35 Year Reunion of NBA Spurs Quicksilver Dancers

The NBA San Antonio Spurs will be acknowledging the 1982-83 NBA Spurs Quicksilver Dancers celebrating their 35 year reunion with an on-court presentation at the March 15, 2018 Spurs game in the AT& T Center in San Antonio, Texas.  There will be a total of 14 Quicksilver Alumni and the choreographer that will be introduced on the court after a video presentation of when they performed for the Spurs 10th Anniversary season in the HemisFair arena.

From MySanAntonio.com:

Before the Spurs Silver Dancers started winning San Antonio hearts, there were the Quicksilver Dancers.

About a decade before the current dance team was formed, the Quicksilver dance troupe fired up the Hemisfair Arena for the 1982-1983 season. On March 15, the Spurs are slated to recognize the team with an on-court presentation, but the squad is missing a few of its members.

Cynthia Trinidad, who was part of the 22-member team, said most members are in communication and are preparing for their reunion. However, they are hoping to find five missing dancers: Lisa Whitehead, Debbie Struss, Monica Lutz, Sally Montoya and Monica Lochner.

A Facebook group has been created to share memories of their dance days within the squad and the Spurs fan community. Trinidad is hoping the page will help them reconnect with their teammates before the March game.

The Spurs will recognize the Quicksilver team with a video shown on the AT&T Center screens, Trinidad said. She said the Quicksilver Dancers are working with Silver Dancer choreographer Katie Gibbons on the reunion.

NH Brigade Dance Team Auditions Announced – March 5

The NH Brigade is a professional indoor football team making their debut in Manchester, NH in April 2017.  Playing in the CAN-AM Indoor Football League, the NH Brigade will play all homes games at the JFK Arena in Manchester, NH.

The mission of the NH Brigade football team is to provide a unique and exciting indoor sport to the city of  Manchester. We will provide the community with affordable, family friendly entertainment that they will return to time and time again. We will endeavor to elevate the talent, skill, and professionalism of the athletes, while always aiming for the top.

The team will be holding auditions for the NH Brigade Dance Team on Sunday, March 5, 2017 at Envy Sports Club in Manchester, NH.  Registration begins at 10:00 a.m.  Under the Direction of 3 former New England Patriots Cheerleaders, Michelle Gagnon, Britni Soryal and Athena Lazo, the team will be comprised of 15 to 20 individuals who will not only be performing at every NH Brigade home game, but will also be interacting with fans during the game, making appearances in the community, and will be ambassadors for the NH Brigade organization.  The Dance Team will be helping to bridge the gap between the fans and the organization while helping to create the ultimate fan experience.

This is a great opportunity for anyone in the area that loves to dance! 

For questions or more information, contact the Dance Team Director at danceteam@nhbrigade.com.

Visit http://www.nhbrigade.com/ dancers.html.  Follow the Dance Team on Facebook at NH Brigade Dance Team or Instagram at nhbrigadedanceteam.

 

Sponsor Spotlight: Dallaswear Uniforms

UltimateCheerleaders.com is proud to present longtime sponsor Dallaswear Uniforms.

Dallaswear Uniforms just recently launched their new line for pro-cheer auditions this season and they look AMAZING!  From new Sideline Jerseys, new ombre prints and endless rhinestone patterns, you will be set for auditions!  The Sideline Jersey lets you show your team spirit and gives you the option to choose the your team color/ favorite number. Dallaswear has expanded the Ombre Collection to include more styles that accommodate to your style preference.  The best part of their prints and styles is that you can really customize your outfit any way you desire.  And of course there are the rhinestones!  Dallaswear’s Super Bling™ styles have taken it to the next level with gorgeous patterns you cannot find anywhere else!
 
 
Need your audition outfit fast?  No problem!  Dallaswear offers 3 and 5 day rush options.  Yes, that is even if you order a completely rhinestoned Super Bling™ outfit! 
 
Dallaswear is “Where the Pros Go” when it comes to audition and team uniforms. Be sure to shop at DallaswearUniforms.com this audition season.  Cannot wait to see what unique color combinations and styles you will choose!  Good luck at auditions!
 
 
 

Company facts:

  • This year, Dallaswear celebrates it’s 12th year providing fashionable and functional uniforms for Pro Teams and squad hopefuls.
  • Dallaswear Uniforms was founded by Terra (Watson) Saunders, a fashion designer and former 5 Year Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
  • Terra’s been designing and manufacturing uniforms for over 25 years; even before she was a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader.
  • Dallaswear is all manufactured at the Dallaswear factory and headquarters in Dallas, Texas.  
  • Dallaswear also designs uniforms for pro teams like the Golden State Warriors Dance Team, The Cleveland Cavaliers Cavs Dancers, The Atlanta Hawks Dance Team, The San Francisco 49ers Goldrush Cheerleaders, The Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders, The Raiderettes, The San Diego Charger Girls, The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, The Philadelphia 76ers Dance Team, the Oklahoma City Thunder Dance Team and many, many more.  These teams choose Dallaswear because of Dallaswear’s amazing fit.  Because Dallaswear is designed by a professional fashion designer who also wore a uniform for many years, fit and function are incorporated into each and every style. 
  • Dallaswear is not only known for it’s amazing fit, but for it’s iconic look.  “You know Dallaswear when you see it!”  Dallaswear is known for their amazing rhinestone work, unique logo placement and classic lines.  Dallaswear styles aren’t collegiate, strappy or frumpy.  Dallaswear styles are perfectly fit, clean and iconic.
  • Dallaswear is the leader in audition styles because of the sexy and eye-catching style variety.  There are over 350,000 different combinations of styles, fabric and rhinestones you can create for your audition outfit on the website.  
  • Each outfit is custom made to order.  Dallaswear has the fastest custom shipping options in the business!  Dallaswear offers standard 10 day shipping in addition to 5 or 3 day Rush shipping!
  • When it comes to auditions, “You don’t want to be the girl standing next to the girl in Dallaswear… you want to BE the girl in DALLASWEAR!” 
 

For more information on Dallaswear Uniforms audition wear, please click here.

Sponsor Spotlight: Simma Wear

UltimateCheerleaders.com is proud to announce a new sponsor, Simma Wear.

Introducing Simma Wear: A Brand New Audition Attire Line For Aspiring Pro Dancers!

Audition season is right around the corner and we are excited to announce the launch of a brand new audition line for major league sports, Simma Wear! (www.simmawear.com) (Social Media @Simmawear)

Simma Wear was founded in the San Francisco, Bay Area, produced and manufactured out of Oakland, California, and designed by former professional dancer Simmone Miller. Simmone has danced in music videos, commercials, companies, and was formerly signed to the DDO Talent Agency and The S Agency in Los Angeles, as well as danced in the NBA. Her time spent dancing for the Golden State Warriors influenced the creation of this line, bringing fun, young, and classy colors with Swarovski rhinestone pairings making dancers fully prepared for their NBA/NFL auditions.  

“I really wanted to do something different and something that feels high end. I put a lot of thought into every detail, and every color pairing. I wanted to be sure that I would wear every piece that I am producing. Quality definitely over quantity. We produced a limited amount of each design and color and will be slowly adding more in the years to come. Prior to the Warriors I auditioned for pro dance teams before and would get cut. I definitely heard a bunch of “no’s” before a “yes” and I think that final break through was due to my look. I used to think ‘why am I not making these teams?’ but getting polished put me over the edge. Being fully prepared with the right makeup, hair, earrings, tights and outfit truly made the difference. You’d be surprised what rhinestones can do on the perfect outfit with the right hair and makeup!” – Simmone

Along with audition tops and bottoms, Simma Wear is a one stop shop for all your audition needs including audition tops, bottoms, earrings, and tights and is guaranteed fast processing and delivery time (1-3 day processing + shipping)!  All their audition attire is pre-made allowing for faster delivery than the normal custom attire, however custom rhinestone choices are available at additional cost and time. The “Make It A Kit” option is excellent for first time auditioners, that need a pair of earrings and tights to go along with their audition wear. Already have a top that just needs rhinestones? Simma Wear can add rhinestones to your top as well. You can find more information on all their services and puchase Simma Wear online at www.simmawear.com or if located in the Bay Area, California you can schedule one of their upcoming appointments.

“More than anything, I want you to feel good. You should walk into your audition feeling your absolute best, not worrying about the next girl, but feeling confident in yourself. Yes your hair, makeup, dance, fitness is part of that, but if I can help in a small way by providing audition attire that I put my heart and soul in to make sure that every color and detail makes you stand out in a good way, I’m happy. Clothing aside, I believe in you. Be fearless. Get excited. Trust yourself. The universe is truly unlimited, and so are you. Your wishes wait to come to life. Good luck at your audition.” – Simmone

Make sure to follow @simmawear on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter and subscribe to there newsletter for updates and promotions at www.simmawear.com.

 

Richmond RoughRiders Dance Team Prep Class and Auditions

richmond

Richmond, Virginia has always been a bit small for a major league team, but the Richmond Raiders were blessed with a top tier major league quality dance team, coached by former Washington Wizards Dancer (2000-2003, Captain) and Washington Redskins Cheerleader (2005-2012, Captain) Kelly Allen. Well, in the topsy turvy wacky world of indoor football this spring, the Raiders are no more, but Richmond has a new indoor football team in town, and Kelly is now the Director of the RoughRiders Dance Team. Great news! Information about the prep classes (December 15th) and auditions (January 7th) are included in the graphic above, and we were thrilled to feature Kelly, singing her praises, at this link, previously at UltimateCheerleaders.

Colts cheerleader hangs up pom-poms for good reason

Story link and video link.

by Dana Hunsinger Benbow, dana.benbow@indystar.com

Lauren Madden’s parents got cancer at the same time. Now cheering doesn’t seem quite as important as her new job.

The nurses were like angels.

Lauren Madden noticed that about them. Their goodness and their gentle, kind spirits.

She noticed the angels because they really didn’t belong where she was — going through hell.

It was five years ago, when Madden was working in a mortgage department, a cheerleader for the Indianapolis Colts — and her father was diagnosed with aggressive duodenal cancer. Six months later, her mother was diagnosed with uterine cancer.

These two medical professionals from Greenwood — her dad, Tom Madden, an ER doctor; her mom, Terri, a surgical tech — found themselves in hospital beds, needing someone to take care of them.

And as Lauren Madden sat there, she saw the nurses care for the two people who meant the most to her in the world.

“I was just like, ‘Lauren what are you doing with your life? This is what you need to be doing,’ ” said Madden, who had graduated from Ball State University with a telecommunications major in 2010. “‘This is what you were called to do.'”

She immediately applied to nursing school.

Terri Madden, now cancer free, got to see her daughter graduate as a registered nurse in 2014. Tom Madden didn’t. He didn’t get to see her following in his footsteps, in an ER department. He died four years ago on Aug. 8.

“I go into work every day and think about him,” said Madden, 29, a registered nurse at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. “Sometimes I’ll be at work and I’ll think, ‘Oh I wish I could tell my dad that, this funny story, or what would my dad do in this situation?’ ”

As Madden tries to carry on the legacy of her dad, she’s made her own sacrifice.

After five seasons as a Colts cheerleader, she put away her boots. Working 12-hour shifts, caring for sick children is her focus now.

But she does have the Colts to thank for living out this very important dream — being one of those angels like the ones who cared for her dad.

A FATEFUL VISIT

It was the Colts’ annual visit to Riley, when players, big-name players such as Andrew Luck, visit the patients, hand out presents and sing Christmas carols.

Madden — a musical theater performer who at age 9 played Brigitta von Trapp in the Broadway production of “The Sound of Music,” touring 49 states and Asia — was thrilled.

“Doing the appearance at Riley, singing Christmas carols was always my absolute 100 percent favorite appearance,” Madden said Thursday morning before her shift started. “It was all my favorite things wrapped into one day. It was the Colts, nursing, being a cheerleader, kids, Riley, singing.”

But this year, Madden was even more excited. She had decided that with her nursing degree in hand — and already working in ER at St. Francis hospital — she would go for her dream job.

As she and her cheer teammates got ready in the restroom, she told them her plan: “I have to work here. I don’t care how, but I’m going to get a job today.”

After singing songs from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and seeing the children smile, Madden still hadn’t gotten up the nerve to mention to any of the hospital staff what she wanted.

“We’re getting ready to walk out the door. I’m like, ‘This is your chance, come on Lauren, come on, you can do this,’ ” she recalled. “And we’re walking out and I was like, ‘Oh, by the way, if you guys are hiring, let me know.’ ”

Lucky for her, a man named Paul Haut heard her loud and clear.

SPECIAL SOUL

Dr. Haut, the chief medical officer at Riley, was there to see the caroling Colts. When he heard Madden was a nurse, wanted to work at Riley and was already in the ER, he pounced.

“We need emergency department nurses,” he said. “So, we’re always looking for people who want to work for Riley, who have a need to care for some of the sickest kids in the state. It takes a special soul.”

Madden seemed to have what it took. Haut could tell that right away, so he did something a little unusual.

On the spot, Haut called the manager of the ER and told her he thought he had someone to hire. The manager came down and conducted an impromptu interview with Madden, still wearing her caroling hat and uniform. A few weeks later, Madden got an official interview.

Haut didn’t hear how it all turned out until March, when Madden started at Riley. Haut was wandering around the ER and saw that Colts cheerleader.

“She said, ‘Do you remember me?’ ” Haut said. “Oh my gosh. She got the job.”

They’re at the secret treasure chest — Madden and Nevaeh DeVault, 5. Nevaeh is in the ER, nervous, and Madden is helping her pick out a treat.

Nevaeh finally settles on a pink monkey that she decides to name “Monkey.” Madden smiles.

“I love it,” she tells her patient, as if it’s the most original name there is.

Madden loves the kids. She loves singing the ABCs and classic Disney songs and popular favorites like “Let It Go” from “Frozen.” She’s helped many a kid get through a scary time singing by their bed.

“That’s my favorite part about working at Riley. I know medicine’s important in getting these kids better, but I think making that connection with them (makes a difference),” she said. “Getting them a toy from the secret treasure chest and giving them a high five or a hug.”

That’s what brings the patients and their families comfort. That’s what Madden’s mission is.

Yes, she’ll miss being an NFL cheerleader. Madden knows she will be wishing she were on the field this football season. She still follows the Colts cheerleader Facebook page. But it was her choice to not try out for the 2016 season.

The decision wasn’t all that hard. She often thinks back to her days growing up in Greenwood, sitting around the dinner table with her dad telling stories of the ER. She remembers his cool demeanor that calmed the chaos of the department at Bloomington Hospital of IU Health.

Tom Madden may not have gotten to see his daughter graduate, but as he lay in the hospital tended to by nurses, he knew his daughter would soon be one of them.

“I think he would be proud that I’m at Riley and working with kids every day,” she said. “I still feel like he’s guiding me.”

Former Patriots cheerleader thrives in WWE NXT

Patriots.com
June 1, 2016

Patriots cheerleaders thrive on performing in front of a crowd, and once their time on the sidelines is over, some pursue ways to continue showmanship. For former cheerleader Leah, she found solace in an unlikely place: the wrestling ring.

After three seasons with the Patriots cheerleading squad and a season with the Lakers, Leah found her way to the WWE NXT as Carmella, a leopard print clad princess of Staten Island. Her character is fun, fierce and fabulous, she said.

Leah trio

“She actually is a lot like me. She’s fun, high energy, and I don’t really take anything from anybody,” Leah said. “I’m going to stand up for myself. She’s fabulous. I love fashion, and I try to incorporate that.”

Even though Leah grew up watching the sport, she never pictured herself in the ring, but after she graduated from UMass Dartmouth in 2010 and completed her year with the Lakers in 2011, she said trying out for the WWE just “evolved” naturally.

“I never thought it was something I could even do. I never thought it was a possibility. I never thought it was something I could train for and do,” she said. “I thought, ‘Oh my god, what a challenge.’ I had 10 tryouts and kept making the cut, and I found myself in the WWE Performance Center in Orlando and I’ve been there for two and a half years.”

While her path to NXT was not one Leah had imagined, she said her time with the Patriots squad helped her transition. From time management to knowing how to represent a well-respected organization, she said the Patriots prepared her for this next course.

Moving forward, Leah’s goal is to win the NXT Women’s Championship, move up to the WWE and claim the women’s championship there.

With her background in dance, Leah has been able to incorporate her moves into the ring, but she has surprised herself with how quickly she has been able to adapt to a new and different world of physicality. Though many of her fellow wrestlers have backgrounds in the sport, wrestling in independent circuits before coming to NXT, Leah has had to learn the moves from the basics while using her dancing background and ability to work the crowd to her advantage.

“[The thing I’ve learned about myself is] probably just the fact that anything I can put my mind to, I can do. I really wasn’t sure when I started. I’m very confident in my ability to learn, but every time I’m in the ring, I can’t believe the things I can do and that I’ve learned,” Leah said. “It’s been really crazy. I see a move and it looks so hard and then I can do it. The coolest thing I’ve learned is that it doesn’t matter how long it takes me, I’ll do it over and over until I get it.”

This drive and determination to get the moves down has helped make Carmella a force in NXT and to be a wrestler for her fans to look up to.

“I love interacting with the fans and being a positive role model for little girls,” she said. “I didn’t think I could become a wrestler, and I did it. I want them to know that whatever dreams they have, they can follow them as well.”

Kings/Cowboys Alum in the running for cover of Redbook

Redbook magazine is running it’s 3rd annual “Real Women Style Awards” contest. Readers were asked to submit their best, most stylish photo for the chance to be on the cover of the magazine. Six women will front the September issue, as a homage to real women (not celebrities, not models) who are stylish in their everyday lives. Redbook narrowed the entries down to 25 finalists, and has opened the competition up for public voting.

One of the ladies in the running is wife, mother, educator, former Sacramento Kings Dancer and former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Sasha Agent. With almost 17,500 votes (as of right now), she is on the leader board, but every last vote helps. Click here to see the finalists and vote for your favorite. Voting is open until May 10. You can vote once each day.

WARNING: There are TWO Sasha in the running. This is Sasha Agent:
Redbook2016_Sasha

Sasha was a Sacramento Kings Dancer for four seasons (2001-2005)
Sasha was a Sacramento Kings Dancer for four seasons (2001-2005)
Sasha was a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader for two seasons (2010-12)
Sasha was a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader for two seasons (2010-12)

Former Ben-Gal’s New Cook Book

Brooke Griffin Skinny SuppersCreating healthy family meals as a parent on the go
Fox2now (St. Louis)
March 24, 2016

ST. LOUIS, MO. (KTVI)- A former NFL cheerleader and Fitness Universe champion has developed a book for light and healthy meals for families and those constantly on the move.

[Watch the video]

Brooke Griffin has written the book “Skinny Suppers: 125 lightened up, healthier meals for your family” in the hopes of creating simple recipes that are also waist-friendly and tasty. Most of the meals in the book are under 350 calories per serving.

Griffin’s website, SkinnyMom.com features pages of healthy recipes and articles for healthier living. During her time in the NFL, Griffin was a cheerleader for the Cincinnati Bengals.

All recipes in the book feature ingredients that are quick to prepare, making it easier for busy parents to create healthy dishes for their families.

Sample of dishes appearing in the book:

Blackened fish la torta
Cajun fresco chicken pasta
Skinny broccoli salad with Sargento cheese
Spicy cashew pork stir-fry over Uncle Ben’s Rice


Sasha sidebar: The book is also available on Amazon. Brooke was a Ben-Gal 2006-09, and won Miss Fitness Universe in 2009.

Brooke Johnson