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

Mireya Mayor, Ph.D. on History Channel 8-part series "Expedition Africa"

Dr. Mireya Mayor Ph.D

What is former Miami Dolphins Cheerleader (1992-1996), Mireya Mayor, Ph.D. doing after retiring and hanging up her poms?  Alumni Cheerleaders contacted her and found out this talented and bright young lady has been around the world in remote places, slept in a rain forest amid poisonous snakes, caring for leopards in Namibia, being chased by elephants, Central Africa’s gorillas, just to name a few.  These adventures and on being the first female correspondent for the National Geographic’s expedition series “Ultimate Explorer” earned her the nickname of “female Indiana Jones“.

Her new series “EXPEDITION AFRICA” premieres on THE HISTORY CHANNEL on May 31^st, 10pm: www.history.com/expedition.  She is one of four explorers to retrace the nearly 1,000-mile trip of Henry Stanley & David Livingstone.  Mireya and the other 3 explorers are armed with only a compass and old maps.  They face challenging terrain, conflicts of team dynamics, deadly snakes and diverse wildlife.  Please watch interview with Dr. Mayor about the upcoming series.  You can watch the 1st episode now on Comcast “On demand“.  It’s an AWESOME documentary.  Don’t miss it!  

Mireya is a Fulbright scholar, published author and National Science Foundation Fellow.  Recently, she earned her Ph.D. degree in anthropology from Stony Brook University.  She has an ongoing study of a Microcebus, or mouse lemur, which she discovered on a 2000 field expedition in Madagascar.  As a result of her studies, it inspired the prime minister of Madagascar to establish a national park to help protect the new species, conserving the 10 percent that remains of the African island nation’s once vast forest.  In addition, she is a two-time Emmy Award-nominated correspondent for the National Geographic Channel. 

When not deep in the jungle or on assignment, Mireya is an inspirational speaker and talks to audiences about the importance of conservation for a vigorous and healthy planet.  She has been profiled in People, Marie Claire, Latina, National Geographic Adventures, and Elle Magazine and also has made numerous appearances on the “Today” show, MSNBC, and CNN.  Kudos to Dr. Mayor for her amazing accomplishments and commitment to conservation!

*Follow her on twitter @mireyamayor.

 The 2 minute movie trailer for “Expedition Africa” is also now out in movie theatres everywhere! Check out the trailer on YouTube!  AMAZING!

Mireya & leopard

 

Mireya during expedition

 

Mireya - Miami Dolphins

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

Chato Waters

Chato Waters

I have had the pleasure of knowing former Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader (1998-2003), Chato Waters, for over the past 10 years. Chato has been the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders Coordinator for the past 5 years.  Congratulations and good luck to her and the 2009 squad with their upcoming season!!  Read on and find out what this busy, talented, and smart young lady has been up to.

Chato Waters

Chato Waters is a high school counselor.  For nearly a decade, she has served the students of Clayton County Schools through counseling.  Ms. Waters has counseled on the elementary and high school levels.  She thoroughly enjoys all aspects of her career and finds it extremely rewarding to see her students grow academically and emotionally. Witnessing her students succeed and being a partner in their journeys to success is definitely one of the highlights of her life.

Chato was born in Jacksonville, FL and later moved to Delray Beach, FL. She attended Florida A & M University where she graduated in 3 years and received a BS in Psychology.  She also attended Clark Atlanta University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master of Arts in School Counseling. She currently attends Capella University where she is pursing a doctorate degree in Psychology. While Chato has a passion for the arts, she was drawn to a career in education by her desire to continue the positive cycle that her own teachers and counselors began with her. Th e teachers and counselors that provided guidance for Chato continue to play a significant role in her life to date.

Chato’s future goals include completing her Ph D in Psychology and writing self-help books for young women and teens. Chato also intends to become a college professor.  She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  Chato is also a former Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader (2 year line captain) and Jr Cheerleader coordinator.  She currently serves as the coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders.  In her spare, time Chato enjoys shopping, eating, making others laugh and giving advice.

Chato Waters

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!

Blast from the Past ~ 1991 "2 Legit 2 Quit" MC Hammer Video

Here is a blast from the past!!  It’s the 1991 “Too Legit to Quit” video by MC Hammer.  There are former athletes, (Ronnie Lott, Deion Sanders, Isiah Thomas, Chris Mullen, David Robinson, Jerry Rice, to name a few), coaches (Jerry Glanville), and cheerleaders (Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons) in the video.  When I saw the blog “2 Legit 2 Quit Athletes: Where Are They Now?” with this video, it brought back some fun and great memories.  Hammer was at a lot of the Falcons games cheering the team on from the sidelines.  The 4 Falcons cheerleaders in the video are Kelly Stewart Barker, Laura Pelly Long, Michele “Mickey” Crawford, & Laura  Mason.  That was a fun and exciting moment for the cheerleaders filming with former Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Jerry Glanville.  They show us around the 5 minute mark, so don’t BLINK!!   We’re still 2 Legit 2 Quit after all these years!!

 

Atlanta Falcons 1991 - Laura M, Kelly, Coach Glanville, , Laura L & Mickey

 

Katrina McGee Hammond, Hammer, & Kelly Stewart Barker

 

Frances Dutton, Carla Johnson, Melvina Edwards, Hammer, Kelly Stewart Barker & Mickey Crawford

 2 Legit 2 Quit Athletes: Where Are They Now?

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

Cheryl Margol

Cheryl Margol 2009

Once a cheerleader, always a cheerleader is our motto!!  AlumniCheerleaders.com got the latest scoop on what member Cheryl Margol has been up to since hanging up her poms cheering for the Atlanta Falcons in 1971.  Wow… That year must be a typo because of how wonderful Cheryl looks sporting a  cheerleading outfit for fun today.

About you: I was born in Thomson, GA, a very small town near Augusta, and moved to Decatur at age seven. My dad starting taking us to football games at the tender age of six. When Atlanta got a professional football team, my family and I were SO excited and we were huge fans.  In high school, I was a member of our drill team and a member of the Atlanta All-Stars which was made up of Atlanta area girls.  The All-Stars performed for the Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Falcons, Georgia Tech, and parades in Georgia and Florida.  We were known for our high kicks – kind of like the Rockettes. The sponsor of the All-Stars, Geri Ward, announced to us that she was holding tryouts for a new squad of performers for the Atlanta Falcons.  I tried out, made the squad, and was elated beyond belief that I would be performing for the pro football team that I absolutely loved.  I still have all of my high school and All-Star uniforms, but not the Falcons uniform  (We had to return them).  I didn’t continue as a Falcons Cheerleader because I was pursuing a career.  In those days, it was much more difficult for a female to be given the opportunity to prove her abilities and break into the business world.  Any time I mentioned to someone I had been a Falcons Cheerleader, they were so impressed and enamored – that’s the power of the Atlanta Falcons!

Cheryl Margol 1971

What are you doing now?  After almost 30 years in the corporate arena, I decided to become an early retiree.  I started out with CBS Records Inc. (a really fun job because of all of the exposure to music, back stage concert passages, and meeting recording artists).  Within a couple of years, CBS transferred me to Miami for a job in sales. I later joined the sales team at Panasonic and was with them for 23 years – the last 10 years as an Account Executive. Both of these companies allowed me to travel to many parts of the world, and working for Panasonic exposed me to the Japanese culture in a way I never would have been able to garner on my own.  I met my husband in Miami and we have been married for 20 years.  He’s a Miami Dolphins fan and huge Gator fan, but I don’t hold that against him.  I am now what I guess you would call a lady of leisure, but I stay very busy by volunteering, gardening, exercising (a must!), various projects, dabbling in gourmet cooking, and helping my husband with his businesses.

Years and where you cheered – Towers High School (Decatur, GA) 1968-1970, Atlanta All-Stars 1969-1971, Atlanta Falcons 1971

Why you enjoyed cheerleading and how and if it changed your life?   Being a football maniac and loyal fan of my school and local teams, it was amazing to be able to represent the Atlanta Falcons on their field.  My dad had never been to a pro football game until I became a Falcon Cheerleader.  I think it was one of the biggest thrills in his life, not only attending the Falcon games, but seeing his daughter perform.  Being an Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader not only boosted my self confidence, it opened my mind and imagination to accomplishing bigger and better things in life. I was an Atlanta Falcon Cheerleader – a super-star in MY mind!!

Cheryl - Falcons Cheerleaders Alumni Performance 11/08

Cheryl Margol