By By Gery Woelfel
The Journal-Times
If you had ever arrived early for a Milwaukee Bucks game at the BMO Harris Bradley Center over the last couple of decades, you couldn’t help but notice Lois Koepke.
She was constantly moving about the court, showing the intensity and fire reminiscent of a coach. In fact, she was a coach, although her official title was director of Energee!, the highly-energetic, highly entertaining dance team for the Bucks.
For 22 years before her departure two years ago, Koepke was the heart and soul behind Energee! Her almost-obsessive attention to detail and her incessant quest for perfection transformed Energee! into one of the premier dance groups in sports.
Suffice to say, Koepke has tales to tell about her life and times as the director of Energee! She’ll be sharing some of her better ones, not to mention some of her juicier ones, in a forthcoming book titled: “Lady of the Court: Behind the Scenes of NBA Entertainment.”
“I started working on this book about two years ago,” Koepke said. “People have always asked me about what was going on behind the scenes, what were our rules. I’ve been asked a whole bunch of questions and I talk about them and answer them in the book.
“I think this is an informative book; I think it’s an honest book. If you’re an NBA fan, you would be interested in reading this book. Even if you’re an average fan, in any sport, and don’t know the stuff that goes on behind the scenes, you’d be interested in this book.”
Koepke’s book touches on an array of subjects, from how dancers are selected to her strict stance on prohibiting dancers from dating NBA players — and the repercussions if they did — to delicate business and entertainment matters.
Working for a high-profile business like the NBA has its share of peaks, like meeting with the industry’s stars, and valleys, like having confrontational clashes over organizational decisions.
Koepke is quick to note much of her time working in conjunction with the Bucks and the NBA was memorable and favorable. But she also candidly concedes there were times that weren’t so pleasant.
She brings those encounters to light in the book as well.
“Ninety-five percent of the people (in the Bucks organization) were awesome to work with,” Koepke said. “I never had any issues with the majority of people there. Most of the issues that came up were handled fairly.
“At the same time, there were two big events that happened, two events that changed the court of my career and I had to write about them.”
Koepke noted how one of those events pertained to an injury suffered by one of her dancers while at practice. She didn’t divulge the other incident.
Koepke’s book is bound to draw instant attention. Just a glance at the provocative cover will arouse curiosity. It shows the back legs of a woman in nylons and cherry-red pumps with a basketball next to her.
“There are only 30 of us (dance directors in the NBA); it’s a small community,” Koepke said. “But there’s never been a book written about it. Obviously, this is from my perspective. It’s about passion, about dreams that come true and it’s about disappointment.
“I will say this: I don’t know if the Bucks organization will be happy with it or not. But I’m OK with that. What I wrote is truthful.”
[Lady of the Court at Tate Publishing]
A Washington Kastles Cheerleader
The Vikings Cheerleaders held their Final Auditions at the Mall of America on Tuesday.
The new squad features 23 veterans and 12 rookies (including 8 dancers from the MVC Training Program)
Game Day Assistant Polly with Vikings Cheerleader Head Coach Tami Krause
Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders: Making of the Team will air this Friday,after the Twins Game, on FOXSports North
[2014-15 Vikings Cheerleaders Video]
[2014-15 Vikings Cheerleaders Photo Gallery]
Susie Sanchez, Former Oakland Raiderette Cheerleader, Released Her First Book. “The Dream Lived” Is a Memoir That Reminds Us to Shoot for the Moon and Reach for the Stars
The Dream Lived is a story about hope and determination.. never giving up and living your dream.
New book “The Dream Lived” from Page Publishing author Susie Sanchez describes how, defying all odds, Sanchez, a lifelong dancer, perseveres through the trials and tribulations of balancing family life with dance life as she dreams of performing on a grander scale. Whether she’s teaching dance to neighborhood children, helping raise her granddaughter, or achieving success as a Professional Cheerleader in the NFL, Sanchez embraces each and every experience, and aspires to positively impact everyone she meets throughout her incredible journey.
“I would describe my book as heartfelt, emotional, inspirational and real. I would describe its message as powerful, motivating and attainable.” Susie Sanchez’s poignant tale provides a window into the life of a woman who would not be deterred from realizing her dreams. Through heartbreak and hardship she persisted to reach her pinnacle of achievement.
Susie Sanchez is a devoted wife, mother and a grandmother. In 2010, Susie became a member of the San Jose Wolves (American Indoor Football) dance team – The She Wolves. However, she is best known for her venture dancing as a professional cheerleader in the NFL during the 2011-2012 season for the Oakland Raiders as a Raiderette. Featured in numerous media, network and Internet outlets, Susie captured the attention of many on a national level in her pursuit of living her dream. Named by FoxSports.com as one of 15 Sports Mothers we salute on Mother’s Day 2013, she continues to inspire others with her determination, passion and commitment.
Readers who wish to experience this inspirational memoir can purchase “The Dream Lived” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play or Barnes and Noble.
A Baltimore Blast Cheerleader
This month is our Tenth Anniversary and to celebrate we’re posting some of our all-time favorite photos.
A Jacksonville Axe Maiden at the Atlanta Sheraton, 2011
At the 2011 P-R-O Convention, David Tyau scouted the hotel and suggested the pool area as a possible shooting location. And then the Jacksonville Axe Maidens were kind of enough to get up early on Sunday morning before the convention resumed and we did a little photoshoot in and around the pool.
2014 HoneyBees Auditions
Saturday, June 7th
Time Warner Cable Arena
Registration begins at 9 pm
Auditions start at 10pm
Requirements
Must be at least 18 years of age by June 7th, 2014 (must present valid ID)
Must have graduated from high school or received G.E.D.
Must have proper audition attire and footwear
You must be available every night during the week of boot camp (June 8th-June 15th)
Audition Day Tips:
Come dressed in your Hornets inspired dance gear. Show off your love for the Hornets in purple and teal! Must include a midriff top and shorts and non-marking shoes
Bring a warm up suit or cover up. Restrooms will be available but there will be no formal changing area
Concession stands will NOT be open, bring your own snacks and water
Frequently Asked Questions:
What should I do to prepare for Tryouts?
We suggest attending one of our prep classes to prepare you for the audition process
Do I need to have formal dance training?
No, you don’t know need to have any formal dance training. Dance skills are recommended but the judges will be looking for other qualities such as physical fitness, entertainment factor, and personality
Can my friends and family come to auditions?
Yes! Our open audition is open to the public so your friends and family can support you for round 1. Buzz City will be alive and supportive that night to start our new era of HoneyBees.
What do I need to wear to auditions?
Middrif top and shorts with a “Hornets” vibe. Outfit should utilize Hornets colors. Be creative, be sexy, and show your love for Buzz City. Must wear non-marking soled shoes. Tennis shoes or dance shoes recommended.
How should I wear my hair and make up?
Please come with your hair styled and your makeup on.
Will there be compensation?
Yes, HoneyBees are paid for home games, appearances, and rehearsals.
What is the time commitment and is this a full time job?
This is a part-time job, all HoneyBees must either have another full time job or are taking classes. Dancers must be able to commit to a full NBA game schedule as well as 2-3 rehearsals per week from August 2014 – May 2015. If you are unable to commit to rehearsals and games you should not audition
What are some of the perks of being a HoneyBee?
Exciting photo shoots, international travel, team-building events, opportunity to participate in charitable events, tickets to Hornets games, just to name a few!
What other dates should I be prepared for in June?
You should be prepared for the entire 8 days of Bootcamp (June 8-15th). You should also be prepared to attend events on the following dates: June 19th, June 23rd, June 26th, and June 27th-29th
If you have any further questions, please email HoneyBees Coach Brandii McCoy at ladycats@bobcats.com
Follow the Lady Cats on Twitter and Instagram for tips and tricks leading up to tryouts @theladycats
Kelli of the ROAR of Jacksonville at 2011 Ohana Day
This month is our Tenth Anniversary and to celebrate we’re posting some of our all-time favorite photos.
Lauren of the Philadelphia Fight Vixens Dance Team in 2009
Another cheerleader with a great smile, I snapped this shot of Lauren while the team photographer was taking the dancer’s official photos.
The 2014 squad gathered at Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs Cheerleader poster shoot
By Rachel Santschi
KCChiefs.com
The Chiefs Cheerleaders returned from their calendar trip last week and just finished their poster shoot over the weekend at Arrowhead Stadium. The 33 ladies arrived at 7a.m. for an all day photo shoot on Saturday, including individual shots, a group shot, cheer group shots and a shoot with all the captains.
“Poster shoot is a long and tedious process,” Stephanie Judah, Chiefs Cheerleader Director, explained. “You can’t rush and you need to make sure you get the best shot of each girl. It’s fun, but takes a lot of work. Thankfully, we have a huge team to help make this day run smoothly. From our amazing photographer, to Beauty Brands styling hair and doing make-up, to Alumni Cheerleaders helping and guiding poses and positions, it takes all of us to create this amazing piece of history.”
The Chiefs Cheerleader posters are used throughout the year. The girls bring these posters on appearances, to community events, on game days or on military tours; they autograph each one and distribute them to the Chiefs Kingdom.
To kickoff the day, each girl took a headshot and a full body shot in the Chiefs Cheerleader uniform and for some, this was when a dream became a reality.
“Poster shoot is a very exciting time for all of our Cheerleaders,” Judah noted. “It is when the rookies put on that uniform and realize their dreams have come true. For veterans, it is that moment of excitement to be part of history for another year. It is so special to watch all of them come together and become the 2014 team. It is truly a special moment.”
During the poster shoot, it is a chance for the veterans to work closely with the rookies and is the first time they are all able to wear the Chiefs Cheerleader uniform.
“Poster shoot is the moment when it all hits you and you realize that we are the current team, we are the 2014 squad,” Krissy, Chiefs Cheerleader Captain, explained. “For the rookies, poster shoot is their ‘pinch me, I really made the squad’ moment and as a veteran, I love seeing the rookies blossom and their eyes twinkle with excitement. We take so much pride in these posters and it’s an incredible experience with the team.”
Following individual shots is the group shot, which includes all 33 ladies and takes much longer than you would think.
“Most people don’t realize how much goes into shooting that group photo,” Summer, Chiefs Cheerleader Captain, said. “Every detail has to be perfect, including the spacing of the formation, angles of the bodies, uniforms laying the right way, hair and makeup and more. Having 33 people take a great photo all at once is not an easy task, but we want to give this organization the representation that it deserves and we always end up getting an incredible shot.”
There is also the captain photo shoot; these photos will appear on the back of the poster, while the group shot is on the front. The girls also pose with their cheer groups and to end the day, they have their individual athletic shots.
“The last shoot of the day is our rendition of ‘Sporty Chick’,” Krissy said. “It’s our opportunity to show our fashion personalities with a sporty twist and is probably the shot that the girls enjoy the most. I love watching the ladies during these individual shots; I feel I learn so much about their personalities and fashion taste and we all have a lot of fun with these shots.”
It was a long day and a lot of hard work but the girl’s love seeing the final product and being able to hand out those poster to Chiefs fans around the world.
“These posters become a piece of history that lives on forever,” Judah noted. “This 2014 squad did a phenomenal job. I truly appreciate everyone’s hard work and can’t wait to see the finished product.”
