Taylor Clark, Washburn Rural High School graduate, moved to LA in 2013
By Katie Moore
The Topeka Capital-Journal
January 17, 2016

A native Topekan will be featured on a new docuseries premiering on E! network this spring.

Taylor Clark, a dancer for the Los Angeles Clippers, will be part of the show titled “L.A. Clippers Dance Squad.”

“I’m excited to see how (the show) will come out and how it will all be put together,” she said.

Clark graduated from Washburn Rural High School in 2012 and attended Kansas State University for a year. Though college was a positive experience, she opted to put school on hold and pursue her dancing dream. Her parents, Bruce and Cindy Clark, were supportive of the decision.

In July 2013, Clark headed to Los Angeles. Moving was “one of the greatest risks I’ve ever taken,” she said. However it’s been rewarding, Clark said, as she has gotten to learn a lot about herself and make new friends.

In California, she began seeking out opportunities, going on auditions and castings and finding some success in getting booked. Additionally, a dance agency picked her up.

In July 2015, she auditioned for the L.A. Clippers’ Spirit Dance Team. Filming for the docuseries began at the audition. The cameras followed the prospective dancers as they progressed through the process — from auditions, interviews, selection, practices and performances at games.

Clark said the show is an inside look of what it is like to be an NBA dancer, from the hard work that goes into the job to some of the members’ personal lives.

At first, Clark said, it was weird to have cameras around so much and to always be hooked up to a microphone. But it is something she has gotten more used to.

Being a dancer on the team has presented some challenges and special opportunities. The coach of the team has changed up the style of dancing — in the past, there were cheerleader-type routines. They now are incorporating “industrial dance,” which has more of an urban and hip-hop approach. Clark said the change hopefully will let fans see that they are “not just pretty cheerleaders,” but athletes.

The dancers practice on Sundays and Mondays and before each game, arriving before the basketball players on game day. It is more commitment than people assume, she said.

At times, extra rehearsals are necessary to ensure the team has the choreography down.

“There’s a great team atmosphere,” she said.

Clark has had the opportunity to travel on the squad, performing in many parts of the U.S. and in China and Taiwan.

“It’s been an incredible experience,” Clark said. “It’s so much fun.”

In February, Clark — who was named a co-captain — will travel to Toronto for the NBA All-Star Game. Only one dancer from each of the NBA’s basketball teams was chosen to participate.

A date for the debut of the eight-episode series hasn’t been set, but Clark said she expects it will be sometime in March.

The Line Up
January 5, 2016

Color us proud! This last August, one of our very own local talents, Kristina Ferdig (a former Viking cheerleader and Line Up model) landed a new role as Director of Cheerleading for the Arizona Cardinals. Without skipping a beat, Kristina tackled her first task: Designing and ordering the team’s new uniforms.

This was not a simple assignment. For one, these new uniforms had to be high-quality and long-lasting, as well as stay consistent with the previous look. However, Kristina also wanted a fresh, new, feminine style. The right fit was even more important. Kristina needed her girls to feel comfortable and confident. But the clock was ticking. With less than 2 months’ turnaround time, the deadline was tight!

The Line Up Steps Up – Collaborating with the Cardinals

Kristina turned to The Line Up and we sprang to action! We worked with the manufacturer that made the Cardinals’ NFL uniform to get the right fabric and color – making sure we met all of the NFL branding requirements. Of course, communication was essential throughout this process. As a NFL cheerleading team, many pens had to sign-off on the new uniforms. But that didn’t slow us down. The Line Up team partnered closely with Kristina, so nothing was left to chance.

Some of the unique features of these costumes included the NFL branding, a detailed logo embroidered on the waistbands and plenty of rhinestones so Kristina’s girls would shine brightly in stadiums. Despite the many moving parts, we delivered the newly-styled, comfortable-fitting uniforms on time and ready to wear. All dolled up in their new uniforms, Cardinals’ Cheerleaders can confidently showcase their amazing talent and abilities and, of course, cheer on those Cardinals!

Check out a few pics of Kristina during her Vikings and Line Up modeling days! Feminine, girly styles were always her favorite!

Want to see more pro teams and their recent designs? Get inspired and check out our portfolio section!

A couple of months old, but still worth posting…sasha

By Jay Betsill
Special to DFW.com
Nov. 2, 2015

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks Dancers held their squad photo and cameo shoot at a studio near the 2011 NBA champion’s headquarters in the shadows of downtown in Deep Ellum.

[Video and Photo Gallery]

This is an important day for the team as the squad photo is the picture that Mavs fans from around the world will see and the photo that the dancers will sign at all of their appearances throughout the NBA season and the next calendar year.

In addition to the squad photo, each of the 20 dancers did their individual cameo photos that will be used in promos on the video board at American Airlines Center and in printed materials including the official game day programs in the Inside Dish section.

Another significant part of the day comes when many of the rookies don their Mavs Dancers uniform for the very first time.

“Squad photo shoot day was an awesome experience,” said rookie Mavs Dancer Meredith. “When I put the uniform on for the first time, it was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had and I definitely felt like I was a part of the team. I had that ‘wow’ feeling that I really had accomplished my dream.”

There is also the subliminal bonding that goes on as veterans helped out the rookies, many of whom have never experienced a full-scale photo shoot. Whether it is lending a helpful suggestion while working on a pose or simply calming nerves prior to the individual shoots where all of the attention is focused solely on the particular dancer who was out on the seamless background.

“We have a good group of girls this year and I think the best part about squad photo shoot day was that we all got to know each a little more,” said six-year veteran Mavs Dancer Emily M. “My first year, I was definitely more nervous, wondering how my hair and makeup looked because I knew how many people were going to see the photo, but throughout the years, I have become much more accustomed to how things go on the photo shoot days.

“Part of being a veteran is actually making sure the rookies feel comfortable and if they need anything, I am here for them,” she continued. “We actually had former Mavs Dancer Sequel on hand to help with makeup and uniform fitting and it basically lets the new girls see that team is one big family.”

The Mavs Dancers first full team performance for the 2015-16 season took place at the Mavs Fan Jam on the court at American Airlines Center.

The 2015-16 Dallas Mavericks Dancers are: Veterans Emily M., Lauren, Ashley W., Kathryn, Alexis, Amber, Kassandra, Elise, Hayley, Emily V., and Hunter and rookies Ansley, Karielle, Janae, Katelyn, Raegan, Meredith, Lexie, Ashley H. and Sydney.

For more information on the Mavs Dancers, visit mavs.com.

DenverBroncos.com

Get to know a little more about fifth-year Denver Broncos Cheerleader, Patricia.

Through the lens: DBC Patricia

This is your fifth year, what keeps you coming back to be a part of this team?

I keep coming back to be a Denver Broncos Cheerleader because, number one, I love the Broncos and I love football. Secondly, I love our Junior Denver Broncos Cheerleaders program. I’ve created a really strong bond with my group of girls for the past five years and watching them grow is so rewarding. I’m very proud of them. It’s just really cool to know that you’re making such a huge impact in someone’s life.

Would you say that the audition process gets easier or harder every year?

For me, it didn’t necessarily get easier but I gained more confidence. Your first year you’re so nervous and you want it really bad. And then your second year you’re more nervous because you know what you have to lose if you don’t make it. But I’d have to say after your third year, you realize as a veteran that you put your best out there because you have to show girls what it means to be a Denver Broncos Cheerleader. So you definitely gain more confidence and you have to earn your spot but you know your place on the team.

What did you want to be when you were a younger?

When I was a kid my mom was a huge Star Trek fan so I was always watching space movies and space shows. My dream was to become an astronaut.

What sports did you play when you were younger?

When I was younger I tried a lot of different sports. I played soccer, t-ball, swimming and tennis but my main sport was dance. I did Irish dancing from when I was five all the way until I was 16 and dancing has always been a part of what I do.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Pizza, flaming hot Cheetos and buying shoes.

What three things you would take with you on a deserted island?

My dad was a big outdoorsman so I’m going to go survival mode on this answer. I would bring a knife, a water bottle with a filter and a lighter.

If you were a Broncos football player what position would you play?

I would be a cornerback. I would love to tackle people but I would also like the opportunity to score on an interception. It’s a very well rounded position; you get a little bit of everything.

What is your favorite holiday?

Fourth of July.

What is your favorite Disney movie?

Pocahontas.

What is something you can’t live without?

My inhaler.

What is your favorite thing to cook?

Mashed potatoes.

What is your favorite music genre?

EDM.

What is your favorite app?

My banking app.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Mexico.

What is your favorite dance style?

Hip-hop.

What is your favorite Star Wars character?

An Ewok.

What actress would play you in your life story?

Jordana Brewster.

by Alyssa Romeo
Denver Nuggets
January 14, 2016

Becca, who is in her fifth season with the Denver Nuggets Dancers, has been selected as one of the elite members of the 2016 NBA All-Star Dance Team in Toronto.

“I’m just super honored and very excited to be able to represent our team,” Becca said.

The All-Star Dance Team is determined through a peer nomination and voting process. With over 600 girls across the nation currently holding a position on an NBA dance team roster, one dancer is selected from each of the teams, leaving just 30 spots for the best-of-the-best from each city.

“Becca was the Nuggets Dancers’ top choice for the All-Star Dance Team position,” said Amy Jo Wagner, Manager of the Denver Nuggets Dance Team. “The dancers each voted for their top three candidates to recommend to the NBA for the position. Becca was nominated over and over again because she is such a great representation for our team.”

Becca will be the face of the Denver Nuggets Dance team during one of the most highly viewed professional sporting events of the year. Her advanced dance techniques and uncanny ability to master and perform choreography during a short period of time will be some of her biggest assets during all-star training, but they won’t be the only strengths this DND will bring to Toronto.

Amy Jo stresses the importance of both Becca’s skill and attitude when approaching the annual mid-season exhibition game.

“Dancers selected for the All-Star Dance Team will need to learn several routines in a short period of time. They will have limited time to receive feedback from the coach and to rehearse with their teammates. The pressure and stress will no doubt get to the ladies throughout the week. Becca is calm in stressful situations; she doesn’t take things too seriously and will probably be the teammate that keeps the mood light during the All-Star events, just like she does here at home.”

Becca will take her talent and positive attitude to Toronto alongside her interim teammates who will all be representing their NBA affiliates at various functions throughout the week leading up to the All-Star game. Activities will include charity appearances, in-game routines, autograph signings, and the opportunity to be a back-up dancer for several of the nominated recording artists.

The All-Star weekend is Feb. 12-14, with the All-Star Celebrity Game on Friday; the skills challenge, the slam dunk contest and three-point contest on Saturday; and the official NBA All-Star game on Sunday.

By Jayme Lamm
CBS Local
January 13, 2016 10:53 AM

Ever met someone and within the first five seconds you know their personality, energy and enthusiasm put yours to shame? Like, hardcore shame? Well you have if you’ve ever met Sarah E. Livesay! Yes, that’s how she introduces herself — middle initial and exclamation point included. The exclamation point is even on her driver’s license.

“Sarah E. Livesay!” is a second-year Ben-Gal cheerleader and Louisville native who is the living embodiment of an Energizer bunny drinking Red Bull. Her bright smile is the stuff of dentist posters; her personality beats that of your favorite girl-next-door movie character. And she’s got dance moves to rival even the best YouTube dance videos. Her love for humans, canines and adventure just makes me want to use heart emojis every time I talk about her.

I left out the looks part, but you can imagine… Actually, you don’t have to. Bengals fans will see her in the team’s cheerleader calendar in February, not to mention this interview

CBS Local Sports chatted with Ben-Gals powerhouse, Sarah E. Livesay!

Sarah Livesay, Cincinnati Bengals Cheerleader (Photo Credit: Steve France)

Sarah E. Livesay!: You may be asking why I have that ‘E’ in the middle or why I put an exclamation point at the end of my name. It’s because my girlfriends from home call me ‘Sarah E.’ and I thought that exclamation point was cool when I was in middle school and it just stuck with me. I even wrote it on my AP tests in high school, and it’s currently how my driver’s license is signed. My girlfriends from Cincinnati call me Liv, Liv-Liv, Liveables, or Livers … how bad is Livers? In the Bengals organization I am known as “Sarah L.”

CBS Local Sports: Give me details about your day-to-day life?

SL: I am a Managed Print Consultant at Modern Office Methods in Cincinnati, OH. To put it plainly, I’m in sales and sell a service to manage desktop printer fleets within an organization. This is a headache for a lot of companies to do themselves, so I do it for them. I always start my day with a cup of coffee and then hit the road to meet with my current and prospective clients. Every day is a new adventure in this industry, and I love that it keeps things fresh and exciting. After work I go running or head to practice. I also have a dog named Gabbie, or “Ben-Gab,” who I love spending time with. If I have a girl’s night during the week, Gabbie is always invited too.

CBS: Have you ever gone onto the field and forgotten your routine?

SL: Oh goodness, luckily no! I have blanked on certain parts but never on the whole thing. However, at one of the games, I started out doing a completely different dance than the rest of my sideline and I was really getting into it. We were pretty far into the dance when I realized I was completely off. That was embarrassing!

CBS: If you had a reality TV show what channel would it be on?

SL: Wow, this is a hard one because I don’t watch much TV. I guess I would pick CBS, NBC or ABC because those are pretty much the only channels I watch and they keep things classy. Haha!

Sarah Livesay, Cincinnati Bengals Cheerleader (Photo Credit: Steve France)

CBS: Miley, Taylor or Beyonce?

SL: Oh man. This is a tough one too. I would say a mixture of Taylor and Beyonce! I have always been a Taylor fan and have been to several of her concerts. For casual listening I would pick Taylor but when I’m in the mood to dance or on the way to practice, Beyonce! Beyonce’s music is just easy to get into no matter how fast or slow the beat is. I went to Beyonce’s concert last summer and walked away wanting to be her.

CBS: What song instantly puts you in a good mood?

SL: Any song that Phoebe sings on the show Friends. Especially “Smelly Cat” and the song about a little black curly hair she found in her bed. Those songs crack me up.

CBS: If I gave you two plane tickets anywhere in the world — where are you going and with who?

SL: I would go to Bora Bora and take my boyfriend, Derek. I always see the most amazing pictures of that place on TV and in those magazines in the seat back pocket on planes, but I’ve never seen it for myself. I lived at the beach in South Carolina for a little over two years and am definitely a beach kind of girl. Bora Bora would be the ultimate beach experience.

CBS: Favorite thing about your city?

SL: I love that there is always something to do here. If you like sports you can go to Bengals, Reds, Cyclones, University of Cincinnati or Xavier games. We also have so many local restaurants to try. There is always a concert at Riverbend or an event going on in Washington Park. I also love taking my dog to “Yappy Hour” at the park. Cincinnati is just a very up-and-coming, happening place.

CBS: When I say the letter “T” what’s the first word that comes to mind?

SL: Twitter! I have no idea why, and it really wasn’t even a word until 2006.

Sarah Livesay, Cincinnati Bengals Cheerleader (Photo Credit: Steve France)

CBS: App you use most?

SL: Instagram – I like to post pretty pictures and keep up with bloggers. I don’t have a lot of time to shop so this is one way I can keep up with what the new trends are and also shop online. It’s also a good way to keep up with my friends and family who live in different cities.

CBS: If you could go to dinner with any celebrity/athlete, who and why?

SL: Cameron Diaz because I think she would be a lot of fun. I’ve been told that I resemble her so I would love to get a real life “look-alike” pic although I’m 7-inches shorter than her.

CBS: During the off-season, what does your perfect Sunday look like?

SL: I would start by sleeping in as late as possible. I would do brunch with the girls and probably order a breakfast burrito. In the afternoon I would go to the movies and see a comedy or go for a run. On Sunday nights I like to order thin crust pizza with my boyfriend and be lazy.

CBS: Heels or flats?

SL: HEELS, HEELS, HEELS! I am 5’2 so I love wearing heels! In sales it’s always good to have a sturdy pair of heels for client meetings. In my closet right now I have three pairs of black heels that are all different styles. I also have a pair of blush patent leather pumps. Also, I have six pairs of boots or booties in my closet and every single pair has a heel. My rain boots even have a wedge on them.

Sarah Livesay, Cincinnati Bengals Cheerleader (Photo Credit: Steve France)

CBS: Best advice you’ve ever been given but ignored?

SL: Don’t get a dog! I just have to laugh this one off. Adopting my dog, Gabbie, was probably the best choice I have ever made. She is a three-year-old Boxer Mix (or that’s what the vet said), but she looks like a “mix of perfection” because there is no telling what DNA is in my dog but it’s perfect! Gabbie has brought me so much happiness, and I’m able to give this little once-stray, then foster, a forever home where she is so loved. Gabbie and I absolutely love playing, and I love teasing her. I have an old Halloween mask I put on and chase her around the house with. Don’t worry! She loves it.

CBS: What’s your one (top-secret until now!) beauty hack?

SL: If you like to wear fake eyelashes, always use black glue! It blends in better with your eye liner. If you use white or clear glue it doesn’t look as smooth against the eyelid. When you put the glue on the eyelash, wait one minute before putting it on your eyelid. This will help it adhere faster and not move. I know a lot of people say to wait 30 seconds before applying but waiting an extra 30 seconds works better for me.

CBS: Tell me something about you people would find completely interesting?

SL: Are you ready for this? I had pet rats in the past. I know it sounds so weird but they are way nicer and smarter than gerbils and hamsters, and they don’t bite. RIP Sunny, Midnight, Salt and Pepper.

CBS: A quote or mantra you’re totally vibing on right now?

SL: Just say NO! I tend to overcommit to things and end up with too much on my plate, so I am working on saying “no” more often and making more time for myself.

CBS: Fill in these sentences:

CBS: I wish more people in this world would be…

SL: Happy.

CBS: I can’t get enough…

SL: JIF peanut butter. (Neither can Gabbie)

CBS: Yoga pants are…

SL: Super comfy and cute too.

CBS: The single coolest moment as an NFL cheerleader was…

SL: Being picked as the Cheerleader of the Week for our home opener this season.

CBS: What I love most about myself is…

SL: My positive spirit.

Follow Sarah L! on Twitter @sarahelivesay and Instagram @sarahe20.

It’s been a chilly winter for the MVC. Click here to check out some photos from last weekend’s home game. I really hope they get to keep those Uggs. Call it hazard pay.

Lots of Texans Cheerleaders, and a pinch of Ben-Gals, MVC, and the First Ladies of Football. Click here to check it out on Sports Illustrated!

Well, it’s official. The St. Louis Rams are moving to Los Angeles. As a resident of Los Angeles, I am stoked! Jazzed! Thrilled, even. After all, it’s about flippin’ time the NFL came back to LA. We’ve been waiting for soooo long. More jobs for SoCal dancers – woot! I love it!

However, as a contributor to this blog, I know this is bittersweet. Sweet for LA, but very bitter for St. Louis. My heart aches for the current squad of Rams Cheerleaders, for the people who run the Cheerleaders program, and for all the little girls in St. Louis who dreamed of growing up to become one. It is a huge loss for them.

How this will work out all remains to be seen. How will the Rams Cheerleader program change here in LA? Will there be a new director? A new look? A whole new direction? I guess we’ll find out soon enough. After all, auditions must go on!

Here they were, the last time we saw them. What will the 2016 Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders photo look like?