Cheering for the Australia’s National Rugby League

Cheerleaders ‘Living the Dream’
The Sydney Morning Herald
October 6, 2011

Cheerleading may evoke an image of bimbos and football groupies, but often beneath the cleavages and fake tans are smart, talented girls who just want to have fun.

Kymberley Roebuck
Just ask last year’s Big League NRL Cheerleader of the Year, Kymberley Roebuck.

She knows people see her as a busty, blonde beauty, but Roebuck rankles at the stereotype.

“That’s what someone would think if they looked at me,” says Roebuck, 23, who is now coaching the Wests Tigers C91.3 cheerleader squad. “But they don’t know I go to uni, I have a full-time job and I run a business.” (And she donated her $2000 prize money to a terminally-ill six-year-old boy, Lleyton Giles.)

Elizabeth Commons, 27, Australia’s silver medallist at this year’s world cheerleading competition, sympathises.

“People expect a certain type of person, but I’m a chemistry teacher and I’m on a team with doctors, lawyers and bankers – but we’re also cheerleaders,” Commons says.

As Roebuck says: “Basically, at the end of the day, we have a job to do.”

And both girls have worked hard to get there.

Squad members have mostly trained as dancers or have a competitive gymnastics or acrobatics background.

Other than being selected for their appearance and skills, it’s ultimately their personality that helps them stand out from the hundred or so who try out at the exhaustive annual auditions held by each football club.

A squad, usually made up of about 24 girls ranging from 16 to 27 years old, is required to do at least one rehearsal session per week during the football season. There are sponsorship appearances and on match day, cheerleaders arrive three hours before the game to hand out flyers to fans.

Although the clubs are reluctant to divulge what they pay their dancers, it’s understood to be up to about $150 for the day.

“You’re definitely not doing it for the money. You have to have a love for the game,” says Roebuck, who admits she is a huge fan of the Wests Tigers.

Shaking pom-poms and doing dance routines throughout the game, cheerleader squads add an element of excitment to the game, especially when the players first run onto the field.

And it’s a sport that’s growing in Australia.

Under the guidance of Roebuck, the Tigers have introduced two new squads of girls aged between four and 17, the Tiny Tigers Club and Pre-Squad, which performed during games this season.

“I’m trying to come in and change the stereotype by building up from a young age a group of girls that want to do this when they’re older,” she says.

Two other Aussie girls who have helped the image of cheerleaders are former Newcastle Knights cheerleader Jennifer Hawkins, who went on to become Miss Universe, and more recently, former Manly cheerleader Angela Nicotera, who was this year picked for the prestigious Dallas Cowboys cheerleading squad.

Inspired by Hawkins’ business success, Roebuck has opened a dance school specialising in cheerleading in Blacktown with two more planned for Campbelltown and Leichhardt.

As Commons explains, competitive cheerleading is different from the NRL club squads. The focus is more on acrobatic tumbling, such as backflips and stunting.

“I don’t really follow football,” says Commons, international competitor and coach of four cheerleading teams.

“It’s just a different take on it … we’re cheering as a sport, rather than for another sporting team.”

After competing at state and national level championships for more than five years, Commons was selected for an all-girl 24-member Australian team to compete at the ICU (International Cheerleading Union) World Championships last April in Orlando, Florida.

Winning Australia’s first-ever medals, Commons’ team won silver and an Australian co-ed team won bronze.

“The crowd was amazing, like nothing I’d ever experienced before,” Commons says.

Whether it’s a sport or a spectacle, cheerleading is athletic and requires training and discipline – but there’s an element of glamour too.

As Roebuck says, when the Wests Tigers cheerleaders perform at the Sydney Football Stadium with flashing lights, flames and fireworks in front of 50,000 screaming fans, pumped to Guns ‘N Roses’ Welcome to the Jungle, “you think this is surreal”.

“It’s something I can tell my daughter about when I’m a mum. I’m living the dream.”

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life/cheerleaders-living-the-dream-20111006-1lawh.html#ixzz1a0zBYzEV

Galactic Dancers meet NBA Champion Dirk Nowitzki

Shortly after the NBA Championship concluded , Dalals Mavericks player Dirk Nowitzki visited his home town Würzburg in Bayern (Germany).

He and the ING Diba bank (German sponsor) introduced a big party in the s.Oliver arena and press conference.

The Galactics were very proud to welcome Dirk and dance for him. Some basketball cheerleaders were partially jealous “Why hasn’t Dirk taken us?” they asked! Others were happy for the Galactics and wrote positive feedback on their
facebook account, congratulations etc.

After that the Galactics and Dirk went on the parade in the city. Finally Dirk wrote in the golden book of the mayor of Würzburg.

The Galactic Dancers dance as background team for Cascada at the music event "TheDome" in Cologne
The Galactic Dancers dance as background team for Cascada at the music event "TheDome" in Cologne
Peter the bus driver was so loved the girls,that he left his bus in the city alone to make security for the girls. He received for this a ticket from police. Peter made the interior video shots in the s.Oliver arena while I took photos.
Peter the bus driver was so loved the girls, that he left his bus in the city alone to make security for the girls. He received for this a ticket from police. Peter made the interior video shots in the s.Oliver arena while I took photos.

[Galactic Dancers Gallery]

Cheers for our real first Cowgirl

Chris de Kretser, Daryl Timms
Herald Sun
August 09, 2011

TRARALGON-born Wendi White has laid claim to being the first Australian to become a cheerleader for the famed Dallas Cowboys.

It was believed that Sydney’s Angela Nicotera, who was a cheerleader for the Manly Sea Eagles, was the first Aussie to gain the honour when she recently made the final squad of 34 after more than 500 girls from around the world auditioned. She was featured in yesterday’s column.

But Wendi (pictured), who now lives in Hawaii, became a cheerleader for the world- renowned NFL team in 1980.

As well as being the first foreigner to make the squad, Wendi is also the only licensed airline pilot to have also become a cheer leader for the Cowboys.

“Not to steal any thunder from the new cheerleader, but it’s an old claim to fame for me that I’m very proud of,” Wendi told us yesterday.

“It’s an exclusive and iconic organisation with a history of excellence, pride and giving.”

Now Wendi White Wasson, she spent much of her younger life growing up in Darwin, where her father was a school teacher. She moved back to Victoria in 1976 and lived at Hurstbridge. She left when she was 18 to attend a small college in Texas. She tried out for the college basketball cheerleader squad before moving to Dallas in January 1980.

After being dared to have a go at making the Cowboys cheerleader squad, Wendi was among 2000 girls who tried out for the 36 places. She was with the Cowboys in 1980-81.

“So began a year of incredible opportunities, a difficult straight-up learning curve of discipline, terror, nerves, very hard work, blood, sweat (lots of it) and tears, excitement and honour,” she said.

“Nothing was guaranteed, you had to live up to your position every week. Athletic and dynamic, I think we worked out more than the Cowboy players did.

“I did just one year, and became an executive flight attendant on private jets, living in New York, Kuwait, Geneva, England and all over the US. I had the honour of being one of three (with my best friend who I cheered with) flight attendants flying Michael Jackson when he was doing The Victory Tour in 1984, amongst many other rich and famous passengers.”

Wendi said while she was with the Cowboys she used the line that “the all-American girl is an Aussie”.

Wendi and her Canadian husband Dave Wasson, who is also a pilot, own and operate Honu Kai Bed and Breakfast in Kailua Kona.

Angela Nicotera first Australian to be selected by the Dallas Cowgirls

Phil Rothfield
The Sunday Telegraph
August 07, 2011

This is the stunning northern beaches university student who has achieved what no other Aussie girl has ever done – getting selected as a cheerleader for the world renowned Dallas Cowgirls.

Angela Nicotera, 26, used to be a cheer girl for the Manly Sea Eagles before her dance teacher Monique Carroll – the wife of Mark ‘Spudd’ Carroll – convinced her to head to the US.

More than 500 girls from around the world auditioned over six weeks to make the final squad of 40, and Angela made it.

“I think it was important to portray individuality and try to be confident in my abilities,” Angela said. “You are your only competition; you are the only one who can take yourself out of the game.

“It’s natural to look around and compare yourself to all of the other girls, but when you start analysing the stunning girls around you, that’s when you start to doubt yourself.”

Angela thanked Monique Carroll for her support.

“She’s been such a great mentor. Without her, I would not have developed such a passion. She has provided me with encouragement, love and the support necessary for me to gain the confidence to come over in attempt to pursue my dream.

“There were many days throughout training camp where I wanted to pack up and go home. I faced some hard times, including the death of a relative and missing one of my best friend’s wedding. It has been difficult being so far away from family and friends but their love and support has been extraordinary.”

Manly Seabird to Dallas Cowgirl

Peter Peters
The Manly Daily
8/5/2011

Angela Nicotera couldn’t phone home without a camera crew filming her call for reality television when she became a member of the world’s most famous cheerleaders, the Dallas Cowgirls, this week.

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders – Making the Team was being filmed and the former Manly Sea Eagles Seabirds brunette they call “Down Under” was the star turn.

It was a stark reminder that for the next 12 months her life will undergo a massive change.

The 27-year-old from North Ryde is a nine-year veteran of cheerleading in the NRL in the much respected Sea Eagles Seabirds under the guidance of 17-season choreographer, founder, coach and confidante, Monique Carroll.

It was Carroll who planted the seed that grew into the idea that the daughter of an Italian music-shop owner should try out for the blue and white cheergirls representing what is known in the National Football League as “America’s Team”.

Despite having a thriving career as a qualified chiropractor in front of her, Angela took the bait when it was dangled in front of her.

For the past few years Monique Carroll has sensed that her most powerful dance member needed a new challenge and it lay in the United States.

“She was talking about giving cheerleading away and she was at the perfect stage of her life to make the move,” Carroll said.

“She recently got her degree in Chiropractic Science from Macquarie University and has that part of her life in a professional capacity waiting for her.

“But she was cherry ripe to have the maturity and drive to go overseas and climb a mountain. Angela is a dynamic dancer and has presence – she stands out.

“She wasn’t afraid to have a go at climbing a mountain where someone younger may have.”

And our Angela is something of a joker.

When she phoned her tutor this week her first words were: “Hi Monique, it’s Angela with some bad news!”

There were sobs and then laughter with the call on loudspeaker.

Monique Carroll has been around too long to fall for the prankster she knew was part of Angela’s personality.

Then the words: “I won’t be home for a year. I’m in!”

Angela Nicotera applied online to become a Dallas Cowgirl, was granted a tryout and became one of 540 applicants to pass the first tests.


A few photos of Angela at this year’s DCC audition

Then five days a week for four hours at night for the first month she danced her feet off.

The group was cut to 140 down to 76 and then 46 with eight girls cut this week for the group to be settled at 34.

The group of 46 was taken to an exhaustive eight-week training program before the axe came down for the final time.

The 34 girls will raise more than $1 million for the Cowboys organisation and owner Jerry Jones this season.

Angela gets paid just $150 per week as a base salary but up to $200 per performance and community work on at least three to four events each week.

Her first home-ground appearance at the team’s 120,000 capacity stadium in Dallas is in a sold-out pre-season game next Thursday, August 11.

“Down Under” has been in massive demand in Dallas this week as the American media wanted to interview the leggy Aussie with the flashing pearly whites.

Her dance mates call her “Down Under” but the media have added “Thunder” to her nickname.

*****
Life in Dallas wasn’t all smooth sailing for Angela as she had a disagreement with her first flatmate before being taken in by the family of a Dallas-born girl who has also made the final group.

The Cowgirls don’t travel to away games and have very strict guidelines about mixing socially with any of the players.

“It’s a no-no and very strictly administered, much like the Manly Seabirds,” said Monique Carroll, who started her cheerleading with the Parramatta Eels as an 11-year-old.

Parramatta and the Penrith Panthers, who were the first club to embrace cheering, trailblazed the cheerleaders as pre- and mid- match entertainment back in the early and mid-80s.

But up until now, no girl has dared go where Angela has gone.

Jennifer Hawkins went from the Newcastle Knights cheergirl squad to a Miss Universe title and is an inspiration to every young Australian female. Angela Nicotera is living proof that our girls can overcome early disappointment. Back in 2001 she tried out for the South Sydney cheergirls and didn’t make the team under the instruction of Monique Carroll who was running both the Rabbitohs and Sea Eagles cheerleaders.

In 2002 Angela’s determination and improvement saw her chosen by the same Mrs Carroll at an audition in the then club rooms opposite Manly Leagues Club.

In the end Angela’s talent and refusal won through.

That same grit and will to win still burns within her. Go girl!

Eagle-eyed Dallas Cowboys spot Aussie cheerleading talent Angela Nicoteri

The Daily Telegraph
August 03, 2011

IN any other circumstance switching allegiance from the Sea Eagles to the Cowboys would border on heresy.

But cheerleader Angela Nicoteri isn’t heading to Manly ‘s northern NRL rivals – she’s made history by becoming the first Australian woman accepted into the world-famous Dallas Cowboys cheer squad.

The 26-year-old, from Sydney’s northern beaches, survived an intense eight-week program to secure a spot in the final 34 cheerleaders of America’s iconic NFL club. About 540 women tried out for the squad, nicknamed America’s Sweethearts.

Ms Nicoteri, who recently completed a bachelors degree in chiropractic science, has been a cheerleader for the Manly Seabirds for nine seasons.

“I am beyond proud and beyond excited,” Manly Seabirds director Monique Carroll said.

From Manly to Dallas ... Sea Eagles cheergirl Angela Nicoteri.

Galactic Dancers: Open Training + Audition 2011/2012 in Frankfurt (Germany)

The Cheerleaders GALACTIC DANCERS are looking for new talents on Aug 14th 2011 Cheerleaders Audition in Frankfurt at Main.

The hottest cheerleaders team in Germany Frankfurt at Main the GALACTIC DANCERS are looking for new members. The GALACTIC DANCERS are well known from German TV Shows.

In order to meet the rising demand there will be a audition on Sunday Aug 14th 2011 in the Wintersporthalle in Frankfurt at Main. Cheerdance is to be considered as a professional sport with the focus on abilities to work in a team and the enjoy dancing. The minimum age of the candidates is 18. American dancers who work and live in Germany are welcome too. The Galactics speak English as well.

The candidates will be tested during the casting and they will have to learn and perform a specific choreography in a short period of time.

The VIP jury will cast the candidates.

The new GALACTIC DANCERS will be trained and led by the top choreographer Jasmin Felsenheim. Furthermore they will have professional photo shootings and performance at big sports events like the games of the table tennis league in Hanau and during the American Football Finals in the Commerzbank arena in Frankfurt am Main.

Date: Aug 14th 2011, 10 a.m.
Location: Wintersporthalle, Street: Otto Fleck Schneise Frankfurt at Main

jasmin.felsenheim@galacticdancers.de
Berkersheimer Weg 58, 60433 Frankfurt
Tel.: 0163 / 466 3852 Fax: 069 / 509 528 103 9

If You would like to apply for this casting and become one of the GALACTIC DANCERS
It is necessary to apply in advance on the website www.galacticdancers.de
or just call the following number:
Germany +49(0)0163 / 466 3852.
In case of questions don´t hesitate to contact us.

Jasmin Felsenheim
Dance Team Director

Thunder Girls Invited to Perform in China

Third invitation to represent the NBA internationally – Six members of the Thunder Girls have been invited to participate in the 2011 NBA Lenovo Pavilion Tour the Thunder announced today. The tour is a grassroots NBA event combining outdoor tournaments with fan events and interactive basketball elements.

It is the third consecutive year Thunder Girls has been selected to represent Oklahoma and the NBA during an international tour. The Thunder Girls will be the only NBA dance team represented at the event. Team members scheduled to join the tour include three-year veterans Riane, Sheri, Brittany and Haley, in addition to newer members Jessica and Marisa.

The team is scheduled to leave Oklahoma City on Thursday, June 30 and will return to the States on July 11. Their schedule includes sponsorship events, performances and photo opportunities with fans.

“We’re honored to be selected to represent the NBA, our fans and the state of Oklahoma,” said Brian Byrnes, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Thunder. “We are proud to showcase our dance team and the Thunder overseas for the third year and look forward to spreading the Thunder spirit worldwide.”

In 2009 Thunder Girls were selected to attend the London 5 United Tour, and in 2010 they were invited to NBA Madness in Taiwan.

Fans can look for updates and pictures of the tour on THUNDER.NBA.COM or follow the Thunder Girls on Facebook (facebook.com/thundergirls) and Twitter (@thundergirls). The 2011-12 Thunder Girls are sponsored by Riverwind Casino.

In 2010, the OKC Thunder Girls international trip was to Taiwan

EFAF: Raiderettes @ Eurobowl XXV

Raiders challenge defending champion Adler in Eurobowl

Defending champion Berlin Adler will travel to Innsbruck to face the hosting Tyrolean Raiders on June 18 at Innsbruck’s Tivoli in this year’s final for the Eurobowl trophy. The game will be aired live by Austrian TV channel ORF Sports Plus and will also be broadcasted via Internet livestreaming on www.raiderstv.at, www.redbull.com, www.redbull.at, www.redbulltv.com, www.tt.com, www.gfl-tv.de and www.football-austria.com.


Continue reading “EFAF: Raiderettes @ Eurobowl XXV”

Seabirds Dressed to Kill

From The Manly Daily

For the first time, The Manly Daily presents the Manly Sea Eagles cheerleaders out of uniform and like you’ve never seen them before.

Tomorrow night marks the first time the girls will strut their stuff outside a Sydney venue when they perform in front of an estimated crowd of 35,000 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane for the Sea Eagles’ round 12 clash against the Broncos.

Monique Carroll, choreographer for The Seabirds, as they are known collectively, says tomorrow will be one of the most significant performance for the girls.

“I know Broncos fans are crazy and love their cheerleaders so I can only hope they embrace us,” Mrs Carroll said. “We’re taking one of our favourite routines and it’s a big thrill for the girls to travel to Suncorp.”

The glamorous girls are not relying on their good looks to set themselves up for life.

There are law students, a web designer and pharmacist within the squad. Kahlia Hill, a 26-year-old meteorologist with a PhD, is one of the three team leaders of the squad.

She said the trip would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “To dance at Suncorp is something that’s pretty insane,” she said.

[Sea Eagles Cheerleaders Gallery]

[Manly Sea Eagles Cheerleaders]