When the Islanders debuted the new third jerseys Wednesday night, the Ice Girls showed off their new threads
By Cory Wright
New York Islanders
11.17.2011
There’s a new look floating around Nassau Coliseum these days. It’s black, orange, grey and blue, cuts across diagonally, and is laced with sequins. After the successful debut of the Islanders third jersey on Wednesday night, the Ice Girls are ready to wear their new matching outfits on the ice.
The Islanders Ice Girls join their Islanders brothers as they debut a new third outfit on Nov. 23 as the Isles host the Philadelphia Flyers. The skirt and top combination includes the same new color scheme, but with a few additions and alterations.
“I love them,” Ice Girl Stephanie said. “When we skate, they flow with the wind and when we spin they look really beautiful. I’m excited to wear them on the ice and show them off.”
She compared the new cut of the skirts to figure skating attire rather than the blue cheerleader cut the girls had been wearing. The girls will wear necklaces with an Islanders logo and they traded in their white boots for a matching black.
“I never would have expected New York Islanders Ice Girls to be in the color black,” Ice Girl Ashleen said. “Normally, you would think orange and blue, but I do like them. The top is really nice and will be exciting for fans to see.”
Angela King designed the new look for the Ice Girls, adding more sequins, a belt and patches on both shoulders. The letters NYI fall off of the left shoulder, while the Islanders logo is on their right.
The Ice Girls will still wear their other two uniforms, but they are excited for the debut on Nov. 23 and their coach, Linda Beach, thinks it’ll be a real winner.
“The girls love it and I think it’s going to look sharp and I think it’ll be a big wow.”
The L.A. Lakers bring their ‘Season of Giving’ to Long Beach Senior Center with Thanksgiving dinner.
By Nancy Wride
The Belmont Shore Patch
November 18, 2011
As much as they are missing the NBA action, Long Beach seniors got one fantastic benefit from the ongoing pro basketball lockout: a visit Thursday from L.A. Lakers coach Mike Brown, former star player A.C. Green and the Laker Girls. [Article continued…]
Dara and Teresa
Jenn and Jacquelyn
Brilane and Anncell
Lindsay
Jacquelyn and Kelsey
Kelsey, Ancell, and Brilane
Heather
Click here to check out individual photos and bios on one of the PASL’s newest dance teams!
Heather, Alex, and Stephanie
Melissa Hodges is proud to join the Knoxville Nighthawks as the dance team director. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Hodges received a bachelor of science in neuroscience from Vanderbilt University. After serving as captain and dancing competitively in both high school and college, Hodges spent three years as an NFL Tennessee Titans Cheerleader. With the Titans, Hodges served as president of the Spirit Committee, spoke at various youth leadership conferences, and traveled throughout the country to support the U.S. military. She has choreographed for several dance teams throughout Tennessee, including the Vanderbilt Dance Team and Franklin Cowgirls. She is a dance and cheer consultant for Going Pro Entertainment and teaches dance at Angela Floyd Schools. Hodges also judges dance and cheer competitions and auditions throughout Tennessee as a Spirit Events Coordinators judge.
Click here to check out photos from last weekend on The Ledger. Some are the same as the pics on NFL.com and Sports Illustrated, but there are a few new ones too.
By Stacie Kinder
Titans Online
11/15/2011
NASHVILLE, Tenn — Third-year Tennessee Titans Cheerleader Jessi took to the stage last week at the Country Music Association’s Awards show at the Bridgestone Arena. She performed front and center in the opening act with Blake Shelton and Kenny Loggins, and then later, she danced in the “Country Girl Shake it for Me” number with Luke Bryan.
Jessi auditioned with nearly 300 other hopefuls, finally being one of six women and six men chosen to dance in the show. The group spent more than fifty hours over eight days in rehearsals to learn the choreography to perfection. The show was choreographed by famed choreographer, Barry Lather out of Los Angeles who has choreographed for the American Music Awards, the Grammys, and the Academy Awards, working with artists such as Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Usher, The Pussycat Dolls, and many others.
Jessi (left) dances in the 'Country Girl Shake it for Me' number with Luke Bryan.
Jessi called the CMAs one of the top 5 experiences of her performance career, a dance and performance career that includes the Fox hit show, “So You Think You Can Dance,” MTV’s “World of Jenks,” and numerous music videos and commercials.
“It was great to have the other women on the team so excited for me and cheering me on,” Jessi said, “The CMA Awards performance was definitely an experience I’ll treasure.”
To see more about Jessi and check out her behind the scenes photos, “Like” her on Facebook
By Michele Wright
CBS12.com
11/7/2011
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The life of a Miami Dolphins cheerleader may seem glamorous, with all the adoring fans and being in the spotlight for some of the biggest football games and events in the world.
However being a professional cheerleader is more than just a pretty face. CBS 12’s Michele Wright reveals the secrets of the sideline.
The Sun Life Stadium is quiet now, but it’s the home of the Miami Dolphins football team. Sunday fun day with football, food, fun and the ladies on the sidelines cheering everyone on…the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders.
As a former NFL Cheerleader (Jacksonville Jaguars ROAR), I got the exclusive CBS 12 interview, and sat down with two local Phins cheerleaders. They stopped by the CBS 12 studios, giving us a rare look into the life of a NFL cheerleader. Brianne Herndon is a veteran cheerleader from Port St. Lucie. And Kylee Rodgers is a rookie living in West Palm Beach.
“I love being on field, it’s the most amazing experience. fans screaming…best seat in the house,” Herndon said. “I’ve always done dancing my entire life every since I was 2. Dad grew up in Ft. Lauderdale born & raised. Grew up watching Miami Dolphins. I grew up around the Dolphins. We always had season tickets and I would always go to the game & when I saw the cheerleaders. I fell in love. I knew when I turned 18. I wanted to tryout for Miami Dolphins.”
“I love it here…being a part of Dolphins icing on the cake,” Rodgers said. “I’ve been an athlete my entire life. Really inspired to try-out for the NFL squad because I enjoy performing and working out and being a part of a team with 41 other beautiful women to support me and work hard with is a dream opportunity.
The pay range is $20-$50 per home game. With over 500 appearances with the Miami Dolphins organizatio, the unveiling of their new 2010 swimsuit calendar, full-time jobs and school, these ladies stay busy on and off the field.
“My entire day can be demanding at times,” Rodgers said. “I definitely get up bright and early work all the way to 4 o’clock in the afternoon.
“The hard work together, the sweat, moments, calendar unveiling, excitement can’t describe it, I live for it.”
What are the myths about being an NFL cheerleader?
“I think the biggest one is that we don’t work hard,” Rodgers said. “You should see us after practice. We really work hard, learn routines, look beautiful on the field.”
“Everyone thinks that we’re always glamorous,” Herndon said. “No, we have practice 3 times a week from 6-10 & its hard work to cheer on our favorite team. We’re dancing the whole time.”
What do the fans think of the cheerleaders?
“They’re always excited to see us,” Herndon said. “It puts a smile on our face, how excited they are to get our autograph. Just to see their faces.”
“If we wave at a young child or a really excited fan,” Rodgers said, “it brings a smile and a feeling I can’t describe.”
How do the cheerleaders inspire others?
“You do the best you can, it’s that sparkle,” Herndon said.
“Believe in yourself. It’s about being a role model to young women, know how to present yourself, care about community, get involved, doing the right thing,” Rodgers said.
The ladies tell me that they LOVE performing in front of the fans, but they are most proud of their work in the community.
Email Michele Wright, Reporter/Anchor: mwright@cbs12.com
