The last time we saw our aspiring LA KISS Girls, they were headed out of Equinox Irvine. As they made their way back to their vehicles, some slumped in defeat, while others felt renewed determination to make the team.

On Sunday, the finalists reconvened for the next step in the process: boot camp. Never having been to one of these before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. All I knew was that there would be a workout and more dancing, and it would take a couple of hours.

The first thing I learned that day was that Lindsay was injured. She had sustained a couple of gnarly looking curling iron burns that morning and could not get over how much they hurt. Curling irons and flat irons can get to upwards of 400 degrees, and they can do some real damage. Lindsay’s burns had already started turning lots of interesting colors. Nevertheless, she was determined to soldier on. Beauty is pain y’all. Dab some ointment on that bad boy and let’s keep it moving.

The second thing I learned was that the original group of finalists from the Jan 17th audition would be joined by several dancers who had attended a second open call on the 24th and made it through to finals.

Now there were almost 40 finalists all told, and as I looked around the room, it was obvious that no few of them had taken Lindsay’s advice to make themselves look a bit more KISS-able. (See what I did there?) Quite a few had changed their hair and makeup, and many had changed outfits. In most cases, it was an improvement.

A few of them later learned (the hard way) that there is a reason for the old advice to test drive your audition outfit (both the top AND the bottom) ahead of time. Especially if you’re wearing something that’s not meant for vigorous activity. I beg you, ladies. Dance. Roll around on the floor, jog in place. Do a 2 minute plank test. Make sure everything you wear to an audition will stay intact and on your body through the entire process.

[/end public service announcement]

Half of last year’s KGs were also in the mix, ready to fight to win their uniforms back. Five of the six had assisted at the open call: Julianne, Alexis, Xandi, Sheldon, and Niaps (pronounced NAPE-iss.) Vanessa, a sixth KISS Girl who had been a the open call chose not to re-audition. But the good news is, Jules from last year was there to audition for a second season on the team.

Most of the ladies arrived well in advance of the noon call time, expecting to go through a short workout and then learn the rest of the choreography for the finals dance. They had no idea a twist was coming. (Mwahahaha…..)

They got started promptly at noon, starting with a workout guided by the team’s new trainer, Jada. She put them through their paces, with walking lunges, squats, jogging, pushups, planking, burpees*, and other moves I don’t even know the names of.

*Burpees are from the devil. FACT.

The workout was only about half an hour. I thought it went by fast, but then again, I wasn’t the one planking in full hair and makeup and combat boots. I’m sure it felt endless for all the ladies, but Lindsay reminded them why they are doing this. This team’s dances are difficult and their outfits are tiny. Maintaining yourself in tip top shape is absolutely a job requirement.

The ladies were looking pretty run down at the end of the workout. Everybody was a sweaty mess, and ready to fall out on the floor. But there was no time for lollygagging while there was more choreography to be learned. So after a short break to blot their faces and wring out their hair, it was time to dance.

The first order of business was to review and clean the choreography they’d learned at the open calls.

They spent about 20 minutes cleaning the old stuff, with Lindsay reminding everyone not to put a whole lotta “extra” in the dance. Just do the moves as they were taught, and do them cleanly, so the judges can see what they are looking for. (In other words, save the flava for your solo, sweetie.)

Then they moved on to the new choreography. As I mentioned last time, the original combination repeated almost entirely from the beginning. This time, they took out the repeat, and that’s where the new moves came in.

Niaps

Lindsay explained she was going to teach very fast…and she did. I suppose if I were one of the dancers, I would’ve wondered what the rush was. After all, they’d only been there for an hour. It seemed like there would be plenty of time to learn the rest. In retrospect, they probably should’ve realized what was coming….(insert ominous soundtrack. Duhn duhn duhnnnn…..)

Anybody who thought this was going to be a piece of cake was quickly disabused of that notion. They’d had more than an hour to learn and rehearse the choreography last week. This time, they had less than 30 minutes to absorb and perfect the same amount of material. There’s something happening on every count, and the music is fast.

Xandi

Jules

It doesn’t seem like it ought to be possible to get your body to do so many different things, in so many different directions, in so few counts. Particularly when it involves the splits, and a “Flashdance” moment like this one.

But most of the dancers rose to the occasion.

Somewhere along the way, we learned that Lindsay is a lefty. This was not happy news for the dancers. From what I have observed, most dancers are stronger on their right side than on their left. Right splits are easier. Right kicks are higher. Right turns are more balanced. But a lefty choreographer often means lefty splits, lefty kicks, and lefty turns.

At one point in the new choreography, the dancers have to slide down into the splits. Most of them automatically sank to the floor with their right leg in front.

Naomi

When one girl asked for clarification and Lindsay explained that it was actually a left split, there was a collective groan. (This is probably what lefties feel like all the time. And that may explain why Lindsay didn’t look even a little bit sorry. Lefty revenge!)

It didn’t really phase the veterans though, as last year’s choreographer had also been a lefty.

A little bit after 1 pm, the door opened and a couple of familiar faces walked in. It was Brian Olea and Raquel Pomplun, the hosts of Playboy Radio’s Mansion Mayhem. Hey, weren’t they judges last weekend? Then another judge arrived. And another.

And this is how they found out there was going to be another cut. Aw hell.

It’s a wonder anyone could concentrate after that. I think most of the ladies thought they were going to have plenty of time to go home and rehearse rehearse rehearse before the next cut.

NOPE!

It was deja vu all over again as the dancers were asked to line up in numerical order and perform for the judges in groups of three.

There was also an additional curve ball as the dancers were asked to introduce themselves and share an interesting fact about themselves. Oh the poor things. They were not prepared. Of all the things running through your head when you’re standing in front of a panel of judges “what’s interesting about me?” isn’t one of them. It threw almost everyone for a loop.

There were some interesting answers. We learned that Abby is from Michigan, Emily is married, Melanie is planning to pursue a PhD, Alexis One is from Denver and Alexis Two was born on April Fools Day. Tara One is a Disney Princess (she plays Ariel and Cinderella at Disneyland). Tara Two had six wisdom teeth. Camille sings opera and was one of the LA KISS go-go dancers last season. Christina has an irrational fear of geese. (And gooses.) Ivanna is from Russia and just got her US Citizenship. Jackie knows how to set her entire body on fire. (Safely, I assume, based on the lack of visible scarring.)

I also think maybe Lindsay could benefit from some of Jackie’s tips on burn treatment and prevention.

After that initial moment of awkwardness, most of the ladies really served it up.

Sally

Andi

Alexis

Jacqueline

Ellie

Camille

Jenna

Ursula

Jules

Alexis

Christina

Priscila

Julianne

Dani

Emily

Sheldon

Ivanna

Tara

(Sidebar: I bet I got at least some of the names wrong. Apologies, ladies.)

Three by three by three they each took a turn in front of the judges. This time, only a couple of the groups had to go twice. One time was because of me. (I’m sorry, ok? I thought I was helping by volunteering to run the music, but Lindsay’s phone and I did not get along.) Anyway, after that, I got the hell out of the way and let Lindsay handle the music.

As for the judges, this time they were looking for performance and the right energy. They weren’t looking for perfect execution. (Perfection doesn’t exist when you’ve got 25 minutes to learn a dance.) They were just looking for “IT.” Who draws your eye? Who is fun to watch? Who looks like a KISS girl? That’s important, because these dancers don’t just represent LA KISS, they also represent KISS the rock band, and that takes this situation to a whole ‘nother level.

After the dancing, the judges went off somewhere to deliberate. I used the time to look around the room, look through my photos, and try to predict which ladies I think will be chosen. It’s always fun to imagine who will be part of the veteran huddle this time next year. I’m hoping all of the veterans make it back. Aside from them, I have four women I think are definitely in, and another four or five I’m not sure about, but I’m rooting for.

Speaking of veterans, I had a little chit chat with a few of the girls while we were waiting. We reminisced about last year’s audition, which was a totally different experience. This year’s tryout is a much longer process, but is in some ways easier than it was last time around. Last year the ladies had to learn two different combinations, and perform one of them in 4 inch heels. On artificial turf!

Memories…

This year the dancers got to wear flat shoes and dance on springy wooden floors. They don’t know how lucky they are. I asked the girls if they thought they could do this year’s combination in heels. They all said of course (of course). “Put everyone in heels” one of them said “and that’ll show you your team.” I think she may be right. It’s a bit late in the process to do that now, but it would’ve been an interesting exercise to see who could maintain their level of performance, and who would wobble like Bambi on ice skates. But maybe the girls won’t be dancing in heels this year, and it’s a moot point.

When the judges returned, 45 minutes later, they wasted no time in cutting the group down to 26 finalists. For real this time. (I know everyone thought they were walking in the door a finalist, but not everyone left as one.)

All of last year’s veterans made it through. Yay!

I’m not sure how many Lindsay will take for the team. I don’t think they have a set number in mind. I’m guessing it will be around 15. I’m usually wrong about these things though. (I have the exact opposite of ESP. Whatever that’s called.)

The final audition is Saturday afternoon. The ladies have a few days to get as ready as they can possibly get. For sure there will not be 26 women on this team, so they’d all better bring their A game to finals. I strongly suspect the team president and at least one of the owners (*cough*Paul Stanley*cough*) will be judging on Saturday, so there’s an extra level of pressure there. All of the ladies on last year’s team were professional dancers. That’s where the bar is, and the LA KISS organization has no intention of lowering their standards. Those two guys expect – no demand – perfection. They are looking for women who are fierce dancers and confident performers. Women who look like they could walk right out on the field with these ladies:

The ones who make the team will be the ones who show up at finals already looking and acting the part. They’ll only have a couple of minutes to show what they can do.

So who’s it going to be? We’ll find out on Saturday…

(More photos to come in a few days)

Auditions for the 2015 LA KISS Girls kicked off over the weekend in Irvine, CA. It was the first day in a four part audition process that includes an open call, panel interviews, finalist bootcamp, and a final dance audition.

* (Skip all the blah blah blah and check out the photos) *

It was obvious from the word go that this ain’t your momma’s dance team. Usually when I walk into a pro dance team audition, it’s all candy-colored track suits, Swarovski crystals, and long flowing hair extensions. Not here. Here the ladies were dressed in black, with metal studs, edgy hair, and lots of ink. We ain’t in Kansas anymore.

Outside in the corrider, six members of last year’s team, Vanessa, Alexis, Xandi, Julianne, Sheldon, and Niaps were on hand to greet people at the door and direct them into the audition. These six (and perhaps a few others from last year’s squad) will join the audition process at finals, in hopes of keeping their spots on the team.

Before the audition started, I had a chance to say hello to the new KISS Girls Director/Choreographer Lindsay Rodolico.

First impression: enormous blue eyes, big bright smile, and tons of positive energy. Warm and friendly, but make no mistake, this one takes care of bizness.

While all of the dancers were filling out their applications, I eyeballed the group to see if I recognized anyone from last year’s audition.

I saw at least four or five that I recognized.

But THIS was someone I’d never seen before. Six feet tall. Flaming red hair. “Big Red” is her handle, and you couldn’t possibly miss her. I bet that hair glows in the dark.

I am in awe of that hair. That takes guts. I could never pull that off, but she totally owns it. (She did admit, however, that the maintenance is a nightmare.)

I also noticed this lady. Isabella, the only one who auditioned in a KISS shirt. Smart! In retrospect, I’m shocked that nobody else thought of this. Especially since they had no idea whether the members of KISS would be present.

There was also a dancer from last year who I did not recognize at all. And can you blame me? Last year Ellie wore pink. This year, she didn’t even look like a distant relative of the girl I remember.

If not for the Aussie accent (she’s from Perth), I never would’ve realized it. When I asked her about it, she said her overall look last year was “orange.” Hence, the makeover. LOL.

When it was time for the audition to begin, Lindsay gathered everyone together to explain how the audition would work. The dancers would be taught a combination, which would then be performed for a panel of judges in groups of three. At the end of the day, finalists would be announced, and those chosen would move on to the next phase in the process. Simple enough, right?

She also introduced last year’s KISS Girls and said that they were an example of what the organization is looking for. She also explained that the members of last year’s team only had an advantage until the end of the day. Once the open call was over, the dancers had to turn in their costumes, and from that point on, they were the same as every other finalist.

And then it was time to get started. The dancers spread out on the floor and Lindsay began teaching the first eight-counts.

Sheldon and Niaps

Xandi

It was a little nerve-wracking for the dancers, as tons of gym-goers were loitering around, openly staring through the windows.

Lindsay has a very fun, relaxed teaching style, and the dance was just right for the occasion. Challenging but not too hard. Fun, and full of attitude, although Lindsay did have to warn them not to go too far over the top with the sexy. Some (relatively few) women can successfully pull off the sexy/sultry thing when they dance. Everyone else should just stick to a pretty smile because – it has to be said – what they think is a sexy face, looks more like stankface.

The music was “The Beautiful People” which samples Marilyn Manson, with a hard, driving beat that is enough to get anyone’s blood pumping. The combination had break for a tiny solo in the middle, before repeating the from the beginning. The dancers would essentially have a chance to do the combination twice. Lindsay explained that this was by design. She and the judges want to see the ladies dance as much as possible, to get a good read on their abilities.

(Apologies for the quality. $100 Flip cam + gym lighting = you get what you get.)

I particularly enjoyed the hair whipping about 35 seconds in. I find myself doing this move at random moments throughout the day. Very awkward when I’m at the office, where we generally don’t see much stomping and head banging.

After about an hour of learning the choreography, it was time for the audition to begin. Lindsay left the music on repeat for the dancers while she gathered the judges around to talk about what they were looking for and how to score the dancers.

The judges were an eclectic group, each one more accomplished than the next. The panel included a professional dancer/choreographer with a resume as long as my arm (Diddy, Rihanna, BEP, Katy Perry, Pussycat Dolls, Romeo, Snoop, and on and on), radio hosts from Playboy Radio (they broadcast from the concourse at home games), the General Manager of the fitness club hosting the auditions, and representatives from the LA KISS organization, including a wide receiver, the social media director, and the team president.

Personally, the judge I was most excited about was Bonnie-Jill Laflin (in orange above). Bonnie-Jill is a reporter for Fox Sports. Before that, she was a scout for the Lakers. Before that she was a cheerleader for the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys. She’s also a huge advocate for animal welfare and for our armed services. I’ve seen her everywhere for years, and had no idea she was a close friend of Lindsay’s. So it was a chance to say hello to someone I’ve admired for ages.

Once the judges were assembled, last year’s KISS Girls took the floor to dance together for the last time as members of the 2014 team. #bittersweet.

No pressure, right?

The ladies auditioned in groups of three. Some groups were asked to do the combination a second time. My theory on this is in some cases, it was because they’d completely screwed up and Lindsay was giving them another chance. But in other cases, there was one dancer who did such a great job, the group needed to go again so the judges could pay attention to the other two ladies in the group.

About half of the groups had performed when team President Schuyler Hoversten did something I’ve never seen before at an audition. He pointed at one dancer and said the group had to do the combination again because she’d completely screwed up the whole thing. OUCH! I am sure she was mortified. After the group did the combination, Schuyler called a halt to the proceedings to remind everyone what they were here for. The KISS Girls are the best. They aren’t like any other dance team. They go hard. They have attitude. Their dances are challenging. And they know the frikkin choreography!

Ok, he didn’t say that last bit, but that’s what he meant, and we all knew it.

On the one hand, I couldn’t blame the guy. It’s extremely frustrating to watch one lukewarm performance after another. It’s boring, and as a judge you feel like their time is being wasted. You’re trying to do something great here, and it’s annoying when the dancers don’t deliver. On the other hand, a lot of girls audition for a pro dance team just for the experience of doing it. They aren’t professionals, they aren’t used to learning choreography so quickly, and the whole experience is stressful. Stressful and very very scary. But after Schuyler read the whole room, they knew they needed to get it together. Immediately, if not sooner. Because the reality is this: LA KISS would rather have NO dancers than mediocre ones.

Well ok then.

Lindsay had the six KISS Girls come out and do the dance again. Think of it as sort of a palate-cleanser. A way to hit everyone’s mental “reset” button on this process.

And we’re back…And many of the dancers visibly upped their game.

After the dancing was done, the judges went off to deliberate. When they returned, Lindsay announced the 27 finalists.

She congratulated everyone and explained the next steps in the process.The purpose of the interview is to get to know each dancer. The purpose of bootcamp is to learn the rest of the choreography, see how these ladies work, and see if they can look fabulous while doing it. The purpose of finals is to blow. the judges. away.

Then she served up some audition realness.

Dancers were expected to show up looking and acting the part at every stage of this process. From now on, they are representing the team, and need to comport themselves accordingly. They would be provided with tips and tools for how to do this, but it’s up to them to take advantage of that. She also mentioned that dancers could be cut at any point between now and finals. Dancers would be excused for having shady crap on facebook and instagram. And – this was interesting – Lindsay would likely be doing an additional invitation-only open call, so there might be some new faces at finals. (So don’t be giving the new girls the side-eye, all “Who is SHE???”, okay?)

The competition is just beginning.

So by now the dancers have been through interviews, and bootcamp is next on the agenda. What new faces will be in the mix? Will any of the other veterans audition? Who will ultimately be chosen for the squad? Patience, my friends. All will soon be revealed…

In the meantime, click here for more photos from the open call.

East African Business Week
January 11, 2015

KAMPALA, UGANDA – American super model Marlina Moreno, is expected to lead a team of high profile Americans to trek the Margherita, Peak of Mountain Rwenzori on January 17, 2015.

Moreno is a Los-Angeles-based super model, TV host, and former National Football League [NFL] cheerleader. She also models for NIKE, Samsung, Canon, Virgin Atlantic and Siemens.

According to the Uganda Tourism Board, Marlina Moreno has decided to visit Uganda to experience The Pearl of Africa.

“At the end of her visit, she will profile Uganda’s major tourism attractions and produce a documentary to be aired to millions of Americans through her travel platforms Examiner.Com, Huffingtonpost.com and WhenInManila.com as well as her travel blog BrunetteAbroad.com,” a media release from UTB read.

The components of the media campaign will include a combination of travel articles and videos to be featured on at least two top lifestyle and travel websites as well as the filming of an eco-travel show pilot as part of a travel series pitch about Africa.

The series will follow her work as a travel writer and filmmaker and highlight her transition from NFL Cheerleader, model and television host to wildlife conservationist and eco-adventurer exploring all that Uganda in particular and Africa in general has to offer.

The key activity during the supermodel’s visit will be a trek up the mountains of the moon, the world’s highest range of mountains named by Ptolemy in 150 A.D as Mountains of the Moon.

Uganda Tourism Board has partnered with Rwenzori Mountaineering Services an organization that provides trekking services and Events 256 a Ugandan events outfit to enable Ugandans and all persons resident in Uganda to climb the mountain with the supermodel.

The chief climber will be Maria Mutagamba, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.

Bring Your Talent, Your Heart, and Your Swagger on Saturday, January 17th

Auditions for the 2015 LA KISS Girls are just around the corner! (Details below.) The team has a new Director, Lindsay Rodolico, and we’re all looking forward to the energy, experience, and creativity she brings to this role.

When it comes to the AFL, this definitely isn’t Lindsay’s first rodeo. She’s a pro, having danced for the Philadelphia Soul’s Soulmates from 2005 to 2007. In her final year on the team, she served as a captain of the squad, and represented her teammates at Arena Bowl XXI in New Orleans.

After retiring from the Soulmates, Lindsay relocated to Los Angeles, but remained involved with the Soul, as director of their junior dance team. Meanwhile, she also continued to pursue her passion for dance, choreography, and working with children. Lindsay joined the LA KISS organization last year, taking on the positions of Stage Manager and Junior Dance Team Director. And this year, her role has expanded to include an additional title: Director and Choreographer of the LA KISS Girls. Lindsay took a few minutes to speak with us about the KISS Girls audition and her plans for the upcoming season.

Ultimate Cheerleaders: Congratulations on taking on this new role! It’s great to see a former AFL dancer taking on direction of an AFL dance team. Were you always interested in directing a professional dance team of your own?
Lindsay Rodolico: Directing my own professional dance team has always been a career goal for me. I am so driven by all of the fine details it takes to create a successful team and I am excited to have the opportunity to pull from such a talented pool of dancers in LA to create something amazing and unique for next season. Representing such a legendary brand, Kiss, is also a dream come true and a humbling honor.

UC: How does directing the “big girls” team differ from working with the junior team?
LR: I hold a high standard for both the junior and pro squads and the products both need to exude professionalism and quality entertainment. I would say the main difference is the expectation I hold for the “big girls” to find a balance of maintaining their sexy, talented demeanor while also serving as role models for the juniors. My goal for the juniors is to encourage and mold them and, with the pro squad, I focus a little more on how to model their role with confidence and maturity. Big picture, the leadership is similar with an age-appropriate approach and respect to crowd appeal!

UC: You’re still working with Jr. Soulmates. That must involve a lot of travel! Is it difficult to juggle gigs on both coasts during the season?
LR: I have decided to focus my heart and attention on the west coast this season and am no longer working with the Jr. Soulmates. I have so many special memories and bonds with the Philadelphia Soul and hope to collaborate at some point with their dance team choreographer and one of my best friends, Michelle Spaventa, and maybe even throw in a little game day surprise!

UC: Last year, in addition to directing the LA KISS Junior Dancers, you were also the on field stage manager for the home games. I’m sure those two jobs kept you insanely busy on game day. What made you decide to take on even more this season?
LR: Insanely busy is pretty accurate but I am one of those people who thrive off of a productive dose of insanity! I am extremely passionate about dance, sports, and rock n’ roll and this was an offer that I absolutely could not pass up to combine all of those fields. Everyone has the same amount of hours in the day and I might as well fill mine doing things that I love and pursuing opportunities that will enhance my life.

UC: It’s always fun to see a new director put her stamp on a dance team. Last year, Paul Stanley said he wanted the KISS Girls to be powerful, edgy, and sexy with tons of attitude. Can we expect this year’s team to have a similar vibe and direction?
LR: Paul’s vision is spot on and I have so much respect for the image, brand, and career he has created and endured, along with Gene Simmons and the other admirable members of KISS. I plan to continue to collaborate with our ownership in envisioning and creatively constructing a team that best represents our iconic brand.

UC: How would you describe your style as a choreographer and the type of dance/performance we will see on the field this season?
LR: Crowd-pleasing, diverse, entertaining, creative, and fun! I find inspiration in so many different places and it is tough to pinpoint one certain style to describe me. I like to remain open to whatever my creative soul wants to entertain and explore. I believe that leadership is the key to a happy and motivated team and I plan to use my skills and previous experience to showcase the talent on our team.

UC: I know you have lots of exciting plans in mind for the KISS Girls. I’m sure you want to save some surprises for the season, but can you give us any hints about the changes to come?
LR: Bigger, bolder and better in 2015! The element of surprise is what keeps our crowd engaged…Get ready LA KISS fans!

UC: Auditions are only a week away. What kind of dancers are you looking for? Who is your ideal LA KISS girl?
LR: We are looking for sexy, edgy and highly talented dancers looking to be part of a premier dance team representing one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. “Ideal” is boring to me and I want dancers to show up, with an abundance of confidence and talent, and show me why they should be in one of our uniforms. This is not a cookie-cutter squad and I want unique individuals who are willing to embrace their inner rock star and commit to the responsibilities and benefits of being a part of a professional dance team.

UC: The inaugural LA KISS Girls were 13 strong. Are you looking for the same number of ladies this year?
LR: I am looking to build a squad of qualified dancers, not just fill spaces, and do not have a magic number in my head at this point. I do not want to sacrifice quality for quantity but would be open to increasing the number of girls to around 20 if the talent is present at auditions.

UC: Is registration only on the day of auditions, or will dancers be able to register in advance?
LR: Dancers can pre-register at www.lakissfootball.com for email updates or just show up at the open call on January 17th.

UC: Being an LA KISS Girl is a fun job, but it’s also a commitment. Can you tell me a little about what the job entails?
LR: Responsibilities include rehearsals (minimum 2x/week), performances at all LA KISS home games (10 weekends), participation in team appearances, and being a brand ambassador for the LA KISS and KISS brands in the community and in social media.

UC: Thank you so much for your time Lindsay!

Aspiring Kiss Girls, please make a note of the important information below. See you on the 17th!

Audition Details

KEY DATES
* January 17: open call, @ Equinox in Irvine, 1980 Main St Irvine, CA 92614 (Registration at 10, audition starts at 10:30)
* Dates for interviews and finals will be posted soon!

REQUIREMENTS
* Must be 18 years of age
* Advanced dance experience recommended
* Bring photo and resume (Head-shot AND full body shot preferred)
* Must dress in shorts/briefs and crop top with flesh colored tights (only); Midriff must be showing! Rock/edgy attire is encouraged
* Wear dance/athletic shoes or boots and also bring a pair of heels

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE 17TH
* Dancers will learn a routine and 1-2 cuts will be made at open call.
* Dancers will be presented in front of a group of 8-10 diverse and qualified judges in the sports, music, and dance fields.
* Dancers will perform for the judges in groups of 3 to 6.
* Finalists will be announced at the end of day and then will be invited to proceed to the next round!

If you’re curious about what game day is like for the team, click here for a backstage view, with photos and video!

Brendan Magone
Las Vegas Top Picks
January 5, 2015

[Photos]

The Las Vegas Outlaws held cheerleader tryouts today. Vince Neil, rock legend and lead singer of Mötley Crüe, owns the AFL (Arena Football League) team. Pictures and story below. You can also watch videos of the tryouts & hot routines by visiting our LVTP YouTube Channel.

Auditions started this morning inside Rock Dance Studio. Vince Neil, Rain Hannah, Allison Kyler, and Courtney Gifford welcomed dancers with an easygoing, sweet manner that immediately set a fun and positive tone.

I met Vince Neil for the first time. Fantastic guy. Hard to believe such a massive rock legend could also be kind, casual, and accessible, but he is! Vince spoke with great passion for The Las Vegas Outlaws. He wants to build a stellar experience for fans of all ages and especially families. People can enjoy the high-energy and intimate setting of Arena Football, where fans are much closer and get more game interaction than the NFL. Vince also plans to amplify some fun rivalries, like the Vegas Outlaws vs. Kiss LA (Gene Simmons team), with winners holding a trophy for the year akin to the Stanley Cup.

Even more, Vince wants you to see some of the best dancers in Las Vegas! Considering that one of Mötley Crüe’s epic rock ballads is Girls, Girls, Girls we can be assured the dancers will be sexy. But Vince also wants the skill-level, routines, and costumes to be of high-caliber. With all this to look forward to, how can you miss any of the nine games this season?!

Allison Kyler, Director of AFL Outlaw Posse, echoed Vince’s vision of the dancers — sexy & classy. (And this aligns with the new vision of Vegas: a classier city that keeps its sex appeal.)

For the tryouts today, Allison led the girls in various choreography while instilling in them another key theme: support the team.

Of course today was just warm-ups and tryouts, but routines still looked very cool and very hot. The few guys present in the room were pretty quiet. Again, videos of today are here.

Allison said the AFL Outlaw Posse would have twelve women, and along with the usual dance routines and cheering, the posse ladies need to greet fans, sign calendars, and help maintain a high-energy all around. They should also maintain a positive image off the field, aligning with the Vince Neil brand.

Fun-Day-at-Cheerleader-Tryouts,-Las-Vegas-Outlaws

I’m sure Allison’s four years of experience as a lead dancer with Mötley Crüe will keep the girls fired up, hot and rocking!

Alas, I may have missed the sexiest part of the morning. When I stepped out, Chuck Ojeda of Lotus Broadcasting put on a number and tried out for the team. I did catch the last 30 seconds of his performance, however, as well as everyone in the room laughing. When they post that video, I will add it to the Las Vegas Top Picks YouTube Channel.

Till then, you’ll have to settle for the videos I’ve already posted, as well as the pics of the lovely posse hopefuls. And we can look forward to the first game in March – Go Vegas Outlaws!!

Sports Illustrated highlights 2nd year veteran Michaela. Click here to go there now.

Click here for week 17 and click here for the best of Wild Card weekend!

by Nick DeRiso
Ultimate Classic Rock
January 3, 2015

It’s unclear what kind of football team Vince Neil will field when his Las Vegas Outlaws open their inaugural season against Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley‘s LA Kiss team in March. But the Motley Crue frontman intends to have the most memorable cheerleading squad in the Arena Football League.

“We are going to have the 10 hottest, sexiest girls in Las Vegas leading the team, the best beauties in the league,” Neil tells the Las Vegas Sun. “The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, who once made headlines around the world, will pale by comparison to what we assemble.”

The team has since posted an announcement for tryouts, to be held on Monday (Jan. 5). Specific requirements about attire are noted, including that candidates wear “booty shorts.” That’s in keeping with previous comments by Neil, who offered a direct reference to one of Motley Crue’s best-known songs in talking about the squad: “This really will be ‘Girls, Girls, Girls‘! They will look as if they have stepped right out of the hottest music video of all time.”

This debut season has actually been a long time coming for Neil, who should have more free time on his hands now that Motley Crue are leaving the road.

He previously bought a minority share in the Jacksonville Sharks arena football team, he tells ESPN, “just to kind of get my feet wet — and then asked to get the franchise, and all the team owners approved it. It’s like a dream come true. Getting an expansion team in a league is pretty hard, as it is. So it’s exciting.”

Phoenix ladies, please note that auditions have be pushed back until after the Super Bowl!