By Tim Hawk
NJ.com
April 06, 2016
PHILADELPHIA — A bigger stage, brighter lights and the usual boisterous crowd greeted the 60 finalists vying for 35 spots on the 2016 Philadelphia Eagles cheerleading squad.
Because of high ticket demand, the final audition show was moved from the 650-seat Perelman Theater to the Merriam Theater, which holds nearly three times that amount.
Veteran cheerleader Mandi Moffa of Pipersville, Pa., was in favor of the new venue, reminding her of the comfort of Lincoln Financial Field. With the theater’s high balconies and close proximity to the stage she was anticipating feeling more of the crowd’s energy.
The road to get to the final audition started March 5 with an open call. Close to 400 women gathered inside the SCA Club at Lincoln Financial Field to begin the month-long process.
Those women lucky enough to move on and survive the semi-final elimination and interview rounds had the opportunity to dance on the Merriam stage and show the eight judges that they have what it takes to make the squad.
The finalists were judged in three categories: physical fitness, beauty and dance, and an on-stage interview.
The Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders unveiled their 2016 swimsuit calendar at XFINITY Live! in Philadelphia Thursday night.
“One of the most beautiful groups of women,” said choreographer Suzy Zucker as she walked through the narrow hallways backstage. Zucker also praised the women on their sophistication and dance talent.
Seven-year veteran cheerleader Jessica Gonzalez of Swarthmore, Pa., was one of 27 current Eagles’ cheerleaders competing for a spot. “I’m feeling a little sentimental because it’s my last audition,” said the 4-year captain as she waited for the show to begin.
The physical fitness category started the night, followed by the dance competition, where the finalists competed in groups of three.
After the on-stage interviews, which many of the women said they find stressful, it was time for the 2016 squad to be announced.
The finalists stood backstage, some holding hands, others saying a prayer, as the names were called.
“Very nerve-wracking,” said veteran cheerleader Deonna Baquero of Philadelphia reflecting upon the feeling of being the last name called.
As the official 2016 squad celebrated on stage, Baquero said “It’s very rewarding.”
The Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders announced their finalists on Tuesday.
The candidates who advanced past the preliminary auditions will participate in an interview, additional training and rehearsals leading up to the final auditions, which will be held at the Forum on April 17. Ticket information will be released on Wednesday, April 6.
PHOTOS: Los Angeles Rams Cheer Auditions
Please visit http://cheerfor.therams.com/ for more information.
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Among the women are many who have danced for the Clippers, Lakers, Fury, Chivas, and Chargers. You know who you are ladies 😉 Good luck to all! ~sasha
Here are but a few:
Stephanie (Ontario Fury)
Aubrey (LA Lakers)
Starkesha (SD Chargers)
Andi (LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Chivas USA)
Brittany (Ontario Fury)
By Tracy Sormanti
Patriots.com
April 03, 2016
Please join us in congratulating the 33 member, 2016 Patriots Cheerleading Squad
Veterans
- Kayla Brunson – 2nd year
- Brittany Dickie – 4th year
- Karen Link – 3rd year
- Nicole Manelas – 2nd year
- Vanessa Obeng – 2nd year
- Rebeka St. Fort – 2nd year
- Mary Babbitt – 3rd year
- Zoe Bucuvalas – 4th year
- Allison DeJesus – 2nd year
- Julia Scaparotti – 2nd year
- Jessica Strohm – 2nd year
- Hannah LeBeau – 4th year
- Victoria Spadaro – 3rd year
Rookies
- Alanna Powers
- Alex Brandy
- Alyssa Crane
- Alyssa Petrarca
- Andrea Cadigan*
- Bailey Medeiros
- Bianca Shaughnessy
- Courtney Lamont
- Jamie McDonough
- Jenna Cloutier
- Jennifer Azarian
- Jennifer Pinto
- Kelsi Gotauco
- Leanne Santorsola
- Lyndsey Raucher
- Melissa DeChello
- Tatiana Cifuentes
- Theresa Oei
- Vail Madrak
- Vanessa Attardo
Sidebar: This year’s team is huge, relatively speaking. The NEPC are usually 25-28 strong. Other interesting factoids: rookie Andrea (Drea) Cadigan is a double legacy. Mom Debbie was a Patriots Cheerleader (anyone who has a photo of that, I must have it!), as was sister Alyssa who was an NEPC for the 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2013 NFL seasons. Also, rookie Theresa Oei is a Yale graduate.
CBS Los Angeles
April 2, 2016
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles Rams conducted preliminary cheerleading auditions Saturday at USC’s Galen Center, with approximately 400 candidates trying out.
The candidates had to learn a dance and perform the routine in front a trio of judges.
The judging was based on physical talent, dance ability, personality, appearance and poise, according to Keely Fimbres-Bledsoe, the Rams director of special events and cheerleaders.
“We are seeking professional, glamorous, talented candidates to be part of our return to Los Angeles,” Fimbres-Bledsoe said. “Our cheerleaders will represent the Rams organization not only on the field, but also throughout the community, nationally and abroad.”
Fimbres-Bledsoe said she’s looking for accomplished dancers — not just cheerleaders.
“We’re much more of a dance team than we are traditional cheerleaders,” she said.
The Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders were established in 1968. The cheerleaders participate in more than 1,500 hours of community service per year and squad members are featured in the annual Rams Cheerleading Swimsuit Calendar and Rams Cheer Poster, Fimbres-Bledsoe said.
The finalists will be announced at 5 p.m. Tuesday on the team’s website, TheRams.com.
They will be required to participate in a professional interview the week of April 11. Final auditions will take place April 17 at The Forum.
The 2016 Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders will make their first public appearance April 28 at the team’s official draft party.
Saturday’s auditions were closed to the public. CBS2’s Greg Mills, however, got to attend.
Men were also encouraged to try out, but Mills reports not one did.
Colts.com
March 26, 2016
The voting is open and you can NOW vote for your favorite Colts Cheer audition candidate!
Learn more about this year’s cheer candidates – where they are from, school, occupation and more!
This year’s candidates come from Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri and even all the way from Japan!
Vote today for who you think should make the team!
No clue how long the voting will be open or how the votes count. There are about 100 ladies in the running, including more than a dozen veterans from prior years. The profiles don’t indicate which ones are the vets, but most of the professional-looking bikini shots are who have been on the team before.~ Sasha
By Danielle Cinone
New York Daily News
April 3, 2016
All photos: Jeff Bachner for New York Daily News
Fasten your seat belts, bring seat backs forward and put tray tables away, it’s time to take off.
Around 300 young women — including this reporter — were ready to soar Saturday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., for the 2016 New York Jets Flight Crew squad auditions.
To become a member of the elite cheerleading team, which accepts only about 40 topnotch dancers, candidates must climb through three rounds of auditions, plus an interview.
Daily News reporter Danielle Cinone was one of about 300 women who attended the 2016 New York Jets Flight Crew squad auditions.
Saturday was just the beginning for all of us hoping to cheer on Gang Green come football season.
Nami Ito, who has auditioned in the past but hasn’t quite made it, thinks she has a winning strategy this time, already envisioning herself as a member of the troupe.
Nami Ito
[View Gallery: Newser auditions for spot on New York Jets Flight Crew]
“I learned that I need to prepare as if I’m going to be on the field,” Ito said.
The NFL must have international appeal, because the 25-year-old moved here from Japan four months ago, carrying the dream of wearing the Jets’ green and white.
“Keeping a strong, positive attitude is key,” said Jessica Swany, 23, of Long Island.
As a dancer and figure skater since elementary school, I know the sweat and tears that go into auditioning. It’s part of the life.
Before arriving at the tryout, I choreographed my dance moves and practiced in front of a mirror to ensure the judges would feel my energy.
When I first arrived at the stadium, I went through security and checked in, received my contestant number and pinned it on. Dancers trying out were required to wear a sports bra and shorts, dance tights and dance shoes of any type.
Once we placed our bags down in the Toyota Club overlooking the football field, it was time to stretch. I was surrounded by women doing splits and high kicks and going over their routines.
A few ladies stretched with me, including many novices who were finishing up college or starting careers, and experiencing the audition grind for the first time.
Then it was time to start.
“We are not looking at your flaws, we’re looking at what’s best in you,” Denise Garvey, the director of the Jets Flight Crew, said encouragingly.
She told the young women they would perform in groups of five and needed to introduce themselves by name, age and hometown, and provide an interesting fact.
During my performance, I made sure to smile extra-wide. The trick, I know, is to exude confidence, even if your stomach is turning upside down.
“Keeping a strong, positive attitude is key,” said Jessica Swany (c.), 23, of Long Island.
I flipped my hair and danced for a whopping 90 seconds. It felt like an eternity.
After all the ladies competed, we were given an hour break for the judges to discuss and choose who would make it to the second round.
Only 86 girls of 300 made the cut — myself included. I couldn’t believe I made it to round two. I was both relieved and excited.
“We are not looking at your flaws, we’re looking at what’s best in you,” Denise Garvey, the director of the Jets Flight Crew, said encouragingly.
For the semifinal round Sunday morning, hopefuls will have to learn a choreographed routine and perform together.
Garvey asked those who didn’t get picked to keep their heads up and keep trying — to stay focused on their dreams.
“If you didn’t make it, take this experience as a steppingstone. A steppingstone to better yourself for next year,” she said.
By Anna Skinner
CurrentInWestfield
April 2, 2016
Jamie Pippenger cheered throughout high school, but when she graduated in 2013 and attended Indiana University for marketing and international business, family convinced her that it may be too difficult to pursue college cheering in addition to being in the Kelley School of Business.
“I didn’t even try out and it’s definitely the biggest regret,” she said. “I’m looking to get back into it.”
To do so, Pippenger decided to try out to become a Colts cheerleader. Auditions are April 9, and 50 finalists will be chosen from the current 83 girls trying out. From the finalists, approximately 28 will be chosen for the team.
“(Being a Colts cheerleader) is the next and last thing you can do for a professional cheerleader career,” she said. “I’ve always been a Colts football fan, so this is the next step.”
At auditions, Pippenger will be tested on dance routines, showmanship, interview skills and football knowledge. One category includes how many votes Pippenger gets from the public for being chosen as a Colts cheerleader.
Pippenger attended a prep class at the Colts training complex and learned what is to be expected for a Colts cheerleader. She was also taught a dance that she will be tested on at auditions.
“I’ve been practicing that dance they taught us, and they told us there will be a solo as well, so I’ve been making a solo and practicing that,” Pippenger said on her preparation. “I’ve been trying to lay off the cookies and stuff and getting in a little better shape. The voting is definitely a portion.”
Voting goes up until auditions on April 9, and people can vote once every 24 hours. To vote for Pippenger, visit http://offerpop.com/FacebookContestEntry.psp?c=799134&u=1310809&a=448952861833126&p=236221943096960&rest=0&id=6403799&rest2=0.
Shardae Neal
CW33
March 27, 2016
GRAPEVINE– Every team needs a little sideline support to score a ‘W’ and the WNBA’s Dallas Wings are no exception. Saturday morning, Flight Crew hopefuls put their best out on the dance floor, in hopes of snagging a spot on the dance squad.
“I followed the Shocks since they were in Tulsa and when I found out they were coming to Dallas and it would be a dance team — I had to try out,” explained one hopeful.
This year’s team will be under the direction of Sydne Miller, who’s reason for a co-ed dance squad is to bring a different flavor to the Dallas Wings and WNBA entertainment.
“There is a another co-ed team in Dallas , the Dallas Rhythm and Blues, with the Dallas Cowboys and that’s who we are modeling ourselves after,” Miller explained. “We’re getting to redefine what performance is in the WNBA.”
An experienced panel of judges were there to hand pick the team. If you were looking to make the cut, you had to be 18 years or older, have hip-hop dance experience, and enthusiasm for performing.
“Definitely looking for someone who has energy, a great smile, and can be out in the community communicating with people,” explained Lauren Gibler, a judge at this year’s auditions. [Sidebar: Lauren Gibler is a 6th year member of the Dallas Mavericks Dancers ~ Sasha]
The squad is scheduled to perform at every home game during halftime. Here’s hoping the Flight Crew can take the Dallas Wings to new heights!
From the Dallas Wings Flight Crew Facebook page: “Thank you to everyone who participated in Flight Crew auditions today! We are excited to present those advancing into Training Day! Stay tuned to see what we’re doing next! “
Beatrix P.
For GSPN
March 30, 2016
In this exclusive first-person perspective, San Diego Chargers cheerleader Beatrix reflects on her journey from taking ballet lessons on Guam to being a cheerleader in the NFL.
Beatrix is the fourth known NFL cheerleader from Guam, following Pia Gillan (Seahawks), Maria DeCabooter (Cardinals), and Deborah Luck (Raiders.)
I’ve been dancing and modeling since I was 4 years old. I quickly realized that ballet wasn’t my thing after seeing SKIP Entertainment perform at the Micronesia Mall. I immediately begged my mom to enroll me in jazz. Jumping forward, there was a talent show competition at my school and I won first place.
Mrs. (Teri) Knapp, the director of SKIP, happened to be one of the judges and that’s when she began to notice me. I auditioned to advance to the junior and senior production and it wasn’t long until I began touring with SKIP to compete at national and international competitions.
We won 1st place Regency Talent Competition (1999), 1st place Starpower National Talent Competition (2000), National Champions of Starlite “Battle of the Stars,” Showtime National Finals runners-up (2000), Starlite National first runners-up, and 1st place ShowStopper National Finals (2001). I’ve had the opportunity to work with renowned choreographers. In addition to performing at our annual Christmas and Spring concerts, I had the pleasure of performing for charity and fundraising events.
Aside from dancing, I was a runway model for United Colors of Benetton, Boy London and Esprit at the Acanta Mall. I also modeled various jewelry pieces for Tiffany & Co. and was the cover model of VIBE Magazine February 2002 issue. I was also featured in the Marine Drive Magazine and Business News Magazine.
I was first exposed to cheer during my freshman year at John F. Kennedy High School and cheered for the basketball and football games. In my senior year, I was requested to choreograph a dance routine for my senior class production. In 2002, I was selected for Guam’s Outstanding Women of the Year Award which was published in the Marianas Variety newspaper. After graduating as valedictorian, I moved to San Diego and attended the University of San Diego to pursue my education in accounting. I continued dancing at the USD Spring Concert and was on the USD Dance Team.
I took a break from dance to develop my career and obtain my CPA license. In the meantime, I continued to model for local designers and participated in the San Diego Thread show. I found enjoyment traveling to exotic places such as Singapore, Indonesia, Australia and Hong Kong.
During my travel to Indonesia, I had the honor of visiting an orphanage for children with special needs and was able to learn about them and personally hand out gifts to each of them. I also support and volunteered for various charities such as the American Cancer Society, San Diego Food Bank, Make-A-Wish Foundation and United Cerebral Palsy.
It wasn’t until I lost my mom to lung cancer (last year) that I decided to audition for the San Diego Charger Girls. The audition process was extremely challenging as there were over 400 beautiful and talented girls competing for a spot on the team. It was my first time auditioning and I didn’t know what to expect. The audition process was about a week long and when I heard my number announced at the finals, I was beyond happy! Of the 28 girls, I was one of the 11 rookies selected for the 2015-2016 season.
Being able to say that I am an NFL Professional Cheerleader is a huge accomplishment. All those years of dance classes my mom took me to was all worthwhile. Performing in front of over 65,000 fans is such a unique experience. It’s definitely an adrenaline rush to run out on the field with our sparkly signature uniform and pom poms to keep the fans pumped throughout the game. In addition to game days, we have rehearsals, games, promotional appearances, and charity events that can definitely fill up our schedule.
My favorite parts of the season are performing on game days at Qualcomm Stadium and producing our swimsuit calendar. I was featured as September 2016 and had so much fun being a part of it. I am very lucky to receive an overwhelming support from my friends and family near and far. Many friends who are season-ticket holders and would shout my name whenever I ran by them. It is such a rewarding feeling to experience one of my goals come to life.
Being the oldest on the team and continuous rehabbing from a back injury, I am extremely proud that I pushed myself and became the best Charger Girl I can be. Most of all, I am glad that I can dedicate this achievement to my mom who has always supported my dance career.
What they said
Teri Knapp, SKIP Director: “She was very smart in her academics as well as a smart dancer. She was also very strong. We were going into the national finals which we won. She had a sprained ankle, but made it through with lots of tape and a brace.”
Jimmie Yi, grade-school classmate: “She’s very smart with a great personality. She has a strong will and a super big traveler.”
Sherwin Paet, met as friends in San Diego: “I always knew her as a dancer from SKIP when we were in high school. We weren’t super close, but every time she came around to hang out with our crew in Mira Mesa, she was very down to earth and a person who was easy to get along with. We kind of lost touch when I moved back to Guam in 2005 and just this past season I was stoked to see her as a Charger Girl with me being a huge Charger fan. When I was on the Chargers site reading up on our new draft picks, I came across the new Charger Girl roster and SOMEHOW clicked on the link and, what do you know, I see Beatrix. I immediately checked her Facebook and congratulated her.”
