by D. Orlando Ledbetter
Atlanta Journal Constitution
March 20, 2011
More than 300 women were on hand for the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders auditions at the Georgia World Congress Center on Sunday. Here are some photos.
It was tough work serving as one of the judges on the panel. Here’s a look at Sara D’s diary.
During the prelims, they had six cheerleaders performing at once and you had to vote either yes or no, based on appearance/physical fitness, Dance/cheer ability and showmanship (Smile).
If they weren’t smiling, they probably didn’t get a “Y” vote from this judge in the prelims. I’ll be looking for more dance precision in the semifinals.
The women had to learn the first routine and about half of them advanced to the semifinals.
About 40 are expected to advance to the finals, which will be held on Thursday.
The Patriots have posted two routines for finalists to learn before the next round of auditions. Can you pick up the moves? Click here and give it a shot.
There are lots of photos online covering this year’s Patriots Cheerleader auditions.
Click here for photos from the Boston Herald.
Click here for photos from Boston.com.
Click here for photos from the Patriots website.
By Judee Cosentino
The Sun Chronicle
March 20, 2011
FOXBORO – The breeze at Gillette Stadium was friendly but competitive on Saturday, as more than 200 women turned out for the New England Patriots cheerleader auditions for the upcoming football season.
Three hours before the registration time of 10 a.m., several women were already in line outside the Dana-Farber Field House, braving the whipping winds and trying to calm their nerves.
“I want to be a cheerleader really bad,” said Tiffany Sweeney, who traveled from Londonderry, N.H., to audition.
This year marked her third try for a coveted spot on the squad.
“It takes a lot of confidence and courage to come out here and try,” she said.
Joining Sweeney were friends Allie Smedley and Nicole Newman. All three women are part of the Plymouth State University dance team.
“It’s a really fulfilling feeling to leave and know that you tried,” Smedley said.
Saturday’s tryouts were held with the assumption that the current labor dispute between the players and the owners will be resolved in time to salvage the season.
The line of candidates quickly began winding around the Field House playing field, with many women still frantically filling out applications. Some contestants were chatting with new friends, while others were already stretching their bodies.
Many, if not all, of the candidates have a background in dance or cheerleading, and many dancers have spent weeks practicing their moves.
“The experience is a little nerve-wracking,” admitted Salisbury resident Crystal Gonzalez. “My first year here, I was a mess.”
“That’s how I feel right now,” agreed Melissa Labak of Worcester.
The registration process took slightly over an hour. Each contestant was given a number and a photo was taken of them for identification purposes. After their photos were taken, the women were given a chance to change into their routine costumes and stretch over to the side of the field.
Finally, it was showtime.
“You all look beautiful today, thank you for coming out!” cheerleading director Tracy Sormanti greeted the hopefuls. “Don’t judge yourself – let the judges do the judging today. And don’t you dare walk out that door thinking you can’t do the choreography. If you walk out that door, you will definitely not make the team.”
A current member of the Patriots’ cheerleaders led the crowd in a series of warm-up exercises, and took them briefly through the first choreographed routine. From there, the women performed the routine in groups of four before the panel of four judges.
“They’re not here to eliminate you, they’re here to choose you today,” Sormanti told the hopefuls.
However, that encouraging bit of advice was tempered by the fact that half the candidates were eliminated after the first round.
“The most difficult part is announcing eliminations,” Sormanti acknowledged. “I don’t like to do that at all. I wish I could give everyone the opportunity.”
The other rounds of choreography consisted of a 10-minute freestyle routine, which were performed in groups of three. There was also one final routine which the current cheerleaders showed the remaining candidates, and then the final eliminations.
By the end of the day, about 40 hopefuls remained. They will advance to the final round of auditions which will be held on April 2.
By John Royal
Houston Press
Mar. 18 2011
The Houston Aeros have ten games remaining in the regular season. As of today, they are one point out of first place. However, they’re just five points out of fifth place, and finishing in fifth could mean they miss out on the playoffs. There’s also the possibility that they could finish all of the way down in seventh place, so close are the teams in the AHL’s West Division grouped together.
The Aeros play their cross-state rival San Antonio Rampage twice this weekend — Saturday here at Toyota Center and Sunday in San Antonio. The Rampage are in sixth place, but they’re just six points behind the Aeros. So it really is key that the Aeros find a way to win these games so that they can start to get some distance and breathing room between themselves and those teams below them.
Helping to cheer on the team and fire up the crowd this weekend will be the Aerodynamics, the Aeros cheerleading squad. And if you watch the Dynamics, like any good male should, you’ll notice something just a little strange. Sure they’re wearing the tight cheerleading clothing. Sure they’re waving pom-poms in the sky. But if you look closely, you’ll notice something else: The squad has two sets of twins, or as I call them, twin twins.
I talked to one set of the twins, Kristen and Kirsten, before last Sunday’s 6-3 win over Manitoba. And I talked to them before the game as they were doing something that I’ve never seen the Texans cheerleaders or the Rockets’ Power Dancers do, and that was they were all lined up at the entrances to Toyota Center, greeting the fans as they entered. And this wasn’t just a one-time thing, the Aerodynamics do this before every game.
Kristen and Kirsten are in their second year as Aerodynamics, and I was comforted by the fact that while I couldn’t tell them apart — they’re identical twins, after all – neither could their teammates. But the two young ladies found that to be funny.
They said they became cheerleaders for the Aeros because they love hockey, mentioning the fast pace, aggressive action and the hard hitting as the reason why they’re such fans. However, if you’ve watched the Aerodynamics during a game, you have noticed that they’re never in one spot for too long as they’re constantly roaming the stands for giveaways and contests, or they’re out on the ice between periods doing routines or assisting with more contests.
“We see a lot,” Kristen said. “We go downstairs usually at the five-minute mark before intermission, so we see about 45 minutes of the game.”
The Aerodynamics do spend a lot of time in the stands, interacting with the fans, which, once again, is not something I’ve seen the other squads for Houston teams do. And the ladies say they never have any problems with the fans, not even with some who might have had a bit too much alcohol. Kristen said the only problem she’s ever had in the stands is when she misses a step running or down the aisle.
During their free time, Kristen and Kirsten are students at the University of Houston, and both are assistant teachers, Kristen working with preschool ages and Kirsten working with elementary kids — you’re going to have to find the schools out on your own. But becoming teachers is something they would both like to do after graduation.
“I love children, and I just want to stay in education,” Kirsten said.
And any time that they’re not at school, or working, or at games, they’re still handling Aeros duties.
“We have two practices a week, but it’s really a nonstop thing,” Kristen said. “You have to continuously work out, continuously practice at home just to keep your body in shape and your mind focused on the routines, and everything. It’s really a non-stop job.”
And when they’re not practicing, they’re doing charity work associated with the team. The Aerodynamics are involved in charitable activities for Fanatical Change and St. Jude’s.
This is an important weekend for the Aeros — it seems like every weekend is an important weekend for this team — and doing their best to help out the team will be Kristen and Kirsten and the rest of the Aerodynamics squad. So say hi when you walk into Toyota Center, and always make sure the aisle is clear before you head up to concessions so that you don’t run into one of the young ladies while she’s throwing out free T-shirts or playing air guitar for the air guitar contest.
The Mavs dancers are making a repeat appearance in the Sports Illustrated NBA dance team gallery this season. Click here to check out the photos.
Do you love to dance and perform in front of a crowd? Do you miss dancing with a dance team? Do you want to be in the best shape of your life? Well look no more, the Prancers are looking for recruits to preform at the football games and events and make public appearances. If you are looking to get to the next level of dance, let us help you reach your goals!. The Prancers are the official dance team of the Jersey Stags Minor League Football Team www.njstags.com. Sussex and Morris Counties newest Minor League Football and Dance Team!!!
The Prancers are looking for confident dancers who are dedicated and professional. The 2011 football season is from August until October. Prancers practices will start in May and be two times a week. Tryouts will be held on Sunday, March 20th from 1:00pm-4:00pm – Fitness Factory Gym, 350 Route 46 East, Rockaway, NJ.
The dancers bring a positive and entertaining element to the game. The Prancers are a major part of the football gaming experience. When we are not dancing at the games, we will be doing charity events, fundraisers and public appearances.
If you think you have what it takes to be part of the Prancer Dance Team, then reserve your spot by calling 888-687-3233 or visit www.njstags.com and fill out an online application.
Requirements
* Must be 18-30 years old
* Must be a high school graduate
* Must bring your current drivers license and medical insurance card
* $20.00 tryout fee
Audition Attire
* Please wear form fitting dance attire
* Do not wear baggy pants or tops (no sweats)
* Dance shoes of your choice
* Hair and makeup should be glamorous & attractive (hair should be down)
Don’t forget to bring water!
Ashley hopes to later work as a counselor or teacher
This is the twelfth post of a weekly LA Times series that helps you get to know the Laker Girls
Mark Medina
LA Times Lakers Blog
March 16, 2011
Laker Girl name: Ashley
Hometown: Yorba Linda, CA
Area of Residence: Yorba Linda, CA
High School: Fullerton Community College
What prompted you to want to become a Laker Girl? I have wanted to be Laker Girl since I was in high school because one of my dance studio instructor was a former Laker Girl. She inspired me to audition.
What do you think stood out to the judging panel, about you, regarding your audition? I think I stood out to the judges because my performance showed my commitment and professionalism as a dancer. Also, I hope they saw my excitement and emotion that I possessed as a performer.
What do you think makes a good Laker Girl? I think a good Laker Girl loves to dance and perform. As well as be a dedicated representative for the Lakers organization……any Laker Girl should want to be a positive role model in our community.
What is your dance experience? I have danced since I was 7 years old. I started off with ballet tap combo classes, then began to do jazz and hip hop. When I was about 11 years of age, I moved into studio dancing and dance competitions. I made my high school dance team and danced all four years…..and now, here I am dancing my dream job as a Laker Girl!
Favorite dance routine, while being a Laker Girl? My favorite routine this year would have to be a dance called “Higher Ground”. It’s fun to perform and I think people in the audience really enjoy it.
Favorite uniform? My favorite uniform is a two piece uniform we call “Purple mesh uniform”. The skirt has layers of purple/white mesh with rhinestones sprinkled on it and the top is a halter with purple mesh.
Favorite Lakers Player? My favorite Lakers player is Kobe Bryant. He is an amazing basketball player and always pulls through when we need it the most!
Favorite Laker Girl memory so far? My favorite memory so far was winning the 2009-2010 championship against the Boston Celtics. It was amazing to be there throughout the NBA playoffs and then to be at the game – there in the moment of winning the championship! It was an unbelievable experience that I will never forget!
What do you like most about being involved, as a Laker Girl, at local charity/community events? I enjoy going out into the community and getting to know people who work with the many charitable/non-profit organizations. Not to mention, meeting all the people who show up to support these events/organizations. It fills my heart with joy when we make someone’s day. It is truly amazing how much of an impact, we (as Lakers Girls) can have on someone.
What would you say is your beauty secret? My best beauty secret would have to be always wash your face before you go to bed, no matter how tired you are. It’s the best way to keep your skin clear and clean.
What diet/workout tips do you have? To maintain a good diet you need to drink lots of water and eat plenty of fruits/vegetables daily. I feel this will keep you healthy and make you feel more energized. I believe cardio is the best form of exercise because you build endurance, while keeping your muscles toned.
What are your hobbies? When I’m not busy with Lakers events…….I love to go on vacation with my friends/family and just spend quality time with them. I enjoy camping, laying out by the pool, hanging out at the beach and shopping.
Career aspirations? I would like to continue dancing professionally. As well as finish my education by graduating in Human Services. One day I would love to work with children, either as a counselor or a teacher.
Location:
Santa Clara Convention Center Theater
5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, California 95054
General Admission seating. All tickets are $20 per individual. [Purchase tickets]
