By Kelly A. Mello
Norton Patch
5/16/2012
Kayla and Angela Vernaglia
On May 26, they are holding an open house to raise money for the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation.
To learn about the business and their fundraising efforts read the Q & A with Angela Vernaglia below:
How long have you been living in Norton?
I’ve lived in Norton since the age of 6!
What got you into running this type of business?
I always knew we would set out to do something that would inspire and uplift the community, I can literally remember dreaming of performing in front of a crowd, interacting and speaking with groups from the time I was a very young. I grew up in a very spiritual household, my mother taught us to use our intuition and to practice living life for our highest and best intentions, she taught us that we are always connected and to use our talents for healing the world. I would say that it was my passion for holistic health and my own ability to achieve things I never thought were possible (such as making the Patriots Cheerleaders with absolutely no dance experience) that brought me to idea of Mind Body Barre Fitness & Healing Studio, I wanted to show people that if you believe in your dreams they can become your wishes fulfilled.
In 2006, I auditioned for the New England Patriots Cheerleaders and made the team. During my three years with the team, I traveled to Arizona to perform during Super Bowl XLII. I was also chosen for Operation Seasons Greetings 2007 with the United States Air Force Reserve and traveled to Iraq, Turkey, Germany and England to perform for the U.S. troops. During the summer of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, I was lucky enough to travel among five other ladies to China to promote the NFL and train aspiring dancers for the Opening Ceremonies.
Following shortly thereafter in 2009, my sister, Kayla (co-owner of Mind Body Barre) set out to audition for the same team, and made it. Six years later (and 2 Giants vs. Patriots Super Bowls later) We will be celebrating the One Year Anniversary of our local Fitness & Healing Studio which offers a new innovative way to workout.
What is your specialty/most popular program?
Our most popular class at the studio is Mind Body Barre (our signature barre class) This full body workout is composed of resistance training exercises that focus on the alignment & strengthening of the body using free weights, ballet barre work and finishing on the mats for core work and seat exercises. Every one of the classes at MBB is followed by a 10 minute meditation, infused with Lavender Oil aromas and Reiki Healing from the instructor, a great way to end your effective workout.
“Our most frequently asked question: I’m not a dancer, and I have never taken ballet or yoga classes, do I need to have this type of training to take a “barre” class? The answer is, No, No and No! This is NOT a dance class. In our regular MBB classes, you will get the look of a long & lean dancer’s body without having to dance. The method focuses on the principle movements of ballet, but there is not “dancing”. Barre classes are becoming more and more popular. I think you will start to see them pop up at other studios as well, but what makes MBB so different is the genuine intent to build an empowering community of people looking to get to know themselves, asking themselves…what do I really want and how can I help to make the world a better place? We do however offer and separate Cardio Hip Hop Dance class called STRIDE. Two of our instructors were STRIDE certified last year with Shaun T, the maker of Insanity. People are entering into a great shift in the world we live in, they want to become more connected to their mind, body and spirit together and we are here to help them with that. You can’t compartmentalize those things in your life, they are always working together. We want our workouts to be effective and healing at the same time”
The studio offers an array of fitness classes ranging from our signature fitness class, dance & yoga inspired workouts, to our personalized workouts for people of all ages and body types. You can also book massage therapy, Reiki & Reflexology treatments.
What will your open house entail?
We will be accepting donations at our Open House on 5/26 for Gloria Gemma as well as raffling off prizes such as local business donations to autographed New England Patriots Merchandise. 100% of those proceeds will go to Gloria Gemma. We will be holding a free barre fitness class that day, from 10:30-11:15am for New Clients. Donations to Gloria Gemma are recommended. Please email to attend as space is limited.info@mindbodybarre.com. More information can be found on the website, mindbodybarre.com. We will also have complimentary reflexology, reiki and massage therapy that day.
We have been fortunate to have received a great amount of donations to help us sponsor this event. Anyone making a donation will receive something great from one of these sponsors: Pop Chips, Yogi Tea, TRIBE Hummus, Whole Foods, KIND Bars and more.
Is there a reason you chose to donate to the Gloria Gemma Foundation as opposed to others?
We are doing a lot of work to help raise money for the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation in Rhode Island, the community they have built is very dear to our hearts. We met Gary Calvino, the Director of Development and Maria Gemma, Executive Director last year and it was as if we had known them all of our lives. We feel a very special connection with them and that they are connecting the community in a very spiritual way, in a manner that teaches people about HOPE and LOVE.
By DANIEL NASH
Enumclaw Courier Herald
May 14, 2012
Three years ago, Stephanie Stennes went into auditions for the Seattle Seahawks SeaGals not knowing what to expect. No one knows what to expect going in. More than 200 women, many already with years of experience as high school cheerleaders, congregate at CenturyLink Field each year to try for the pros. Stennes, of Buckley, made it that first year, and she’s earned the spot again three seasons since.
“It’s hard to say, but I would say most of the girls stay three, four seasons with the team,” Stennes said. “It’s such a unique experience, most girls who make the team won’t want to leave after just a year.”
Stennes soon learned that the competition of high school cheer is replaced entirely by support for the football team through showmanship and community outreach.
“You have to attend promotions, speak, sing, and there are even responsibilities with how you carry yourself,” she said. “A lot more is expected of you. You have to be more intelligent, have more personality, and more poise.”
Stennes was invited to join the SeaGals’ show group in her third season, and she will return to show group this season. Show group can be thought of as the elite upper echelon of an NFL cheer team. The girls from show group are the ones sent out on tour stops outside of the state and outside the country, often to boost the morale of American soldiers stationed abroad. Stennes has been told to anticipate stops in Kosovo, Djibouti and Paris, among other destinations, in the coming year.
It’s through show group that Stennes took on a new personal challenge: singing.
“I’m a person who likes to challenge myself,” she said. “I told my coach it was something I wanted to do, I worked on it, and I recently performed vocally for the first time. It’s the only time I had ever been nervous before performing in front of people.”
A cheerleader’s calendar is a full calendar. Everyone attends practices twice a week at a time arranged to accommodate most work schedules; that doesn’t include show group practice. On game day, cheerleaders must be on hand five hours beforehand to prep, practice and promote the match-up. Additionally, SeaGals are obligated to represent the team at five to six scheduled promotional events a month, be it golf tournament, charity auction or poster signing. Cheerleaders tend to work out whenever they can fit it in, and try to make the hard work stick by eating a healthy diet, Stennes said.
Stennes instructs Zumba and Pilates classes, and picks up hours at a restaurant. Some of the girls have even more demanding schedules, replete with kids and a full-time job. Add that to the fact that a SeaGals spot is never guaranteed from year-to-year, and it becomes clear that pro cheerleading is a demanding lifestyle.
“But it’s such a rare opportunity,” Stennes said. “There’s all this adrenaline out on the field, you get to meet wonderful girls, experience traveling the world, performing for thousands of people. It’s the most amazing feeling. There’s nothing like it.”
But will she attempt it again for a fifth season and beyond?
“It’s hard to make that decision at the beginning of the year,” she said. “It’s hard to walk away from it once you’ve been on the team one season. But you never know what a year will have in store for you, so it’s better not to have expectations too early.”
By APRIL GUILMET
Union Leader
May 14, 2012
LONDONDERRY — Leaving the field following an away game, a teenage Allison Smedley overheard a cluster of teenage boys loudly mocking a special needs student.
Without hesitation, the Londonderry High School varsity cheerleader walked over to the young man she’d never met before: clutching his arm and chatting him up, she glared daggers at the would-be bullies.
“She totally distracted him and walked with him out to the parking lot,” recalled former teacher Steve Juster, who watched the events unfold from the stands. “It was one of the most genuinely beautiful things I’ve ever seen.”
As she prepares to complete her studies at Plymouth State University later this month, the college senior known to most of her friends simply as “Aly,” continues to live life on her own terms.
While other recent graduates ponder their futures, find entry-level jobs or contemplate graduate school, Smedley, 22, will be living her life’s dream: cheering with the New England Patriots’ cheerleading squad.
This year marked the third time that Aly, the oldest daughter of Linda and Howard Smedley, auditioned for the Patriots’ squad. Preliminary workshops began in early January, with the first round of auditions held March 3.
After making her way through final auditions and an intense cheerleader boot camp, Smedley learned she’d made the final cut via email on March 31.
“It was the most amazing feeling in the world,” she recalled. “I’d worked so hard.”
Following her May 19 college graduation, when she’ll earn a degree in communications, Smedley plans on moving back to Londonderry for the time being. “It’s still a long commute to the Gillette Stadium, but it’s so worth it,” she said.
The squad rehearses Tuesday and Friday afternoons, with much time during the off-season devoted to promotional appearances at various charity and community events around New England.
“It’s technically a part-time job, but really it’s a full time commitment,” said Smedley, who will depart for Jamaica on May 29 for a weeklong photo shoot of the team’s calendar.
“After that, we’ll be gearing up for football season,” she added. Cheerleaders on the Patriots squad must audition each season, with three years being the maximum tenure.
Though she hopes to cheer professionally for several years, Smedley also is looking to the future.
“I’d love to work in broadcasting: hopefully somewhere in the Boston area,” she said. “Maybe I’ll also coach a local team: if I’m really lucky, maybe that team will be in Londonderry.
Smedley, who graduated from Londonderry High School in 2008, cheered on her school’s varsity cheering squad for four years. She was a team captain during her final year in Londonderry.
“I’m just so excited for her and proud of her determination,” former coach Michelle Sharp said.
Juster said he got to know Smedley quite well when she volunteered as a high school pep rally aide, where she encouraged her peers to donate their hair to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program, which makes and distributes free wigs to cancer patients.
“She came to me in my classroom and told me she really wanted to help me…. that began the tradition of people volunteering to be aides,” Juster recalled. “We’d read achingly sad stories about why people were donating…I told her the day before the rally that I wasn’t sure the event would be up to par with the people on the floor and everything they were sacrificing.”
It was then that Smedley placed her hands on Juster’s shoulders. “You are giving them a place to give,” she told him.
“I know she was chosen for her athletic ability and public persona, but as they get to know her and know her heart, the Patriots will find that they have chosen a real treasure,” Juster added.
The 2012 St. Louis Rams Cheerleader squad is official with a team of 28. Emcee Andy Banker of FOX 2 KTVI-TV and Melanie Moon of KPLR11 were the first to introduce the new squad to St. Louis during the final auditions on Tuesday, April 24 at The Pageant. The event was a culmination of a two-week search for St. Louis’ most talented, beautiful, professional and poised women. In addition to the judging that took place that evening, the 51 finalists were also evaluated on preliminary rehearsals, interviews that previously took place at ContinuityX Training Center and an online voting component.
As captains Tiffany, Christa and Ashley welcomed the selected returning veterans and chosen rookies to the 2012 squad, the audience cheered on in anticipation of each of their favorite finalists joining the team. Rampage was on hand to introduce each new Rams Cheerleader to the crowd and when all was said and done the Rams welcomed 20 veterans back to the team and opened their arms to eight rookies.
This was the third year that the final auditions were open to the public. The event also featured performances from Nikko Smith and the 2011 St. Louis Rams Cheerleader Captains.
The audition process helped to generate a $10,000 contribution to breast cancer research, one of the top priorities for the Rams Cheerleaders. Last year, the ladies raised $18,000 during their year-long “Cheer for a Cure” initiative. In addition, each year the Rams Cheerleaders average more than 850 hours of community service.
To see more coverage on the 2012 auditions, please check out the “Making of the Squad” videos here.
Congratulations to the 2012 St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders:
Sports Illustrated has great new photos of the Chicago Bulls dance team. Click here to go there now!
Laura Stone
TheStar.com
5/13/2012
Sharon Simmons knew she had to be a cheerleader when she donned an outfit for the Dallas Cowboys squadat a fitness competition in Las Vegas.
That’s when the long-ago dreams of really wielding pom-poms for the blue-and-white-clad NFL cheerleading team came rushing back.
“I thought at that very moment, ‘I need to do this,’” said the Carrollton, Texas real estate agent. And when the try-outs were held early this month, she was there.
There was only one catch, and no, it wasn’t her body being thrown in the air. At 55, Simmons — an avid fitness competitor once known for her one-armed push-up — is a bit older than the traditional cheerleading demographic, which hovers somewhere between legal drinking age and just shy of 30.
As if to compound the contrast, she’s also a two-time grandmother.
For five months, she took choreography classes. She drew a lot of attention, for both herself and her book, Fifty Fit and Fabulous. At the tryouts, alas, she got knocked out after the first round.
“Fitness is a little bit different” where, unlike in cheerleading, “I didn’t have to bend like a rubber band,” she concedes.
It’s tough out there for a grandma.
Still, cheerleaders say they are seeing more of Simmons and her ilk, a sign that squads may be ready to embrace a more mature dancing queen.
“I would not be surprised if there were older women on the squads in the future,” said Laura Vikmanis, a fourth-year Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader.
At 43, Vikmanis is something of a Golden-Girl idol for the aging cheerleader. She’s the oldest on the Ben-Gals squad and proudly declares that some of the girls are closer in age to her teenage daughters than they are to her.
Simmons (left) and Vikmanis
The dietician got into cheerleading after her divorce, when she started focusing more on her health and rededicating herself to dancing, her passion.
She credits running, weight training and eating well with helping her maintain her 36-26-34 physique — “you definitely have to be in shape, because you’re wearing a very small outfit” — but says she never felt her age held her back, although she admits to working harder than the younger women.
“My body doesn’t respond to exercise and dieting as well as when I was younger,” she said.
If it sounds the stuff of Hollywood, it very well could be: New Line Entertainment has picked up the rights to Vikmanis’s life story, told in her book “It’s Not About the Pom-Poms.” A movie could be out as early as next year.
“If you have the skills to get on the squad most teams will end up taking you, so it’s just a matter of putting yourself out there,” said Vikmanis.
In Toronto, at least, that future seems pretty far off. Both the Raptors and Argonauts have dancing and cheerleading squads, respectively, but their highest age is typically about 30.
Not that they’re against the idea.
“Power to them,” said Amberley Waddell, dance co-ordinator for the Raptors. “That’s great, as long as you’re into it and have the ability that the other girls do, then why not.” (Tryouts for the 2013 Raptors Dance Pak are happening on July 14 and 15, at the ACC).
In the U.S. at least, the term grandmother may also be a tad overrated. Simmons isn’t even the first grandmother, or even the second to cheer in the NFL — that honour goes to Susie Sanchez of the Oakland Raiderettes, who made the squad when she was 37, the same year her teenage daughter had a baby. (The first grandmother was another Raiderette, Kathy Ferrin).
Sanchez (left) and Ferrin
Sanchez tried out five times before she scored a spot on the squad in 2011, although she failed to reclaim it for next season.
“I always wanted to be a professional dancer, and despite having children, being married, having a career, I never let go of that,” she said.
“I didn’t make it because I’m a grannie. I made it because I’m a dancer.”
B.B. Branton
The Chattanoogan
May 13, 2012
Seven-year-old Whitney Ward saw a cheerleading video one day and told her mom, “that’s what I want to be … a cheerleader.”
Fast-forward 15 years to May 2012
“Mom, guess what? I’m a Tennessee Titans cheerleader,” said Ward with a thrill in her voice on Wednesday night.
The road to the top of the cheerleader world for the 22-year-old recent 
graduate has taken her from United Cheerleading to Loftis Middle to Soddy Daisy High School and four years of cheering for the Mocs.
A communications major with a minor in marketing, Ward presented herself well enough to the panel of judges on the first day (three weeks ago) as she make the cut from 250 to 150 to 52.
“We danced in groups of three before lunch and they cut about 100,”said Ward whose mother, Shawnee Ward, also cheered at Soddy Daisy “We danced a second time and I made the final cut at 52.”
This past Wednesday, the Titans made the final cut and No.34 Whitney Ward was one of the 26 names called.
“They called us in numerical order and when they called my name and number I couldn’t believe it,” stated Ward. “I told myself, ‘I am a Titans cheerleader.’”
“This is real special for me as I am one of seven new cheerleaders on the team for 2012 and as far as I know, the first Titans cheerleader from Chattanooga.”
The cheerleaders perform only at home games, but attend about 200 Titans events throughout the year.
“This is serious business being a Titans cheerleaders as we represent a big-time NFL team,” Ward stated.
“Any slip ups in any way and we are gone. No questions asked. This a big responsibility, but also a huge opportunity for me.”
The Titans organization looks for cheerleaders who can do much more than cheer, but are going somewhere in life.
“The squad includes ladies who have college degrees, master’s degrees and one even has her PhD.”
One smart young lady in her own right, Ward earned A’s and B’s throughout school, made the UTC Dean’s List three semesters and retained her Hope Scholarship all four years. In high school she received the leadership award and the 110% award as a cheerleader.
Tuesday is an important day for Ward who signs her Titans contract and also has a job interview. She plans to settle in Nashville early this summer.
“I hope to be hired in some type of sales position and my job needs some flexibility to complement my responsibilities with the Titans.”
Ward and all Titan fans are excited about the 2012 season.
“Our home schedule is great as we open against the (New England) Patriots and Tom Brady on Sept. 9 and (Tim) Tebow and the Jets come to town for a prime time game on Dec. 17.”
Other home games include Pittsburgh (Thurs. Oct. 11), Indianapolis (Oct.28), Chicago (Nov. 4) and the final home game with Jacksonville (Dec. 30).
As Brady and company watch from the sidelines prior to kickoff 17 Sunday’s from today, Ward will help lead the Titans on to the field at LP Field for opening day and the dream of a 7-year-old will become a reality.
“Cheerleading has been a fun ride and now I am looking forward to the next adventure,” she stated.
Guess what has two thumbs and got to go to a recent Clippers game and see the dancers and have lots of fun?
You know it!
First, some apologies. Those of you who have been with us for a while know that I have a special place in my heart for the Clippers Spirit. This is the very first dance team that opened their arms and welcomed me like family. They’ve always been beyond awesome, and for that reason, I will always love them. They are – collectively – my Eternal Flame.
I’m sure you can imagine my chagrin when I realized almost the whole entire 2011-12 regular season had gone by, and I’d not been to one game. Not even one. What’s worse – it didn’t even occur to me until Clippers Spirit Director Audrea Harris sent me a note about the 2012 auditions. Ohmigawd, how did I miss the whole season? And I call myself the #1 Clippers Spirit fan? Unofficial president of the Clippers Spirit fan club? I am covered in shame. I vowed to Audrea that this will not happen again. 2012-2113, I’m all about it. I’m in there! You can count on me! Yessiree.
Then Audrea was like “So why don’t you come to the next game?”
You don’t have to ask me twice. I’m there!
And that’s how I found myself on the way to Staples Center one Saturday morning, not long ago. The game was at 12:30, but of course the dancers have to be there early, so I pulled into the parking lot around 10 a.m. There is something weird about going to a professional level sporting event at 10 in the morning.
I was a little nervous. The last game I’d been to, over a year ago, I had a messed up foot and was limping around like a big loser. I was glad to be going to this game with two working feet.
Imagine my chagrin when I took one step out of the parking structure – and fell flat on my face. (Actually, it was more like all fours, if you want to be 100% accurate.) I skinned the bejeezus out of my knee. Imagine my further horror when I tried to stand up and realized I’d jacked up my foot. Again.
Why me, God? Why me?
I immediately decided no one was going to know about this. No way I was going to go in there and admit that I’d injured myself again. Injured myself while doing absolutely nothing – again. It’s utterly humiliating, if you want to know the absolute truth. It hurt like hell as I limped my way over to the Staples Center, but I told myself it was a matter of mind over matter. I was going to walk in there like a normal person. I. Would. Not. Limp. And no one would know what just happened.
By the time I got inside, I had a pretty credible swagger going on. What’s this here? Naw, that’s not a limp. I’m just walking with attitude.
I ducked into the arena to see if the dance team was rehearsing. While I was there, I sat down for a moment to check out my skinned knee. Eeeeeeew. Thank goodness I was wearing dark colored pants that covered everything up.
Of course, no sooner had I got my pant leg rolled up, than one of the arena security people came over and told me it was a closed practice. Before I got up and hobbled out of there, I snapped a quick pic to capture the moment of my (not-so) triumphant return to the Clipper Nation.
Aw yeah, baby. I’m back!
But that’s enough about my trials and tribulations. In the interests of brevity, all future references to my debilitating injury and the shame associated therewith will simply be referred to as the [youknowwhat].
I sucked it up, I got on the elevator, and went downstairs to find Audrea and the Clippers Spirit.
I came across them as they rehearsed in the hallway. I’m not sure exactly why they were in the hallway.
I read a great quote in an Elizabeth Berg novel once. It goes something like “If you think you don’t miss someone, just see them again.” Berg is right. It all comes flooding back. I hadn’t realized how much I missed this. All those smiling faces. I admit I got a little verclempt (on the inside.)
Pretty soon, we headed out to the court for rehearsal, and I was back to work again. It was like riding a bike.
The team rehearsed all of their routines for the night, while the two basketball teams (Clippers and Golden State that night), did what they do at either end of the court. Throwing balls around and whatnot. The Clippers Fan Patrol also came out to practice a few stunts.
These girls work HARD, but they make it look easy and fun.
No wonder so many people show up at tryouts every year.
One thing about the on-court rehearsal: is it is dangerous. There are basketballs flying everywhere. Plus, I don’t know if the guys realize how much bigger they are than the members of the dance team. Someone could really get hurt.
I watched as Brittany almost got smacked in the head with a rogue basketball. Thank goodness for those ninja-like reflexes. She caught the ball, laughed, and tossed it back to Dave Severns (Director of Player Development).
Dave hands the ball back to the guilty party.
After that, I was hyper-aware of every ball and every live body on the court. I was not about to sustain a concussion in addition to the [youknowwhat].
I wasn’t the only one. Kellie was not trying to take a ball upside the head either.
One of Audrea’s assistants brought over her headset. From what I gather, it gets a little old, sharing headsets, so this year, Audrea got one of her own. But it’s not just any old headset. This one sparkles.
Headset by Swarovski – ha!
Audrea proudly models her handiwork.
Katrina, get out of my shot!
All of a sudden, I really want to bedazzle something. I don’t know if it’s because of this, or because I’ve seen every single episode of “My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.”
More rehearsal. Nobody smiles more than Ariana. She’s fun to watch.
Somebody want to tell me exactly what those two are doing in the background?
Random thought: If I shaved this entire team bald, I bet Locks of Love could make like a HUNDRED wigs.
After rehearsal, it was back to the dressing to get suited up for the game. The girls had brand new dresses, just out of the box. There was a little bit of confusion on exactly how these were supposed to go. One strap goes over the shoulder. Is the other one supposed to go across the front? Or across the back? Or do they both go on the same side?
Because the outfits were new, they hadn’t been road-tested, so to speak. Nobody knew how they would hold up during a dance, so Audrea decided the dresses would only be worn for pregame, and then the ladies would change outfits.
Which way does this thing go?
Once everyone was pinned in, it was time to head up to the gates to meet and greet the fans. Brittany, Rhea, and Katrina went one way. Sara, Jessie, and Kellie went the other way.
My usual m.o. is to stick to the dancers like a bad habit. Wherever they go, I go. They rehearse – I’m there. They perform – I’m there. Somebody has an itch – I’m there to witness the scratching. This time I had to make a few adjustments in order to keep the [youknowwhat] on the downlow. No way I’d be able to keep up with the girls, so I just sort of hung back and let them go ahead. They took the stairs. I took the elevator.
The fans, as always, were thrilled to see them. Meeting and greeting commenced.
It occured to me that while I have taken puh-lenty of great photos of Rhea over the years, I don’t think I’ve done Brittany and Katrina justice. I’m going to rectify that tonight.
Over by the gates, the dancers were joined by the Fan Patrol.
I must say, it doesn’t take a whole lot of encouragement to get the
Fan Patrol guys hefting those girls around like sacks of flour.
Over the years, I have mostly overcome my fear of the Fan Patrol’s death-defying stunts. I’m still pretty awed though. I don’t know anyone else who can do this.
Pretty soon it was time to meet up in the locker room and head out for pregame. I waited for everyone to go downstairs, and then eased on over to the elevator again. So far, so good.
You know how just before the game starts, the music gets loud and the crowd gets all hyped up? Well, let me tell you, there are all kinds of shenanigans going on in the tunnel, where the public can’t see.
Plus, there’s always time for photos.
Meanwhile behind the dancers, the Clippers basketball team is engaged in some bizarre pregame ritual whereby they take turns sprinting up and down the hallway while the others make race car sounds. Blake Griffin dashes by. Kmart and DeAndre whip their heads to the left and go ZOOOOOM! Blake comes back running the other way. The heads whip to the right. ZOOOOOOOM! Then it’s DeAndre’s turn to run, and Blake and KMart do the zooming. This is so weird.
This is the first time I’ve seen these red boots in person. They are intense.
I think I’m a little bit afraid of these boots.
The dancers run out to hype up the crowd while the two basketball teams clear the court.
Then the dancers clear off and the lights go down. It’s showtime!
A minute later, the dancers and Fan Patrol run back out. They’re on the court. They’re off the court. They’re on again. They’re off again. It’s difficult to keep track.
The basketball teams are introduced and the National Anthem singer does her thing.
The lights come up, the dancers exit, and the game begins.
Back in the dressing room, the girls hurry through the next costume change. Meanwhile, Audrea is fretting over her jewelry. Someone in game ops has dared her to wear all of her blue cocktail rings at one time. If she wears them for the whole first quarter, he’ll give her $20. On the one hand, all that jewelry was going to look pretty tacky and unprofessional. Audrea doesn’t do “tacky and unprofessional” so this goes against the grain. On the other hand, as Katrina pointed out, $20 is a mani/pedi.
She earned that $20, fair and square.
I made my way back out to the court. The game had started, but it wasn’t all that exciting yet, so I had some time to think. The last time I’d been to a game at the Staples Center, I sat waaaaay up in the 300s.
Wow, that seems far away. I remember looking down at the numbers on the baseline, thinking “That should be me right there. That #10 down there has my name all over it. ”
How ya like me now?
Representin’ on the #10. Holla!
Let me tell you something: I’ve been up there, and I’ve been down here. Down here is better.
Every time the buzzer sounded, I looked over my shoulder to see if the dance team was coming. By the time they showed up for their first performance, I had a pretty good crick in my neck. It’s always a race to get out there before they start dancing, so have to start moving the second I see them coming.
When the team hit the court, so did I.
The first quarter dance was “Proud Mary.” Hit it!
This is a really fun one!
Just as quickly as they came, they went.
Due to the [youknowwhat] I was a little too far behind the dance team when they left the court. But the time I got out of the tunnel, there was nobody there but me and a nice red-jacketed gentleman who informed me that I was not allowed back to the dressing room without an escort. WHA–?
Just as I feared. Now that the Clips are big news, security has tightened up. Anyway, it’s my fault for not going to more games, so the guy didn’t recognize me.
To tell you the truth, it didn’t bother me all that much. With the [youknowwhat] going on, I decided I’d be just as happy waiting out on the court. So I texted Audrea so she didn’t think I’d been kidnapped, then I went back out on the court and parked myself behind the baseline. Things were going well so far. I didn’t think anyone was on to me.
Side benefit of the [youknowwhat]: I got to watch some exciting basketball. It was wonderful to see the arena completely full and the Clips getting extra love from the people.
When the dancers appeared for the second quarter dance, they were in hip hop mode.
It’s tricky to rock around, to rock around that’s right on time
It’s tricky! It’s tricky, tricky, tricky, tricky…
WERK!
As the dancers ran off the court, a man in a suit pulled me aside and to tell me that I wasn’t allowed to go out in front of the dancers anymore. For the rest of the game, I’d have to stay behind the baseline.
Duuuuuude, what? Since when? These are my girls! I have to be out front. What was I going to do for the rest of the game? I won’t be able to see anything! Those guys in the red jackets are always blocking the way. (Yes, I’m whining.)
On the other hand, me and my [youknowwhat] were fine with this. Next game, maybe I’ll be a little upset. This game, I’ma go take a seat.
And don’t think you’ve won, dude. This just means next time I’ll have to be a little sneaky.
The third quarter dance was “Gimmie Dat.” Costume change!
I think I did pretty good job from the side, even with the Red Jackets in my way.
Looking sharp in black!
(Hmmm…Besides auditions, this might be the first time I’ve seen
these people in anything other than red, white, and blue.)
Jessie shakin’ her booty. Hee hee.
The girls put on their jackets for a quick minute during the break after the 3rd quarter, and then it was time for another costume change.
I’m always happy when the fourth quarter rolls around because the girls get to come out and sit with me. Or rather, the girls spend Q4 behind the baseline on either side of the court. And since that’s where the photographers sit, I happened to be near them. It’s not like they were all “Hey, let’s go hang out with Sasha,” know what I mean? This is their job, after all.
Anyway, I’m glad to see them.
I hung with Sara, Ariana, Becca, Anasheh, and Rhea.
I enjoyed watching Kellie on the other end of the court. The faces she makes are very entertaining.
After a bit, the girls had to get up and pump up the crowd.
While they were doing that, I switched sides and sat with Brittany, Katrina, Kellie, Katie, and Jessie.
Random factoid: Katie has a twin sister named Kellie, but that Kellie isn’t the same is this Kellie. Obviously.
Katie and Kellie. Or is it Kellie and Katie?
Next thing I knew, the game is over. The Clips managed to score a few extra points in the last couple minutes, and it was over. Time flies!
In all, it was a SUPER fun time. Why I don’t do this more often?
In the meantime, the Clips are still in the playoffs. YES! And even though we have Blake Griffin, DJ, CP3, Kmart, and company to thank for it, I also think this is the universe’s way of giving the dancers a few extra games to make up for that stinkin’ lock out.
Yup. I loves me some Clippers Spirit. I feel like huggin’ somebody.
If you haven’t had quite enough of the Clippers Spirit, click here to check out the rest of the photos from the game!
East Boston Times-Free Press
May 10, 2012
The New England Professional Cheerleaders Alumni Association (NEPCAA) convened for a meeting at the East Boston dance studio owned by Beverly Richards Buckley.
Buckley is a former Patriots’ cheerleader and has fond memories of her days in uniform. She said she was happy to be a part of the newly formed group, serving as its membership chair.
“It’s great to see everyone and be involved in a group that has some exciting things planned,” said Buckley, who has coached cheerleading teams at St. Mary’s High School in Lynn in addition to running a very successful dance studio for many years. “There are a lot of brilliant and talented young women who have served as Patriots’ cheerleaders through the years.”
Susan Shannon, director of the Patriots Cheerleaders from 1979 to 1985, is the president of the NEPCAA. Shannon is a former cheerleader at Attleboro High School and coached high school and Pop Warner cheerleading squads.
Shannon said the Patriots’ cheerleaders have gathered at reunions over the past ten years. Those reunions were so successful that the cheerleaders made a decision to form an alumni group.
“A lot of us have grown children and it’s time to give back,” said Shannon. “I just thought it was a shame not to utilize this group of intelligent, professional women. They’re smart, savvy, and talented and they have a lot to offer.”
According to the mission statement on its Web site, the NEPCAA will reconnect former New England Patriots Cheerleaders and associates and provide support to charitable organizations through the promotion of mentorship, leadership, and wellness.
Shannon said the NEPCAA currently has 35 members. Approximately 20 NFL teams have alumni cheerleading groups. “The Washington Redskins have had an alumni association since 1984,” said Shannon. “Their director has started the first NFL Cheerleaders Alumni Reunion and it will be held this July in Washington, D.C. A group of us will be attending the reunion and will be meeting all the other teams.” Shannon said the NEPCAA is affiliated with the New England Chapter of the NFL Alumni Association. The group is not affiliated with the New England Patriots football organization.
“`I have met with New England Patriots officials and hopefully in the future we’ve left the door open that we would be able to work with the Patriots,” said Shannon.
Shannon said that Beverly Richards Buckley was “an amazing cheerleader” during her career with the New England Patriots.
“Whenever you needed someone to go to an event and volunteer for a charity, she was always front and center ready to help out,” said Shannon. “Beverly was a beautiful talent, an incredible dancer, and always a bright sunshine. And her family was phenomenal, too.”
Eric Schmoldt
SportsRadioInterviews.com
May 10, 2012
Trying out for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and not making it isn’t all that newsworthy. There’s a television show that has taught us that. But when it comes to a grandmother trying out for the team and not making it — when there was no joke about her tryout — is a bit newsworthy.
Sharon Simmons, a grandmother of two who is 55 years old, tried out for the squad this week and became a story, if not an inspiration, to many. She wasn’t stuck on her age and has been in fitness competitions the better part of a decade. Simmons didn’t make the cut, but that doesn’t mean her story won’t live on.
Sharon Simmons joined WDAE in Tampa with Ron and Ian to discuss how she stays in shape, her tryout for the Dallas Cowboys cheerleading squad, if she feels she didn’t make it due to age, if other girls asked how old she was and where she goes from here.
How do you stay in such great shape?:
“Number one, nutrition. Number two, a lot of difficult training. I have a personal coach that I work with. This week we did the TRX Training. Yesterday I did Nike Boot Camp Training and today I’ll do yoga.”
How did the tryout go with the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders?:
“It was fabulous. I had a blast. I did not make the final cut, but it was all worth it, every minute of it.”
Did you feel you didn’t make it because of your age?:
“I didn’t feel that at all, I really didn’t.”
Did the other girls come up and ask how old you were?:
“A couple of them did, but probably, my goodness, I’d say 95 percent, treated me like I was one of them.” Did you feel like one of them?: “I did.”
Where will you go from here. Are you doing fitness competitions?:
“This will be my seventh year in competing in fitness. I also danced in theatre, so I’ll continue to do that. And then I’ll be writing, and in fact I’ve already started, my second book.”
Is your husband pretty fit. Can he keep up with you?:
“No, he can’t.”
