Click here for week 2 photos from Sports Illustrated!
By Leslie D. Rose
Gonzalez Weekly Citizen
August 24, 2015
It is May 2015, hundreds of women arrive at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the preliminary round of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ auditions. Among them is Ascension Parish’s own, 23-year-old Jaclyn (Jax) Tisdale. In just a matter of months, Tisdale would excitedly call home to tell everyone she loved that she had made the team.
It is May 2015, hundreds of women arrive at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the preliminary round of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ auditions. Among them is Ascension Parish’s own, 23-year-old Jaclyn (Jax) Tisdale. In just a matter of months, Tisdale would excitedly call home to tell everyone she loved that she had made the team.
A graduate of East Ascension High School (2010) and LSU elementary and special education degree holder (May 2015), Tisdale spent her extracurricular time setting herself up for her current career.
Her extensive experience includes four years as an EA Spartanette where she also served as captain; dancer at All About Dance for 18 years, where she earned a teaching certificate and taught for four years; four years as an LSU Golden Girl where she spent two year as captain/choreographer.
So when she attended the first audition for her current squad, Tisdale channeled all of her experience for the extensive process, which includes everyone being placed in groups of five, presentating intrductions and 45 seconds of improv choreography to randomly selected music. Additional audition rounds include learning and performing a short routineraphy and kickline sequence and a 100 question test on football, Dallas, current events and dance knowledge.
Okay Saints fans, we all know what you’re thinking, but while Tisdale maintains her loyalty to her squad, she said referred to the age-old saying – You can take the girl out of Louisiana but not Louisiana out of the girl.
What did Ascension Parish instill in you that helped you to excel?
Unity. Whether it was through Spartanettes or through my dance family at All About Dance, I always had a unit of dancers I could go to for encouragement and support. To this day, so many people that I have danced with in the past from Gonzales have reached out to congratulate me through the years. It truly makes me happy and helps me to continue to chase my dreams knowing when there are so many people always in support of my achievements.
How did your time as a Golden Girl prepare you for your career?
The Tigerband is without a doubt the most prestigious and recognizable college marching band in the world. Being a part of the band taught me how to be the best ambassador of my university as possible. As an LSU Golden Girl, I did my best to uphold the highest reputation in and out of practice/performances. This is something Kelli Finglass stressed at our very first meeting. She expects us to maintain a “World Class” reputation at all times and be the best ambassadors of the Dallas Cowboys that we can be.
What are practices like?
Practices are scheduled at 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Every practice begins with stretching, conditioning and kicks across the floor. The rest of the night could be spent learning choreography, practicing routines, individual/whole group critiques on performances, and/or putting on the boots to practice outside on the mini-field.
What are you most looking forward to in your first season game?
The first preseason game is Aug. 29 against the Minnesota Vikings, and that will be my very first game day experience as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader! From Spartan Stadium, to Death Valley, and now AT&T Stadium – I am most excited to continue to perform on my favorite stage, a football field. I cannot wait to step onto the field as “Thunderstruck” booms from the speakers. Something about a pregame performance brings chills up my spine and so much happiness in my heart.
There are people who don’t consider cheering a sport, but some do consider cheerleaders athletes, what’s your take on this?
The amount of conditioning and rehearsing it takes to be a professional cheerleader definitely exemplifies that of an athlete. Although we may not “compete” against others there are specific qualities and skills to be perfected for every football game.
What is your advice for younger girls who someday may want to be where you are?
My biggest piece of advice is very simple – never give up! Even if you come from a small town, there is no excuse to not make it big. You just have to put in the work, time and dedication. Oh, and don’t forget to thank all the people that helped you get there!
What is the career span of an NFL cheerleader, and what are your way in the future plans?
The average cheerleader may cheer anywhere between two to four years. Having professional cheerleading experience can lead to many opportunities to spread your knowledge and expertise with other future cheerleaders/dancers. That is how I hope to use my experience in the future. After I am done cheering, I plan to move back to Louisiana, preferably Ascension Parish, and become a special education teacher. I would love to coach a dance team while working and help privately coach young ladies to improve their dance talents. One important long term goal of mine is to teach a dance class for students with special needs.
Tara-Caprice Broadwater, owner/director of Love2Dance All-Stars, poses in her Novato studio. Broadwater is a former Golden State Warrior dancer with over 20 years of dance and performance experience.
By Stephanie Weldy
Marin Independent Journal
August 22, 2015
Novato resident Tara-Caprice Broadwater, 36, has a passion for dancing. And that love and her skills for all styles of dance propelled the Marin County native to NBA courts and around the globe as a dance teammate for the Golden State Warrior Girls from 2001 to 2004.
Novato’s Tara-Caprice Broadwater, right, performs during the 30th Warrior Girl Dance team reunion in April
During that time, Broadwater opened up her first dance studio, Love2Dance, in Novato. She eventually left the basketball dance team to fully focus on her growing studio, which now has two Novato locations, where Broadwater and other instructors teach a variety of dance styles to all ages — from two to 65. The studio’s dance team, the All-Stars, has twice performed at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and each year performs during a Golden State Warriors halftime show.
Q: How was it being a Golden State Warrior Girl?
A: I had so many amazing experiences. We got to travel and meet exciting people and athletes and entertainers and that’s when I decided I wanted to be involved with teaching dance. That’s when I decided to open the studio. So I was trying to juggle that my last season and it became difficult and I decided I was going to focus on opening the dance studio.
Q: Why did you choose to focus on your dance studio over being a Warrior Girl?
A: I always felt this was my calling to help kids and help people just to find their way and their passion. I know for me, dance really saved me when I was young. It helped me in all areas of life. If you have something you’re passionate about, it helps you build confidence and find success. I love performing so much, but here I get to teach and we do two recitals as well, so I still get to perform. So I get the best of both worlds.
Q: What is one of your more interesting experiences from when you were a Warrior Girl?
A: My husband hates this story. We had a mascot named Thunder and he picked me up and brought me on the court to meet Jamie Foxx. It was right when he’d done all those movies, and the song, and he was doing this comedy show, and anyhow, I’m in the middle of the court talking to Jamie Foxx and he invites me to whatever show he was doing. And then he hugs me and kisses me on the shoulder. And my boyfriend, whose now my husband, he’s in the stands, and his friend said, ‘Isn’t that your girl Jamie Foxx is kissing?’ And he was so mad. I always told him I could’ve been with Jamie Foxx and I chose you. Which of course, he was probably just saying hi. Maybe that’s how he says hi to everybody.
Q: Any other interesting places dancing has taken you?
A: Last year I choreographed a dance for the Kalin and Myles video “Do My Step.” I also went to the Power 106 celebrity basketball game in (Los Angeles) and choreographed backup dancers for the Kalin and Myles half-time performance with Ariana Grande and Tinashe.
Q: What is dancing to you?
A: It’s my life. It’s my passion. It’s everything. It’s my world. If I don’t think of this as my job and career, it’s who I am. And I work really hard. I work 60 hours a weeks. And I’m bookkeeping, phone calls, and emails, and ordering costumes, and being a therapist to children and their parents, and cleaning, And then I teach dance. Not every single class. This semester I think I’m teaching 21 classes.
This article is a couple of years old. I must’ve missed it when it first went on line. Nevertheless, a great article about veteran Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Rachel L. ~Sasha
The Making Of An American Sweetheart
Caitlin Giddens
BSceneMag.com
September 2013
Rachel Lunsford, one of this year’s rookie Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, breezed into the lobby fitting the image of an “American Sweetheart.” Lunsford’s auburn hair was perfectly imperfect, curled but not stiff. Her smile, which hardly ever left her face, looked sincere and natural. She’s beautiful, but in an approachable way that makes her more likeable – and possibly more stunning. When the BSCENE crew met Lunsford at the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Training Studio in Valley Ranch, the grounds for CMT’s “Making The Team” reality show, she held her blue and white uniform beside her. “Any excuse to try this on again,” Lunsford said with a laugh.
Before donning the iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) uniform, Lunsford was an East Texas darling. She graduated from Whitehouse High School, where she served as first lieutenant of the First Ladies Drill Team in 2008. Then, she attended Kilgore College to lead as “right middle officer” for the world- renowned Rangerettes. “I’m just a small town girl,” Lunsford said with a shrug of her petite soldiers. With her humble attitude, soft voice and constant smile, Lunsford puts others at ease. For a moment, the BSCENE crew almost forgot we were spending the afternoon at The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Training Studio.
After finishing two years at Kilgore College, Lunsford transferred to the University of North Texas, where she performed on the school’s dance team. North Texas Dancers Director Jennifer Cloutier, a former Cowboys Cheerleader, encouraged Lunsford to look into auditions. With Lunsford’s dance background, it only made sense that she would try out for “America’s Team,” as it’s lovingly called. She had already performed with the Rangerettes, the first and most prestigious college drill team. As a Rangerette, Lunsford learned the importance of poise, etiquette and gratitude. And with the (Dallas Cowboys) Cheerleaders, Lunsford saw more than dancing opportunities. She recognized the character development that the Rangerettes also taught.
“As performers, the Cheerleaders are amazing because they’re performing in front of hundreds of thousands of people,” Lunsford said. “But I also looked at the way the way the Cheerleaders portray themselves and the way they are involved with charities and soldiers overseas. It’s amazing how poised they are. That’s where their beauty comes from, for me. It’s not just about the dancing. Hopefully I can carry that on.”
2012 DCC Open Call
“I went to the doctor and he told me I had completely blown out my knee,” Lunsford said, her voice softening as she retold the painful story. “I remember crying a lot when it happened. I wasn’t crying because of the pain. I was crying because I was so sad that I had hurt myself and possibly couldn’t go on.”
Lunsford ended up leaving the team and the TV show to undergo knee surgery. The doctor told her this was a common injury, but a very difficult recovery. Throughout the next eight months, Lunsford worked with Dallas Cowboys surgeon Dr. Cooper and physical therapist Alan Thompson. In addition to recovering her knee, she worked to heal her heart and overcome the disappointment of being forced to leave the team.
“I injured myself while I was kicking, although in the Rangerettes we kicked all the time,” Lunsford said. She shook her head, her curled hair loosening as she spoke. “Kicking was something that was second nature to me. After that, I almost became scared of dancing – something that I love so much and something that I grew up doing. So I had to reteach myself to not be scared of something I love.”
When Lunsford came home from surgery, she had received flowers from the team. This served as a reminder of the sisterhood, the sincerity and kindness that first drew Lunsford to the organization. “I remember saying, ‘I just want to be a part of the sisterhood and support,’” Lunsford recalled. “Take away the fact that this organization is so popular and you’re dancing for the Dallas Cowboys, America’s team. Take that away and you have the shell of it, the support and sisterhood. You have the way that they push each other to be better women.”
Kelli Finglass
Perhaps Finglass invested in Lunsford and encouraged her return to the team because the DCC director is a fellow East Texas native. She passed through the BSCENE photo shoot with Lunsford, nodding at the rookie’s professional demeanor. Finglass’ acknowledgment lasted only a moment, but spoke to the motherly role the director plays in each Cheerleader’s life. The director has a reputation for demanding perfection among the Cowboys Cheerleaders and has often been portrayed as harsh on “Making The Team.” But Finglass also has a heart for East Texas women, like Lunsford and other former Cheerleaders, who epitomize small town values.
“Because Kelli is from Lindale, she has brought what she learned in East Texas here,” Lunsford explained. “It’s not the dancers that East Texas breeds. It’s teaching women how to be a lady and juggle different things at once … How to keep a smile in your face no matter what is going on.”
Finglass attended elementary school in Tyler, and then her family relocated to Hideaway Lake when she was in third grade. She went to Lindale High School, where she practiced dance twirl because drill team wasn’t available at the time. Although she wasn’t dancing at halftime, Finglass fell in love with the Friday night lights. “I had my eyes set on being a twirler and then going on to be a drum major. And that, probably, unconsciously prepared me for my job more than anything, which was precision-based football performance,” Finglass explained.
Kelli McGonagill back in 1989
“I certainly didn’t think I’d make it when I drove up and saw over a thousand people in the parking lot at Texas Stadium!” Finglass recalled. “But I was lucky. I was noticed, remembered and selected. I honestly didn’t have the extensive dance technique that would be required of a professional dancer … But I did have good showmanship, good projection, good rhythm, good musicality and the ability to learn very quickly. And, I guess that’s exactly what I did.”
Finglass relocated to Dallas and transferred to UNT, which shortened her commute to DCC rehearsals. In addition to practicing with the team every day, Finglass enrolled in dance classes to work on her technique. Finglass’ stint as a Cheerleader lasted longer than most: five years.“That’s a pretty long career,” Finglass said. “Average is two to three years. Five years is a long time.” For Finglass’ fifth year on the squad she was asked to return and the grueling audition process was waived for her. That had never happened before and hasn’t happened since.
After Finglass’s final year on the team, the Cheerleading Department for the Dallas Cowboys underwent some changes. Finglass stepped up to lead the organization she loved and became the assistant director in 1989 and director in 1991. Her degree in marketing, along with her proven devotion to dance, made her perfect for the job.
“The department was costing the Cowboys money at the time. So I tried to start businesses [within the department] that were aligned with our image and our mission,” she explained. “I knew I had this squad of great dancers, and many of which were great dance teachers. So I started camps for children, what we now call ‘Camp DCC.’”
This was Finglass’s first step in making DCC a brand and business. Finglass also worked to market the team as more than a group of performers. “I knew that the Cheerleaders were always in high demand for people to take pictures with, and give autographs, but we really didn’t have a ‘personal appearance department.’” Finglass continued. “So, I started personal appearance bookings for autograph seekers, retail grand openings and … performances. I basically tried to put a business plan to things we already did well, which was perform and create excitement at events.”
Finglass was also the brains behind the team’s appearance alongside the Spartan Cheerleaders on “Saturday Night Live.” She made one call to SNL and the rest is history. Another dream, making a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Barbie®, required 10 years of writing letters to Mattel and conducting demographic studies. Now on Finglass’ wall hangs the framed acceptance letter from Barbie®, signifying another accomplishment for Finglass and the entire organization.
While DCC has been around for 41 years and shifted into a business under Finglass’ leadership, the team has grown in popularity since CMT’s “Making The Team” aired in 2006. As team director and executive producer of the TV show, Finglass oversees both operations. Finglass received other TV show offers, but her high expectations crossed over when selecting the best outlet to promote the organization.
Rachel (far left) with some teammates on game day.
“We started getting a lot of requests for reality shows a few years ago, and I pretty much turned them all down … they wanted conflict. They wanted hot tub scenes. They wanted girl drama, and I just wasn’t interested because my primary focus was my team, you know, and not dismantling it,” Finglass explained. “But CMT approached us with a different treatment where they were interested in following the Cheerleaders. And I was always interested in something that showed people the audition process and how it showed people the squad and how impressive the ladies are as individuals and their backgrounds, [and] their backstories that come here.”
Each Cheerleader is encouraged to remain true to herself and show her personality through a personal Twitter account. Lunsford explained that the team is not full of cookie cutter women – they are encouraged to develop their own identities.
“Kelli has always told us to showcase who we are and never be ashamed of where we came from,” Lunsford said. “They’re not trying to change us, they’re helping us find who we are and where we fi t in this organization. Our fans can follow us on Twitter. Finglass pushes power in projection, but also through our character and who we are as women.”
“Making The Team” captures some “real” moments when women are cut from the team, sometimes right before the football season starts. Even though the entire audition process is recorded and aired, Finglass and Head Choreographer Judy Trammell refuse to lower their standards. Th ey don’t put on a show when the CMT cameras are rolling. “I just do what I do and let them [videographers] document it. … If Judy and I know this person is just not right for the team this year, it may seem [like we are being] short, but I try to get the [camera] shot over with,” Finglass said.
Fortunately for Lunsford, she was right for the team. During her recovery, Lunsford had the constant support of Finglass and the DCC organization “We were heartbroken last year [when she had to leave the team],” DCC Special Events Coordinator Katelyn Nichols said at the training studio. “Rachel is a perfect fit for us.” When Lunsford heard Nichol’s words of encouragement, she smiled softly. “That makes me really happy,” she whispered. “That makes me want to be a strong ambassador for this organization.”
After the BSCENE interview, Lunsford changed from her denim button-up blouse and pencil skirt into the iconic uniform. “There’s so much detail to this uniform,” Lunsford said fondly. “I can’t stop looking at it. The stones and fringe on it … it’s just so beautiful. It’s a tiny garment and doesn’t hide much, but it’s flattering and one of the most iconic uniforms in America.”
Lunsford has always dreamed of wearing the blue and white uniform and she was close to losing that dream, but now it’s a reality. After her injury last year, Lunsford tried on the uniform, but couldn’t perform with the Cheerleaders. Now the uniform is her own, a symbol of Lunsford’s story of perseverance.“This year, I made a joke of it [trying on the uniform again] and said I could actually twirl around like a little girl and not crutch around in it,” Lunsford said with a laugh. “Putting on this uniform and having it fit to me is something I’ll never forget.”
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have become synonymous with perfection and high standards, and East Texas has become a breeding ground for these dancers and future performers. At the core of the organization and at the heart of East Texas lies a common bond: “I was taught in East Texas, not just with dancing but with everything, that performing is about making people happy,” Lunsford said. “It’s about lending a hand and always remembering how fortunate you are.”
Fans can follow Lunsford through her personal Twitter account: @DCC_ Rachel. CMT will premiere “Making The Team” on September 6. Look for Lunsford and “The often imitated, never equaled, internationally acclaimed” Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at the first regular season game on September 8 at the new AT&T Stadium.
Amy, Anna
Brittany, Candice, Charlotte
Ellie, Erika, Jackie
Jasmine, JennaLea, Jennifer
Jenny, Kate, Lindsay D.
Lindsey J., Royesha, Sharnelle
The Cowboys website has been updated with individual profiles for the members of the league’s only co-ed hip hop crew. Click here for more on the ladies and gents.
By David Bitton
Stillwater News Press
August 19, 2015
She has been shaking her hips and dancing to choreographed moves most of her life, and come this fall Addie Corley will be performing at Oklahoma City Thunder games as one of 19 Thunder Girls.
“I’m super excited to be cheering on the Thunder,” the 22-year-old lifelong Stillwater resident and Oklahoma State University Strategic Communications senior said.
The weeklong finals included interviews and dance rehearsals before the final audition.
“I was a nervous wreck,” Corley said. “I don’t think I slept for two weeks straight.”
Corley admits that the on-stage question-and-answer portion of the audition was the most challenging aspect. She remembers the question was something like, “If I made the team, what would I bring as a Thunder Girl,” but she doesn’t remember how she answered it.
“I got nervous,” she said.
Which makes it that much sweeter where her name was called on July 30.
She was one of seven rookies to make the 2015-16 Thunder Girls dance team.
“I had self confidence in my dancing,” said Corley, who has been twirling since she was 4-years-old. “I knew that if I danced how I’ve always danced, I’d feel okay.”
She attributes much of her success to Encore Dance Studios in Stillwater, where Corley has been both learning and teaching dance for many years.
“Addie is probably in the top three dancers I have ever taught,” said owner Holly Belford-Davis, who has been teaching dance for more than 30 years. “Her dedication, drive and hard work set her apart.”
Corley graduated from Stillwater High School in 2011, and cheered on the Pom Squad at Oklahoma State University for four years before auditioning for the Thunder Girls.
Paige Carter, dance team manager and choreographer for the Thunder Girls, is looking forward to having Corley on the team.
“I am excited to enter a new season with this outstanding group,” Carter said in a press release. “Thunder Girls engage with our fans on and off the court, and sometimes even across the globe. These ladies will add excitement and energy to the Thunder experience at Chesapeake Energy Arena, as well as being excellent community ambassadors.”
Right now, Corley is busy learning dance routines while practicing twice a week so she is ready when the Thunder take on the San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 28.
“Oklahoma City Thunder fans are like no other fans,” Corley said. “They are amazing and I’m ready to meet them, talk with them and cheer on the Thunder with them.”
By Gideon Bradshaw
Trib Live
August 19, 2015
Judy Rubino of Monroeville watched live online last year as her daughter was picked to dance for an NBA franchise in Miami.
It was a bittersweet moment for Rubino.
“It was intense and emotional. I wanted her to make it, but it means she was leaving me,” Rubino said.
Her daughter, Kristina Mazzenga, 22, a 2010 graduate of Gateway High School, earlier this month made it through the grueling tryouts for the Miami Heat’s dance team for the second year in a row.
Rubino said she was surprised her daughter made it through the cutthroat auditions.
Last year, about 400 women competed for nine spots on the team, which dances at games and other events for the basketball franchise.
“There’s a lot of beautiful girls who go down there to try out,” Rubino said.
Rubino said dancing with the team isn’t a full-time job for her daughter, whose degree is in communications and is looking for work “with communication, social media — that type of thing.”
Mazzenga, who started taking dance lessons when she was 2 or 3, performed with the Golden Triangles when she was in high school.
She later danced competitively when she attended St. Vincent College in Unity.
Before she started dancing in Miami, she danced at games for the Pittsburgh Power, a now-defunct indoor football team that played in the Consol Energy Center.
“I had previously danced in the (Arena Football League) for two years, and I wanted to challenge myself and take on a different style of dance,” Mazzenga said.
Pittsburgh doesn’t have a professional basketball team.
Living in a region that’s fiercely loyal to its hockey, baseball and football teams, Rubino said she never had followed basketball closely — let alone been a Miami fan — until her daughter made the team.
Now she follows the Heat.
“They don’t show the girls, though,” Rubino said.
“Now I watch the games because I want to see what she’s seeing.”
The MVC are now online! The Vikings website has been updated with individual bios, photos, and video profiles for each member of this year’s team. Click here to learn all about the ladies on the squad.
Veteran MVCs Elyssa, Kaitlyn, and Jacqui
The first Sports Illustrated NFL Cheerleader game day gallery of the 2015 season! Click here to check it out.
