Beth Huizenga
Novato Patch
January 7, 2011
[Photos]
We’ve met some cool people in this column who really enjoy their work. Notably Helge Hellberg and Miguel Villareal, who together make possible the gleaning of nearby fields of organic produce for kids’ lunches in our schools; Rachel-Anne Palacios, the amazing henna lady who visits our main library now and then; Kara and Jana, those crazy scrapbook gals who volunteered so much of their time and expertise to help commemorate the 50th anniversary celebration of our town.
Get ready to have your hair blown back with another stellar member of our community who not only calls Novato home but who runs a successful business downtown and who grew up here, as she tells me, “under the poverty line.”
Tara-Caprice Howard attended Lynwood Elementary, San Jose Middle and Novato High schools, after which she went on to study dance at Santa Rosa Junior College and early childhood education at San Francisco State. She loved dance, breathed dance, but everyone kept telling her she wouldn’t make any money, so as she says ruefully, “I switched my major four times.”
As a teenager, she auditioned for the Warrior Girls Dance Team and found herself too young and unprepared the first time around, but a year later she tried again and made it. For the next three years Tara-Caprice was a member of the dance team for the Golden State Warriors. The crowning event of her time there was representing the NBA in China for two weeks in 2004 performing at outdoor celebrations and big malls in Beijing and Shanghai. She also greatly enjoyed the sightseeing trips to the Great Wall and the Summer Palace.
OK, I ask her, what’s the deal with the players? Do you guys date or is there a policy against that?
As I suspected, and as Tara confirms, there is an official stance of no mixing with the players. And here we all thought America was a free country.
“I did get to meet famous people though,” Tara tells me. “I met Jamie Foxx and Delroy Lindo, and it’s funny because Jamie Foxx actually asked me out and I had to decline because of my boyfriend.”
Tara-Caprice married this lucky boyfriend four years ago becoming Tara-Caprice Broadwater. The video of her wedding dance with husband Kevin on YouTube was featured on the cable channel TLC’s “Wild Weddings.”
Not wasting any time after starting with the Warriors in 2001, Tara opened her Love 2 Dance studio in Novato in 2002.
“The reason I stopped dancing with the Warriors was because I wanted to be at the studio more,” she tells me. “Teaching is more important to me than performing. I just love, love, love my students.” Adding with her infectious giggle, “I’d rather spend my time with kids than adults.”
Eight years of running a successful dance studio didn’t just happen, but Tara always had a vision of the community she wanted to create.
“I didn’t know exactly what I was doing when I opened the studio,” she says, “but I’ve learned many lessons throughout the years, like dealing with people, being organized, staying true to my beliefs. I’ve had a lot of pressure to expand, but I want to keep it small so it’s like a family.”
Tara has 285 students taking classes and a whopping 281 of them will be performing at one of their big biennial shows Jan. 8 at the Marin Civic Center, including Tara herself.
“I would be sad if I didn’t get to perform,” she says, “and it’s great to be an example for the kids.”
Two-hundred eighty-five! Do you know all their names? I ask.
“Oh yeah, of course!” she exclaims, “plus all my school kids’ names, too.”
Tara volunteers at Lynwood and teaches for nominal stipends at a few other local elementary schools. She’s volunteered teaching choreography at several Novato schools over the past decade.
“I always automatically say yes to everything, which can be a bit of a problem,” she admits with another giggle. “I want to make everyone happy.”
This Love 2 Dance show will be the 15th show put on by Tara and her team of five. In February the Love 2 Dance All Stars (an invitation-only dance team) and the People’s Choice Award from Saturday night’s show will, once again, perform during halftime at a Warriors game at Oakland’s Oracle Arena.
Tara is also busy creating a 30-minute dance show including all 53 members of the All Stars for a June performance at California Adventure in Disneyland.
Besides all this, Tara, now 32, finds time to choreograph music videos. Her first completed one is for the Bay Area group Astral Kitchen.
“I’m totally happy,” she tells me, “I’m doing well.”
Yes, indeed Tara, you are doing very, very well! Novato is honored to have you.
Stacey Judice
Special to The Daily Advertiser
January 8, 2011
For many in Louisiana, last year’s football season was “Saintsational.” Our home team won the Super Bowl, a dream come true for football fans in our state.
The team’s success resulted in even more new fans sporting their dazzling fleur de lis attire proudly.
One Acadiana woman got to do more than just sport around a little Saint’s dazzle.
Macie Borel Brown was born and raised in Breaux Bridge. She’s been dancing since she was 2. And since she was 8, she’s been carrying around the dream of becoming a Saints cheerleader.
That was the year she watched her sister dance as a Saintsation for the New Orleans Saints. “As I watched my sister, Keshia’s, face on that field, I felt her excitement from my seat in the Superdome,” Brown said.
Brown’s desire to dance as a NFL cheerleader never left her heart, but life presented some challenges. “In 2009, I was a student at UL-Lafayette and had just gotten married,” she said. “The thought of following through with my dream seemed impossible.”
But in April 2009, she was curious enough to do a quick Internet search. “I found out that tryouts for the Saintsations were going to be held in New Orleans the following month,” she said.
A NFL cheerleader normally trains day in and day out for an entire year before an audition for the team. Brown had only a month to prepare.
But she also had 23 years of experience as a dancer on her side.
“The whirlwind began in May of 2009 when the 35 women were chosen to represent the Saints on the sidelines,” Brown said. “I was the only one chosen on the cheerleading team to represent Acadiana. The excitement that I felt as a young girl was nothing compared to the adrenaline that spread week to week as the Saints journeyed to the ultimate win.”
Anyone who has ever attended a Saints game knows the noise level in the place is astronomical. Last year on the sidelines, Saintsation cheerleaders danced to a different tune.
“On some occasions, the fans excitement kept the music from being heard on the sidelines,” Brown said. “For the NFC Championship game against the Vikings, we performed to the beat of the crowd. At that game, there was never a moment that we heard a song.”
Sports Illustrated has a new gallery of photos of the Utah Jazz Dancers. Click here to check it out!
On Groupon, a Proposal Sealed With a Click
By VINCENT M. MALLOZZI
New York Times
January 5, 2011
Dana Burck says she found the deal of a lifetime on Groupon: a wedding proposal.
Ms. Burck, 24 and an avid user of the Chicago-based social buying site, was directed to one of its deal pages early Wednesday morning (about 1 a.m.) by her 25-year-old boyfriend, Greg Hill, with whom she often shops online.
“He kept me up all night, making me drink iced tea with dinner and giving me shoulder rubs to keep me awake,” Ms. Burck said, “and then we went on Groupon, which is something we always do.”
This time, however, Ms. Burck, a cheerleader for the Cincinnati Bengals, was instructed to pay special attention to the fine print of a featured deal that was labeled “A Surprise for a Dana from a Greg,” and read in part: “Expires Jan. 5, 2011. Nontransferable. Groupon entitled to no less than 15% of your marital bliss.” [Click here to see the groupon]
At first, Ms. Burck was a bit confused. She turned to ask Mr. Hill to explain it all and found him on one knee, engagement ring in one hand and an iPod in the other that played “Lucky” by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat, her favorite song.
“I said yes and started crying, and we just hugged and started to kiss,” Ms. Burck said.
Eventually, Ms. Burck turned back to her computer screen to read the actual proposal that Mr. Hill had posted, which read:
“Dana, I have told you many times that I was the luckiest man ever. Somehow fate brought us, a perfect match, together. Over the past four-and-a-half years, we have traveled around the world, watched more movies than we could possibly count, and spent as little time apart as humanly possible. Through good times and bad, distances between us, and the odds against us, we always made it because of each other. I want the amazing times to continue by spending the rest of my life with you – the sweetest, most beautiful, and smartest woman in the entire world. Will you marry me? — Greg.”
According to Julie Mossler, a spokeswoman for Groupon, Mr. Hill’s proposal was the first of its kind on the site, though other prospective bridegrooms had creatively used the site before, one going as far as buying a trip aboard a hot air balloon for the purpose of popping the question.
“He initially wanted to put a banner ad on the site,” Ms. Mossler said of Mr. Hill. “But we decided to have fun with it and take it to the next level by turning it into a regular deal.”
All of Groupon’s 219,000 subscribers in Cincinnati, where the couple lives, received an e-mail alert with a link to the page. As of Wednesday afternoon, 91 subscribers, including a handful of Groupon employees, sent Ms. Burck and Mr. Hill their well-wishes on the site’s discussion board.
“I just wanted to surprise her the best way I could,” said Mr. Hill, a computer engineer who plans on marrying Ms. Burck next year.
After reading Mr. Hill’s proposal, Ms. Burck clicked on the “buy” button, and the following words popped up on her screen: “Congratulations Dana or Stranger, you are now unofficially obliged to marry Greg!”
Would Ms. Burck have considered a competitive offer?
“I couldn’t get a better deal anywhere, never, never ever,” she said.
Marisa Sung
Asiance Magazine
Jan 2011
This is Charo’s first season with the First Ladies of Football! She attended the University of Maryland College Park where she majored in business and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. At the current time, Charo is working as a Tax Associate for a large international public accounting firm. She is in the middle of completing the CPA exam having completed the first two parts. From the Redskinettes to the First Ladies of Football, the Redskins Cheerleaders are the longest running cheerleading team in the NFL. Founded in 1962, and originally named the Redskinettes, this team has brought worldwide recognition to the Washington, D.C. area, the Redskins football team, and the NFL. Partnered with the largest and most prominent Alumni Association among cheerleading teams–in 2008 over 1,000 strong–the women who have cheered and continued to support the Redskins have also helped raise millions since the team’s inception and support more charities and community events every year.
ASIANCE: What inspired you to become an NFL Cheerleader?
I love dancing and I love football. There’s not much else you can do that combines both dancing and football – plus we get the best seats in the house!
ASIANCE: What background do you have that contributed to your success as a professional cheerleader?
I’ve been dancing since I was five years old. Ballet, jazz, modern, etc – I did it all. I think that my parents putting me through pre-professional dance training until I was 17 definitely contributed to the level I am at and my ability to make the cut.
ASIANCE: Did you get any resistance from your family as this profession is not a typical choice for a traditional Asian Family Member?
No – my family is used to me dancing and performing so they actually encouraged the larger scale of this profession. My mom is the one who grew up in the Philippines and she has supported my dancing from day one.
ASIANCE: When did you realize you wanted to be a Washington Redskins Cheerleader?
In college. I tried out two years ago in college and kind of became enamored with the idea of it all. And then this year, my dream came true when I made the team!
ASIANCE: Who is your favorite current Redskins player?
London Fletcher
ASIANCE: What is the first thing you notice in a man?
His smile and his shoes
ASIANCE: What qualities do you look for in a boyfriend?
He should be quick-witted, intelligent, adventurous, have good manners, and he MUST work out!
ASIANCE: Do you have a celebrity crush on someone who is in the public eye that you would like to date? We want a feel for your type!
Sean Faris. But he’s kind of obscure so I’ll go with James Franco.
ASIANCE: What was the worst pickup line you have ever heard?
Do you have any raisins? Well how about a date?
ASIANCE: Name three words that describe you.
Hard-working, witty, free-spirited
ASIANCE: What is your favorite activity to do in Washington?
A perfect day in DC would be lunch & shopping in Georgetown on M Street, then relaxing at the Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin.
ASIANCE: What is your best feature?
My skin
ASIANCE: What is the most adventurous thing you have done?
Cliff jumping in Grenada or dog-sledding in Quebec – you pick.
ASIANCE: What is the best part about being a Redskins Cheerleader?
The free stuff! No I’m kidding – the WRC family that you become a part of. Seeing these girls inside and outside of practice really makes my heart warm and fuzzy. I also absolutely love the feeling of performing for thousands of fans at FedExField.
ASIANCE: Do you think that Asian/Asian American Women are finally making strides on the professional cheerleading squads?
Yes, from what I’ve been seeing, it seems that there’s at least one Asian/Asian American woman on every squad, if not more. It makes me pleased to know that our minority is being represented in the NFL.
ASIANCE: What is the greatest accomplishment in your life thus far?
Earning my degree – my parents were the first to graduate from college in their respective families so I’m proud to continue that.
ASIANCE: Where do you hope your NFL Cheerleading experience will lead you to?
Cheering in the NFL definitely provides a lot of new opportunities and networking possibilities but right now I’m completely content cheering with the Redskins.
ASIANCE: You all look so gorgeous on the field. How do you manage to look so perfectly coiffed throughout the routines and in all types of weather?
Even if it’s raining and we’re soaking wet and freezing I think the key to looking “perfectly coiffed” is to smile and have fun! Oh and waterproof makeup.
ASIANCE: Do you have any “beauty secrets” that you can share with our readers?
Always take your makeup off before you go to sleep!
ASIANCE: What advice do you have for young girls aspiring to become NFL Cheerleaders?
Never lose sight of WHY you do what you do. And always, always do what you love. The rest will fall into place!
Click here for week 16 and click here for week 17.
The latest NFL Cheerleader gallery has been posted on SportsIllustrated.com. This week features dance teams from the Falcons, 49ers, Jets, and Patriots, with a few of the Texans, Saints, Chiefs, and Broncos. Click here to go there now.
Aw yeah, it’s that time of year again! The Chivas USA organization is looking for talented dancers to join the 2011 ChivaGirls. Auditions will start on Saturday, February 19th, so save the date! Details will be posted on the Chivas USA website in the next couple of weeks.
What’s it like being a ChivaGirl? Click here for tons of photos, and take a look at this video from their biggest halftime show of 2010:
While you’re at it, check out the video below from last year. Former ChivaGirl/current Laker Girl Jessica explains what to expect on audition day. The date and time are different of course, but the rest is the same for this year’s auditions.
by Staff Sgt. Eric Burks
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
U.S. Air Force
1/4/2011
(Click on photos to view hi-res)
OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) — Members of the Dallas Cowboys’ cheerleader team visited here Dec. 29 as part of their 72nd USO tour.
During their visit, the cheerleaders had lunch with Airmen, held a free cheer clinic for kids, performed at the base theater, signed autographs and posed for photos with members here.
Senior Airman Travis Paecht, of the 5th Reconnaissance Squadron, said having lunch with the cheerleaders was a great experience.
“It was definitely a morale boost,” he said. “It’s tough being away from family every holiday, but the cheerleaders were really nice, and they were appreciative of everything we’re doing out here.”
While Cowboys cheerleaders have been visiting Soldiers and Airmen here for decades through the USO tours, the cheer clinics are a relatively recent addition, designed to support the growing number of family members here.
As tour normalization initiatives brought more families to the peninsula, the Cowboys cheerleaders, working with USO officials, began holding the cheer clinics during tours here just a few years ago. As more dependents arrived, the level of support grew.
Katie Chargualaf, an Osan Air Base family member, said her daughter loved meeting the cheerleaders.
“They worked really well with the kids,” she said. “It was very nice of them to take time away from their families during the holidays to spend time with ours.”
Meredith Oden, a fourth-year Cowboys cheerleader making her first visit to South Korea, offered advice for cheer clinic participants who aspire to, one day, join the ranks of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.
“If you work hard and put the effort into it, it’s something you can achieve,” she said. “Just keep dancing and put your heart into it.
“A lot of people are amazed that not all of us are from Texas, and not all of us are fully-trained dancers from the age of 3,” Ms. Oden said.
“Everyone has a different background, but we like to call ourselves a big bouquet,” she said. “Every person is a different type of flower. Everyone has their own background, and that’s when we come together, that’s what makes us the squad that we are.”
Ms. Oden’s mother is a former Cowboys cheerleader who participated in USO tours, and even performed at Osan AB in the 1980s.
“Watching the cheerleaders growing up, it was something we really aspired to do,” Ms. Oden said.
“Every time, watching them dance, each performance seemed more phenomenal,” she said. “We’re excited to get to do that tonight, and we hope we inspire a couple little ones.”
Paula Abdul Hopes ‘Glorious Beings’ Will ‘Take Flight’ on Live to Dance
By Cynthia Wang
People.com
January 04, 2011
Paula Abdul Hopes ‘Glorious Beings’ Will ‘Take Flight’ on Live to Dance
Of the many hyphens between Paula Abdul’s career turns – Laker Girl-choreographer-singer-American Idol judge – she most loves the latest: producer of the new reality show competition Live To Dance, which premieres Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
“You have to be true to who you are,” Abdul, 48, tells PEOPLE. “I am my brand. I lead with my heart. I have tremendous expertise behind the scenes helping build, mold and shape other performers to help them take flight. I’ve learned from some of the best there is in the business on the technical side, so for me being a producer is a deep-rooted passion.”
And as a producer, Abdul breaks down how her new show, which enters a live-competition phase on Jan. 12, compares with other reality competitions:
• No Mean Auditions: “It’s not about being goofy or silly to get on television because that’s not going to happen,” Abdul says. “It’s okay to be eccentric but it better be backed up with dancing chops and technique.”
• No Age Limits: “You are never too old!” says Abdul. “It’s for all ages, and some of these beautiful performers had a career at one time, dancing in the background for shows like West Side Story. You’re going to see diverse ability and talent where the young-at-hearts, the over-50s and senior citizens are inspiring the 6-year-olds and the 26-year-olds.”
• No Harsh Judging: “I have leading experts, Travis Payne and Kimberly Wyatt, and our job is to help make these glorious beings understand what they need to do to land the next audition,” Abdul says. “And if they have made it, giving them tips on how to up the ante to make it to the semifinals and what will be expected of them. It’s a different perspective that I felt very strongly about.”
• No Boring Dances: “We are not going to be telling people, ‘Now try as a ballet dancer to do krumping,’ ” she says. “No, we are going to be celebrating what they do. But one of the things I wanted to do was fuse dance styles. Dancers today are like Transformers. They are not normal! They are bionic and they don’t excel in just one area.”
• No Seacrest: Although Abdul misses the chemistry of her old Idol team, including host Ryan Seacrest, she will introduce a new host, Andrew Gunsberg, an Australian. “Andrew was a little gift that came wrapped up in a beautiful box and he’s magical,” Abdul says. “His spirit embodies the heart of the show.”
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