Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders to appear at Saturday’s [Peoria Rivermen] game
By Steve Tarter
Peoria Journal Star
Mar 03, 2011
PEORIA —
As national icons, they incorporate elements of the Playboy Bunny sex symbol with the showmanship of the San Diego Chicken. But the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders exhibit staying power – among other attributes – so expect America’s favorite sideline attraction to draw plenty of attention Saturday during a performance at the Peoria Rivermen game.
The Dallas group, now billed as “America’s sweethearts,” first appeared to root on the Cowboys in 1972 but take their show on the road year round.
“Sometimes we do more work in the offseason. We travel a lot more now,” said Trisha Trevino, 26, who, in her sixth year as a cheerleader, serves as the reigning veteran on the squad.
Thirty-four women comprise the main cheerleading team, with 12 making up the travel team that tours the country. Both Trevino and fellow cheerleader Brooke Sorenson, 23, now in her fifth year with the Dallas group, are on the team that will appear at the Peoria Rivermen game.
There’s a distinct advantage to interviewing two cheerleaders over the telephone: No distractions. Listening to voices over the phone means you don’t get caught up with those angelic faces, blinding smiles or perfect hair.
Both women are lifelong dancers. Trevino, whose sister Crystal is also on the Dallas squad, grew up around Dallas and always wanted to wear the white boots and short-shorts in support of the Cowboys.
“When I was 12, I was in a competition and actually performed with the Dallas cheerleaders. I just always wanted to do that,” she said.
The fact that Dallas finished a disappointing 6-10 last season hasn’t disillusioned Trevino. “We love cheering at the games. We enjoy performing. Of course, it’s a lot more fun when we’re winning,” she said.
“Of course, we try to have fun, no matter what,” added Trevino, who works at a Dallas-area insurance company when she’s not in a cheerleader uniform.
Sorenson grew up in Florida but traveled to Texas to become a Cowboy cheerleader at age 18, the minimum age for inclusion on the squad.
So what does it take to be a Cowboy cheerleader? Sorenson’s take was simple. “You have to be a really good dancer, very fit and very attractive. You have to be able to think on your feet and be able to speak on camera,” she said.
Sorenson hopes to do more speaking on camera after her pompom days are over. “I’m taking online classes in broadcast communications,” she said.
So do Dallas cheerleaders check out the competition? “I don’t really watch what others do. We’re so busy with practice and a fulltime job. It takes a lot of work,” Trevino said.
That work element comes across in the CMT reality TV series “Making the Team,” which portrays the trials and tribulations of young women trying to make the cheerleader squad.
The TV show is just part of the growth industry that’s sprung up around America’s best-known cheerleaders. There are also exercise videos, swimsuit calendars and sportswear.
It’s a business that’s extremely competitive. Although both women serve as group leaders, veteran cheerleaders can’t rest on their laurels, said Trevino. “You have to try out every year,” she said.
Cheerleaders are expected to know and execute 50 different dance routines – all performed with a smile in front of 60,000 people in 100-degree heat. “It’s not just about dancing around,” said Trevino.
At least, the cheerleaders won’t have to worry about all that heat down near the ice at the Rivermen game.
Steve Tarter can be reached at 686-3260 or starter@pjstar.com.
If you go:
– What: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform at the Peoria Rivermen’s game against the Chicago Wolves.
– When: 7:05 p.m. Saturday.
– Where: Carver Arena.
– Cost: Tickets $10 to $25. VIP meet-and-greet tickets are $50. Call 676-1040 or visit the Civic Center box office.
Veronica sees benefits in not stressing the little things
This is the tenth post of a weekly LA Times series that helps you get to know the Laker Girls
Mark Medina
LA Times Lakers Blog
February 12, 2011
Laker Girl name: Veronica
Hometown: Covina, CA
Area of Residence: Covina, CA
High School: Temple City High School, CA
College: Graduate of California State University, Fullerton. Majored in Public Relations with a minor in Human Communications.
What prompted you to want to become a Laker Girl? In my opinion, the Laker Girls are an elite, prestigious and most recognizable dance team. Since I’ve been dancing from age 5, it has always been a goal of mine to be part of this dance team. In addition to dance, I started playing basketball at a young age. I love playing and watching the sport! It is fair to say I grew up being a “girly-girl and tomboy.”
What do you think stood out to the judging panel, about you, regarding your audition? I hope that it was my showmanship and passion for performing. In addition, I hope the enthusiasm I possess for this position stood out to the judging panel.
What do you think makes a good Laker Girl? Aside from being a good dancer, I think being professional, dedicated, responsible, having charisma, being able to time manage and being a Lakers fan are all good qualities to have as a Laker Girl. Also, the drive to volunteer your time to give back to the community and meet the fans. Not only do we dance, but we are are ambassadors of the Lakers organization and it is extremely important to represent a positive image for this organization.
What is your dance experience? As I’ve mentioned before I have been dancing since I was 5 years old. I started with ballet, tap and jazz training at a performing arts studio. I quickly added hip-hop classes. . . and more recently contemporary, jazz funk styles of dance.
Favorite dance routine, while being a Laker Girl? My favorite routine as a Laker Girl is “Show Me How You Burlesque” by Christina Aguilera, because we had the opportunity to choreograph the dance as a team. It is a fusion of musical theater, jazz and jazz funk dance moves.
Favorite uniform? My favorite uniform is the Purple “Ruffle” uniform, because it is a cute, sparkely two-piece skirt outfit.
Favorite Lakers Player? Current: Pau Gasol Legend: Kareem Abdul Jabbar.
Favorite Laker Girl memory so far? I am so fortunate! I have a three-way tie between being in the 2010 Back-to-Back Championship Parade, traveling to London & Barcelona for preseason and participating in the 2011 L.A. All-Star Game/Festivities!
What do you like most about being involved, as a Laker Girl, at local charity/community events? To be given the chance to be involved in charity and community events is such a rewarding experience. I have so much fun meeting fellow die-hard Lakers fans and thanking them for their support.
What would you say is your beauty secret? Make sure to get a good night rest, moisturize, apply sunscreen, use carmex for your lips, wash your face every night and take daily vitamins. Most importantly, don’t sweat/stress the small stuff!
What diet/workout tips do you have? Do not deprive yourself from eating all day and then eat one big meal to compensate. Eat regular meals and healthy snacks (fruits, veggies, peanuts, almonds, granola bars). Stay hydrated, work out and stretch regularly.
What are your hobbies? Spending time with my family and friends, any activities you can do at the beach, hiking, watching movies, arts/crafts and photography.
Career aspirations? Prior to graduating college I had my heart set solely on working in the event planning field but that has changed a bit. At the moment, I also have an interest in entertainment broadcasting and working with children.
By Derek Olson
Keloland
February 27, 2011
SIOUX FALLS, SD – It’s rare to go to a sporting event at any level and not see them. Like athletes in any other sport, cheerleaders and dancers put in years of practice with the goal of making it to the next level.
Whether providing halftime entertainment or getting fans on their feet before the big play, Maria Nelson has been cheering for more than half of her life.
“I cheered in high school and middle school. I’ve been with the [Sioux Falls] Storm for 7 years…really love it,” Nelson said.
Allison Norgaard, the Storm’s Lightning Girls’ cheer coach says Nelson’s enthusiasm for dancing has helped make her a role model for the other girls.
“She’s a really hard worker and I love having her on the team,” Norgaard said.
Last April, Nelson took a chance and travelled to Minnesota for the Vikings cheerleading squad open tryouts. Though she didn’t make the team, the judges thought Nelson showed potential and asked her to participate in the Vikings training program.
“They think you have it there’s just a little…you need to work on. It could be the dance style, fitness, flexibility,” Nelson said.
Of the cheerleaders participating in the Vikings training program, not only does Nelson have the farthest commute, she’s the only cheerleader making that trip from South Dakota.
“6.5 to 7 hours there and back, every Tuesday,” Nelson said.
Once there, Nelson and the other candidates work out with personal trainers, brush up on team history, and learn new dance moves.
“It’s not the same as high school dancing or college dancing. It’s a little different, a little sassier,” Nelson said.
But those who know Nelson are confident she has what it takes and have her back, even though a spot on Minnesota’s squad would mean Nelson’s departure from the Lightning Girls.
“It will be tough to lose her but I know this is what she wants and I support her all the way,” Allison said
“I’m a big Vikings fan… so being able to get out and on the field with the Vikings fans, it’d be awesome,” Nelson said.
by Dusty Sloan
February 28, 2011
UFL
The Virginia Destroyers began the process of building their 2011 cheerleading/dance team Saturday with a pair of prep classes, one in the morning in Virginia Beach and one in the afternoon in Norfolk.
“The prep classes went off without a hitch,” said Kimberly Vaughn, Destroyers cheerleading/dance team Director. “Talented women gathered in two locations on Saturday for cheerleader prep classes, and lots of fun was had.”
Destroyers Public Relations Director David Seals noted the historical context of Saturday’s prep classes, telling the participants, “You have become a part of Virginia Destroyer history by attending the first-ever cheerleading event.”
Women ages 19-33 attended the prep classes, with the goal of better preparing them for the preliminary cheerleading/dance team auditions, which will be March 12 at Broadway Dance Academy (1777 London Bridge Road in Virginia Beach). Attendees practiced kicks, leaps and turns, and learned a dance routine. Pointers such as pointing toes, looking the “professional cheerleader” part and showmanship were reiterated throughout the class.
Vaughn said the feedback from Saturday’s attendees was great.
“I aimed to give the ladies who attended prep classes a really good idea of what to expect during auditions,” she said. “I went through what the day will be like and what’s expected, as well as what the judges will be looking for. Of course, attending prep classes doesn’t guarantee a position on the squad, but it definitely will help give the ladies an edge.”
Speaking about what she will look for once the preliminary tryouts begin, Vaughn said, “I’m really looking for a well-rounded candidate. A woman is who poised and attractive, entertaining to watch, intelligent and has good dance talent will fill the role of a Virginia Destroyers cheerleader perfectly.
“A common misconception of professional cheerleading is that it’s much like high school and college cheerleading teams. The world of professional cheerleading is really focused on dancing, not basket tosses and stunting.”
Check out their solos from the final evening of auditions.
Finals are over. Now comes the waiting. Tomorrow night, we’ll find out who made the team. Which of these ladies will make the cut? Click to view full size.
The latest addition to Sports Illustrated’s NHL Ice Crew galleries features the girls from the Pond at Anaheim. Click here to check out the Power Players on the ice!
Auditions for the 2011 Chivas USA dance team kicked off on Saturday morning. After two rounds of dance cuts and an interview with ChivaGirls Director Aimee Edmundson, choreographer John Peters, and stylist Gina Castillo, there are 35 women still in the game. Tonight’s finals will determine which of these dancers will join the 19-member ChivaGirls team. Look for an announcement on Thursday. Good luck tonight, ladies!
Photos from Sunday’s interview session
Carolyn, Brittney R., Linette, Jolene, Jenn, Whitney
Ancell, Caitlin, Lucy, Brandi
Brittany V., Bernadette, Mika, Bailey
Christine, Simonne, Jenny, Rosie
Jolene, Brittney R., Sabrina, Ashley G.
Jordan, Amber, Denise, Elizabeth
Megan, Cameron, Chandra, Crystal, Brittany V.
Sarah, Keely, Heather
Dance Life: Nicole
NBA.com
2/17/2010
You’ve been an NBA dancer for five years. What’s the routine like for you now?
Nicole:The ins and outs of every day are pretty similar, but each year is a new experience. We have new girls that come into our squad each year, new players on every team. It really never gets old for me. There are always surprises and new things going on. I’m really looking forward to seeing Blake Griffin play throughout the season.
You were part of the groundbreaking 2006-07 Celtics dance team, the first time Boston ever had NBA dancers. What was that like?
Nicole:It was my first year, the Celtics’ first year. Everything was brand new. We were trying to work out the kinks as a group. Of course, dancing for the Celtics was completely amazing there.
So with that experience under your belt, did that make things easier for you when you came back and tried out for Clippers Spirit?
Nicole:That was really nerve-wracking actually. It’s a grueling audition process. The first round you go across the floor and do your kicks, your turns and leaps and then they make a cut. On the spot. Then you have to learn a jazz routine, you learn it on the spot and they make another cut. Then you learn a hip-hop routine and it’s the same thing until you’re a finalist. But I was really nervous because I wanted it really bad. It ended up all working out. Even though it was tough, it was a good experience in the long run.
I’m sure you were surrounded by more celebrities in L.A. than in Boston.
Nicole:Definitely. I remember Eva Longoria coming to a game. We were all awestruck. David Beckham has been here with his wife Victoria. It’s exciting because you want to look at them, but we’re also part of the entertainment, so we don’t get to be starstruck. They’re there to watch and observe the game and we want to let them have their time, but it is always fun when we get to see them in the crowd.
Do you kind of have a teacher/mentor/captain role with the Clippers Spirit?
Nicole:I think so, a little bit. We don’t actually have captains on this year’s squad, but I think the girls respect us. Brittany and I are the fourth-year members and we try to lead by example. We always dance all-out, we always come early, make sure that we’re on time, we keep them on track, keep them informed and be as helpful to them as we can because we were rookies once, too.
I know you’ve been dancing since you were 3. In a sense, are you living out your little-girl dreams?
Nicole: I think I’ve surpassed my childhood dreams. There’s really no experience like dancing at the Staples Center. When you’re center court and you have all your teammates behind you, it’s a really, really fun experience. And I’m so grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to do it and do it as long as I have. It’s definitely not something you should take for granted. But, yes, I’ve had a wonderful experience.
