Ultimate Cheerleaders


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A few weeks ago, we reported that the Sea Gals had new “white” uniforms for the upcoming NFL season. They modified the blue uniforms last year, and the white ones this year. But the other day, I found out I was wrong. It goes much deeper than that. This year, they revamped the whole kit and caboodle – the tops, the skirts, the shorts, and the pants. “Action Green,” we hardly knew ye.

Not that anyone is holding their breath waiting for my opinion, but I like it. Very much.

But don’t think I didn’t notice that you shrunk the skirts as well as those itty bitty shorts.

(And there are no words to express how profoundly grateful I am that th ectoplasm colored boots disappeared even faster than the football team’s lime green jerseys. Thank you, Seattle! )


[Video] [Photos]

For those who’ve forgotten last year’s uniforms:


I am having a little dilemma, and can’t resolve it by flipping a coin, so I’m turning to you, friends, to help me decide what to do.

Here’s the deal: the San Diego Chargers Fan Fest in on Saturday.

Should I go?

First, a little background:
The last time I went to Fan Fest, it was a complete disaster. Some dude had told me I could get in early, but when got there, the stadium was locked up tight as a drum. Every single entrance was locked up tight until about 10 minutes before the event started. All I could do was wait…and wait…and wait… And circle the stadium over and over, trying to find an unlocked entrance. When they finally opened the door to the media office (2 hours later), and I asked for my credential, the guy behind the desk looked at me like I had two heads. And then I heard the music and realized the Charger Girls were already performing. I hightailed it inside, but missed half of it. And I was on the wrong side of the field, hence the side view of the action.


Exhibit A: Not the angle I was hoping for.

I was just about to give up and go home, when I remembered that I had Lacy’s cell phone number. I called her, feeling horrible for interrupting her when she was obviously busy, but I hoped at least part of this trip could be salvaged. I had no bars on my phone, and it kept cutting out, but after some back and forth, Lacy smuggled me down to the VIP tent. And then I felt even worse, because I didn’t know if she would get in trouble if I got busted. And that year I only knew a couple of girls on the team, so I kind of felt like a dumbass (pardon my French) just standing around, awkward as hell. I don’t know about you guys, but I am an introvert, and it was hard, hard, hard for me to get my courage up and start talking to people. (It’s still hard to this day.) I did get some good shots though. Eventually.


Exhibit B: There, but for the grace of Lacy, go I.


The previous year, my trip to Fan Fest was a even worse. One bummer after another. I left home at 5 am, which was a very bad idea. I fell asleep behind the wheel on the way, almost killing myself (and possibly others) on the Golden State Freeway. Once inside the stadium, I lost my footing and took a spill in the stands, ripped up my knee, and sprained an ankle. On top of that, the Chargers organization wouldn’t let anyone over 18 down to the plaza level, unless they were with a kid, so I couldn’t get close enough for decent photos. To add insult to injury, I went to the wrong side of the stadium (yes, again) and came away with tons of photos of the Charger Girls – from the back.

Exhibit C: Believe it or not, I did look at a stadium map the night before.
Perhaps I should have found one with the HOME and AWAY sides clearly marked.



And when the Charger Girls walked around the field, signing autographs, I yelled my head off, (which was absolutely mortifying) but nobody ever heard me and looked up. So I wound up shooting from above, resulting in nothing but cleavage shots. (Which may be fine with some of you, but not what I was going for, at all.)

Exhibit D: I repeat – NOT the angle I was hoping for.

I was sufficiently scarred by both experiences that I haven’t been back to Fan Fest in 3 years.

I’m not telling you this in order to gain your sympathy. I’m setting the stage, so you can understand the thought process going into this decision.

On the “Pro” side, I know many more of the girls on the team now. Most of them, I’ve never seen perform. I go to auditions every year, but I never get to see the finished product. Besides, this is probably my one shot for the year to see the Charger Girls do their thing. Plus I kind of feel like I need to redeem myself. Get back on the horse, so to speak. Maybe this time will be different. Maybe I’ll get some great shots and be SO glad I went.

On the “Con” side, obviously the Chargers Fan Fest and I do NOT get along. The first two times were a lesson. Going there a third time would surely invite disaster. There’s no way I would bother Lisa and Lacy with a request for credential. (Besides, I don’t think they have control over that kind of thing.) I fully expect the same situation where only kids are allowed down to the bottom level. Once again – a bunch of blurry distance shots. Do I really want to get up at the crack of whatever on a Saturday, and drive 260 miles (round trip) to catch a 90 second performance? The trip there goes fast. The trip back is 3-4 hours of congested freeway. 3 to 4 hours to sit in my car and stew about whatever went wrong.

If I go to Fan Fest and disaster strikes yet again, I might just lay down in the middle of the concourse and cry. And don’t think I wouldn’t. I’ve done it before (minus the laying down part.)

So I’m struggling to make a decision. Help me out, people. Should I stay or should I go?
Feel free to leave comments on this post if you have a strong opinion either way.

Should Sasha go to the Chargers Fan Fest this year?
  
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The Houston Chronicle has posted a gallery of photos from the Rockets dance auditions. Click here to check it out!

KHOU posted this video of the Houston Rockets dance team open call over the weekend. Even though it looks like the video was shot by someone who rappelled down from the roof and poked his camera through the curtains of a second story window, it does capture the vibe of the audition experience. Anyone who has auditioned for a team can relate to that intensely uncomfortable moment when you finish dancing, the music goes off, and the room is dead silent. And you’re standing there paralyzed because you can’t figure out if the judges want you to stay where you are, or get out of the way for the next group. AWKWARD.

Over the weekend, two rookie members of the ChivaGirls were chosen for the 2012-13 Laker Girls. It got me thinking how proud I am of this team, how talented all the girls are, and how great it is that they’ve allowed me to be part of their family. So I thought I’d share a couple of videos of the ChivaGirls in action.

The first routine was choreographed by Tim Stevenson. Not only did Tim choreograph it, but he did the music mix, and personalized it for the team. This routine was created for one specific halftime performance, but it was such a hit, the team has tailored it to their pre-game stage performances. The second routine is also a hip hop number, and believe me when I say this routine doesn’t suck either. (I don’t know who choreographed it, so that’s pretty much all I’m going to say about that.)

I hope you’ll enjoy them as much as I do!

Side note: Congratulations Melissa and Andi! Chivas USA’s loss is the Lakers’ gain.

The folks over at the DenverBroncos.com have posted more photos from the Cheerleaders’ trip to XXX to shoot their annual swimsuit calendar.

Click here for Days 3 and 4
Click here for Days 5 and 6

(sigh) I try not to be an envious person, but dang it’s been a looooooong time since I went on a vacation.

Another great photo gallery. Click here!

The San Diego Enforcers football team is hosting auditions for their 2013 dance team! Click here for details.

A few summer shout-outs to some of my homies. Congrats to…
* fmr Laker Girl/Clippers Spirit Brilane, who recently became engaged
* Charger Girl Marissa, who recently got married
* fmr Clippers Spirit Jocelyn, who is rocking a major baby bump
* fmr Denver Broncos Cheerleader/Clippers Spirit Nikki who was also married this year

Good news all around!