Profiles and individual uniform shots of the Rams Cheerleaders are now online. Click here to visit the Cheerleaders page on StLouisRams.com
Kayla, Megan W. and Michelle
BaltimoreRavens.com: This is the night to get your 2010 Cheerleader swimsuit calendar signed! Join all 40 calendar girls at Hightopps Backstage Grille in Timonium for the a signing party from 6-9 p.m. Don’t have a calendar yet? Buy one at the event for just $15, and get it signed by all your favorite cheerleaders (before 8pm)!
CHEERLEADER CALENDAR SIGNING PARTY 6-8PM
HIGHTOPPS BACKSTAGE BAR & GRILL
The Falcons have posted a bunch of gi-freaking-normous photos of the Falcons Cheerleaders from the 8/19 game vs the Pats. Click here to check ’em out.
Here’s more info on the new tv show. We know it’s peripheral to our interests on this site, however, I would be interested to know more about Aly’s mom, Carrie. Based on Aly’s age, I’m guesstimating that Carrie Begley Michalka is in her 40s and went to the Super Bowl in 80 or 83. ~sasha
‘Hellcats’ star leads the cheer
By Bill Harris, QMI Agency
The Toronto Sun
September 5, 2010
Cheerleading was not part of Aly Michalka’s life before Hellcats. But it is in her blood.
“I have no cheerleading background, but my mom happened to be a Raiderette that went to the Super Bowl, and they won, which is rad, and a Rams cheerleader and a UCLA cheerleader,” said Michalka, 21. “So that’s kind of a cool thing.
“I’ve never had an interest to be on a squad, probably because there’s no home-schooling cheerleading squads. That might be weird, a home-schooling cheerleading squad. Very small.”
What won’t be small, Michalka hopes, is viewer reaction to the new series Hellcats, which debuts Wednesday, Sept. 8 on CW and A.
You may laugh when you hear this, but it’s true: Even though we are not even remotely in the target audience for a series set in the world of competitive U.S. college cheerleading, we were very impressed with the first episode of Hellcats.
Shot in Vancouver, Hellcats also stars Ashley Tisdale of High School Musical fame and is co-executive produced by Smallville’s Tom Welling. For what it is, Hellcats is well-acted, well-written, and the setup for the story actually makes sense.
Michalka stars as Marti Perkins, a serious student who has dreams of becoming a lawyer. But Marti’s future takes a bleak turn when her financial viability at college deteriorates for reasons beyond her control.
Marti’s only hope to stay at school is to get a scholarship. She hates cheerleading – or, more specifically, hates cheerleaders – but she is shocked to discover that competitive cheerleading is designated as a scholarship sport.
Out of desperation, Marti – who obviously has a dance background that she isn’t keen to talk about initially – tries out for the cheerleading squad. The team is captained by Tisdale’s character, Savannah Monroe.
“I didn’t really know what the (writers had in mind), so I was like, ‘I don’t know, cheerleading, hmmm?’ ” Michalka admitted. “But I read the script and fell in love with it. “Then when I actually filmed it, my respect level (for cheerleading) went up 1,000%. Cheerleading is bad-ass. These people are athletic. These people are trustworthy because they are there to catch you when you’re up in the air, flying.
“My mom saw the pilot and loved it. It was refreshing for me to see her rooting for something she can relate to, because half the time she’s like, ‘I have no idea what this movie is about.’ But she actually got it with this one.”
Michalka – a product of the Disney TV stable who also has a music career with her sister A.J. – obviously has the body for this role. While Michalka insisted she’s not a dieter by any means, she works out regularly and has stepped it up only mildly for Hellcats.
But seriously, Aly, did you always have killer abs like that? “Yeah, but nobody really knew, which is kind of funny,” she said. “I guess I wouldn’t be walking around with a crop-top all the time.”
Any time you want to do it, Aly, honestly, it’s cool.
Click here for a few photos on NBCLosAngeles.com
Kristin Wassell has danced all her life. Now she brings her moves to the Hartford Colonials, a new professional football team.
By Bill Bittar
Monroe Patch
August 29, 2010
Cheerleaders wearing blue and gold will strut their stuff during the Hartford Colonials’ home opener on Rentshler Field Sept. 18, kicking off the 2010 United Football League season.
Kristin Wassell, 22, will not only be shaking pom poms as a cheerleader for the first time, she’ll also lead the dance routines as one of the team’s three captains.
Though the Class of 2005 Masuk High School graduate had never tried out for cheerleading, she has been dancing all her life.
“Since I was two, that was all I really ever knew,” Wassell said during a recent interview at Starbucks, 525 Main St. “In high school I had no life. I went to dance classes at night.”
Her mother Dona is a dance instructor and owner of Studio D Center for Performing Arts, 380 Monroe Turnpike. She enrolled her daughter in dance classes at the YMCA at an early age.
Wassell’s being named a captain of the Colonials cheerleading squad should come as no surprise to those who followed her dancing career.
Wassell was eight when her mother was director of the Trumbull YMCA’s dance program, and helped her teach when she was 10.
“I worked with her from eight to noon every Saturday and I had a class in the afternoon,” she said.
By age 14, Wassell taught her own class under her mother’s supervision.
“In high school, I always had a solo and was in a group number,” Wassell said of her Masuk days, adding she enjoyed dancing to jazz the most.
“A close friend danced with me,” she said. “We did a duet before college.”
There are no solo routines in college, only team competitions, according to Wassell.
She went on to perform on Eastern Connecticut University’s dance team for five years — the extra year was because she changed her major. The last two years, she filled the void when her team had no coach.
“At Eastern we had a small dance team,” Wassell said. “We were like a family.”
Eastern is a Division III school. Wassells’ team was ranked ninth in its division in her sophomore year.
“In my last year, we ranked seventh in the nation among schools in our division,” she said.
Dancing in Daytona
Competitions include routines in different categories including tap, ballet, jazz, and hip-hop; and teams compete against other ones with the same average age.
Wassell said schools submit a video to compete in the preliminary competition, from which judges pick half of the squads to go to the National Dance Alliance Championships in Daytona, Fla.
“The competition was huge,” Wassell recalled. “There were teams from Japan there. Everywhere you looked, you would see people in cheerleading and dance uniforms.”
Once a team makes it, Wassell said a choreographer must be hired to come up with a routine the women can practice until it can be done in exactly two hours and 15 seconds.
She said routines include 30 seconds of pop, with cheerleading-like arm movements; 30 seconds of hip-hop and 30 seconds of jazz.
Aside from timing, judges closely watch dancers’ movements to ensure they are technically sound: Are the feet pointed? Are the knees straight on leg kicks?
Even facial expressions are scrutinized.
“We had to smile at all times,” Wassell said. “You try to fight through a yawn to keep smiling.”
Even after hours and hours of hard work, just one misstep can make it all for naught. Wassell remembers when a teammate did a “leg up turn, turn, turn and turn” and fell out of it.
“We’re not crazy like grrr,” she said of teammates’ reaction to the mistake. “She was upset. She was crying.”
The Hartford Colonials
After graduating from college in May, Wassell was waiting tables at Presto Pizza in Stratford and teaching at her mother’s studio.
She recently accepted a part-time job as an assistant dance instructor at Fairfield University.
It was a hip-hop class she had taken at Eastern Connecticut that got her the cheerleading tryout.
The instructor, Beth Girard, it turns out, is now the coach and director of the Colonials new cheerleading team. While starting up the squad from scratch, she remembered Wassell.
“She told me about it,” Wassell said, “and a couple friends from my dance team tried out and they all made it — so we’re dancing together again.”
Of the 33 women on Hartford’s cheerleading team, Wassell said four are from her team at Eastern.
Wassell went to the tryouts in June. She is by no means lacking in the looks department, but it takes a lot more than a pretty face to make a professional cheerleading squad.
“It was nerve wracking,” Wassell recalled. “There was a lot of talent at the audition.”
Each dancer had to think quickly on her feet.
“It’s not only about showing what your ability is,” Wassell said, “but how fast you can pick up the choreography.”
The cheerleaders also have to know the basics of football.
“I like baseball and football,” Wassell said. “I do have to say the Colonials are my favorite team, but I like the Yankees for baseball.”
As a cheerleader, Wassell has taken part in promotional events.
“We had a promotion at Riverfest in East Hartford,” she said. “There was a tent set up and food. We got the word out about the new football season and tickets could be purchased there. It’s all about promoting.
“When people see the football team and cheerleaders, they know it’s real. You really can’t care about approaching people. You can’t take it personally if they don’t want to hear about it.”
The Colonials’ cheerleaders will only perform at home games this season, but Wassell hopes they can travel with the team next season.
Her mother and father, Bud, and brother, Jack, should be in the stands to watch Wassell cheerleading. Though, she’ll always be a dancer at heart.
“It’s a release for me,” she said of dancing. “It just makes me happy. I like to do it. It’s almost therapeutic. If I had a bad day, I want to go to dance practice.”
Babson College
8/13/2010
Alyssa Ziemba, a 2010 Babson graduate with a MS in Accounting, was named one of the 18-member Celtics Dance Team.
Ziemba, from Thomaston, Conn., has been dancing since the age of 3 and competitively since she was 8. She was named Connecticut’s “Dancer of the Year” in 2005.
“The Celtics Dancers audition was a chance to learn and perform with the top dancers in New England,” said Ziemba. “Almost 300 tried out, with 36 advancing to the final auditions which took place over three long days. The final audition, which included a six- minute opening number, group audition, solo audition, and swimsuit round, was held at the House of Blues where a celebrity panel of judges chose the winners. The whole process made us even more excited to get to know each other and to start a great basketball season with the Celtics!”
While at Babson, Ziemba continued her passion for dance earning a place on the Babson Dance Ensemble (BDE) in her first year. During her junior year, she became activities coordinator for the BDE, and was vice president as a senior. Ziemba also served on the Senior Week Committee and as a Peer Mentor, and participated in the winter 2009 Ghana Study Abroad course.
Ziemba will use her Babson degrees (Masters in Accounting and Bachelor of Science in business administration) in her new position as staff auditor at BDO Seidman, LLP, in Boston, starting in January 2011. She is currently studying for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam.
Rising Patriot
Todd Wood
Effingham Magazine
August, 2010
Q: How long did you live in Effingham? From what year to what year? And what schools did you attend here?
A: I grew up living with my grandparents. We moved from Jacksonville, FL to Rincon, GA when I was eight years old, where I attended South Effingham Elementary School. I transferred to Effingham Co Middle School in the seventh grade. In the tenth grade, I transferred to Lifespring Christian Academy.
Q: Did you ever cheer while growing up? While you were a young girl did you ever see yourself or dream about being a pro football cheerleader?
A: I began cheering when I was five years old for the Hilliard Flashes in Florida. I also cheered for the Effingham Co Rebels in High School. I have to be honest and say my goal was always to cheer for FSU in college. Although I never achieved that goal, I believe that cheering for the New England Patriots has surpassed that goal by a mile and is definitely one of my greatest accomplishments.
Q: Tell me how the cheering and modeling got started for you. How old were you when you started modeling?
A: When I was thirteen years old, my grandmother took me to a casting call in Savannah, GA. I was selected by FORD Models to fly to NYC and meet with their agents. Unfortunately, my family was not financially able to fly to New York at that time. But, from that day on, I knew I wanted to be a model. I was amazed by the ads in magazines such as Seventeen, Glamour and Vogue. I also love being behind the camera. Growing up, I had huge collages of photographs that completely covered my bedroom walls. I don’t believe I went anywhere without a camera in my hand. When my friends and I were bored we would hang up a white sheet for a backdrop and make our own photo shoots.
Q: What inspired you to go to Boston? Did you go up north for the modeling opportunities, because I know you didn’t go there for the weather?
A: At the time, I was dating a guy who was from Boston. After flying down a few times to visit and after doing some research, I decided I would move there. The school systems are excellent and I had to put my son Dawson’s future first. Surprisingly, we LOVE the winter. I suppose it’s because it is new to us. We had never seen snow before, until my second visit to Boston. I love taking Dawson to the mountains, snowboarding, sledding, building snowmen and making snow angels. There is so much to do in the winter and having all four seasons is a wonderful change for us.
Q: For the people here at home, tell a little about the process of becoming a cheerleader in the NFL. Talk about how tough tryouts are. Then talk about once you make the squad, how many hours a week you put into cheerleading practice.
A: I had only been living in Massachusetts for a few weeks before I found myself at Gillette Stadium for tryouts. I thought it would be a fun experience and a great way to meet women my age, with the same interests. The tryouts are very intense and much tougher than I had anticipated. There were hundreds of women at the audition residing from all parts of New England, and many from out of state. It was intimidating at first, but once I made the final cut, I knew all the hard work had paid off.
The hours of practice differ from one cheerleader to another. Our normal schedule includes group practice two times a week. We also hold optional skill building practices throughout the month when needed.
Q: Also, not many people know how much an NFL cheerleader makes. In my opinion, cheerleaders are definitely there because they truly love dance and the atmosphere. I saw a special on television about a year ago that told how much cheerleaders make per game and I was shocked. I think it was about $50 per game or something like that.
A: We are paid for all of our practices, games, travel and personal appearances. I suppose all NFL squads are paid differently but I can honestly say; I would do it for free! No one could ever put a price on the feeling of standing on the field in the player’s tunnel before each game in front of 70,000 cheering fans. Climbing the wall of China, traveling overseas to support our troops, flying to London, England for an away game; it’s just amazing! Not to mention being able to say you cheer for the greatest team in the NFL! PRICELESS!
Q: Has your making the Patriots’ cheerleading squad opened other doors for you? Explain.
A: Absolutely. Not only has it helped open doors in the modeling and entertainment industry, but it’s opened the doors to the New England community. Last month another cheerleader and I traveled to the White Mountains in New Hampshire. We participated in a Habitat for Humanity project to build a home for a disadvantaged woman and her three children. That was one of the most rewarding opportunities I have ever experienced. Working with the Patriots organization has shown me the importance of giving back to the community and helping others.
Q: What are your ambitions? Career goals? Go ahead, don’t be modest, you have already accomplished a lot for your age, what is on the horizon?
A: Well, being a Patriots Cheerleader is a pretty time consuming job but it is finite. There is a three- year limit to being on the squad. I hope to continue pursuing modeling and acting. I absolutely love the entertainment industry but my heart is in ministry. I attended Lifesprings Worship Center in Pooler, GA for many years and if there is one thing I learned from Pastor Julie Stanley, it is that we are put on this earth for a purpose! I hope to one day attend a Christian missions school and join their dance team. I also love to travel, so being a missionary would be an appropriate fit. I can’t wait to dive into it!
Q: Other than making the Patriots cheerleading squad, are there any other accomplishments you are proud of? Have you been featured in any magazines?
A: The first year on the team I was selected as one of the cover girls for the 2010 Patriots Cheerleaders swimsuit calendar, which was a huge accomplishment. The photo shoots haven’t stopped since. I have traveled to over 5 countries for shoots and promotional appearances. I have been featured on Speed TV several times and I was featured in an anti-drunk driving commercial. I will be published in the upcoming August issue of Maxim Magazine and I have been featured on the Internet reality series: “The Justin’s”. Currently, I am shooting a pilot for a sports broadcasting show.
Q: Is this your first or second season with the Patriots?
A: I am now a second year veteran on the team and I’m looking forward to the 2010-2011 football season!
Q: On to gameday. I’ve noticed that cheerleaders are nonstop throughout the entire game. Would you say that it is good exercise?
A: Without a doubt! But most of all it’s fun! Every cheerleader on the squad is on the field at some point. We do rotate throughout the game, however, so that we are able to go into the stadium clubs for promotional appearances and calendar signings and spend time with our amazing fans.
Q: Other than cheerleading practice, how often do you workout?
A: I’m a mother of an extremely hyper 6 year old, so everyday is a work out! Although he keeps me busy with basketball or running around the park, I try to make it to the gym twice a week. The new workout routine I’m on is done right in my living room. It’s called P90X and it works wonders! I try to do it at least three times a week, first thing in the morning. It’s a great way to start my day and gives me plenty of energy.
Q: I saw a photo of you on the sideline, with very little on, and it was snowing! Foxboro is easily one of the harshest environments in the NFL when it comes to weather. How on earth can you be smiling when it is snowing and like 20 degrees?
A: Oh, the infamous Halloween game!! We are all so excited each year for that game because we are not in our standard uniform. We are able to dress up in any costume we would like. Unfortunately, in true New England style, the weather took a turn and started snowing. We couldn’t help but smile!
It was quite comical and we were having a blast! But, after half time we ran back into the locker room and changed into our winter uniforms, which consist of pants, gloves and warm winter jackets!
Q:This might get you in trouble, but who was your favorite NFL team(before) going to New England?
A: I can honestly say that pro football was not big in my family until I began cheering for the Patriots. As you know; it’s all about college football in the south! I have been a huge FSU fan all of my life, while my entire family are all die hard Florida Gator fans. It is always a fun rivalry when FL vs. FL is on TV. So, for pro football, it’s the PATRIOTS all the way!
Q: On Sundays when the Patriots are not at home, do you go somewhere to watch the game?
A: Of course! I wouldn’t miss one of our games for anything! It’s actually a lot of fun because my son dresses up in his Brady jersey and gets so excited that we can cheer on the team together. Often, the cheerleaders will meet up near the stadium and watch the games together!
Q: What is your favorite part of being a Patriots cheerleader?
A: There are so many aspects to being a cheerleader that I love! If I had to name one favorite, it would be traveling. Immediately after making the squad my first year, I was in Aruba shooting our swimsuit calendar. This year we flew to PuntaCana. I was also given the opportunity to travel to an away game in London, England last year. I can’t wait to see where our team travels next!
Q: What hobbies do you enjoy?
A: I love trying out all the winter sports New England has to offer; ice skating, skiing and snowboarding. I absolutely love motocross, whether it’s just riding for fun with my son in the back yard or traveling to the pro races, Motorcross is my favorite sport other than football. I also enjoy tennis, rock climbing, surfing, skydiving and just hanging out with my son at the beach.
Q: Do you still have family in Effingham? If so, who?
A: My aunt, Shelly Rowland and her two little girls live in Rincon. My mother Holly Morgan, my brother and two sisters still live in Effingham. Tyler Walker, Lexi Morgan and Clay Walker all attend Effingham Co Middle School and High School. I miss them all beyond words and the distance between us is not easy to cope with at times. But I fly down at least twice a year to visit them and I try to fly my brother and sisters up to Boston as much as possible.
Q: If someone wanted to take the route you have decided to take, what helpful advice would you give them?
A: GO FOR IT! Moving thousands of miles away to pursue your dreams is not easy at all! But if it were easy it wouldn’t be worth it. If you choose to move away and it doesn’t work out, you can always go back. But it’s the question of “what if” that will stand out, if you never give it a try. As for any girl who loves cheering or dance; I would certainly encourage them to search their favorite NFL team’s audition dates. Attending auditions is a wonderful experience in itself! If you don’t make it the first time you tryout, use that as your motivation to work harder to make it the next year! Why would you ever choose failure when success is an option?
Q: Was there anyone along the way who served as your mentor or supported you in accomplishing your goals?
A: My Aunt Suzy! Ever since I was a little girl, she has always been the one person I could count on! Although she was upset that my son and I were moving so far away, she was the only person who wiped away tears and said “I am proud of you! I know you can do it!” She is always there to help me through my successes and failures. No matter what it is, she helps me to make the best decision, keeps me grounded, and makes me smile!
Q: Who is your favorite player on the Patriots squad? Who is your favorite player in the NFL?
A: I would have to say my favorite player is Wes Welker and of course the best quarter back in the NFL is Tom Brady!
Q: Final qestion. Do you have anything lined up in the future. Any future photoshoots or work?
A: I have recently made the top 100 in a contest for Maxim, so I will have some upcoming videos and photo shoots for that. Next month, we will be shooting our 2010 Patriots cheerleading poster which will reveal our new uniforms. I recently booked a shoot with FHM Magazine and will be traveling to California for that. Being a part of the Patriots organization means the opportunities are endless and I can’t wait for my next endeavor.
By Marjorie Gorospe
Nation and World
August 25, 2010
[photos]
QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA–Maria, a member of the Miami Heat dance group, says she is proud of her Filipino roots and culture her mother instilled in her.
“I know that whenever Filipinos see another Filipino, they feel very proud for that someone representing their country. So I feel honored to be a Filipina with a chance to represent every Filipinos for the Miami Heat,” she says.
Maria, who politely declined to give her full name, shares that her last visit in the country was when she was six years old when she visited Davao, her mother’s hometown.
“I was really young back then, but even if I was away from the Philippines, my mom brings her culture in our house. I grew up in an environment surrounded by Filipino culture and food like lechon and lumpia,” says Maria.
She says that one of the most important lessons she learned from her mom is to be respectful to elders. “It’s her constant reminder when I was growing up,” says Maria.
Maria says as much as she wants to visit her family in Davao, she only has a few days with the NBA crew in Manila. She adds that the few hours of free time she had was spent shopping at Greenhills with her co-Miami Heat dancers.
Out of more than 400 girls who auditioned to be a member of the Miami Heat dancers, she was one of those selected to undergo boot camps, rigorous training, and dancing sessions to stay fit.
“I felt so honored being in a great team. I love dancing and this is the best way for me to express my passion for dance,” says Maria, who started dancing at the age of 15.
Aside from her stint as a member of the group, Maria is also taking up a theater and dance course at Broward College. In her free time, she is a dance instructor for kids and a child-care giver.
As for the rest of talented Filipinos, she hopes that more will show to the world what Filipinos are capable of and that more will embrace their God-given talents.
“For every Filipino across the globe, you should embrace your talent and don’t be afraid. If it’s something that you love to do, then it’s something meant for you so don’t give up.”
