Cheer Out” – Avia Parker & Cassandra Cardenas (former Pro Cheerleaders) – Florida Launch 2015 Auditions March 25th

Here is a “Cheer Out” to member Cassandra Cardenas and Alumni Cheerleaders member, Avia Parker!! Congratulations are in order with them being chosen as the coaches for the newest Pro Team in South Florida, 2015 Florida Launch Lacrosse (MLL)!!  

Auditions are March 25th in Boca Raton, FL.  For more details, please email danceteam@floridalaunchlacrosse.com.

Avia Parker  

Originally from Kentucky Avia started her professional career with (NIFL) arena football. Dancing for two seasons and creating choreography for the Lexington Horsemen Fillies dance team she then took her talent to the NFL and cheered for the Cincinnati Bengals. She has been a Cheer USA coach, teaching young girls the fundamentals of cheer and dance as well as creating and orchestrating her own cheer and dance camp for urban children from her home town Lexington, Kentucky. Now residing in Florida, Avia continues to teach master dance classes to young women looking to prepare for dance auditions. She has recently provided choreography for the Palm Beach Makos cheerleaders. She was voted best cheer/dance team (NIFL) and featured in Maxim 2007 Girls of NFL.

Cassandra Cardemas

Cassandra Cardenas moved from Columbus, Ohio in October. She immediately obtained a position on the Strikers Dance Team in Fort Lauderdale. While in Columbus, Cassandra danced for theMachine Dance Team, Columbus’ major league lacrosse team. She is also an instructor and choreographer for the renowned Fort Lauderdale Children’s theatre.

Cassandra received her degree from Otterbein University in Columbus, Ohio and minored in dance. While at Otterbein she performed and choreographed for the dance team and was very involved in the theatre and dance department. Cassandra performed in several musicals, student distinction projects, workshops and dance concerts. She continued to choreograph and hold technique and master classes for the students on the current Otterbein University dance team after her graduation.

Cassandra has quite a bit of experience instructing as well. She was the Director of Dance and dance team coach at St. Ursula Academy in Toledo, Ohio. She also taught at Dance FX Academy and Next Stage Studios, both in Toledo, Ohio as well. Cassandra choreographed countless musicals for both high school and community theatre all over Ohio and South West Michigan.

Cassandra was asked to join the Florida Launch as the head coach and was thrilled to accept the position.

CFL Toronto Argos Cheerleaders Alumni Reunion!

On October 18th at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, fans were treated to an exciting halftime show performed by the CFL Toronto Argos Cheerleader Alumni. The event was part of the Argos’ annual PINK game to raise money and awareness for women’s cancers. This year’s cause specifically was Ovarian cancer. Touches of teal were sported by the ladies, among the PINK and of course, the Argos’ traditional double blue colours.

Close to 100 ladies, who cheered for the Argos from the 1970’s up to 2013, performed a five-minute routine that featured retro, rock, hip hop and pop music. After just a few pre-event rehearsals and a quick run-through all together before the game, the talented ladies of the double blue took to the field at half-time to thunderous applause. They danced while video images of the Argos cheerleaders from many decades graced the Jumbotron.

(1970’s-2013 Alumni)

The groups who performed include the ‘Double Blue Thunder’ Argos Alumni Cheerleaders (1996-2013) and the Argos Sunshine Girls (1970’s-1996).

(1996-2013 Alumni) 

Women’s cancers have touched the lives of each of these alumni, either directly or through family members/friends battling the disease. Thus, this performance was an important demonstration of support and of teamwork to further research, treatment and support.

The Toronto Argos played the Montreal Alouettes at this home game. While the Argos lost this particular game, it was still a resounding victory for the ladies and the PINK cause!

Besides the game performance itself, this experience represented a special opportunity to reconnect with former teammates, share memories and enjoy time together with our Alumni sisters. Following the game we danced the night away in downtown Toronto!  I was honored to participate in this game with my fellow Alumni for the fourth year in a row and we are already looking forward to next year!

Submitted by:  Elizabeth Morgan, Alumni CFL Toronto Argonauts, CFL Hamilton Tiger Cats and NFL Buffalo Bills Cheerleader.

CheerFIT Fitness Tips

Introducing some awesome CheerFIT Tips from one of our newest Alumni Cheerleaders members, Danielle Wechsler founder and creator of CheerFIT and DFIT!

Football season is here, and this year football players aren’t the only ones who are focused on getting their bod’ game ready. Get ready to crank up the calorie burn and sculpt the body of a cheerleader with cheerFIT’s fit tips and exercise combos.

 Inspired by former D1 cheerleader and trainer to the pros, Danielle Wechsler, shares her story, workout ideas, and motivation tips to overcome any challenge!

 1.     Sweat it out with cardio – you’ve heard it time and time again, and yes cardio helps burn fat and see results, however, cardio doesn’t have to mean running on the treadmill for hours. Follow this Football Run Burpee exercise that pro cheerleaders do to get game day ready. 

*See how to video here: www.cheerfittraining.com/game-day-tips.html Complete exercise for 15 reps, repeat for 3-4 rounds

2.     Get the fans going and make working out fun– Cheerleaders are known to get the crowd going and keep fans motivated – and now you can too! Pump up the crowd with a exercise quickie to do during a time out. Rally the troops and give me Bleacher Tricep Dips. Are you ready? Let’s go! 

*See how to video here: www.cheerfittraining.com/game-day-tips.html Complete exercise for 15 reps, repeat for 3 rounds

3.     Sculpt a 6 pack instead of drink one– Oh ya, its 6 pack time! Put the bottle down and try these ab exercises that will chizzle that middle no time! 

*See how to video here: www.cheerfittraining.com/game-day-tips.html Complete exercise for 20 reps, repeat for 3 rounds

4.     Whose got the best tight end? –  You do! That’s right, I’m not talking about what team has the best player, I’m talking about some great fit tips to sculpt that booty. Follow these exercises and you will have the best seat at the game : ) 

*See how to video here: www.cheerfittraining.com/game-day-tips.html Complete exercise for 20 reps, repeat for 4 rounds

Stay Positive– Whether you are rooting for your favorite team or working hard to achieve your goal, my best piece of advice is to stay positive! Yes, cheerleaders are positive, energetic, and are there to motivate their team – but be your own cheerleader and remember “Every challenge is an opportunity to achieve something great”

 

Follow these fit tips and exercise combos to get in a great workout before any football Sunday!

 Have questions or interested in even more great ways to stay in game day shape? Contact me at danielle@dfittraining.com

 Stay FIT,

D

A bit about cheerFIT:

Danielle is a highly energetic and extremely motivated fitness professional and trainer to the pros. As a former D1 cheerleader, her energy is contagious and workouts are intense. cheerFIT workouts are a great way to tone, sculpt, and define. 

 Originally Danielle created cheerFIT to focus on helping cheerleaders to stay in shape all year round, rock a killer bod, and prevent injury. Since launching, cheerFIT is not only just for the pros, but also for the fitness buff looking for a great way to stay in shape. This high energy, yet intense workout is fused with cardio intervals, calorie blasting circuits, and cheer inspired exercises. For more info, visit www.cheerfittrianing.com

Sweat, Smile & Repeat.

Professional Cheerleaders Alumni Foundation – 2014 Scholarships Awarded!!

2014 Scholarships Awarded

August 21, 2014 (Atlantic Beach, FL) – Professional Cheerleaders Alumni Foundation has awarded two dance scholarships to students at First Coast Center for the Arts in Atlantic Beach.

In 2014, the first year of the Latricia Ledet Scholarship, donations doubled the initial goal set for one scholarship to give a dance student a “chance through dance”.  As a result, the 501(c) 3 foundation awarded two scholarships to Hannah Christian and Tristan Cuartas that will cover tuition for a full year at First Coast Center for the Arts.

Latricia Ledet was a founding member of PCAF who lost her battle with cancer in 2011. The scholarship was created in her name to reward those who exemplify self-confidence, responsibility, health, leadership, positive behavior and integrity so they can become leaders and make a difference in our community in the future. PCAF is honored to award the first scholarships and is looking forward to continuing to provide the chance through dance.

Kristin Doakes, Executive Director and former Jacksonville Jaguars Cheerleader (shown with the scholarship recipients) said “Meeting the girls and their families was such a privilege. They were so grateful to receive the scholarships and I’m proud of our alumni sisters and the community for donating the money to make it possible.” First Coast Center for the Arts is owned by Hollie Stephens, also a former Jaguars Cheerleader (also shown).

PCAF has over 300 former Jacksonville Jaguars Cheerleaders and over 30 of these ladies own businesses in the community. “It’s great to support Hollie’s business and partner with her on this scholarship, we cheered together in 2002 and her studio has become very successful. As an organization we want to support these professional women in the community. They’re excellent representatives of former NFL Cheerleaders.”, says Doakes.

For more information, to apply or donate to the scholarship, go to www.ProCheerleadersAlumni.com.

Inside Edition Coverage of NFL Cheer Alumni Reunion – Airs August 29th!!

Lisa Guerrero, Award Winning Chief Investigative reporter, from Inside Edition was the emcee at the 2nd National Football Cheerleaders Alumni Reunion (former NFL Cheerleaders) in Atlanta Ga, hosted by the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders Alumni.  The hit show, Inside Edition, covered our event.  Below is the link to clip from the show that aired.

http://bcove.me/7ctrekhb

Vera Musgrove – Former Atlanta Hawks A-Town Dancer

Alumni Cheerleaders member, Vera Musgrove, currently works as a dance instructor and performer in the Atlanta area.  She was also a five-year veteran and captain for the A-Town Dancers of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. As captain her duties included teaching and creating choreography for the A-Town dancers and coordinating the Junior A-Town Dancers. Prior to joining the A-Town Dancers, Vera was a member of the Washington Wizards (NBA) Dance Team. Additionally, Vera coaches the Mahogany-N-Motion Dance Team at Morehouse College and the North Cobb Warrior Elite Dance Team at North Cobb High School.

A native of Temple Hills, Maryland, Vera took her studio dance training to dance teams while in high school. Vera is a graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. While attending Spelman, she minored in dance and was a member of the Mahogany-N-Motion dance team for Morehouse College. She has over 20 years of dance training and performing experience and over 10 years of teaching experience. Vera has performed for recording artists and special events including Purple Ribbon All-Stars, Bobby Valentino and the BET Hip Hop Awards. She currently resides in Decatur, GA.

Vera’s current performance project is DRUMLine Live.  It is a musical production based on the Historically Black Colleges and Universities.  Vera’s role in the show is a dancer (and dance captain) and a variety of other characters as required.  Come enjoy the exciting show DRUMLine Live when they come to your city and cheer Vera!  Check out the tour dates at DRUMLineLive.com/schedule and follow Vera’s blog about the tour at DanceTastic.biz/blog.

Vera is also celebrating offstage with her recent marriage to Mr. Kenan Woods!  On January 1, 2011, Vera and Kenan were married in Atlanta, GA.  What a way to start out the new year!

 

Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders Alumni 2010 Performance and Reunion!

On November 7, 2010, there were over 100 Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders Alumni from all eras (60’s/70’s/80’s/90’s/00’s) who performed at the Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers pregame.  The 5 minute performance was a montage of Michael Jackson songs choreographed by the very talented former Falcons Cheerleaders, Kelly Stewart Barker (Head Choreographer), Kristy Korpieski Carder, Melvina Edwards and Jakene Ashford.  The photos below were shot by photographer Art Morrison and the video footage was filmed by  Joe Moore.  The Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders Alumni are an exclusive group that has over 300 members in the organization managed by former Falcons Cheerleader Michele “Mickey” Crawford-Carnegie.    Enjoy the Falcons Cheerleaders Alumni tribute to Michael Jackson! 

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1960's Group

 

 

 

Ashley Worrell-Mitchell – Former AFL, NBA, & NFL Cheerleader/Dancer

Alumni Cheerleaders is excited to share some of the accomplishments of member, Ashley Worrell-Mitchell.  This talented young lady trained in voice, dance, and piano is an independent Dance Choreographer.  She started dancing at age 3 with tap and ballet, and has trained over the past 20 in jazz, tap, lyrical, hip-hop, ballet, pom/drill, and social.  Ashley is currently the Dance Team Coach at Missouri Western State University.

It is always an honor and huge accomplishment to make a cheerleading/dance team.  However, Ashley has cheered for the AFL, NFL, and NBA.  From 2000-2001, she was a member of the Dallas Mavericks Dance Team.  This talented young lady then became a member of the San Antonio Spurs Dance Team from 2002-2004.  After dancing in the NBA, she became a cheerleader in the NFL for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2004.  Her last professional team she cheered and danced for was for the AFL as a Kansas City Brigade Girl from 2006-2009.

Ashley’s latest accomplishment is publishing a book in 2010.  It is “Half-time Highlights: A Guide to Dancing in the NBA/NFL“. 

 You may find it online at www.lulu.com and www.amazon.com      Way to go Ashley!!

Pennie Orcutt – Former LA Rams & LA Express Cheerleader

We found out what one of our many talented Alumni Cheerleaders members has been up to.  Pennie Orcutt is a former LA Rams and LA Express Cheerleaders and shares with us her latest news and accomplishments.

I started out as a dancer and trained with the prestigious London of Academy of Ballet in Canada.  Moving back to California in Junior High, I saw how dance and cheerleading were related, both as an expression of movement and energy.  I cheered and danced through high school on the Capistrano Valley Champion Song Squad and was honored by being chosen as “Dancer of the Year.” I continued to cheer at the college level at Long Beach State on a Champion Song Squad led by national cheer/dance chorographer Rey Lozano (Recognized as one of the 25 most influential people in cheerleading.) It was a natural transition to audition for the LA Express as one the original USFL Cheerleaders. I cheered for two years before becoming a Los Angeles Rams Cheerleader from 1985 –1988. I loved the cheering and loved the opportunity it presented to travel around the world.

Dancing turned to acting after I received my degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts from Long Beach State.  I have starred in Independent film, commercials and soap operas. I became fascinated with production and I began producing plays, showcases, and small film productions.

I decided to concentrate on producing full-time when I was befriended by producer David Jones (Catherine Zeta-Jones’ brother.) David became my mentor for a short time but in that limited amount of time I learned quickly. The transition from actor to producer felt natural and I have recently produced the horror/comedy feature “Death By Engagement“.

“Death By Engagement” has secured North American DVD rights with Maverick Entertainment and is available in Blockbuster, Best Buy, and on Netflix. I have also sold it Internationally and it is currently running on Showtime and The Movie Channel.

“Death By Engagement” has twelve festival wins both domestically and internationally, along with a special Producers Choice award for me at The Sci Fi, Fantasy, Horror and Supernatural Fill Festival.

 “Little Fish Strange Pond” starring Matthew Modine,  Adam Baldwin, Paul Adelstein, Zach Galifianakis, is my third producing venture. I worked along side veteran producers Margo and David Kravis. This film will be released by Lions Gate 2010.

I’m excited by my most recent endeavors as a producer for television. I have various projects in the works but most interesting to this website is a cheerleading project that I’m currently negotiating with networks on. I can’t wait to share the details with everyone in the coming months and I am proud to employ some of my cheerleading colleagues who are so multi-talented and successful.

On October 3, 2010 I took the field with 100 former Rams Cheerleaders to “Cheer for a Cure” in St. Louis.  A portion of the proceeds of this game went toward to help fight breast cancer.  The alumni performed a 5-minute half-time routine choreographed by John Peters.

 I appreciate the love and support of my beautiful family who help guide me through all the day to day challenges.

 

 

New Motivational Teaching Series – “Off the Sidelines & Into the Game of Life”!

AlumniCheerleaders.com and member, Tina Pulley, are  EXCITED to announce a new a program called “Getting off the Sidelines & Into the Game of Life”!   Tina is the brainchild behind this upcoming series for our members.   The how to’s in celebrating life “Off the Sidelines” utilizing YOU, finding YOU, developing YOU, and cheering YOU.  Tina will be leading you in a webcast production that can be viewed anytime throughout the month.  You will have the opportunity to offer your own tips and added pieces to continue to connect and grow together. 

Each month throughout the series, there will be a 30 minutes FREE webcast offered to all cheerleaders past, present, and current.  The webcast will be posted all month for members of AlumniCheerleaders.com.  Please check out her sites too, www.offthesidelines.com and www.tinapulley.com .

You can have it all…while living, breathing, looking and feeling at the top of your game.  Throughout this program, you will learn the following: 

1. Turning goals into your prisoner rather than you being a prisoner to all of your goals
2. Developing the cheer ”leader” within you
3. How do I make time for it all
4. Head to Toe – What is going on
5. Utilize the skills you learned as a cheerleader to change your life amongst all of your roles of today
6. Stop second guessing your instincts
7. Live it, Love it and Share it! 

 

Tina is an author, motivational teacher and life/business coach who passionately celebrates life through connecting and promoting people purpose and passion.  She has become an expert in developing people personally, professionally, and physically.  At age 16, Tina began training, educating, and equipping people by opening her first training business – a dancing school.  Her passion and conviction to energize peoples passion has grown through finding the value in her own life experience.  She is well known for her high energy from the platform and the dramatic results that her programs inspire. 

Tina has danced and experienced multiple roles in cheer and dance all over the world from starting a cheer squad in 8th grade to the USA Spirit Squad onto the NFL.  She was a 2 time Pro Bowl Cheerleader for Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs.  She continues to mentor, teach and motivate cheerleaders and their coaches from youth to professional, to write curriculum for cheerleaders, and to create community with and for cheerleaders, performers, and dancers. 

She is a specialist in developing curriculum, teaching and training tools that move people to discover and create sustainable lifestyle change.  She has developed, facilitated, and taught programs for major corporations, real estate & mortgage companies, seminary colleges, universities, financial planning firms, coach training, private academies, churches, seminars, fitness centers, associations, online groups and county extension systems to name a few.  She is a certified personal trainer & aerobics instructor, and certified life coach.  You will find her vast array of proven experience developing and implementing strategies work in growing people – wellness, business and life.

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