The Jacksonville Sharks have updated the dance team page on their website. Click here to see who is on this year’s squad!
Check out the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders Facebook page for lots of coverage of the open call for this year’s MVC auditions. Click here!
Click here for photos from day one of this year’s open call.
Click here to watch episode 1 of “Cut 27” a behind the scenes show about the audition process.
Auditions for the 2015 Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders kicked off today. Click here to see individual photos of the ladies who have been passed through to the next rounds of auditions.
Times of San Diego
April 10, 2015
[Photo Gallery (Photos by Chris Stone)]
Hoping to join (or rejoin) the 28-member Chargers Girls dance team, 72 young women auditioned for the 2015-2016 season Thursday afternoon at the Sheraton Harbor Island.
On a wooden ballroom floor, they performed a routine in threesomes and then another as solos. They often cheered each other as they awaited their turns.
Chargers CEO A.G. Spanos, oldest son of team president Dean Spanos, was among the judges of the final audition, which began with more than 300 registrants Saturday at USD’s Jenny Craig Pavilion, and narrowed to about 150. Interviews helped pick the final 72.
Other judges were Jessie Christensen, Ken Derrett, Mike Douglass, Ryan Gallop, Maria Giannini, Kristin Hollowaty, Denny O’Leary, Nicole Rush and Lisa Simmons (the squad’s director)
“I was really impressed with the deep pool of talent that auditioned for this year’s team,” Simmons said. “We had to make some tough decisions to select the final 28 girls. That strong competition has ensured we’ll have one of our finest squads ever.”
Members selected Friday (and shown on the Chargers website) range in age from 18 to 30.
Seventeen are returning veterans and 11 are first-time Charger Girls. Fifteen of the 28 members are students, including two from San Diego State University, two from the University of San Diego and one from the University of San Diego School of Law.
The group includes a certified public accountant, social media director, medical sales representative and general manager of a performing arts & fitness facility. The roster also includes nine native San Diegans and one dancer from Sydney, Australia.
Besides the traditional calendar and home game appearances, members also attend community and charity events.
TOP ROW (L – R)
Brittney, Taylor, Shelbi, Allie, Jenna, Colette, Hailey, Whitney, Jayme
MIDDLE ROW (L – R)
Teran, Angie, Delani, Katelyn, Bridget J., Roxi, Lauren, Angelica, Devin, Karissa
BOTTOM ROW (L – R)
Elizabeth, Rebecca, Beatrix, Kayla, Gabrielle, Bridget C., Tina, Tawnie, Tyler
By Ricky Henne
Chargers.com
April 10, 2015
Gabrielle was in this position exactly one year ago.
Trying out for the Charger Girls for the very first time, she anxiously sat arm in arm with the other hopefuls as the hottest dance team in the NFL was announced. She celebrated when her number was called, but while she was a wreck last year, she was even a bigger bundle of nerves this year.
That’s because she knew what was at stake.
“Coming back this year was honestly the scariest audition because I knew what I had to lose,” she said moments after learning she’d made the cut for the second straight season. “I wanted to come in with confidence, but of course I was nervous. I know what made me come back was so much more than just dancing. When I made it last year I was like, ‘Yay! I get to dance on the sidelines for the Chargers!’ But this year, I know it is so much more than that. We get to be role models, especially for the Junior Charger Girls and the youth we interact with. We get to be ambassadors for the organization and the community. Along with the sisterhood of girls you join and getting to dance, it’s honestly an irreplaceable feeling. I’m so grateful to be back!”
That sentiment was shared by each returning veteran as being a Charger Girl is an experience they never want to give up.
“Auditions get more and more intense each year because you know what you have to miss,” said Karissa, who made the team for the third consecutive season. “You want to be able to come back and relish in everything you’ve experienced. There is nothing like it, which is why the auditions are so nerve-wracking. It’s like a roller coaster, and you’re going tick-tick-tick the whole time. It’s an amazing ride, and I’m so happy for everyone who made it. It’s a whirlwind experience.”
Hundreds of girls auditioned once again for a coveted spot on the 28 woman squad. Auditioners came from all over the globe, from as close as San Diego to as far as Australia. They ranged in age from 18 to the mid-40s as they chased their lifelong dream of being a Charger Girl.
View gallery: Best of Charger Girls Final Auditions
“It’s incredibly rewarding each and every year to have women try out of different backgrounds, style and talent,” said Lisa Simmons, who is entering her 11th season as Charger Girls Director. “It’s something we look forward to as it’s a reminder every year that we have a prestigious program that hundreds of women want to be a part of. The organization is one that is sought after for cheerleaders and dancers. It challenges us to continue to raise the bar, and pull in that excitement and energy every season.”
The audition process began on Sunday, and when the sun set the cream of the crop was narrowed down to 72. The remaining hopefuls conducted interviews with the judging panel throughout the week before reconvening for finals on Thursday night. As always, finalists had to perform two dances – the first a set choreographed routine and the second an individual free style one. While it’s always a tough decision to whittle the talented field down to just 28, Simmons believes this year’s squad is among the best they’ve ever assembled.
“This is the most difficult night as we have tough decisions to make, especially this year. We deliberated for almost two hours, which is good because it means we have a lot of talent to pull from. We want that, and it’s a good problem to have. We are confident that we’ve put together the best possible team. It gives us a lot to look forward to. It is an incredibly talented team of accomplished women. They are ambitious, beautiful and driven women who are also cheerleaders at heart. You can feel that energy in the room, so we are thrilled with this year’s squad.”
The dream of being a Charger Girl may be best embodied in Rebecca. She grew up in America’s Finest City watching the them perform every Sunday with the lifelong goal to one day be a member. Having her number called Thursday night was an emotional experience as it culminated a dream that was a lifetime in the making.
“This is an indescribable feeling and I’m still in shock right now,” she said with a huge smile. “I’m a senior in high school, so this has been a huge dream come true for me and I couldn’t be happier than I am right now. When my number was called I couldn’t believe it. Did they really just say that? I started to cry. I watched the Charger Girls perform all the time growing up, and what it meant to be a part of that team and how happy they were radiated in their performances. I always wanted to be a part of this, and now I am!”
View gallery: Meet the 2015 Charger Girls
The Beverly Citizen
April 9, 2015
Cara Desjarlais dances to a different tune – One that’s usually blared full blast over the TD Garden sound system.
The Brockton native and Endicott graduate is one of the newest members of the Boston Celtics Dance Team. Desjarlais is one of seven rookies to make the 16-member squad, which was chosen from a field of approximately 200 hopefuls that auditioned last June.
For the past six months, the South Boston resident has been a regular on the parquet floor, rooting on Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley and the rest of the Boston Celtics in front of capacity crowds of 18,624 each night.
“It’s been awesome,” said Desjarlais. “Now that the [regular] season is coming to an end its really sad, actually. It just goes by so fast. When you first start you have so many games, but it goes by way too fast.”
The Celtics wrap up the regular season April 15 in Milawaukee.
Her rookie season has come with a few unexpected surprises. Despite dealing some big name players, the Celtics have suddenly found themselves back in the playoff chase, putting added emphasis on the final weeks.
“The games have bee so much fun,” said Desjarlais, 25. “Everyone is in the playoff push mindset, so the Garden’s been packed and everyone is really rooting for the Celtics. So I’m super excited to enjoy these last few games.”
This marks the ninth season in which the Celtics Dancers have provided entertainment at TD Garden. They perform at every home game in addition to making off-the-court appearances at other Celtics events throughout the season.
On a typical game night, Desjarlais and her team usually arrive at the TD Garden three hours before tipoff. From there, they go through a rigorous hour-long court rehearsal, leading up to game time.
The Celtics Dancers perform during pregame player introductions, as well as two dance routines during timeouts in each half.
Desjarlais made her debut on Oct. 29 for the Celtics season opener against the Brooklyn Nets.
“That was very nerve-wracking, because there were a lot of veterans that already know the deal, but (as rookies) we had no idea where to stand or what to do,” she said “But we went through it all in practice. So it was really nerve-wracking, but a lot of fun.”
One of her favorites moments this season occurred when the team performed a halftime routine.
“That was really demanding,” Desjarlais said. “It was five minutes long, so we combined a bunch of our dances, but it was really nice that we got to showcase and dance a lot more in that game.”
VIP Ink Publishing
April 8, 2015
Former New Orleans Saintsation, New Orleans Hornets Honeybee, and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Deryn Derbigny has signed with VIP Ink Publishing to tell her story of overcoming the obstacles she faced in achieving her success as a professional dancer. Her story is one of perseverance and is an encouragement to many.
Deryn is a 32-year-old native of New Orleans, Louisiana. She has spent countless years polishing her skills as a professional dancer. As a five-year member of the New Orleans Saintsations, she was chosen to represent the team as a Pro-Bowl Cheerleader. After losing everything and being displaced by Hurricane Katrina, she continued her professional cheer-leading career as a member of the World Renowned Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. As a member of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, she was afforded the opportunity to tour overseas in the team’s elite show group.
Deryn has proven her diversity in the NBA as a member of the New Orleans Hornets Honeybees.
As a child of a single parent household, she has faced all challenges head on and prevailed. At no point did she allow herself to become a victim of her circumstances. Deryn has gone on to become a loving mother of two children and a professional entrepreneur. She is now the owner and part owner of several up and coming businesses.
Deryn and VIP Ink Publishing will be working together to publish her book in the near future.
Click here to check out some great photos of the Hornets Dance Team in Action!
Warren Allan
AmstarDMC.com
April 8th, 2015
At the end of March, Amstar had the pleasure to team up with the Tourism Board of the Riviera Maya and Iberostar Quetzal and Tucan Hotel in Playa del Carmen to host the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders on their annual swimsuit calendar photo shoot. During the hectic schedule, we found time to sit down for an interview with Kelli Finglass, Director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
How long have you been a part of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders organization?
I started out as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. I cheered for five years in the 1980’s, and then I went on to be Assistant Director for one year. Afterwards, I worked in marketing for a year before becoming Director, which I’ve now been doing for the past 24 years, so 31 years in total.
What’s it like being a cheerleader?
Well, it’s a whirlwind. It’s a very busy lifestyle; a fabulous collection of friends and dancers and athletes. For performers it’s really a dream come true to be able to perform and dance, and then you mix that with the NFL and it’s an amazing experience. The best part is probably the close friendships that develop through the camaraderie of the travels and the locker room.
We were actually going to ask you what the best aspect of being a cheerleader is; so it’s the camaraderie that develops between the girls?
Well, yes, in the long-term, the camaraderie that develops between the girls is probably the best part. The experiences that they have together, for example, through trips like this to the Riviera Maya; imagine going to an area like this for eight days with 21 of your best friends. It’s just an incredible, fun, exciting, glamorous and exotic adventure.
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are known and loved around the world. What’s the biggest stereotype about the cheerleaders?
I think a lot of times the people don’t realize that the cheerleaders have careers and have impressive educations. All of our cheerleaders have their bachelor’s degrees and 10 have their master’s degree, while some are still enrolled at various universities. Last year we had a cheerleader with her doctorate. So the old stereotype is that cheerleaders aren’t as educated, but that really couldn’t be anywhere further from the truth. From doctors and lawyers to sales personnel and school teachers, our cheerleaders have some very impressive careers.
What would be the #1 thing you would like people to know about the DCC?
Probably how impressive the girls are as individuals and collectively as a group, how close they really are. Sometimes people think that a group of women might not get along well, and that’s the furthest thing from the truth. They are very close friends and become almost like family. They have impressive educations, impressive careers. And after they’re cheerleaders they not only go on to have families and have wonderful careers, but they have been and will always be ambassadors for the Dallas Cowboys.
How many photo shoots have you done until now?
This is our 37th calendar, and this is our 24th on location.
And you’ve been a part of all of them?
Yes.
What are the biggest challenges?
The biggest challenges for this project are probably weather and logistics, moving such a large group around somewhat unfamiliar places for us. We brag that the project absolutely couldn’t be possible without the expertise and the connections of Amstar. That’s the most important part of the project, our ground transportation. In general, we leave the hotel at 4:30 or 5:00 a.m.
It’s dark and we sure as heck don’t know where we’re going. Thank goodness the experts at Amstar do and they get us to the places we need to be in time to beat sunrise, photograph these majestic but fleeting moments, and capture these magnificent pictures. If we didn’t have proper ground transportation and logistical support, this project would be impossible.
What impacts you most about these photo shoots?
I would actually say that what impacts me most in terms of these projects is the global sense of hospitality, especially here in Mexico. I have really fallen in love with Mexico, and specifically with the people. Their joyful nature is very inspiring, and it’s something that makes this whole project so special, because frankly the project involves very long hours. You know, our alarm clocks are set at 3:30 a.m. and we don’t get back to our rooms until after 10:30 p.m. or so, so it can be exhausting. But the people that help us with the projects, the local people of Mexico, they’re amazing. And specifically Riviera Maya has been such a successful destination for us for five projects now and it feels like home here. A second home at least.
Why Mexico?
A lot of people say, “Well, why don’t you go to Hawaii”, you know, or “Why don’t you go to ……..,” fill in the blank, but I love Mexico. I love the people here. I love the hospitality here, it’s exceptional, and the proximity to Texas for our group; it’s just a two-hour plane ride. So, you know it’s just the perfect scenario for us. It’s actually amazing that this type of environment is only two hours from our airport in Dallas.
What’s been your favorite place to shoot here?
We’ve shot Couzmel, Cancun, all of the Riviera Maya, Isla Mujeres and they’re all spectacular for different reasons. I loved the small-town charm of Isla Mujeres. I love the sunsets and the color that we get, and the proximity to Cozumel. Last year we were in Cancun and the color of the water there, the Caribbean Sea, is just magnificent. This year, the Riviera Maya has given us such a diversity in landscapes, in architecture, and just breathtaking scenery and the Mayan scenes that we’ve seen are just all spectacular for our photography project.
How many hours go into this entire project?
When we work with someone like Amstar a lot of my hours are cut down. Last year we worked with Amstar for the first time, and although it was a new project for your company, we were very impressed by the service and professionalism. With this being our second year working together, everything has gone even that much more smoother, which is truly amazing. In fact, everything’s so well-organized, well-planned and well-executed before we even get here that it literally saves me hours and hours of sending emails and explaining what we need, and that’s a big relief for me. That way, I can focus on the creative/artistic side of the project.
On the creative side, the photographers and cheerleaders do swimsuit fittings back in Dallas. They literally fit hundreds of different swimsuits to find the best say 10 or 12 suits per girl. The photographers do test photography and come to Riviera Maya with all the photographs like a deck of cards for each cheerleader. Once here, we scout the location, pick the best sites and then off we go before sunrise. The shooting project is seven days of shooting, then we will edit. We stay here in the Riviera Maya to stay focused and in the element so that we can edit this calendar over the course of three days. I have three editors. And at that point we try to send the raw files to our publisher and start working on the files to get this calendar printed and produced by football season.
So when are we going to get our first chance to see the calendar?
For sure by November, in the fall. But we like to have it done by August so that it’s in our stadium and in bookstores by August.
You have the attention of our Amstar readers, what would be your parting words?
I’ve been very successful with my group of 50 people moving around all over Mexico with the help and expertise of Amstar. So when I come back to Mexico as a mother, I entrust my children and my family with them. When I’m here as the Director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, I entrust our entire project to them, so that’s as much of a compliment that I can give them: that I entrust the two most important things in my life, my family and the cheerleaders, to Amstar.
