Glamour.com
4/1/2011
They’re kicking off their cowgirl boots for one day to help raise awareness of the need for shoes around the world, and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are hoping you’ll do the same.
As part of TOMS 4th Annual “One Day Without Shoes” program, the charity company with a “one for one” model (for every pair your purchase, they give a pair to a child in need) is teaming up with the lovely lasses from the Cowboys to encourage one day of barefoot living to prove how great the need is for shoes in impoverished countries.
They’re inviting anyone who’s interested to come to Cowboys stadium on Tuesday night and join them in a lap around the premises without shoes to help raise awareness for the cause. Here’s the info on where and when:
Cowboys Stadium
1 Legends Way
Arlington, TX 76011
AT&T Plaza
Entry H
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
6:30pm
Victor Harbor girl Lana Robinson has hit it big in LA, dancing with Rihanna as one of the sexy Lakers cheerleaders.
Matt Gilbertson
Adelaide Now
April 03, 2011
The 23-year-old is following in the footsteps of Paula Abdul as a member of the world famous Los Angeles basketball cheerleader squad.
“I know that that are many Laker fans in Australia, too, so it feels great to be able to represent that as an Australian Laker Girl,” the Tatachilla Lutheran College alumnus said this week.
“I was a cheerleader for the NFL team the Seattle Seahawks for one season and then wanting to move to LA to pursue a career in dance, I decided to be bold and start off with an audition for the Lakers.
“I was really nervous … because the Laker Girls are a very prestigious dance team in the US and I knew the competition was going to be tough.”
Lana beat more than 500 other dancers for the coveted spot. Since joining the Lakers six months ago, she has gone on to perform with some of the world’s biggest stars.
“We danced with Rhianna in the half time performance that included Kanye West and Drake, that was definitely one of my favorite moments and also some of us shot a small scene for an Adam Sandler movie which is coming out soon,” Lana said.
Lana’s enjoying the bright lights of LA, but still misses some home comforts.
“I crave pies and pasties, TimTams, Fruchocs and Farmers Union iced coffee!” she revealed.
“I miss the market, footy games, cricket and the Outback! I definitely miss the laid-back Aussie attitude, it’s not like that here.”
And thankfully Lana has been recieving care packages.
“My grandma sends me supplies of Vegemite and Milo so I’m getting on alright,” she joked.
Karla Peterson
The San Diego Union-Tribune
Saturday, April 2, 2011
When they arrive at USD for Sunday’s Charger Girls auditions, the cheerleader hopefuls will be pumped, primed and itching for a piece of the NFL spotlight. And like everyone else in San Diego, they will be mostly in the dark about what it really means to be a San Diego Charger Girl.
“Oh my gosh, the workload. I had no idea,” said Lisa Simmons, who spent three seasons with the C.G. team before becoming its director in 2005. “The thing that surprises people the most about the girls is that this is not their full-time job. We have a saying that being a Charger Girl is a part-time job and a full-time commitment.”
While the Chargers remains stuck in lockout mode, the Charger Girls season is going on as scheduled. And what does it take to be one of the 28 women chosen to wear the uniform? The official dance-team requirements include being 18 years old, having a means of transportation and a flexible schedule. And while there are no height or weight requirements, the expanse of skin revealed by the uniform is a body-type requirement unto itself.
Then there is the matter of the two evening rehearsals every week, which in May through August are supplemented with monthly Saturday workouts that last about 10 hours. And the 300 or so personal-appearance opportunities every year. All on top of college classes and/or day jobs.
So if you ask team members about the biggest challenge of a job that demands they look like models, perform like athletes and schmooze like politicians, it should come as no surprise that they answer like CEOs.
“You have to be very good at time management,” said Tiffany, an Orange County math and dance teacher who — like all of the Charger Girls — goes by her first name only. (Their ages are under wraps, too.) “It’s an honor to do this, but it’s a responsibility to make sure you can handle it all.”
On the perks side, they are paid $75 for each home game performance (they don’t travel with the football team) and are compensated for some promotional appearances. They also receive a portion of the sales from the annual Charger Girls calendar. On the good-karma side, the group works extensively with organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Children’s Hospital.
Then there are the games, which involve multiple dance routines, much TV exposure and a whole lot of San Diego love.
“My best experience so far was when we came out of the (stadium) tunnel for the first game last year and I was the first one out on the field,” said Melissa, whose severe hearing impairment did not stop her from auditioning six times before being chosen for the team. “We came out of the tunnel and I could see the fireworks and all the screaming fans. It was unreal. You can’t prepare for that.”
On the flip side are the job hazards, which the girls are too polite (and politic) to complain about. Like the disgruntled fans who use them as an outlet for their football-related grievances. Or the besotted fans who turn into space-invading goofballs in their presence. Or the nosy fans who assume they are dating the football players, which their no-fraternization policy forbids them to do. Or the creepy fans for whom the no-last-names policy was probably created.
To help them prepare for these and other potentially tricky encounters, there is “C.G. Survivor 101,” a workshop that helps these community ambassadors deal with their volatile constituency.
“What we have learned from the organization is to be as kind as possible,” said Culture, a commercial property manager who did her first Charger Girls stint in 1999 and returned for her second season last year. “You have to take the time to give people your attention, because in one moment, they could think, ‘Why did I ever get excited about them?,” and we don’t want that.”
Being a Charger Girl is not a full-time job, and it isn’t a secure one, either. Their contracts are good for only one season, so if they want to come back, they have to audition. This year, 24 of last season’s 28 girls want to come back. For the fans, for the football team and for each other.
“The most surprising thing about being a Charger Girl is that you have 27 other girls that you can really rely on. It’s automatic friendship,” said Melissa, who runs a graphic- and Web-design company. “You know how it is with girls and drama, and there is none of that here.”
MyPHL17: Over 400 aspiring cheerleaders auditioned in front of judges for a spot on the Eagles squad on Saturday, March 26. The ladies who advanced will return next week for a semi-final round, and then for a final audition on April 20 at the Suzanne Roberts theatre.
[Round 1 Photos]
[Round 2 Photos]
Anita Creamer
Sacramento Bee
March 28, 201
Like grandmother, like granddaughter.
Wearing a pretty black dress and silver derby, 73-year-old Norma Makela will prance onto the basketball court April 11 at halftime of the Sacramento Kings home game as part of a 34-person senior jazz dance troupe from Sun City Lincoln Hills.
Observing from the sidelines, one member of the Sacramento Kings Dance Team plans to watch Makela with particular interest: her granddaughter.
“I can’t wait to see her perform at the game,” said Michelle Makela, 19, a Sierra College student who joined the Kings dancers this season. “I think it’ll be so incredible and so fun. It’s wonderful to see how hard my grandma is working.”
Her grandmother, as it turns out, was tap dancing in shows and parades in Redwood City long before Michelle came along. But not until her husband, Carl, died at 66 in 2002 did Norma Makela return to dance lessons.
She didn’t really expect to perform. She just wanted to stay healthy and active.
“The exercise is good for the body and the brain,” said Makela, who retired from Hewlett Packard in 2000. “We have ladies in their 80s dancing, too. They bring us a lot of inspiration.
“Even though you’re in the senior age group, you can still have quality of life.”
Numerous studies through the years have supported her contention that moderate cardiovascular exercise – whether walking, biking or dancing – amounts to a fountain of youth for older adults, helping reduce their likelihood of developing hypertension, stroke, heart problems and Alzheimer’s disease.
To put it another way, a sedentary lifestyle kills.
With a schedule of rehearsals and dance classes six days a week, no one could accuse Norma Makela of being sedentary.
“I’m crazy busy,” she said. “And it’s hard. When you perform, you’re supposed to hold your hand just so, but you’ve got arthritis. Or you’re supposed to bend down, but your knees are bad.
“It’s a challenge. As you get older, the body doesn’t move the way it used to.”
But she loves her newfound life as a dancer so much that she’s appearing in a Sun City Lincoln Hills talent show early in April before the Kings performance.
Her dance teacher, Alyson Meador, has taught seniors for the past decade. But she was also one of Michelle Makela’s early tap-dancing coaches.
“Michelle is a little fighter, and so is her grandmother,” said Meador. “Norma works at things. She doesn’t give up. She’s family-oriented, and she takes care of people. She doesn’t mope through life. She stays active.”
For recent widows, Meador says, dance classes can provide a particular release.
“You can’t be thinking about a million other things in dance class,” she said. “You have to concentrate on this. For a woman processing the loss of her husband, it’s a good distraction. And they like the adrenaline of learning.”
And sometimes, the adrenaline of performing.
When Makela modestly says she hopes not to embarrass herself when her troupe dances at the Kings game, her granddaughter rushes to defend her. Makela, after all, has attended more of Michelle’s dance performances than either of them can remember.
“She’s very good,” said Michelle Makela. “It’s nice for me to go to her performances now and see my grandma on stage. She has a nice smile and a nice dance presence.”
And a nice granddaughter.
The first public unveiling of the Ravens’ cheerleaders was nerve-wracking.
by Mike Duffy
BaltimoreRavens.com
March 26th, 2011
The Ravens came into Saturday’s “Making the Cut” event with just about 80 cheerleaders looking to join the team for the 2011 season, but only 60 would get past the judges.
At the end of the event, which was raucous to put it lightly, 60 stood tall, and the Ravens came out with the newest cheer team for the upcoming season.
“You know what, for me to say I’m impressed by the whole group of people means a lot,” said Ravens Cheerleader Director Tina Galdieri. “Even the ones that didn’t make our squad, I know that they worked hard. I was very proud, and I was proud of this organization.”
As the only team in the NFL with a coed squad, the Ravens kept 40 women and 20 men for their stunt unit.
The night – held at the Sheraton City Center-Baltimore – was more than sold out, with over 600 fans supporting the Ravens’ cheerleaders.
Some of those fans were family of the contestants and some were just supporters of the Ravens.
Regardless, the intensity of performing in front of a capacity crowd was palpable.
“I was the first dancer called, and I was so nervous,” said Ashley, a rookie trying out for her first time. “I just didn’t want to get cut. It was amazing. I’ve been doing the dance until I was blue in the face, so I felt like I just didn’t want to mess up.”
The ladies had to perform in a kick line to show their flexibility, complete a dance skill move and execute their choreographed dance to music.
The men demonstrated their skills in stunting by lifting the ladies effortlessly.
The quality of competitors impressed the judges, which included former Ravens wideout Qadry Ismail and 98 Rock’s Mickey Cucciella.
“It’s definitely a competition,” Ismail noted. “These people really train hard to represent the Baltimore Ravens as a cheer squad. We’re looking at people who are going to be in the stadium, and if it’s a third down or a critical situation where you need the crowd to get into it, you’re got to have the right kind of cheerleader to bring the energy.
“I’m taking this seriously, and I’m sure there’s a lot of girls and guys out there who are expecting me to take it that way.”
The Ravens’ cheerleaders are known for their philanthropic efforts, attending nearly 150 appearances during the year in addition to their gameday duties.
So, to have the final squad intact at this point in March is a boon to Galdieri.
“Organizing 60 people is a tough task,” she said. “We’ve got practices, training camp of our own and getting uniforms.
“We’re hitting the streets in May.”
By Drew Brent
River Valley Leader
March 25, 2011
Every kid has a dream of being on the big stage. Whether it’s to be a movie star, quarterback, or music artist, every child grows up hoping one day to be in the spotlight. For one River Valley resident, that dream will now be a reality. Naiz Bolin, a student at Arkansas Tech, will be an Atlanta Falcons cheerleader next year.
“I was so shocked,” said Bolin. “It was almost like an out of body experience. I feel so blessed to have made the team my first year to try out.”
Bolin was a member of the Arkansas Tech dance team and cheer squad at Arkansas Tech. She says her experience was a definite help in her selection. “I would say it has helped. I’m horrible with technique and that’s one thing being on the Golden Girls has helped me with.” Bolin also said that this job was a part of a long history of dance for her. “I started taking dance when I was three and began cheering on a squad in 7th grade and have continued both in college and now professionally. It’s my passion,” she said.
Bolin’s duties far exceed just cheering at football games. “Obviously cheering for the Falcons and crowd leadership is our primary purpose, but we are also ambassadors for the team and city of Atlanta. We have our calendar shoot in just a couple of weeks, some have the privilege of going overseas to visit troops, we also make frequent appearances for different organizations,” she said.
Bolin, who is from Hamburg originally, says the transition from small town Arkansas to Atlanta will be a big change, but one she’s looking forward to. ” Atlanta is 8.5 hours from Hamburg so it’s within a driving day’s reach to get there. Hopefully it won’t be that bad, but it’s definitely going to be a culture shock moving from small town Hamburg, Arkansas to Atlanta but I’m so ready.”
Richard and Lauren Shuler Donner producing story about 42 year-old Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader Laura Vikmanis.
by Borys Kit
The Hollywood Reporter
March 24, 2011
The story of Laura Vikmanis, who at 42 is the oldest cheerleader in NFL history, is getting the big-screen treatment.
New Line has picked up the story of Vikmanis, acquiring her life rights as well as a pitch by scribes Emily Cook and Kathy Greenberg, whose credits include Gnomeo & Juliet and Ratatouille.
Richard and Lauren Shuler Donner are producing, as is Donners’ Co. president Jack Leslie.
Vikmanis, a mother with two teenage daughters, was shaken after her husband left her for a younger woman. At a Cincinnati Bengals game, her sister suggested she find something to make her happy, and Vikmanis, who had been a dancer, looked to the field and said being a cheerleader looked like fun.
At age 39, she tried out for the Ben-Gals squad but failed. Vikmanis, however, spent a year improving her fitness and working on routines and returned to tryouts the following year. She made the squad, thus serving as an inspiration to her daughters and as a mother figure to the cheerleaders, many of them 20 years her junior.
Leslie introduced Laura Vikmanis to Joseph Veltre, head of Gersh’s book department. Gersh used synergy beyond just books for this project and the tale made its way to Gersh-repped Cook and Greenberg, who saw the video. A brief phone conversation with Vikmanis convinced them that a movie was possible.
“In her real life, it was easy to find a way into the story,” Cook said. “She is a 42-year-old in a sea of 20-year-olds; she’s definitely a fish in out of water. It’s a great contrast. And she proved you can reinvent yourself at any age.”
“It’s really a feel good populist story in the vein of Blind Side. It’s got more comedy to be sure, but it’s an earnest story,” Greenberg added.
Cook and Greenberg honed Vikmanis’ story into a pitch and circled back with Leslie, who brought the Donners on board. They took it to New Line, where the pair was beginning to write Gaggle, an adaptation based on a dating book set up at the company.
Michele Weiss and Merideth Finn will oversee for New Line.
Cook and Greenberg are additionally repped by Kaplan/Perrone.
Gersh also repped the Donners’ Co. in the deal.
Gersh will be shopping the book rights.
By Stacie Kinder
Titans Online
Mar 24, 2011
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Titans Cheerleaders, including sisters, Alyson and Stefanie, recently traveled to Curacao, Netherlands Antilles to visit some of our U.S. troops. The ladies were part of a military tour through the Armed Forces Entertainment, and were accompanied by Houston Texan Cheerleaders Andrea and Ariana, a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleader, Tomoko, as well as two Comedians, Jay Davis and Theo Von.
Upon landing at Curacao International Airport, the cheerleaders met their military contacts and other members of their tour. They received a proper military orientation on the naval base and enjoyed dinner at the Rif Fort, which overlooked the Caribbean Sea.
The next morning, Alyson and Stefanie explored the naval base and met several military personnel. On base, they toured two aircraft, including AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) and a refueling plane. The ladies learned that the AWACS planes are strictly for radar signaling and can detect friendly or enemy aircraft from hundreds of miles away. These planes are also used for surveillance from the air.
In addition to learning about aircraft, the cheerleaders rode in a fire truck and learned how to operate the water systems on board. Dressed in firefighter gear, they also experienced shooting water from the truck and managing firefighter tools.
“Experiencing the life of a military firefighter was interesting and incredibly fun,” Allyson said. “ It was like living out a childhood dream!”
After touring the base, the cheerleaders had lunch with several Air Force and Navy men and women. They listened to the stories and experiences of each service member. The ladies offered camaraderie and support to all the airmen and sailors at the lunch.
That afternoon, the group had a few hours to travel around the island; all the entertainers visited Watamula blow hole, a beautiful scene located on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea – only accessible via unpaved roads. Later in the evening, the cheerleaders were a part of a military show, which included the comedians, all the NFL cheerleaders and a local band called “Happy Peanuts.” The evening was concluded with a fireworks show on the beach. Hundereds of people, both locals and service men and women, enjoyed the entertainment provided by the group.
Stefanie summed it up, “Our trip was unforgettable. It was such an honor to visit the men and women that fight for our country every day.”
This month’s visit to Curacao is the fifth military tour of which the Titans Cheerleaders have taken part in the last year. The Titans and their Cheerleaders are proud to support our United States Armed Forces.
Lana cherished working with Rihanna during NBA All-Star weekend
This is the thirteenth post of a weekly LA Times series that helps you get to know the Laker Girls
Mark Medina
LA Times Lakers Blog
March 24, 2011
Laker Girl name: Lana
Hometown: Victor Harbor, Australia
Area of Residence: Orange County, CA
High School: University of Washington. I attended many different high schools.
What prompted you to want to become a Laker Girl?I love the Lakers and wanted to dance for the best and most prestigious team in the nation!
What do you think stood out to the judging panel, about you, regarding your audition? I am not sure, there were so many amazing women! (maybe that I am from Australia?)
What do you think makes a good Laker Girl? Someone that loves to dance and that shows it when they perform out on the court. Someone that also likes basketball and the Lakers of course! And lastly, someone that is kind and positive – as we interact with the community of Los Angeles quite a bit.
What is your dance experience? I grew up dancing in a studio since I was 5 years of age. I have experience in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical and hip hop.
Favorite dance routine, while being a Laker Girl? I would have to say “Higher Ground” – the music is by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
Favorite uniform? I really like our “purple ruffle” uniform.
Favorite Lakers Player? Derek Fisher, he is a great player and also a neat person.
Favorite Laker Girl memory so far? It would have to be, that we had the opportunity to work with Rihanna for the NBA All Star halftime show!
What do you like most about being involved, as a Laker Girl, at local charity/community events? I really enjoy getting to interact with all different types of people. It is also enjoyable being an ambassador for the Lakers organization and feel that I learn a lot about the different communities within L.A./Southern California
What would you say is your beauty secret? Little corner lashes. When I still want to look good, but I am not at a game, little corner lashes give me just what I need – and they look natural!
What diet/workout tips do you have? What you eat is so important. So, I feel the most vital things are drinking a lot of water, eating a lot of vegetables/fruits and cut out fried foods! It needs to be a lifestyle. Work out at least 30 minutes a day.
What are your hobbies? I love to cook, read, travel and go horse riding (even though I’m not that good).
Career aspirations? I am really interested in Human Rights, especially having to do with child trafficking. I am looking into getting my masters degree in Human Rights and then I will see where it takes me from there.
