Britteny Elrick
Reality TV Magazine
April 2, 2009
Melissa Rycroft has become a household name after being rejected on National TV by Bachelor Jason Mesnick, when he had a change of heart. Only a week later, Melissa was asked to fill in for host Nancy O’Dell on Dancing With The Stars after she suffered a pre-show injury. If that wasn’t enough, it looks like there’s even more good news on her horizon…
The 26 yr. old former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader was asked to be on the cover of PEOPLE Magazine – and as you can imagine, they didn’t have to pull her leg. In her interview, Melissa tells PEOPLE, “Just three months ago, I was on the other side. I am so not a celebrity.” But as most of us have figured out, the fact that she doesn’t know she is famous is part of her charm.
She says that after her engagement was broken off, she planned on laying low and healing her broken heart. Melissa describes her process as having stages: “I will shut down and lock myself in my room. And then I’ll get to the point where I can’t be by myself and I have to be around other people all the time. Otherwise I’ll drive myself nuts crying. I cry it out. Then one day I wake up and go, I’m okay.” Well, things didn’t exactly work out that way since she started appearing on Dancing With The Stars a week later.
Melissa might be getting over Mesnick sooner than expected since she admits she is already in love again! Well, we’re happy for you Melissa because the less time you spend crying over that guy the better.
You can see Melissa in PEOPLE Magazine this Friday.
A few photos have been posted on the 49ers website. Click here to view them. There’s also a short video on the team’s main page right here.
There are also more photos on KTVU tv. Click here to go there now.
Check out these photos and more on Yardbarker.com!
Brad Biggs
Staff Reporter
Chicago Sun-Times
After weeks of rumors and speculation, it’s finally going to happen. The Chicago Bears confirmed today that they are adding cheerleaders to their organization’s entertainment package. The Chicago Bears Cheerleaders will perform at all home games and represent the team off the field and in the community.
This isn’t the first time Bears have had a cheerleading team. From 1977 to 1985, the cheerleaders, then called the “Honey Bears,” danced on the sidelines.
Soon after the ‘85 Bears shuffled their way to victory in Super Bowl XX, the team’s ownership terminated the cheerleaders, claiming the Honey Bears didn’t fit the Bears’ tough image.
Ironically, it was also the football team’s last appearance at The Big Game.
Many Chicago Bears fans claim the team lingers under a Honey Bear Curse. According to legend, the Bears never will get back to the Super Bowl unless they bring the Honey Bears cheerleaders out of hibernation.
Over the years, a few meetings have been held about bringing back the Chicago Bears Cheerleaders. But it wasn’t until recently that higher ups in the Bears organization, looking to improve the peripheral entertainment on game days, approved the decision.
The Bears may or may not put a winning team on the field next season, but they will have a dance team at Soldier Field. The too-cute “Honey Bears” moniker has been cast aside in favor of the straightforward “Chicago Bears Cheerleaders.”
Kristen Lena, Director of the Cheerleaders, was recruited just before the end of the regular season. She is tasked with assembling a top-notch dance team that will rival the likes of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Lena ’s worked in the dance team and choreography business for almost 15 years with various teams in the NBA and NFL, and she’s excited about the opportunity to bring the Honey Bears back to life. She will also consult closely with Cathy Core, creator of the original Honey Bears in the 70s and 80s. (Core is currently Director of the Chicago Bulls Luvabulls Dancers.)
The Chicago Bears are one of the few remaining teams in the NFL to field a dance team, and while the move will certainly raise eyebrows, Lena is confident that the team will quickly be one of the most enjoyable aspects of attending a Bears game at the new Soldier Field.
“I’m familiar with the tradition of the Bears, and I’m just honored to be a part of that.” said Lena . “In this day and age, entertainment is the key to a successful game presentation, and the Cheerleaders can be an integral part of that. I think the fans will wonder why we didn’t bring the Cheerleaders back sooner.”
Auditions will begin in May. Competition for about 30 spots will be fierce, and for those who are selected, the rehearsal and appearance schedule will be demanding.
The hard work will begin immediately after the team is announced. The cheerleaders will attend a preseason training camp to prepare the team with basic dance routines, as well as set the high expectations required of all team members. Regular rehearsals will follow, leading up to preseason in August and continuing through the season.
Given her impressive background in the business, Lena knows what she’s looking for in a dancer, and it’s more than a pretty face.
“I like to see people with fire, energy, that spark in their eye, the passion. That comes through very easy. You can spot that a mile away. They need to project the confidence, attitude and professionalism we’re looking for, strong, talented women who carry themselves well,” said Lena .
We know what the fans are looking for: the end of the Honey Bear Curse and a trip to Super Bowl XLIV.
(By the way, I guess I should mention that this whole story is made up. It is April Fools Day after all.)
Sports Illustrated shows some love to the NHL this week. This week’s gallery features “The Pack,” the entertainment group for the Phoenix Coyotes. Click here to view the photos.
Be a part of the Hottest Dance Team in the West Coast Basketball League!
The Orange County Gladiators will hold open auditions for their professional 2009 Goddesses Dance Team on Saturday, April 4, 2009
Requirements:
- • Must be 18 years old or older. There is no maximum age limit.
• Reside in the Orange County area.
• Team members must have flexible schedules for weekly rehearsals and weekend games (April-June)
• Team members must have a reliable means of transportation
• There are no height or weight requirements
Audition Location:
Aliso Niguel High School Gym promptly @ 2:00 pm registration @1:30 pm
Address: 28000 Wolverine Way
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Audition Attire:
A one or two piece leotard with jazz pants is required. Jazz dance shoes are also mandatory
Application Fee:
$10 application fee. Make checks payable to OC Gladiators
Application Procedure:
All interested applicants should show up at 1:30pm to complete the audition application and include a non-returnable photograph of yourself (5X7 or larger, black & white or color, head shot of full body shot)
This audition will be treated as a professional audition with three sections. The first section will consist of technique across the floor. The second section will consist of a short stylized jazz and/or a hip-hop routine that will be taught to the applicants. The third section will include a short interview with the panelist team. Team to be announced that evening.
Rules and Regulations
Dance Team members are responsible for maintaining their uniforms, poms, etc. Official uniforms will be provided upon making the team. Dancer must be available for all Gladiator home games and squad practices from April to June.
Rehearsals
The team practices once a week on Monday evening; location TBD. Extra rehearsals are added as needed. Any dancer missing a rehearsal prior to a game will not be allowed to perform at the game. Any dancer missing multiple games is subject to dismissal from the squad. If you cannot attend the majority of rehearsals and games, please do not audition.
Compensation
This is a volunteer opportunity. Dancers are not paid for promotional appearances, rehearsals and home games but it’s definitely a great opportunity to build your professional resume. Dancers will receive other perks.
Time commitment
Dancer must be at home games 1 to 1.5 hours prior to tip-off for pre-game rehearsals. Dancers will participate in all home games. The Gladiators will be playing in 7 home games, all on either a Saturday or Sunday evening at Aliso Niguel High School in Aliso Viejo, CA.
Contact
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact OC Goddesses Dance Director, Marissa Domantay at MarissaDomantay@hotmail.com or Assistant Dance Director, Stephanie Manista at StephanieManista@yahoo.com
Check us out at www.ocgladiators.com
Last Saturday’s game was Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Night for the American Hockey League’s San Antonio Rampage. The DCC Show Group signed autographs and performed on the ice during both intermissions. Earlier in the day, they hosted a dance clinic for the youngest Rampage fans. The kids learned a routine and then performed it for their friends and family before the game.
Click here to view photos of the DCC performance.
Kristin Swartzlander
49ers.com
March 31, 2009
For the nearly 400 young women who turned out on Sunday, March 29 for the annual San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush cheerleader auditions, the day brought the dream of joining one of the NFL’s premiere performance groups a few steps closer. The Gold Rush hopefuls gathered at Stanford University’s Maples Pavilion for a day-long tryout process. Despite the grueling schedule, the day was filled with hope, excitement and fun for the young women.
“It’s such a great experience and it’s so much fun,” said Sarah, who is a member of her college dance team. “I love performing in front of crowds. It’s something I love to do. So I always just go out there and do my best.”
For the first round of the audition process, professional choreographer Jeannine Sabo taught the young women a rigorous dance combination to Flo Rida’s ‘Right Round,’ which they performed in groups of three in front of a panel of judges. The routine, which emphasized technical dance, cheer movements and performance technique, also left room for personal style. The applicants were able to add their own flair to the routine with a freestyle dance opening to the combination.
“I’m glad that it was kind of funky and I loved the song,” said Antonia, who took part in the Gold Rush audition workshops held over the last month. “And they put a little hip-hop in the end, which I’m totally comfortable with and I rocked it out. I feel like I killed it, so I’m really excited.”
After the first round, the judging panel went through extensive deliberations to narrow the field down to 150 prospects. After adding to the dance routine, the remaining Gold Rush hopefuls were able to introduce themselves to the judges and perform the extended dance combination.
“We’re so excited to have these young women out here today,” said Gold Rush Director Erin Olmstead. “The dance routine is a fun challenge and they have to show the judges that they are able to engage the crowd. It’s important as a Director that I see their personalities shine through. They will be an important part of the 49ers community, and I want to see their genuine excitement for that.”
After the second round, the judges whittled the group down once again. The final group of 73 young women will move on to the last round of auditions, which consist of a professional interview and another dance combination, on Wednesday and Thursday.
For one revered Gold Rush member, Sunday’s practice marked the closing of her time with the squad. Jackie, a four-year veteran with the squad, has represented the Gold Rush at countless 49ers events including the 2009 Pro Bowl. Always invested in the squad, she had a few words of wisdom for the Gold Rush hopefuls as they move into their final auditions.
“Being a member of the Gold Rush is such an incredible opportunity,” Jackie described. “I hope they appreciate the gravity of what they will do. The squad represents the 49ers not just on Sunday afternoons but in the community as role models every day. I wouldn’t trade my experience here for anything.”
Paula Duffy
The Sports Examiner
March 30, 2009
I came across a report on philly.com about the Eagles cheerleader try-outs and wondered why they had so many open positions for the upcoming season.
It turns out the ladies have to re-qualify each year. There are 38 spots available for the right blend of looks, talent and that extra special element that will separate the chosen from the disappointed. (see the slide-show tribute here)
Barbara Zaun, director of cheerleading for the Eagles said the average tenure on the squad is three years but making everyone earn a position each year sends the clear message that as she said, “No one gets a free pass.”
Four hundred women arrived at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday to participate in the audition. The applicants have only a few minutes to learn a 30 second routine and one hour to practice. Then it’s Showtime.
The positions pay pretty well considering the part time nature of the work. Zaun said the pay scale runs from $400 per game up to a maximum of $1,000. She didn’t mention whether seniority helps you climb the ladder of pay grade.
[Note: I can pretty much guarantee you the pay scale information printed here is either grossly overinflated or just flat out wrong. I haven’t spoken with Barbara Zaun or the author of this piece, but I can say with all confidence that no NFL franchise pays their cheerleaders that kind of wage per game. — sasha]
As usual in these groups there are the applicants who think it’s glamorous and want to have a career in show biz. There are others who work in established professions such as nursing or teaching and who are hoping to fulfill an aspiration many of them had for a long time.
But no one better think this is a one way ticket to meeting and hooking up with players. Janet Harding, a ten year veteran of the squad who acted as a judge during the audition said the women are told in no uncertain terms that fraternization with the football players is not just frowned upon but forbidden. Wonder how often that is disregarded?
Mar 29, 2009
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3)
The Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders hosted their open call audition Saturday morning and nearly 400 women attended.
In hopes of becoming one of the 38 elite cheer squad members, prospective cheerleaders were taught a short dance routine which they then preformed in front of a panel of judges.
The contestants were judged based on their dancing ability, physical fitness, beauty and showmanship, not to mention Eagles pride.
The demanding audition process went on for nearly four hours as the field of hopeful ladies was cut in half after the first round of judging and again to only 100.
The remaining 100 cheerleaders will participate in the final audition which is open to the public, held April 21, 2009 at the Prince Theater in Philadelphia.
