue to pursue after dancing?
I was a marketing major. I don’t really know what I want to do after I’m done dancing. I love my job. I kind of like seeing what happens. I like enjoying life as it comes and one day at a time. …I think I’ve danced for so long that without it I would almost be lost. I would have way too much free time and not know what to do with myself. A lot of girls will just hit a point when they feel it’s time to move on. I have not really had that. Everything has kind of fallen into place where I have been able to keep doing this.
How old were you when you began taking dance classes?
I was three or four. It would give my mom an hour to go to the grocery store and run errands that she needed to. I think that it’s so funny that that’s what she chose to be her “babysitter.” [laughs] We joke about how she says she should have put me in a foreign language class or something like that.Do you have any favorite routines or songs?
Something that always gets me is introductions, when the lights go down and they’re getting ready to announce our starting lineup. Moments like that I look around and I cannot believe that this is my job.
Since you first started dancing in the NBA, have you seen the exposure of dance teams grow?
Absolutely. When I was in Cleveland around ’01-02, we weren’t really accessible. We danced during games and maybe did a few appearances here and there. Now we have so many community appearances, we greet the fans at the doors, we do postgame autographs and photos, dance clinics, all these things for the community and I think the teams are really using the dance teams to their full potential. It’s hard to get players out with their schedule, but it’s easier to get dancers out, so we’re kind of the front line for the organization. It’s really rewarding.
[Danielle at the Magic Website]
[Timberwolves Dancers at Maxim.com]
[2009-10 Minnesota Timberwolves Dancers]
Auditions for the 2010 ERIEsistables Dance Team will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at Erie Bayfront Dance at 312 Chestnut Street in Erie. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. with tryouts starting at 1 p.m.
Everybody, from former high school cheerleaders to professional dancers, who are 18 years or older, are invited to tryout to be a part of the ERIEsistables, the dance team that will support the new professional arena football team. The new ownership group announced in December that a new team name will replace the RiverRats to best reflect Erie and its hometown pride. The new team name will be announced on Thursday, January 14th at a morning press conference.
Billed as the “Hottest Show on Turf”, the ERIEsistables, a field of 20 dancers, will emphasize entertainment and team promotion. Those interested in trying out will need to bring a $15 registration fee, complete a registration form and submit it along with a photo and bio. Audition attire should include a sports bra and shorts with tights underneath.
Rebecca Rozic began her dance career in her hometown of Kansas City, MO. She spent her childhood years dancing at White Oak Dance Academy, and continued dancing through high school. Rozic next danced for the Kansas City T-Bones baseball team and the Kansas City Comets indoor soccer team while she pursued her bachelor’s degree in Business at University of Missouri-Kansas City. She relocated to Erie four years ago with her employer, GE-Transportation, and joined Penn State Erie, the Behrend College dance team while pursing her graduate studies there. Rozic also danced for the Erie Freeze for two years, serving one of those as captain. She joined the RiverRats for their 2008 Erie inaugural season as captain. According to Rozic, “I am so excited to continue as ERIEsistables director for the fourth season. The team is an integral part of team promotion, and with the new ownership group, Erie’s hometown pride is contagious! We have many new activities planned, including a cheer-dance camp for future ERIEsistables members. It’s going to be a banner year!” Rebecca and her husband Tim Rozic currently reside in Harborcreek.
Rozic, ERIEsistables director, along with additional veteran ERIEsistables, will be at the Millcreek Mall on Saturday January 16th from 1-3 p.m. looking for 2010 recruits. Be sure to visit them at the Main Stage to get information about the January 23rd tryouts and find out what it’s like to be an ERIEsistable. Applications will also be available at the Millcreek Mall and on site or in advance by e-mailing rrozic@erieprofessionalfootball.com. More information is available by calling Rebecca Rozic at 814-688-4946.
Four-year veteran of the 49ers Gold Rush Amy will represent her squad at the 2010 Pro Bowl. Amy works as a Senior Financial Analyst.
Amanda T. has been selected as the 2010 New Orleans Saints Pro Bowl Cheerleader. She will travel to Miami to represent the New Orleans Saintsations. Amanda was selected by her team based on her dedication to the New Orleans Saintsations. According to Lesslee Fitzmorris, New Orleans Saintsations Management, “Amanda is a beautiful person on the inside and out. She is 100% dedicated to the organization and it’s mission of public service to the community. She is a great role model for young girls and a wonderful representative for our organization.” Amanda was selected as a New Orleans Magazine 2010 “People to Watch.” Amanda is from Brandon Mississippi. She attended the School for Film and Television in New York City. She has a degree in Business Management and is active in the arts community in New Orleans. When asked about her selection, Amanda says, “I feel honored to represent the amazing young women on this team. We are all very close and each girl brings outstanding attributes to the team. I feel so very fortunate to be a part of this group and I vow to represent them to the best of my ability.”
(Little late with this. It was online before last week’s playoff games)
By Steve Mazzucchi
Esquire
Come December, Dallas is done. That’s been the critics’ take on the Cowboys, and after a loss to the Chargers four weeks back left Tony Romo with a 5-12 record in that month, could you blame them? Then the ‘Boys topped the Saints, Redskins, and Eagles to finish the season 11-5. NFC East champs. Curse crushed.
At least one sideline supporter never feared late-season futility, anyway. Fifth-year Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Sarah Gourley teaches dance to kids (“Everything from ballet and tap to hip-hop and musical theater”), dominates video games (“I thought I was good at regular bowling, but I am even better on the Wii”), and relishes troop-supporting tours from Iraq to Guantánamo Bay. On the eve of NFC Wildcard Weekend, she looked ahead to how the new year might see Romo and Co. shine all the way to a record ninth Super Bowl appearance for Dallas.
ESQUIRE: Midway through December, critics declared the Cowboys dead and buried. How vindicating was it to win those last three games?
SARAH GOURLEY: I wrote an article for our Web site saying I don’t believe in the December curse, and the guys shouldn’t either, and I think that got into their heads a bit. To beat the Saints and be their first defeat of the season really shows what kind of team we are. It got us on a roll, and for our fans in Dallas and everywhere, it proves you can’t judge a team off teams of the past.
ESQ: You guys whupped Philly 24-0 on Sunday. How will this Saturday’s rematch be different?
SG: It’s really difficult to beat a team three times. The Eagles will bring a different game, but our secondary has really worked hard to prevent the big plays that have propelled them against other teams. We can kind of read each other’s cards at this point. I think we might see some trick plays, because everybody knows exactly what’s happening.
ESQ: Is it any different cheering in the new $1 billion Cowboy palace?
SG: Completely different. Everything’s a new ballgame. The architecture is beautiful, but the biggest thing for the cheerleaders is, we crammed into a tiny little room at Texas Stadium. Now we have a beautiful new locker room, cosmetic lights in our lockers, our own outlets — oh my gosh, it was like moving into a mansion.
ESQ: Who do you see making the biggest impact this weekend?
SG: I see big things out of Felix Jones. His speed is important to ward off blitzes. I think cornerback Mike Jenkins will be a big factor. He and Miles Austin and Anthony Spencer are some of our best young players right now. Keith Brooking is big in a different way — a lot of tackles, a few sacks, but also he’s a great cheerleader. His energy has stepped our defense up to the next level. We just learned Romo was named NFC offensive player of the month, which is kind of ironic, because people basically put the Cowboys in the trash after those first two games. If the line can give him time, we’ll be in great shape.
ESQ: We haven’t heard as much about Mr. Romo’s social life this season. Think he’s been more mature and focused?
SG: I can’t say, exactly. From the sideline, it appears that he is, that football is a major priority. I don’t know if that has to do with his personal life, or a personal choice, but it’s exciting. It’s what we’ve been waiting for — his focus and drive is really a key factor in leading our team.
ESQ: Tweeteth DeSean Jackson Sunday night: “Got smashed by them cowboys 2daaaaaay sheeeeesh its all good we gonna sting they ass next week lil buddy.” Thoughts?
SG: The first thing I’ll say is, um, 24-nothing. It’s kind of a compliment to our organization that players go out of their way to say something about us. I don’t think that’ll happen this week. It’ll be a better game, more exciting, closer. I’ll take a shutout any time, but I’m positive that Jackson will be bringing his game this week, as well as the rest of the team.
ESQ: Which Eagles are the most dangerous?
SG: Jackson is definitely one of their best players, it’s no secret. Donovan McNabb always is — you give him the time, he’ll get it done. A kicker can be a problem or a weapon. David Akers could be spot on. The Eagles are a really good team. This is no easy game.
ESQ: Of course, now everyone’s declaring you guys Super Bowl favorites. Realistic?
SG: The funny thing about the playoffs is, it’s all about momentum. Two years ago we were 13-3, but going into the playoffs, I didn’t think we had very good momentum. And the Giants, who had been on and off, were getting better every week. That’s kind of what’s happened with us. We’ve clicked and grown as a team, and we really have the energy we need. There are still things we need to fix, but we’re on the road to Super Bowl contention. How exciting is that?
ESQ: Any predictions for Jets/Bengals, Packers/Cardinals, and Ravens/Patriots?
SG: The Jets have really been doing better lately, but the Bengals played no one last week, so how you can tell? I think the Bengals go in with an upper hand. Packers and Cardinals, another hard game. I think the Packers might come out of that one, but I’m a little partial because I’m from Wisconsin. And you have to go with the Pats. They’ve had an interesting year, but I’d still take them in the playoffs. I had ACL surgery around the same time as Brady, so now I pull for him a bit.
[Sarah at DallasCowboysCheerleaders.com]
Philadelphia Fight Vixens Dance Team presented by CaRu Entertainment
Date: Sunday, March 14, 2010
Time: 12 p.m. — 5 p.m.
Location: Conshohocken Health and Fitness, 1100 East Hector Street,
Conshohocken, PA 19428
Wardrobe: Dance shorts, sports bra/mid-drift and dance sneakers. Feel free to bring warm-ups for pre-performance. Come hair and make-up ready.
What to expect: Choreography will be taught by the professionals of CaRu Entertainment, based out of New York City. The combination will be performed in front of a panel of judges, which will include CaRu and Fight representatives. Finalists will be interviewed by the panel after the performance round.
Requirements: Previous dance/performance experience is strongly preferred. Physically fit. Must be 18 years of age or older by March 14, 2010, and a high school graduate.
Please register by submitting a recent photograph/headshot and a brief bio to: auditions@caruentertainment.com.
On the day of auditions, please bring the $10 entry fee with the completed application form (to be provided). Checks can be made payable to CaRu Entertainment, LLC.
Rugby League is one of the most popular professional sports on the international stage, and is rapidly growing in the United States. The Fight Vixens presented by CaRu Entertainment, LLC, is one of only two dance teams for rugby league in the U.S. so this is your chance to be at the forefront of a rising trend. Dance team members are expected to attend all practices, all Fight home games and take part in appearances and events during the season.
To learn more about the Philadelphia Fight visit: www.fightrugby.com
Questions or for more information, email auditions@caruentertainment.com.
(It’s been almost two weeks since I took these photos. I’m always playing catch-up)
I was originally going up for the Lakers-Nets game on December 18th. But then two feet of snow fell and my car was blocked in by even higher piles of snow. I was better off anyway. Kimberlee Garris, NETS Entertainment Manager, told me that after the game it took her 2 hours just to go from the Izod Center to Manhattan.
So, I went with a backup plan and visited on December 30th when the Nets hosted their cross-Hudson the New York Knicks.
By terms of the credential, I can only go out on the court to shoot the entertainers, so I spent most of the time under the stands, where the Dancers and Stunters were preparing.
I arrived about 5pm as the Nets Dancers and Team Hype began rehearsals.
But many of the Nets Dancers had already put in a long day. They had been at the Izod Center since 8am teaching hundreds of girls at the Nets Dance Clinic.
Nets Dancer Captain Jessica choreographed the routine. DVDs were sent to local dance studios, where the girls practiced their moves. At the clinic they worked on their formations and positioning. And then had the opportunity to perform for the fans just before the game started.
Entertainers circle up before going on to perform.
Just one of the many uniforms the Nets Dancers changed into and out of during the night.
This is Kayte, a member of the Nets stunt team: Team Hype. She cheered at the University of Delaware for three years. Now she’s studying for the CPA exam. She also is partner in Stunners Entertainment, a performance cheerleading company.
Nets Entertainment Manager Kimberlee Garris with Nets Dance Coach Trixia (pronounced Tricia). Trixia danced for the Knicks and the Nets. She earned her PharmD from Rutgers (a six-year program) and now works in the pharmaceutical industry.
Getting ready for the burrito toss. Those aren’t really burritos. They are t-shirts with free burrito coupons.
The Dunking Divas! (and another uniform change!) At halftime members of the Nets Dancers and Team Hype performed all sorts of wild dunks for the fans. Some of the Dunkers will travel to Dallas and perform at the NBA All-Star Game next month.
The guys of Team Hype.
Nets Dancers Captain Laura encourage the crowd in the 4th quarter.
It’s been a bit of struggle for the basketball team this season, so the Dancers haven’t had many chances to come out for a post-game celebratory dance. But on this night fortune smiled and the Nets defeated the Knicks.
And to top off an wonderful evening, the Nets Dancers sent me home with their hot off the presses 2009-10 poster!
[Nets Dancers Official Website]
As top NFL players were collecting votes and long before St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson knew he would be packing his bags for Miami Gardens, Florida, Rams cheerleader Shannon was already well aware of her plans for January 31, 2010. In November, Shannon, a well deserving candidate, was selected to represent the Rams cheerleading squad at the 2010 Pro Bowl.
For both players and cheerleaders, being in the Pro Bowl is an honor that requires a fine blend of hard work, dedication and talent. Long after the Rams 2009 season comes to a close, Shannon will still be preparing and learning new routines. By now, she has been in contact with the league and soon will get a DVD on the dances she will have to learn. Shannon says, “It’s going to take lots of practicing because I want to make sure I go down there prepared. It’s going to be a busy week, so I want to make sure I stay healthy and exercise so I am ready.”
Shannon has received some advice from Valerie, the Rams representative at the 2009 Pro Bowl and is also looking forward to receiving a packet of information former Pro Bowl cheerleaders are putting together for the 2010 squad. When asked about being chosen to represent the organization, Shannon said, “I was very surprised. There are so many girls on the team who deserve to go and it was an honor to be chosen.”
Shannon learned she would be making her first Pro Bowl appearance while sh was featured at the November 15, game against the Saints. Shannon said, “My mom and grandma were at the game so it was nice to have people there to share it with me.” Cheerleader Coordinator Theresa Mancini speaks highly of Shannon and is very confident in the Rams’ decision to send Shannon to the Pro Bowl. Mancini says, “Shannon is an outstanding member of the squad and we’re thrilled to hav her represent the Rams. Her personality, performance ability and professionalism make her an all-around great representative.”
NorthSouth TV is in full affect to cast the next season of Say Yes To The Dress on TLC. The Second season will take place at Bridals by Lori in Atlanta , Georgia and is being filmed from February through April 2010. Bridals by Lori is the largest couture bridal store in America , there website is bridalsbylori.com.
To be considered for the show interested applicants will need to fill out the application at northsouth.tv, there is also a link to the application on the Bridals By Lori website.
There is no payment to be on the show, travel to Atlanta for out of town applicants is not covered, and we are looking for serious wedding dress shoppers with various budgets. No drama necessary, just looking for really fun people with great stories to share with our audience.
Interested applicants can email brandy@northsouth.tv with any questions.
