Ultimate Cheerleaders

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Mike Duffy
Baltimore Ravens
6/5/2010

*Photos: Cheerleader Camp*

Cheerleaders also have to put in some sweat equity when it comes to the upcoming football season.

This weekend, the entire Ravens Cheerleading Team headed to the mountains of Deep Creek, Md., for their annual training camp. The event, which was open to the public, focuses on the cheerleaders’ gameday routines that fans will see at M&T Bank Stadium during the 2010 campaign.

From Friday to Sunday, their days were taken up by nearly an hour of stretching and conditioning, followed by hours upon hours of practice.

Many of the dances and stunts have already been installed in previous practices held at Ravens headquarters in Owings Mills, Md., much like the offense and defense are doing now during offseason minicamps.

While also learning a few new dances, every movement should be polished and ready to take to the playing field once the cheerleaders return.

Of course, it’s not all business.

As with football teams who hold their training camps at a remote site, squad bonding is a big part of the weekend.

The cheerleaders have appearances each day and even hold a kickball tournament before departing.

Want to check out some of the action?

Here are some exclusive behind-the-scenes pictures from the 2010 Ravens Cheerleader Training Camp:

colts-rookie-megan-mDave Kurtz
FW Daily News
June 5, 2010

AUBURN — A former Auburn resident has survived an intense competition to be chosen as a cheerleader for the Indianapolis Colts.
Megan M. made one of her first official appearances as a cheerleader when a Colts public relations tour visited Angola Thursday. The Colts do not allow publication of their cheerleaders’ last names due to concerns about stalking.

Megan is well-known in Auburn as a recent Miss Indiana. She served as a football cheerleader for four years at DeKalb High School.

“I’m a huge Colts fan,” Megan said, explaining why she auditioned to become a Colts cheerleader. She said she also enjoyed performing in high school as a member of DeKalb’s show choir, and likes public appearances and community-service activities.

“Almost every single one of my aunts,” was a cheerleader, she added. “My mother was a cheerleader. Even my grandfather. He would do backflips across the floor” as a cheerleader in Washington, Ind., Megan said.

The Colts choose 32 cheerleaders every year, and even returning members of the squad must audition again, Megan said.

This year’s competition began with 250 applicants and stretched over the course of one month. The final 65 contestants took part in a runway show with a group dance and judging in swimsuits and evening gowns.

“Sometimes you go to high-profile events. They wanted to see how you carry yourself and your poise,” Megan said, explaining the evening-gown competition.

“When I made it to the interview round, my confidence just went through the roof” because of her experience from scholarship pageants, Megan said.

Megan is looking forward to cheering at her first home game, because she never has attended a game in the Colts’ new Lucas Oil Stadium, she said. She works at a nursing home in suburban Brownsburg as an occupational therapist for residents and outpatients. The nursing home celebrates “Blue Fridays” where residents support the Colts.
Megan said her patients are “really excited” about her selection as a cheerleader, and she hopes some of her fellow squad members will visit the home.


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Photo Shoot Begins for 2010 Cheerleader Calendar
By Brittany Evans
Titans Online

DESTIN, Fla. — Feeling anxious and enthusiastic, several Tennessee Titans cheerleaders began preparing for their initial photo shoot Tuesday morning at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

Those scheduled for the morning shoot had to report for hair and makeup at 4 a.m. Sleep was not an option. Many of the ladies had coffee in hand eager to begin their first obligation as a Titans cheerleader.

After a couple of hours of prep work, the four ladies were chauffeured to the resort’s sandy, white beaches where their individual photos were taken. The first photo shoot started at 6 a.m. and took three hours to complete.

In between photo shoots, the cheerleaders and staff on site ate at The Broken Egg in the Baytown Wharf. Known for its excellent brunch menu, this restaurant is very popular around the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Everyone eating there fell in love with their made to order omelets. Most of the cheerleaders and staff planned on eating there again before leaving later in the week!

Around 1 p.m. the second group of Titans cheerleaders was set to shoot at the resort’s beautiful marina. The ladies posed and were photographed on a luxurious yacht located on site. The Titans cheerleaders made traffic a little more hectic around the marina until about 3 in the afternoon, as many spectators were eager to catch a glimpse of the action.

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The final photo shoot of the day was back at the beach to take advantage of the beautiful Florida sunset. These ladies arrived at the beach around 5 for the final shots of the day. The water was beautiful and clear, making for a scenic backdrop as the sun dropped into the sea.

After realizing what was taking place on the beach, several visitors — including a large contingent of Titans fans — began making their way toward the photo shoot, getting a closer view of the cheerleaders in action.

After the final shoot of the day, the cheerleaders enjoyed a fabulous ride on the yacht that they shot on earlier in the day. The 45-minute cruise took the ladies to the Lucky Snapper for a delicious dinner. They enjoyed a menu stocked with seafood, while listening to a live band to end what was certainly a busy, yet exciting day.

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By Brittany Evans
Titans Online

*Photos: Cheerleaders Arrive in Destin*
*Video Diary: Cheerleaders Arrive in Destin

DESTIN, Fla. — The Tennessee Titans cheerleaders departed Baptist Sports Park Monday morning, heading south to the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort for their 3rd annual swimsuit calendar shoot.

Nineteen veterans and seven rookie cheerleaders were anxious to arrive in Florida for their first team event of the 2010 season. The three-day event will also serve as a great bonding time for the 2010 Titans Cheerleading squad.

On the eight-hour bus ride, Gary Glenn, Director of Internet Operations and publications, educated the current squad on the Tennessee Titans history, while informing them of the latest news within the Titans’ organization. The cheerleaders took notes on this material for an upcoming exam they will take this summer.

Also on the bus ride, Director of Security Steve Berk shared several stories from his experiences with the organization over his 14 years with the team, specifically the franchise’s transition during its first year in Tennessee. Berk’s memories and entertaining stories kept everyone on the bus interested. This also helped the Titans cheerleaders realize their upcoming opportunities, while validating their importance in the National Football League.

At noon, the bus stopped at Peach Park in Alabama for lunch. The restaurant was a popular stop at about the midway point of the trip. The girls chatted amongst themselves while enjoying lunch. Fried peach pies and baked chicken was the popular item for many customers. While the team dined, one little girl noticed the Titans cheerleaders and personally took time to meet them. The impact of having the Titans cheerleaders at Peach Park was exciting for many of the customers in the restaurant.

After a full day on the bus, the Titans cheerleaders and staff finally arrived at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. They were greeted by a staff that was excited for their arrival at the resort. Their bags were unloaded, and rooms were assigned. The ladies had about one hour of down time to get ready for dinner at the Marlin Grill. In the meantime, organization of activities for the next two days was presented to the cheerleaders and staff by Director of Cheerleaders Stacie Kinder.

The Marlin Grill was nothing but superb to Titans cheerleaders and staff. They served amazing appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts that everyone enjoyed. The hospitality of the Marlin Grill made for a pleasant experience with exceptional service.

The night ended with an after party at the Village Door at the Baytown Wharf. The ladies had a great time of dancing and greeting fans. Some cheerleaders couldn’t stay long due to an early call time for the first photos shoots scheduled for Tuesday morning.

Check out the newly updated pages for the dance team for the ChivaGirls, dance team for the MLS Chivas USA! They’ve got bios, photos, videos, and lots of other goodies. Click here to go there now!

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Training Camp Candidates Announced
Marla Payne
DallasCowboysCheerleaders.com
June 1, 2010

Saturday morning 73 bright shining faces eagerly awaited entrance to Cowboys Stadium to begin the final round of auditions to earn a coveted invitation into this year’s training camp. 46 candidates, 27 veterans, but ultimately only 44 spots to fill… Who would be the chosen ones? How many hopefuls would be lucky enough to make a second or third attempt at beating the odds? Would this year be their year to finally wear the star spangled uniform?

Fur, feathers, glitter galore and an assortment of props including an ice cream cart, a switchboard, cages, cupcakes, and an array of choreography kept the judges engaged and entertained throughout the morning. Music selections included everything from Broadway show tunes to Lady Gaga, while costumes ranged from Disney themes to Barbie. The veterans especially outdid themselves with props, costumes and clever lyrics, leaving nothing to chance.

After a quick costume change into their performance outfits, all the candidates sat down to a 71 question test. Following a short break and a chance to “fluff and puff”, the hopefuls and veterans were led to the field to perform their sideline combination and kickline routines. Seated in the stadium, the judges evaluated the group performances on the Jumbo Tron where no figure flaw or missed step went unnoticed on the 90 ft. high definition screen.

The names that were finally called included multiple Meagans, Kaitlins, and Brittanys, and not surprisingly, all 27 veterans. Routine traditions and superstitions aside, some of your favorites will be back for another year, along with 17 promising rookie candidates. This week these ladies begin the long arduous journey to wearing the star spangled uniform of America’s Sweethearts while CMT once again films every twist and turn of events for season 5 of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making The Team 5.

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Front Row:
Sunni C., Mandy C., Sydney D., Crystal T., Trisha T., Alyssa S., Joannah L., Brittany E., Amy R., Ashton T., Ally T.

Second Row:
Sasha A., Ann L., Ashley B. , Jordan B., Meagan F., Tobie P., Courtney C., Kaitlin L., Jackie B., Meagan M., Meagan S., Carey D., Michelle K.

Third Row:
Evan A., Kaitlin I., Elizabeth R., Katelynn J., Olivia S. , Paula T. , Whitney I., Cassie T., Jordan C.

Fourth Row:
Rachel B., Nicole B., Brittany S., Lauren W., Tia W., Kelsi R., Meredith O., Melissa K., Mia G., Brooke S., Stephanie H.

michellemozekMe either. Totally forgot. The good news is you can still watch it online.

Click here to see if former Dallas Mavericks Dancer/Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Michelle Mozek held her own.

Now that the 2010 NFL cheerleader auditions are over, it seems like a good time to update some of our feature pages. One of my favorite features is “Sisters, Twins, Daughters, and More.” This page was originally inspired by the Cramer twins, but it didn’t take long for us to expand to other types of siblings, and from there to cousins, mother/daughter pairings, and so on.

Click here to check it out. It’s a fun read. And of course, if you can think of anyone to add, feel free to send me a note.

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The newest additions to our list, rookies Dresdynn and Schuyler from the Houston Texans.

Click here for new photos on Bengals.com!


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Work it, Teresha!

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Patriots.com
5/25/2010

Click here for photos from 2011 Swimsuit Calendar Shoot

On April 24, the 24 Patriots Cheerleaders, joined by a hair and makeup staff, a video crew, two outstanding photographers and a plane full of Patriots fans boarded a plane chartered by TNT Vacations, and flew to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic with two goals – 1. Shoot the 2011 swimsuit calendar and video. 2. Have an amazing time! Mission accomplished!

We stayed at the beautiful Iberostar Punta Cana Resort and upon our arrival, we were greeted by one of the most hospitable, prepared and welcoming staffs I’ve ever encountered. The resort was gorgeous, with flamingos walking freely throughout the property, tropical flowers everywhere, sparkling pools, and white sand and turquoise water at the beach. The guests at the resort were so much fun, the food was delicious and the rooms were beautiful. The cheerleaders checked in and immediately headed to the pool. The photographers and I set to work scouting the property for our first photo shoot.

The days began early with cheerleaders often in the hair and makeup room by 3:15 a.m. so they were on the set, ready to catch the sunrise shot at 5:15 a.m. An average of five cheerleaders were photographed each day, and from the beach to boats to boardwalks and even a tiled bread table in the buffet room, the sets were unique and beautiful! Days ended as late as midnight, with fully lit sets lending to a “high glamour” look.

Throughout the week, the cheerleaders participated in a variety of events which included the resort guests, such as volleyball games, beach Olympics, outdoor dinner parties, meet and greet and autograph sessions and even a variety show right on the beach! The ocean provided the perfect backdrop for the show that was performed on the last night of our stay. It was a “packed house”, with the beach full of spectators, many of whom had become our friends throughout the week as they had traveled with us as part of the TNT Vacations package. The cheerleaders signed autographs on the beach for hours after the show! It had been such a fun week and we were sad to see it coming to an end.

Whether it was going on a banana boat ride, parasailing or just lounging by the pool, the cheerleaders took advantage of the trip to bond and get to know each other. The squad was just selected at the end of March, with the trip taking place just five weeks after the squad appointment. The ladies started the week as teammates and ended it as sisters and friends. 2010 is going to be an incredible season and the 2011 Patriots Cheerleaders Swimsuit Calendar is sure to be amazing!!

Cheers and we’ll see you on the sidelines!
Tracy
(NEP Cheerleader Director)