Ok, so the team has already been selected, but there are still some interesting tidbits in this article ~sasha
By Josh Looney
KCChiefs.com
Feb 14, 2011
The 2011 Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders will be announced Tuesday afternoon on KCChiefs.com
Over the weekend, more than 200 women auditioned inside Arrowhead Stadium’s state of the art North Club for an opportunity to join the 2011 Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleading squad. In the end, only 33 will wear the skirt.
The large turnout was not only impressive in volume, but the quality of candidates set new standards for the future of Chiefs Cheerleading as well. Following three days of tryouts, Cheer Director Stephanie Judah said that the final cuts were among the most difficult that the cheer staff has ever had to make.
“This was by far the hardest year for deciding on those final choices,” Judah said. “But it’s also exciting, because this is going to be one of the best overall squads we’ve ever had.”
The process in becoming a Chiefs Cheerleader is similar to making any athletic team. Candidates must survive three rounds of cuts before finally making the squad. As the tryouts wage forward, expectations increase.
Friday’s preliminary round consisted of dance drills, public speaking and learning two types of choreography (sideline and main routines). The first round of cuts were made Friday night before the semi-finalists returned on Saturday morning to learn production routines that would be performed during a portion of tryouts open to the public later that evening.
Another round of cuts came late Saturday night, following talent show auditions by team veterans.
Veteran cheerleaders are eligible to participate in the Chiefs Cheerleaders Variety Show, which is performed at military bases worldwide. Chiefs Cheerleaders have previously visited stateside troops as well as those stationed in places like Guantanamo Bay, Italy, Egypt and Portugal.
Sixty-some finalists were thrown a curveball Sunday morning when former Chiefs linebacker Anthony Davis served as a guest judge and quizzed each hopeful on Chiefs history, NFL knowledge and general football rules. The ladies then reported for photo shoots in uniform and swimsuits, underwent a fitness evaluation and went through more dance drills before performing in front of judges.
Sunday’s finale not only included solo dance performances, but public speaking tests as well. Each portion of tryouts was scored by judges of various expertises.
Judah brought in a new set of guest judges this year that included local television and radio personalities as well as former Chiefs players. A professional dance choreographer flew from out of state to critique dance technique and a pageant director from Miss USA competitions was on hand as well.
Each guest judge scores candidates in areas that include fitness, glamour, dance and public speaking. Judah then selects the final team alongside Tavia Hunt and Chiefs Vice President of Sales and Marketing Tammy Fruits – a process that lasts into the wee hours of morning.
Hunt has become intimately involved in the selection process, signaling a commitment to the quality of the Chiefs Cheerleading program from the top of the organization.
“It’s an honor to have the support from the Hunt Family that Tavia provides,” said Judah. “She’s an integral part in selecting the final squad.”
Hunt was joined by daughter Gracie throughout the weekend and in comparing notes with Judah and Fruits.
The 2011 squad is set to officially unveil Tuesday afternoon on KCChiefs.com. From there, the team will have its first meeting on Friday to prepare for upcoming photo shoots and begin training. The team’s first public performance will take place in front of Chiefs fans at the annual Draft Day Party in late April.
New this year, fans can witness the photo shoot for the 2012 Chiefs Cheerleader Calendar first hand. The calendar shoot will take place May 9th-13th in the beautiful Dominican Republic. Click here for details on reserving your spot.
Monica Rizzo
People.com
2/15/2011
Melissa Rycroft Strickland is a mom!
The former Bachelor contestant and her husband, insurance agent Tye Strickland, welcomed a daughter on Wednesday afternoon, her rep confirms to PEOPLE.
Ava Grace Strickland, born in Dallas and weighing 6 lbs., 13 oz., is the first child for the pair, who wed in December 2009 in Mexico. Mother and child are resting comfortably.
“Our lives have changed so much in the last two years and today we’ve been blessed with the best change ever, our beautiful baby girl,” Melissa, 27, tells PEOPLE.
The onetime reality star – who was famously dumped by Jason Mesnick after becoming engaged on The Bachelor – said earlier this year the turn of events had been an enormous blessing in her life.
“Everything is wonderful and life is exactly as it should be,” she said.
The members of the Toronto Raptors dance team have been blogging all season long about what it’s like to be part of the Dance Pak. Trips, appearances, jobs, fans, and of course lots of dancing are favorite topics. Click here to see what theyr’e up to now!
The ladies from the Blackhawks are the latest addition to the Sports Illustrated NHL Ice Crew photo archives. Click here to go there now.
Personally, I think these are some of the cutest outfits in the league, but I doubt hefting those shovels is enough to keep them warm. Maybe next year they can work a little sweater into that ensemble.
The Nets Dancer website has been revamped to include new individual profiles and photos are now online for the 2010-11 team! Click here to learn more about the team.
By Shawn Johnnides
Kanto Stripes
2/10/2011
Super Bowl XLV may have set new viewership records stateside, but at least 600 attendees ensured Camp Zama’s annual Super Bowl Party set some attendance records of its own. It was no doubt influenced by the special appearance of six Miami Dolphins cheerleaders.
Doors at the Camp Zama Community Club (CZCC) opened at 7 a.m. for the Feb. 7 event. Serious fans lined up more than an hour early, armed with camping chairs and thermoses full of coffee, to ensure they got good seats.
The six members of the 2011 Miami Dolphins cheerleading squad brought their special brand of excitement to the festivities. They took the stage a few minutes after 8 a.m. to perform a dance routine. Then they introduced themselves to the crowd and danced again, stepping off stage just before the coin toss that started the big game.
As a special treat for the audience, the cheerleaders chose to have their breakfast in the main ballroom so they could talk with the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and other people who had gathered there. A 2011 Dolphins Cheerleaders calendar was given to all attendees, and the women spent much of the game signing them and posing for photos.
The cheerleaders and their squad director, Emily Newton Snow, flew in Feb. 6, but if they were suffering from jet lag they were too professional to let it show. The cheerleaders seemed genuinely excited to be in Japan and to have an opportunity to meet the men and women stationed here.
They kept smiles on their faces the entire morning, and said they were looking forward to the cheer clinic they would hold in the afternoon. The squad was only in town for two days, and members said they wanted to do as much as possible in that short amount of time.
The cheerleaders especially enjoyed hearing the stories of the people they met during the game, and these exchanges helped make the women more aware of the military’s global efforts to protect the United States, according to Snow.
When Camp Zama Morale, Welfare and Recreation first invited the Dolphins cheerleaders to come out for the big game, the squad held auditions for the six coveted spots. Among those who made the travel squad was Bekah Stevens, who grew up as an “Army brat” with a special connection to Japan.
Stevens’ grandfather was stationed at Camp Zama in the 1950s as a judge. During that assignment, her father was born here on the Kanto Plain. She said it was a sentimental experience to be able to walk down the same roads on Camp Zama that her grandparents used to walk.
Stevens said it was especially nice to meet the soldiers at Camp Zama’s Super Bowl party and learn about their experiences, as many of them have served at the same installations on which she grew up. She said it was “really special” to be able to be here and share the experience of the Super Bowl with the soldiers.
The warm and respectful reception the cheerleaders received indicated that the feeling was definitely mutual.
To see more photos of Camp Zama’s 2011 Super Bowl Party, visit Spotted.Stripes.com and search for “Super Bowl.”
Leah points to lip balm as her beauty secret
This is the ninth 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: Leah
Year on Squad: 1st
Hometown: Spencer, MA
Area of Residence: Los Angeles, CA
College/High School: Graduate of UMASS Dartmouth, Marketing Major
What prompted you to want to become a Laker Girl? I love to dance and wanted a way to further my dance career. I graduated college last May and was looking for a change. Los Angeles seemed to be the perfect place for me – seeing that the Lakers just won the championship, I wanted to be a part of it! Not to mention, it does have the most prestigious dance team in the NBA.
What do you think stood out to the judging panel, about you, regarding your audition? I was actually hoping I didn’t stick out! (once I made the cuts & got to the later rounds) I know it is important to dance as a team, so I tried to watch the veteran Laker Girls that were there auditioning too, so I could to try to emulate their style of dancing…..which would help blend in as best as I could.
What do you think makes a good Laker Girl? I feel a good Laker Girl represents their team and organization on and off the court. She must be a hard working dancer and caring person out in the community. Also, she should understand that a lot of dedication/hard work is involved in this position – and it is totally worth it! I mean, we’re talking about the Los Angeles Lakers here!
What is your dance experience? I started dance class at the age of 3. I have trained in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, pointe and hip-hop.
In addition, I was an NFL cheerleader for the New England Patriots from 2007-2010. My experience involved in performing at all of their home games, as well as all over the world, entertaining the troops and football fans.
Favorite dance routine, while being a Laker Girl? My favorite routine is called “Higher Ground” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It is a fast upbeat song, so I get excited to perform it every time!
Favorite uniform? I love one of our more recent uniforms we have now……we call it our “Purple Ruffle” uniform. It has a cute ruffle skirt. I just love how it looks when we dance, it’s very feminine and girly!
Favorite Lakers Player? Derek Fisher
Favorite Laker Girl memory so far? I cannot pinpoint one memory in particular. I feel so lucky to be in this position, that I have way too many to choose from! To be honest, just to be a part of this journey is incredible and I am looking forward to making many more memories the rest of this season!
What do you like most about being involved, as a Laker Girl, at local charity/community events? I really enjoy meeting the fans……they always have great stories! It is so nice to be able to give back to our community and put smiles on their faces. We often get asked the question, “Are you the REAL Laker Girls?”……and I always get so excited to say, “YES!” I am excited to answer back because it’s an honor to be given the opportunity to brighten the day of someone who really appreciates our time.
What would you say is your beauty secret? I’m obsessed with Chap Stick (lip balm). It is my number one beauty necessity!
What diet/workout tips do you have?Always eat breakfast! If you don’t, you will over eat later…..I promise!
What are your Hobbies? I really like extreme sports. I’m beginning to venture out – and trying as many as I can! A few I have conquered recently include wakeboarding, motocross and snowboarding! I would love to go skydiving. (that’s next on my list!)
Career aspirations? I would love to get involved in some type of broadcasting. My dream job would be to be on a talk show, as a host! A news personality.
KVUE.com: In addition to a preseason scrimmage and the new Dynamo Stadium groundbreaking, preliminary tryouts for the Dynamo Girls, the official dance team of the Houston Dynamo, were held Saturday, February 5. The Dynamo Girls were expected to hold final auditions for the 2011 squad a few days later.
This week, Sports Illustrated features the Celtics Dancers. Click here to check ’em out.
Have you always wanted to be a Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader but haven’t danced in a while or lack experience? Now you have a chance to learn MVC style choreography and tips for being in your best “dance shape” for auditions! The Prep classes are led by two former six year MVC veterans who were each captains and Pro Bowl Cheerleaders. Members of the 2010 MVC will also be there to demonstrate.
Prep Classes include:
- Stretches to increase flexibility in time for auditions
- Dance technique
- Across the floor skills
- High kicks
- Learning MVC style routines (New choreography will be taught at each session. We will not re-teach choreography from previous sessions.)
- Mini-workouts to build stamina
- Short Q&A session at the end of each night with members of the 2010 Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders!
Attire is workout wear. Bring dance or tennis shoes and a water bottle. These prep classes are mostly dance based. On March 19, 2011, the MVC Audition Workshop will provide in-depth, seminar style lectures on various MVC topics and choreography that may be used during auditions! We highly recommended you attend both the prep classes and the workshop to be fully prepared for auditions on Saturday, April 2, 2011!
Important Dates
Attend one or all of the MVC Prep Class Dates, all 7-9 P.M. :
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011 – Workout with the MVC ’s personal trainers!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011 – Audition Workshop
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Pricing and Packages
Prep Classes Only – $20/per class or $90 for all 5 sessions
All Prep Classes and Morning Session of the MVC Audition Workshop – $130
All Prep Classes and Full Day of the MVC Audition Workshop – $160
Audition Workshop – morning session only – $50
Audition Workshop – evening session only – $50
Audition Workshop – full day – $80
Go to mvcalumni.com for additional information.
