James, East Coast Correspondent – Page 72

Siobhan of the Brooklynettes

Tiana of the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders

Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Jinelle Esther is living her dream. The Melbourne fitness instructor is heading into her second season as a cheerleader with the biggest sporting franchise in the world.

ESCAPE: Culturally, it’s a long way from Australia to Dallas – what’s the biggest difference for you?

JE: The driving. On the other side of the road as well as much faster than we are used to in Australia (much stricter road rules back home!) Also, the food. I think generally the culture of fast food and drive-through dining options are much more common here.

ESCAPE: When friends or family come to visit, where is the first place you take them to experience the real Dallas?

JE: The stadium, of course. AT&T Stadium is overwhelming and super-exciting for visitors. I would also take my family to Fort Worth to share the country and western atmosphere and authentic cowboy culture.

ESCAPE: What are your favourite spots for breakfast?

JE: Bread Winners restaurants are a nice experience, and they have a broad menu.

ESCAPE: What about dinner? What places do you like to eat at?

JE: HG Supply in Lower Greenville is my favourite – it’s a fun vibe and they have a clean, fresh and organic menu. I also love WholeFoods for healthy options to have during our busy practice schedule.

ESCAPE: Where do you do your fashion shopping? Any tips for readers on how to get the best bargains?

JE: Belk at the Galleria Dallas is a great choice for shopping. They stock several fashion brands and run sales and specials often.

ESCAPE: What’s your favourite day trip?

JE: I absolutely love Austin! It’s a fun little getaway road trip with the mates and there’s so much to do and enjoy there.

ESCAPE: Apart from Dallas, what’s your favourite part of the US and why?

JE: New York City. I was lucky enough to get to visit last year, and fell in love with the energy and excitement. There’s a constant buzz around the city. Also, there are so many wonderful places to take dance classes with some of the best choreographers in the world. Not to mention all the incredible Broadway shows you can see. Wow.

ESCAPE: Tipping is something that is foreign to most Australians. What’s the correct amount to tip?

JE: I’ve been told it varies according to the activity, however, I believe 15 to 18 per cent is standard.

From Buccaneers.com

The Buccaneers were honored for their efforts to support military reservists Friday.

Buccaneers Cheerleader & Mascot Manager Tara Battiato was given the Patriotic Employer Award by ESGR, an organization that supports reservists by ensuring they maintain civilian employment when they are called to active duty orders. Battiato was nominated by Jeannie Gonzalez, a first-year member of the Buccaneers Cheerleaders who is currently an active-duty reservist in the U.S. Navy.

Kaitlyn and BriAnna of the Gotham City Cheerleaders during a break in rehearsal on Sunday.

A pair of Toronto Argos Cheerleaders (Photo courtesy of Rick in Canada)

Titans Cheerleaders traveled to Japan to entertain and visit with U.S. military members stationed at Camp Zama and Osaka

Titans Cheerleaders Yalea and Heidi recently traveled to Japan to entertain and visit with U.S. military members stationed at Camp Zama and Osaka.

During their six-day tour, managed by ProTour Productions, the ladies had the opportunity to experience Japanese culture, while simultaneously bringing the troops and their families a little bit of America to keep their spirits lifted high during football season.

The cheerleaders spent time with service members during meals and various events throughout the week. They also taught a cheer and dance clinic to children living on American military bases, and enjoyed a meet-and-greet with young Japanese women aspiring to become NFL Cheerleaders.

“I come from a military family, and I understand the daily sacrifices military personnel and their families make on a daily basis to serve this country,” Heidi said. “Having the chance to travel to Japan and personally thank the troops stationed there meant a lot to me. I felt so welcomed by everyone at Camp Zama, and I hope that we were able to bring our troops a little taste of home.”

It marked the fourth visit for Titans Cheerleaders to American military bases in Japan. Over the last three years, the cheerleaders have entertained American troops in Kuwait, Djibouti, Guam, Diego Garcia and Alaska, among other locations.

To see more pictures from their tour, follow Yalea and Heidi on Twitter at: @Yalea_TTC and @HeidiLWest .

Pro Tour Productions is led by former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Director of Cheerleading, Sandy Charboneau. Created in 2010, ProTour Productions has worked with various entertainers, including NFL players and cheerleaders, comedians and musicians, to raise morale for the U.S. Armed Forces on six continents through dozens of international tours. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/protourproductions.