Final auditions for the 2013-14 San Francisco 49ers cheerleaders took place a few days ago. The team hasn’t been revealed yet, but there’s plenty of coverage on the team’s website to keep you entertained in the meantime.
Click here for photos from finals
Click here to watch the video
Ricky Henne
Managing Editor
Chargers.com
April 12, 2013
Photo Gallery: Charger Girl Final Auditions
Video: Finals
With the talent level constantly increasing, the competition for the coveted roster spots keeps getting harder and harder year after year.
“It gets more difficult each year because we keep raising the bar,” said Charger Girls Director Lisa Simmons. “The talent is extraordinary. The beauty is extraordinary. There are so many incredible women, and because of that it becomes difficult. We’re looking for the complete package when making our decision. It’s all about talent and performance and entertainment. Were we entertained and intrigued by what she showed us? If she was, she scored extremely high.”
Simmons and the entire judging panel believe they found that “complete package” and are thrilled with the makeup of the 2013 Charger Girls.
“Every single girl that made the team this year is extremely talented,” she continued. “We want to do the best job we can do in putting together a team that’s diverse and will work together as a cohesive unit. We need a great team all around, so it’s difficult to make those choices, so we took quite a bit of time to deliberate tonight. But we’re confident that we put together the best possible team of 28.”
One of those 28 is Meredith, who is returning for her second straight season as a Charger Girl. For her, auditioning this time around was far more nerve-wracking than a year ago as she knows what she’d be missing had she not made the team.
“Last year I didn’t know what to expect, but now that I know what I had to lose, it was my scariest experience ever because I wanted to be on the team so badly,” she said. “Getting to dance in front of thousands of fans, be an ambassador for the Chargers organization and being out there in the community, it changes your life for the better.”
Including Meredith, there are 17 returning members while there are 11 newcomers, including Karissa. The newest Charger Girl represents the dedication, passion and work ethic that epitomize the dance team.
“This is my fourth time auditioning,” she said. “This is what I wanted. I have the perseverance and dedication to be on this team. I know the ins and outs of it. There was no way I wasn’t going to come back and try again. I’m still in shock. It’s so surreal right now. My hands are shaking I can’t get it under control. Hearing my number was like fireworks going off. It’s the best thing I could ever hear. I worked so hard for this. I woke up at 6:00am every morning Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to practice and make sure my choreography was on point. It was all worth it!”
Another newcomer to the Charger Girls is Nicole, but she’s no stranger to dancing for an NFL team. She was a member of the Seattle Seahawks dance team for three years, but decided to move to San Diego to audition for the Charger Girls. The decision paid off.
“This audition more than other ones I’ve been in had so much more talent that it was intimidating,” she said. “The women are stunning, well-rounded dancers, so I was on edge all night. I still feel like my number hasn’t been called. I’m trying to soak it all in. I’m so excited. I can’t wait to meet all the girls. They seem like such a family with great bonds.”
The Charger Girls play an important role for the organization, representing them on the field as well as out in the community. Thus, each and every one of the 28 members is expected to excel as ambassadors not only for the team, but for the entire city of San Diego. If Thursday night’s announcement is any indication, it appears they will do just that.
By Nelson Hicks
WSBTV.com
April 11, 2013
ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons will have a number of new faces on the sidelines when the NFL returns to the field later this season.
Sure, the Falcons signed Steven Jackson and Osi Umenyiora, but today, it’s the new cheerleaders that are making news.
GALLERY: Atlanta Falcons cheerleader auditions
The Falcons picked the 2013 Atlanta Falcons cheerleading team Wednesday night. More than 300 women began the audition process on Sunday. Thirty-six women made the team.
Hopefuls went through two series of cuts, an interview and had to learn two dance routines before Wednesday night’s finals.
“There’s so much more than what the average fan sees on the field,” former Falcons cheerleader Natalie Dale told Nelson’s News. “I think they see glitter, they see pom-poms, they see sequins, they see spandex, they see boots, but it goes a lot beyond that. It’s a long process. There are a lot of dance cuts. It is a dancing job. But every Atlanta Falcons cheerleader has to be a role model in the community.”
Dale noted cheerleaders spend about 85 percent of their time as a member of the team in the community making appearances.
All of the cheerleaders must either be students or have a job, too.
“We all have a passion about something different,” cheerleader Brittiney Wall said. “My best friend of the team is Reena. She’s a prosecutor for Fulton County. Christie is entering medical school in the fall, but right now she’s a team leader for the (Centers for Disease Control). I work in investment banking. Everyone is just across-the-board a wow woman.”
The Sea Gals recently had their annual end-of-season banquet. Click here to watch the video, and click here to check out the photos!
3rd year veteran and 2013 Sea Gal of the Year, Stephanie R, with Sea Gals Director Sherri Thompson
2013-14 MVC Starts To Take Shape
Vikings.com: The first step toward comprising the 2013-14 Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders took place on April 7 as Open Auditions were held at the Winter Park Field House.
Click here for photos from the open call
Click here for photos from finalist interviews
Purple, gold, and white from wall to wall. I must say, this is certainly the best dressed group of auditionees I've ever seen.
The Arizona Rattlers (AFL) have updated their website with a new team poster and GINORMOUS individual headshots of this season’s Sidewinders Dance Team. Click here to see who is on the team!
Brittany is a 3rd year veteran on this year's team
HoustonTexans.com: There are 51 finalists who are vying to represent the Houston Texans Cheerleaders during the 2013 season. Help us decide who will make the final squad!
View the finalists [here], and vote for your favorite cheerleaders by texting the designated keyword to 88222. (*Message and data rates may apply.)
Meet your 2013 HTC hopefuls! Video 1 l Video 2
Voting is open from April 8, 2013 – April 16, 2013 at 5 p.m. CT.
Rebecca Corman
Raiders.com
Yesterday, the 2013 Raiderette Preliminary Auditions, a significant step in becoming a member of Football’s Fabulous Females, were held.
CHECK OUT THE PRELIMINARY AUDITION PHOTOS
Yesterday, the 2013 Raiderette Preliminary Auditions, a significant step in becoming a member of Football’s Fabulous Females, were held. Hundreds of women from around the Bay Area, across the country, and even a few from Japan, gathered to try to prove to the panel of judges that they deserved the opportunity to earn a spot in the next step in the Raiderette process.
“There is no experience like Raiderette Auditions,” said Raiderette Director Jeanette Thompson. “Whether or not the candidates make the squad, they have participated in a unique Raiders tradition.”
Over the last couple of months, boot camp classes were held at Core Dynamics Fitness in San Leandro, giving Raiderette hopefuls a chance to get in shape for auditions. Several preliminary audition participants took advantage of the classes, not only to get in shape, but also learn the stamina it takes to cheer on the field on game day.
A prep class was also held March 23 with over 100 Raiderette hopefuls in attendance. The class was a fun opportunity to learn dance techniques, as well as Raiderette choreography. Current Raiderettes helped the choreographers teach the class and answer questions from the attendees.
All of this preparation led to the preliminary auditions. Hopefuls, who had never auditioned before, those who were auditioning again, and former Raiderettes making a comeback, took their turns in front of the judges. “This morning I had to set three alarms because I didn’t want to oversleep. I set one for 4:30, 4:45 and 5:00 which is when I actually got out of bed,” said first-timer Sarah. “I was just rushing around to get ready this morning and do full hair, full makeup. Then I drove from San Jose here. There was actually a lot of traffic and I was stopped on the freeway for about 15 minutes. I was like, ‘do I get out and walk? What do I do? I can’t be late for this.’ It ended up working out. Everything was fine.”
The day was filled with nervous energy, excitement and anticipation of the results. Even those who had been through the process before were anxious. “I’m nervous. It never gets any better,” explained Brooke, who cheered for the Raiderettes in 2009. “You feel more prepared but it doesn’t get any easier.”
Brooke is returning because of her previous experience as a Raiderette. “I’m auditioning again because I love performing and I feel like there’s no better audience than Raider Nation,” said Brooke. “They’re the best fans in football. I tried out for the Raiderettes in 2009 and it was my rookie season. It was just amazing, such a different experience than anything I’ve ever done before. It was incredible and I’d love to try it again.”
Jennifer from New Jersey, whose uncle is a die-hard Raiders fan, auditioned for the first time. Although her family’s fandom was factor in her choice to audition, the biggest reason was Football’s Fabulous Females commitment to the community. “The number one reason I want to be a Raiderette is because of all the charity events they get to do,” said Jennifer. “I really enjoy those the most, outside of performing. It’s my understanding the Raiderettes do a lot of that kind of work.”
After going through the preliminary audition process, finalists’ numbers were called. There was excitement and disappointment in the room. Those whose numbers were called move on to the next step in the process – the final audition prep classes. Each finalist, including returning 2012 Raiderettes, is taught the same routine to perform for the judges. Two classes are held to teach the choreography before Sunday’s finals.
Come Sunday, each finalist will interview and perform that dance routine for the judges. The judges will then determine members of the 2013 Raiderette squad.
Exclusive coverage from the 2013 Raiderette Final Auditions can be found on Raiders.com. Follow along on Raiders.com for live streaming video from inside the audition room, interviews with prospective Raiderettes, and more.
by Alice Kleinpeter
azfamily.com
April 7, 2013
PHOENIX — It was a rush of nerves for many of the women auditioning for a spot on the Cardinals Cheer team.
Just ask Amanda Kukkola, who has dreamed of trying out since she was five years old. And to top it off, the 18-year-old has had to work harder than most to get here.
“I had actually gotten open heart surgery over… last year, winter break,” said Kukkola adding, “Once I ended up healing, going through my full recovery from having my open heart surgery…I’m able to be able to prepare myself more physically now.”
The 18-year-old did just that by attending the Cardinals Cheerleaders Audition Bootcamp in February as well as the dance clinics taught by current cheerleaders.
“I’ve done everything that I could possibly do to prepare myself for this audition,” she said. “I’ve gone to the clinics and I’ve done all the tips that the girls have given out and that Heather has given us. So I’ve prepared myself mentally and physically for this and I’m just so excited to be here right now.”
Cardinals Cheerleaders Director Heather Karberg has been with the team for ten seasons and has high expectations for those who want to be a part of the organization.
“I am looking for the perfect girl,” she said. “Somebody who not only can dance but has the communication skills because a lot of what we do is out in the community.”
Karberg is looking for girls who are well-rounded and prepared to take on the responsibility that comes with the title, adding that she wants, “good dancers but also people who are goal-oriented and understand that this is a job as well. It’s not just your typical high school cheerleading team.”
Nearly 250 team hopefuls attended the clinics. About 40 finalists would make it through by the end of Saturday’s audition. And returning cheerleaders had to put in just as much work as the newcomers.
“Their spot isn’t guaranteed,” said Karberg. “I think that the returners know what they have to lose and so I think that they’re almost more nervous than the people who are in there who have really no idea of what the whole program entails.”
There is no set number of finalists or team members, but Karberg expects the team to be, “anywhere from 25 to 32.”
The finalists who would make it through to audition Sunday were announced and Kukkola was excited to hear her number called.
“It’s so so exciting to make it to finals,” she said. “All these thoughts are just going through my mind and I’m just so excited to be here right now.”
Members of the team will be announced later this week.
Ricky Henne, Managing Editor
Chargers.com
Click here for photos
Click here to watch the video
At the end of the long day, which included two dance routines and seven hours of performances and judging, only 72 remained to move on to round two. Eventually 28 members will be named to this year’s squad.
“The first phase of the process was actually really fun,” said Kahlee, a newcomer who was one of the lucky 72 who survived the day. “All of the girls around me were really engaging and really supportive, so it was really easy to get into the movement. And it was taught over a long period of time so I had plenty of time to practice. I really enjoyed it. It was fun choreography and I got my groove on, so it was great.”
Returning members got a bye early in the morning, not having to perform the initial routine and jumping right into the second dance number.
“This process as a veteran is very different,” said Anjelica, a member of the 2012 team. “From your rookie year you kind of come in with the expectation of seeing all these beautiful women and getting just the idea of how tryouts are run. Then you come in as a veteran and you feel more prepared, so it’s really nice to know you know what’s coming. So it feels better as a veteran because you’re prepared and ready for it.”
The next step in the audition process takes place on Wednesday when the remaining girls will interview for the gig. Then, on Thursday April 11, the final dance routines will take place and the 2013 Charger Girls roster will be announced.
Stay tuned to Chargers.com for videos, photos and much more from the auditions.
