Leslie Henderson Twyner

It’s great to hear about what our Alumni Cheerleaders members are doing after cheering.  We found out what Leslie Henderson Twyner who is a former Cincinnati Bengals Cheerleader  (1997-1998) and now Mom to two adorable daughters is doing now. 

Leslie is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio where she received her undergraduate degree in education from the University of Cincinnati.  At the age of seven, Leslie began ballet, tap and jazz lessons which sparked her interest and passion for dance and performing.  She cheered professionally for the Cincinnati Ben-Gals.

Leslie & daughters

Leslie relocated from Cincinnati to Miami to pursue a career in modeling. She worked as a runway and print model for several agencies in South Florida. Also, during her time there, she landed a role as a dancer in the 1999 film “Any Given Sunday” starring Jamie Foxx.

Leslie traded in the modeling and acting career when she became a mom and is now a sales and marketing representative for Johnson and Johnson.  Even though she hung up her poms, she still enjoys taking hip-hop and salsa dance classes and participates in performance showcases through her dance studio.  She and her two daughters currently reside in Indianapolis where both of her daughters take dance classes as well.  You never know… there may be two future Pro cheerleaders in the making.

Leslie & Jamie Foxx

Leslie Henderson Twyner

Leslie ~ Cincinnati Ben-Gals

Phire Dawson

Alumni Cheerleaders loves to find out what some of our fellow Alumni Cheerleaders members are doing now. We found out former Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader (1997) Phire Dawson is currently living in Los Angeles as a model and actress.  She has worked on numerous commercials, print ads, and television shows, such as Bose, Burger King, Pepsi, Real Time Bill Maher, The Price is Right, Janice Dickinson Model Agency, The Bold and the Beautiful, just to name a few. 

Phire Dawson

Phire was born and raised in Connecticut.  Cheerleading became a part of her throughout middle school and high school and during the summers she danced.  In high school, cheerleading was one of her favorite pastimes to make friends, be a part of a school program, as well as enjoy weekly or biweekly football and basketball games. Cheerleading was second nature for her and after moving to Atlanta to attend Spelman College, she naturally looked into continuing dance and cheering.  In 1996, she danced and cheered for Team America, and dance and cheer team for the 1996 Olympics venue.  Many of the ladies from Team America soon tried out for the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleading Squad.  Phire decided to wait a year and try out for the Atlanta Falcons the following spring.  To her surprise she made the team her first time trying out for a renowned cheerleading organization.  Of course, she was thrilled and her family was equally excited for her. It was her first time experiencing watching a live professional football game and of course having the best seat in the Georgia Dome.  Many of the young ladies from the squad became some of her lifelong friends.  Dancing and cheering for the Falcons was a great experience for Phire and helped her grow on a professional dance and cheerleading level.  Even though she only cheered for only one season, she walked away with a lot of memories and new friends.

1997 Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders

Today, Phire is an actress and model in Southern California in the city of Los Angeles.  She has had the privilege of working with Hollywood greats such as Bob Barker, Jay Leno, Drew Carey, Tyra Banks, Chris Harrison, Sports Illustrated model Rashomba, and many other great talents. With a busy schedule, Phire still found time to start a swimwear line called Phire Designs www.phiredesigns.com , which was also featured on TPIR.  Along with the new season of the Price is Right and the new host, Drew Carey, the models began wearing new swimwear. Phire Designs is one of the designer swimsuits the models wear since two piece bikinis and sexy swimwear has been brought to daytime television. Phire Dawson, of Phire Designs donated two custom made swimsuit to raise money for the local Ronald McDonald House Tea and Tiara event.

Phire - TPIR

Dawson says, Cheerleading for a professional team has taught her to work hard and do something that she loves. “I love what I do, and enjoy going to work.”  You can currently catch Phire on the ABC commercial for their fall show line up.

Phire's book cover

 

Phire & Bob Barker

 

Phire on Price is Right

Vicki Hammons Woodlee

Alumni Cheerleaders is excited to share what one of America’s “Original” Sweethearts is doing now after hanging up her pom poms.  Former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, Vicki Woodlee still loves to dance and performed at the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders reunion last season.  This was the last performance for the DCC and their Alumni to perform at Texas Stadium.  Vicki is the proud mom of 4 sons and one is a co-producer for the new FOX show Glee that aired May 19th.  Below is the latest and greatest from Vicki.  Enjoy!

Beverly Gallaher, Carla Powers, and Vicki Woodlee (Farewell to Texas Stadium)

I was proud to be a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader during the very beginning of the development of professional cheerleaders in 1973 and in 1974.   Although the first squad for the DCC cheerleaders was in 1972, the idea of having dancing cheerleaders as entertainment at a professional football game was still trying to find a niche in 1973.  Many of the fans weren’t sure how to react to us.  I once had a fan ask, “What are you dancing girls doing there on the field?”!

1973 was a year of firsts for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.  This was the first year the cheerleaders expanded into two lines so each side of the field could have cheerleaders cheering during the game (the original group simply rotated each quarter).  This was the first year we increased the number of cheerleaders (16) and the first year we had head cheerleaders, and I was fortunate enough to be one. I was also the very first Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader to be in a Dallas Cowboys Media Guide (1975)!  Yes, that was a LONG time ago, but remember, the cheerleaders had to start somewhere, and I was blessed to be a part of that foundation.

When I cheered, we had a winter uniform (consisting of a blue turtle-neck leotard and a fringe skirt with the vest, gauntlets and belt) and we also had a summer uniform which was the well-known DCC uniform the entire world recognizes today!  Some thought the uniform was controversial and way too revealing.  Many thought we were a passing fad that would quickly fade.  However, we held our heads high through much criticism and boldly moved forward to help create a new dimension to football: dancing cheerleaders!  Little did we know at the time we were changing the face of cheerleading forever.

After cheering, I was blessed to have four sons. I owned a dance studio for 10 years and completed my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and English with Creative Writing Specialization from Southern Methodist University.  I am currently a staffing consultant for Express Employment Professionals and I still love to dance!

My family is amazing!  Two of my sons are Garland Police Officers (Matt and Slade), one of my sons is a Mesquite Firefighter (Beau) and Zach is co-producer of the new FOX series Glee which aired May 19th.  Zach is also the choreographer for ABC’s “Eli Stone” and the movie “Fired up”.

Check out clips from her son’s new show Glee! www.facebook.com/glee  It aired on FOX  after American Idol on May 19th.  Click here to see interview with Vicki’s son Zach at the Glee Dance camp.  Way to go Zach!!

Vicki in summer uniform 1970's

DCC Group Shot 1970's

 

Vicki in DCC winter uniform

Vicki Woodlee

Christy Gamble

Alumni Cheerleaders found out what the talented and former Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader (1999 – 2000), Christy Gamble has been up to in Los Angeles.

Christy Gamble

Christy is originally from Muncie, Indiana, were she attended Ball State University.  She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.  Performing in several shows at a very early age, she quickly found her way into the professional arena of dance and entertainment.  As a trained dancer, she joined Left Eye Productions Dance Company in Atlanta, GA and also danced professionally for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. That opportunity fueled her experience in the world of film and television and after studying at Alliance Theatre Company she landed her first film role in the FOX 2000 box office hit “Drumline” as an A&T Dancer.

Christy packed up and headed to Los Angeles to be “full out” in her film and television career.  She then plunged full speed ahead working on several films, theatre productions, and television shows.  Her most recent theatre production “Harlem’s Night”, directed by Tanya Alexander is currently showing at The Mint in Los Angeles.  On TV, she guest starred on “Mad TV” and in film, Christy just completed the feature comedy “Chicago Pulaski Jones” with Cedric the Entertainer making his directorial debut.
Click here for more on Christy Gamble.
www.imdb.com/name/nm1296734

 

Amy Tweedy/Jillian Edwards/Yuki Farrell/Laura Parraga/Christy Gamble/Nina Ahlin Hami

National DVD release for "A Plumm Summer" & Book Specials from our Members!

AlumniCheerleaders.com wanted to spotlight a few of our talented members’ merchandise available for sale. Congratulations to these talented ladies and much continued success!!

Movies produced by Alumni Cheerleaders

DVD – National release for “A Plumm Summer” starring  Henry Winkler, Lisa Guerrero, Brenda Strong, & William Baldwin – Now available at Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, etc.  This is a heartwarming family and children’s movie that would be a great addition to your home movie collection.

Congratulations to actress, reporter, model, sports writer, former LA Rams cheerleader and Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots Director, Lisa Coles Guerrero!!  Her award winning family film, “A Plumm Summer”, just had its national DVD release.  The movie, is now available at Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, etc.  Go to Movie Room Reviews and see where her film, “A Plumm Summer” just scored an A- grade!  Check out www.movieroomreviewscom and enter their contest for a free DVD giveaway. Check out more at her site www.lisaguerrero.us!  Kudos to Lisa!

 

Books written by Alumni Cheerleaders members

Smiling Eyes, A Cheerleading Coach’s

Personal Victory by Norma Pimenta – I read this book and it is a wonderful and true story about Norma’s strength after a life changing tragedy. Keep up the great work!

A SAVINGS OF $2.00 FOR ALL ALUMNI CHEERLEADERS MEMBERS!
Save $2.00 off the web site price for this book by e-mailing your order to: smiling.eyes2005@yahoo.com. For your price of $11.95 and shipping, receive a signed copy of this story. Remember BOOKS make a great GIFT.

TAUNTON, MASSACHUSETTS — Smiling Eyes, A Cheerleading Coach’s Personal Victory Following a bizarre tragedy that defies logic, and a second chance at life, this woman who was barely noticed in a family of nine, chooses to prove her worth emotionally, mentally and physically through her accomplishments in coaching cheerleaders, and then succeeds in completing an inspiring novel of triumph.  Personalized autograph books can be ordered at a savings of $2.00 by e-mail at: smiling.eyes2005@yahoo.com

About the Author:
Norma Pimenta is the author, and is speaking at Woman’s Groups and Cheerleading Events, and living in Taunton, Massachusetts.  For media inquiries, appearances, or other publicity – please contact: Norma Pimenta at: smiling.eyes2005@yahoo.com

 

“The Business of Professional Dance” by Angela King Twitero – I recently purchased this book and it is a great book and guide.

Angela authored the book and guide for directors of professional sports dance and cheerleading teams.  This book is available for purchase at www.amazon.com.  Angela has recently announced the April launch of a new body and performance wear collection, “Go Wild!”. Featuring AKD’s unique design and unmatched quality, the collection will be available online at www.angelakingdesigns.com.

Angela was a cheerleader for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1980’s, then moved into management for the 49ers.  She also coordinated and produced the dance teams for the San Diego Chargers, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings.  In 1992, Angela co-founded the NFL Pro Bowl Cheerleaders and co-directed the team for five years.  Keep up the great work Angela!

SunDanz Auditions in Pembroke, Florida

DANCE AUDITION

May 9, 2009

 Graduated from your high school or college dance company, but still want to dance and perform?

 Auditioning for a professional company / dance / cheer team and need additional performance experience?

 

 SunDanz

SunDanz is a local dance company that will provide you with performance opportunities in the Tri-County area.  We are looking for dancers, 16 – Adult, to join us for the upcoming season. 

• Learn hip hop, jazz and pop-style dance choreography
• Entertain guests at local festivals and events in the Tri-County area
• Perform in stage-shows and other civic and artistic venues
• Develop choreography that will be used in our shows
• Meet and join others who share your love of dancing and performing

 Where: Dancer’s Gallery, 18231 Pines Blvd. Pembroke Pines, FL 33029

When:  SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2009, 4:15 pm

 More information: Call Jeanne Wolk at 954.599.8755

ATTENTION, ATTENTION!! CASTING CALL RELEASE…..

Raiderettes Promo

This is HOT off the press from AlumniCheerleaders.com member and former Raiderettes Cheerleader, Roxanne Alexander-Pringle!!

ALL Dancers, Pro Cheerleaders, & Choreographers from all professional sports leagues: (NFL, NBA, AFL, CFL, MLS, & NHL), Announcing… The ULTIMATE casting calls for an all-new and upcoming Pro Cheerleader Reality Show!  Yes…coming very soon to the sorority, we all love so much, Professional Cheer & Dance!  Get ready for a fun filled and exciting reality show specifically geared for all aspects of pro league cheerleaders!  That is right!  Are you ready for some pro cheer & dance?  It is time to highlight even more on what pro cheerleader life is really all about from start to finish. I am in search of awesome and unique Ladies…”So where my girls at?”

We are currently in developing stages of our show with casting well under way.  The shooting of our “Pilot” will be taking place shortly.  We are in search of intelligent, beautiful, and very talented individuals with tons of swagger! You must come equipped with a high-level charismatic personality, with a serious flare that can shine!  So do you think you have what it takes?  Then we most definitely want to see you there!

Interested candidates please register your info and submit a recent picture on the following casting links: From the home page click on the tab: “Talent” then click on then tab: “Register”, then click on the tab: “Join” (Don’t have an agent yet?)

There is an initial set up fee of $20.00.  Thereafter, the fee will be $10.00 per month.  This will provide you access to many casting calls, agencies, & casting directors.  In addition, you will have such a huge network tied into the industry to satisfy your journey…
http://login.lacasting.com/

http://login.sfcasting.com/

http://nowcasting.com/indexsplash.html

** Note: Anyone registering for the “On Camera /Choreographer” position must live in the SF Bay Area or Los Angeles areas.  If you are interested in auditioning for the Co Host or Contestant positions, you may live anywhere geographically within the United States (including Canada).  Candidates, who meet the show’s criteria, will be notified by phone or email for scheduling of their auditions.  Any further questions feel free to email me via facebook or my personal email.

Roxanne Alexander Pringle

Kimberly Linberger Vaughn

AlumniCheerleaders.com found out what the latest is with Kimberly Linberger Vaughn.  Kimberly’s professional cheerleading career was with the Washington Redskins, from the Nation’s Capital’s NFL Team.  She cheered for eight years, was a four year captain on the squad, and their 2007 Pro Bowl Representative.

Kimberly - Pro Bowl 2007

 

Kimberly also auditioned for their elite traveling variety show and went on 12 tours with the Redskins Cheerleaders, traveling to over 35 countries.  Giving back to the men and women who serve this great country is one of the best rewards she received from cheering. Going on tour is also what lead her to meet her husband, a US Navy SEAL, in Guam.  They are happily married, living in San Diego, CA, and have a baby arriving this Fall!  Congratulations to Kimberly!!
Kimberly has also taken her love for cheerleading and football to one of her current endeavors.  She’s started her own handbag business and a leather football handbag is one of the most popular!  www.StCatherinesBoutique.com

Purse from St. Catherine's Boutique

Cheering allowed Kimberly to be a part of an elite group of women whose bond is still unbreakable to this day.  Even across the nation, Kimberly keeps in touch with the sisters she cheered with for years.  To this day, cheering for the Redskins has had the biggest positive impact of Kimberly’s life.  As her director, Donald Wells, always said; “Once a Redskins Cheerleader, Always a Redskins Cheerleader!”

 

Redskins last game

 

Kimberly

 

Redskins' Captains

Redskins Cheerleaders

Pro Bowl Cheerleaders 2007

Kimberly -Redskins Cheerleader Calendar 2007

Jillian Edwards – Hitched in Atlanta…June 2009 issue of The Atlantan Brides

Jillian Edwards - Pro Bowl 2000

Alumni Cheerleaders Member, Jillian Edwards, sent us this from Atlantan Brides.  Jillian cheered for 7 years (1994 – 2000) with the Atlanta Falcons and was the 2000 Pro Bowl Representative.  Jillian is currently an Account Executive with the Atlantan and Atlantan Brides Magazines.   The Atlantan Brides Magazine is looking for Atlanta Brides to feature in an upcoming issue.  Please see below for more details.

Happy Spring!   The Atlantan Brides is currently accepting photographs for their “Hitched in Atlanta” section of the magazine, out on newsstands on June 15th.  The Hitched section runs anywhere from 4-6 pages and features as many 40 Atlanta brides and grooms on their wedding days.   It’s a fun visual compilation and a great way to showcase both our talented local photographers and local newlyweds.

Have friends, family, colleagues, or clients who might be interested?   Please have them e-mail the following to the editor, Elizabeth Ralls, at theatlantanbrides@gmail.com:

* Two professional, high-res images (300 dpi or higher) of the couple only on their wedding day
* Full names of both bride and groom (please include bride’s maiden name)
* Place of Reception
* Wedding Date
* Photographer’s name and contact information

Weddings must have taken place in 2008 or 2009.
Weddings may take place anywhere, as long as the couple resides in or around the Atlanta area.
***The deadline is Wednesday, May 6, 2009.***

Jillian Edwards

Jennifer Mallam ~ 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Credit…Explained!

Jennifer Mallam - Atlanta Falcons

Real Estate Tips from Alumni Cheerleaders Member – Jennifer Mallam

If you have heard of the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit I am sure you, like many others, are wondering just what is this tax credit & does it apply to you?  If you haven’t heard of this incredible opportunity, please, allow me to explain! 

First, let me clarify what “first-time home buyer” means here.  First-time home buyer refers to someone who has not had any ownership interest in a home in the three years previous to the day of the 2009 purchase.  Now that we cleared that up, here are the high points:

• The purchase must occur between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009.
• The $8,000 is in the form of a tax credit and does not have to be repaid.  (Repayment may apply if you sell the home within 3 years of the claimed purchase.)
• The credit applies only to the buyer’s principal residence and it must be located in the U.S.
• The full $8,000 credit applies to home purchases of $80,000 or more.  If the home you purchase is less than $80,000, you can receive a credit of 10% of the purchase price.  For example, if your home purchase is $70,000 you will receive a $7,000 credit.
• Income restrictions apply.  Individuals filing single are elegible for credit if their income is no more than $75,000.  Married couples filing jointly may have income no more than $150,000.  (There are some exceptions.)
• If the buyer’s income tax liability is less than the $8,000, they will receive the difference back as a refundable credit!  What does that mean?  For example, if the buyer only owes $6,000 the IRS will send a check for the $2,000 as a refund!

As if all of this was not good enough, there’s more!  If you have not filed your return for 2008 yet and you did make a qualifiable purchase in 2009, you can claim the $8,000 credit on your 2008 return!  Here’s the way this works:

• If the purchase was made between January 1, 2009 and April 15, 2009, the $8,000 credit can be claimed on the 2008 return due April 15.
• You can file an extension for 2008 as late as October 15, 2009. 
• If you have already filed your 2008 return before the 2009 purchase, you can make an amendment.

For additional information, please, feel free to contact me directly.  www.JenniferMallam.com 

Remember, always consult a tax professional.

Resources:  National Association of Realtors, www.realtor.org

About Jennifer

Jennifer is originally from Nashville, TN, although she has had the pleasure of calling 6 different states “home” over the years.  TN is where she graduated from high school, attended college, and began her professional cheerleading career with the Tennessee Titans.  Her family and several close friends remain in TN making it very close to her heart.

Jennifer relocated to Atlanta, GA, in 2002 where she continued her NFL cheerleading career with the Atlanta Falcons and began her Real Estate career as a Residential Appraiser.  Her experience in appraising gives her an edge on pricing properties and understanding market changes while her work as an NFL Cheerleader provides her invaluable experience in public relations as well as opened the door for what would be her next journey, Real Estate Sales.  Jennifer, while cheering with the Falcons, was invited on the set of the popular T.V. show “Extreme Makeover/Home Edition” where she met the CEO of Beazer Homes and was asked to come and work for them as a New Home Counselor.  She took the opportunity and there found her true passion in helping people buy and sell homes. 

Jennifer kicked off her Real Estate Sales career in 2005 as the Top Producer for the Beazer Homes Atlanta Division in her very first three months of selling and has not slowed down since consistently ranked amongst TOP Producers.

Jennifer’s philosophy is to give exceptional service to each customer through honesty and open communication.  Her vibrant personality, organization, and attention for details make working with Jennifer a pleasure.  Whether you are looking to buy or sell, call Jennifer today and come “Experience the Difference”!

In search of the best family oriented place to raise their daughter, Jennifer and her husband came to Williamsburg in 2008.  Impressed with the beautiful city, its excellent school systems, and quiet suburban lifestyle, they decided to call Williamsburg home.

 

 www.JenniferMallam.com