We Cover Cheer

Fitness and Nutrition by Lacey Baxter:

2010-12-22T18:47:00.000-08:00

Cheerleaders!

It’s that time of year when extra calories are everywhere – cakes, cookies and pies wherever you look, chocolate kisses in your stocking or a cup of eggnog calling your name. It all adds up and if you’re like most Americans, you’ll put on a few pounds before 2010 ends.

Here are a few tips that you can utilize to avoid falling into the holiday weight gain trap.

1. Stick to a Regular Routine

It’s easy to fall into bad habits during the holiday months, but if you can maintain a regular routine, with regard to sleep and exercise, it can help you beat holiday weight gain. Research shows a direct correlation between the number of hours slept and the desire to eat too much. Those who were most sleep deprived had an overwhelming desire to eat, and didn’t know when to stop. Regular exercise is also an important part of effective weight loss. It helps to control your weight by using excess calories that otherwise would be stored as fat.

2. Plan Ahead

Drink plenty of water and eat something with protein before going to those holiday parties and family gatherings. Protein fills you up and you won’t be as likely to overeat when you get to the party. I like a cup of cottage cheese with strawberries drizzled with balsamic vinegar or grilled fish filet I have prepared prior for the week.

3. Be Selective

My family dinners are buffet style. To keep track of the amount of calories I consume I like to first go through the line and choose leaner options like the salad greens, vegetables (non starchy ones so potatoes and yams are not included) fruits, whole grains and lean meats or beans. After eating my first round I wait 20 minutes because this is about the time it takes for your stomach to register to the brain that it is full. This way if you are still craving the yummy yet more calorie and fat dense foods like cheesy potatoes and green bean casserole, then at least you will not be eating as much. Also, limit your alcohol consumption, as it only adds extra calories, has no nutritional value and can cause you not to have control.

4. Don’t Give Up

Remember, it’s not an all or nothing situation. If you slip up, don’t beat yourself up and dwell on it for days. You do not want to completely deprive yourself from the foods you love. Just use your head and eat them in moderation with a consistent workout regimen.

There you go cheerleaders, four simple ways to get you through the holidays without gaining weight, now it's up to you...

Lacey Baxter

Cheerleader Tabatas Workout AYC Cheer Fit Lacey Baxter:

Recipe (credit to Harvesters)

2010-12-22T18:34:00.000-08:00

Recipes:

Fudgy Brownies (credit to Harvesters)

Enjoy these dark fudge-like brownies for a special treat! Canola oil and walnuts give them beneficial fats, making them a healthier brownie option. Dark chocolate (bittersweet) is more heart healthy; however, semisweet chocolate chips may be substituted. Blending the corn syrup with water cuts down on the amount of sugar in the recipe without changing the fudgy texture of the brownies.

2/3 cup walnuts, diced (optional)

Non-stick cooking spray

3/4 cup all- purpose flour

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

11/3 cup confectioners’ powdered sugar

6 Tablespoons canola oil ½ cup granulated sugar

3 Tablespooons light corn syrup blended with 6 Tablespoons lukewarm water

4 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 large egg

2 large egg whites

6 ounces bittersweet baking chocolate (50-72% cacao), coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 13x9 inch baking pan with foil, letting it overhang on two opposing sides. Coat foil with cooking spray.

Heat walnuts in a dry, heavy skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown and smell roasted. Stir constantly to ensure even toasting, as nuts will burn easily in a skillet. Remove walnuts from skillet to cool or they will continue to brown and then burn.

Sift together both fours, powdered sugar, and cacao. In a separate bowl combine 6 ounces of chopped chocolate and oil. Microwave until just melted and smooth, stirring often. Be careful not to burn the chocolate. Remove from the heat and stir in granulated sugar, corn syrup and water mixture, vanilla and salt until the sugar dissolves. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites and egg; vigorously stirring them into the mixture until smoothly incorporated. Gently stir in the dry ingredients. Fold in walnuts and remaining chopped chocolate just until well blended. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake until the brownies are almost firm in the center and a toothpick inserted comes out with some moist batter, 24-27 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack. Use the overhanging foil nadles to carefully life from the pan. Using a sturdy plastic knife, cut into 24 brownies. If necessary clean the knife with warm damp cloth between cuts.

Calories 171; Fat 10g; Fiber 3g; Protein 4g; Carbohydrates 24g; Sodium 37 mg.

Serves 24

Total Cost without walnuts $6.74

Total Cost with walnuts $8.14

Cost per serving without walnuts (24): $0.28

Cost per serving with walnuts (24): $0.34

Recipe from “Quick Cooking to Benefit Body and Budget”: Harvesters- Nutrition Education Cookbook

(more to come!)

Interview with Paul Kasishke - Oklahoma University

2010-12-17T12:20:00.000-08:00

How did you start in cheer?
I got my start in cheerleading a couple years ago(my junior year of college). Before this, I had no idea what cheerleaders did exactly. I played football in highschool and never even thought about wanting to cheer. Once I got to The University of Oklahoma, I saw a couple stunting and thought it would be awesome to learn how to do it. A few months later, I met one of OU’s male cheerleaders at a campus gym and asked if he could teach me to stunt. He proceeded to tell me that I should come to practice the next day and work out with the team. After a few months of learning the basics, I tried out for the squad and made it!

How did you choose OU?
OU has always been my dream school. I was born and raised in Tulsa/ Broken Arrow, OK so I had grown up a Sooner fan. I knew I wanted to go to OU for school but getting to cheer for them was just icing on the cake.

What kind of conditioning do you have to do during a school year to stay in shape?
Before I started cheering, I was really into powerlifting so I had already come in with a foundation for strength and conditioning. On the squad, we had to do assigned running 3 days a week, this included sprints stadium runs and distance running. At the end of each practice, we did abdominal/core work. Most of the squad would workout(run or lift weights) on their own time or go to a local cheer gym and practice in the evenings.

What is it like cheering at OU football games?
Cheering at OU football games is one of the most exciting things I have ever done. There’s nothing like running the team on the field in front of 85,000+ fans. Everytime I step on the field, I get chills. Once you’re down there and involved, you’re part of the tradition that IS The University of Oklahoma football. It’s a privalege to get to be on the same field as all of the past Sooner legends.

What is your favorite part about cheerleading?
Stunting is my favorite thing to do. There is always room for improvement and you have to be in sync with your partner. It’s a science that demands attention to detail.

For guys that may want to get into cheerleading, what advise would you give them?
Jump in head first! There’s such a sterotype about male cheerleaders that scare most guys but once you’re in you’re family. Go to your local gym/high school/college and ask if there’s anyway you can jump in and start learning. Never quit. It takes time and a lot of practice before things start to click. If you can’t hit a stunt or tumble, work on it until you’re sick of it. Repetition is the most important thing in this Sport.

What are your plans after you graduate?
I graduated with my Bachelors degree last spring from OU and am currently in graduate school for Exercise Physiology. I have since been accepted into Chiropractic school, so I will attend that once I get my Masters degree.

Perfect Christmas gift for your cheerleader!

2010-12-16T14:23:00.000-08:00

Are you still searching for that perfect gift? Christmas is getting really close don't let this opportunity pass you buy!

Cheer Soxx has an awesome product that every cheerleader will love. You can purchase your Cheer Soxx and it slides right over the shoes to keep them clean. Each pair has a rubber non-slip, scuff proof, highly resistant sole and retains its non-slip quality in wet, dry, warm, or cold conditions. The material is extremely sturdy, fire resistant and machine washable. The best part is they are really affordable and any budget can afford them!

You can event customize your own bow for them!

Tomorrow is the absolute last day to order before Christmas, but if you can order today, I would do so to guarantee delivery for Christmas! What a great gift to give.

Buy them by going to www.cheersoxx.com

Recent "Ask A Pro" question

2010-12-15T14:49:00.000-08:00

Below is a recent question we received on www.wecovercheer.com! Ask your very own question on by CLICKING HERE! Thank you to Laura Eilers for answering!

Laura in Manchester, NH:
Is there any dance tights out there that don't give you a muffin top? I've been searching for a low rise, sheer to waist (or wide waist band) tights but they are no where to be found. I have a flat stomach and nice legs but my butt is big and always causes the muffin top! Any suggestions?

Hi Laura! For studio dance tights, I recommend the Eurotard brand. They have a wide, soft waistband that is very comfortable and flattering! You can checkwww.eurotard.com for retail locations near you. For professional dance auditions, you want to go with a thinner pantyhose brand in suntan or another shade that matches your skin tone. I recommend sheer to waist hosiery at Diva Hosiery, www.divahosiery.com. Get a $.25 discount per pair by entering coupon code AKD2010! But wait, here's the secret... just cut off the waist band! Be sure not to cut too low to unravel the pantyhose, but this is how pro cheerleaders avoid the pinch at the waistline.

Recent "Ask A Pro" question

2010-12-09T19:35:00.000-08:00

Below is a recent question we received on www.wecovercheer.com! Ask your very own question on by CLICKING HERE! Thank you to Laura Eilers for answering!

Jesseca in Memphis:
How can I improve my toe touch (I can only go like 2-3 feet off the ground) at the height of my pike?

To add height to your jumps you have to combine strength, flexibility and technique. To increase strength, build the muscles in your legs, hip flexors and abs by doing squats, lunges, leg lifts and various core exercises like "v-ups" and crunches. For flexibility, spend 10 minutes per day stretching in straddles and pikes, standing and sitting. Finally, make sure you are practicing correct jump technique such as prepping in a plie position. Consider going to a private coach for personal assistance in improving your jumps and all cheer technique!

Recent "Ask A Pro" question

2010-12-07T20:39:00.000-08:00

Below is a recent question we received on www.wecovercheer.com! Ask your very own question on by CLICKING HERE! Thank you to Laura Eilers for answering!

Haley in Mississippi:
I am trying out for cheerleading but I cant seem to remember the dance and cheer very well what are some ways I can help myself remember?

One thing that helps me is to give names to sections of the routine that are difficult to remember. I've named moves "serving the pizza" or "monkey" ... Whatever will help you connect the choreography. Practicing with others is helpful, as well as videotaping the choreographer so you can refer to the footage when you get home!

Recent "Ask A Pro" question

2010-12-04T15:30:00.000-08:00

Below is a recent question we received on www.wecovercheer.com! Ask your very own question on by CLICKING HERE! Thank you to Laura Eilers for answering!

Eliot in Chicago,Ill:
Hi,my name is Eliot and i've always wanted to try out for cheerleading because I find it amusing and a great sport to practice, however I never really had the confidence to do it, and I am now heading for 12th grade, am I too late??

Hey Eliot! Of course you can be a cheerleader at any age. Oftentimes coaches welcome rookie seniors because you will bring with you a refreshed enthusiasm! Just be very willing to work hard and learn from the veteran cheerleaders, and you could have a long career ahead of you!

Recent "Ask A Pro" question

2010-01-24T11:07:00.000-08:00

Trisha in Granite City, Ill:

Hi! I am wanting to try out for the St. Louis Rams. I've been a cheerleader my whole life but I know professional cheerleading is more about dance. What dance moves do I need to practice and are there any training videos out there you can recommend?

Congratulations on your decision to audition for a pro team! Be sure to check the official team website and join their mailing list to be notified of audition prep classes, dance classes, and other audition requirements. Login at www.sidelinestar.com to learn a variety of choreography,with videos coming soon by the Pro Cheer All Stars, an elitegroup of alumni pro cheerleaders and dancers. Remember that a pro cheer squad is much more than just a dance team. Pro cheerleaders must have the whole package - fitness, glamour, personality, communication skills, and professionalism! To learn more about independent audition consulting, workshops and online assistance, visitwww.goingproentertainment.com. Best of luck to you!

Recent "Ask A Pro" question

2009-10-05T16:43:00.000-07:00

Below are the lastest questions we have recieved from our website. Thank you for all the questions and to Laura for answering them! Keep the questions coming by going to www.wecovercheer.com/Ask_A_Pro.html

Meredith in Nebraska:
Hi, so i'm at JV cheerleader at my school and my toe touches are alright but I want to make Varsity next year. What are the best ways to condition myself and/or become more flexible?

Hi Meredith! Jumps require not only flexibility but muscle strength as well. Here are my top tips: 1. Stretch every day! Apply static stretching, holding each stretch at least 20-30 seconds. Stretch standing feet apart then with feet together, legs straight with hands on the ground. Stretch on the ground in straddle and pike positions. Work on single-leg and middle splits. 2. Strengthen the muscles in your inner thighs with straddle lifts. Sit in a straddle position with your back straigh, be sure to turn your knees out and point your toes. Keeping your legs straight, lift your heels off the ground. Repeat 10 times. 3. Strengthen your abs and work on flexibility with "V-ups." Lie flat on the ground with arms straight overhead, legs straight with your whole body tight. Lift arms to a "T" and legs to a toe-touch position while keeping your tailbone on the floor. Toes should be pointed and legs straight, chest up, just like the in-air toe-touch position. Repeat 10 times. 4. Other good strengthening exercises are squats, lunges, crunches, and tuck jumps.

Make a schedule for yourself to devote 15-20 minutes every day to flexibility and strengthening. If you stay committed, you will notice a difference! Work on your jumps in a mirror to correct your form, and attend private lessons if you can. Keep up the hard work! - Laura

Recent "Ask A Pro" question

2009-09-08T17:05:00.000-07:00

Below are the lastest questions we have recieved from our website. Thank you for all the questions and to Laura for answering them! Keep the questions coming by going to www.wecovercheer.com/Ask_A_Pro.html

Shelbi in Kansas:
Hello, I am going into 9th grade h.s. and I am on the JV cheer squad and was in a competitive team in Liberty. I went to KU cheer camp and learned alot and saw that they do partner stunting and I think I would really enjoy that. My goal to to go to KU and be on the cheer squad and I would like some advice to how to get there and is there a gym in Lawrence or in the KC area that works on the partner stunting?

Hi Shelbi, I know of two all star gyms in the KC area: All American Cheer and Stunt, and Kansas City Athletic Cheer. You can also contact the KU cheer coach for their recommendations. They may even have private lesson opportunities with their squad members. Since KU is very competitive, I advise you attend as many regional college stunting camps as you can to get a feel for second and third choice programs. Plus it never hurts to get another hands on opportunity to stunt with the experts!

Chicago Luv-A-Bulls Tryouts

2009-07-30T15:03:00.001-07:00

We Cover Cheer is sending two photographers to capture the Chicago Bulls Dance Tryouts! Photos will be posted in a few short weeks!

Denver Broncos Cheer Tryout Photos

2009-06-08T21:05:00.001-07:00

Check out http://www.wecovercheer.com/ today! We just posted 139 photos of the Denver Broncos Cheer tryouts. Denver Outlaws Dance tryouts coming soon!

Recent "Ask A Pro" question

2009-05-17T14:42:00.000-07:00

Jacklyn in Indiana:
What truly does it take to become a pro cheerleader?

Each program is completely different for what they seek in dance style, image, level of commitment, and more. Some attributes that are generally universal in pro cheerleading are professionalism, glamour, the ability to entertain, and fitness. It's important to remember that pro cheerleaders are not just performers, they are representatives of that sports league, franchise and community. The cheer programs are seeking women with great integrity who can also appeal to the crowd. My advice is to really study the squad for which you are auditioning, attend their prep classes, and get in touch with a current or former team member.

Professional Dance/Cheer Tryouts

2009-05-10T14:12:00.000-07:00

Last week we were in Denver covering the Denver Broncos Cheer tryouts and the following day the Denver Outlaws held their dance tryouts. We were at both events! Photos will be posted on http://www.wecovercheer.com/!

Recent "Ask A Pro" questions

2009-05-05T18:13:00.000-07:00

Below are the lastest questions we have recieved from our website. Thank you for all the questions and to Laura for answering them! Keep the questions coming by going to www.wecovercheer.com/Ask_A_Pro.html

Katsumi in Japan:
I'm looking for white, low heeled boot which redskins cheerleader and wizard daners are wearing. But, i can't find it. What shop can I buy it?

http://www.dancecheer.net/ offers a couple of great styles - the Pro Vinyl GoGo Boot and the Classic Vinyl Knee Boot!

Kori in Nebraska:
how to do a back flip?

.... I'd like to know also!! :)

Lauren in Iowa:
Do you recommend any cheer camps to go to over the summer?

Hey Lauren! It depends on your age and if you are attending individually or as a group. For junior high and high school I highly recommend UCA summer camps, you can find their schedule at http://www.varsity.com/. Depending on where you are in Iowa, you can enroll in the St Louis Rams or the Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders youth programs and travel to their stadiums. You might also check your local dance studios, gyms, colleges and high schools to see if they offer cheerleading classes or day camps.

Jamie in Nebraska:
My daughter made the cheerleading squad at school. How do I keep her motivated all year?

Congratulations to your daughter! What a great question... Cheerleading is usually a full-year program, so it is easy to get burned out! One of the best motivations is getting a mentor, like a high school, college or pro cheerleader. Mentors guide new cheerleaders and help them to realize a cheerleader's future potential to earn scholarships or make the pros! Also, as a parent, be sure to attend the games when she is cheering and get to know the other parents. Parents are a great support system, hosting post-game parties, socials, traveling to competitions, and always showing the cheerleaders some love. :)

Recent "Ask A Pro" question

2009-03-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

An update from our photographer Bobby Ericson

2009-03-02T21:31:00.000-08:00

Hello, I wanted to take time to update everyone on what is happening at Ericson’s Photography. The last two weeks we have shot several events and have a very busy next couple of weeks as well. I want to thank you in advance for your patience as we juggle shooting photos and editing all the photos in a timely fashion. I have listed out below what we have shot recently and what we will be shooting in the future. If you have any questions please don’t hesistate to contact me.

If you havn't heard, we are moving to a new and better location. As a lot of you know at our current location we can't offer walk-ins. We do all of our business by appointment only. Starting April 4th, we are going to have actual hours where we will be open and you can walk-in to have photos taken, see wedding photos or pick up photos. The hours have not been established at this point but will be posted on our website in March.

The new location is at 4444 “O” Street Suites 9 & 10. Its right between Taco Bell and Texaco on “O” Street. It's the driveway right after Taco Bell's Drive Thru exit. The new location will allow us to have an office that is separate from the actually studio. We will be adding an Ericson’s Photography sign right on “O” Street. I am hoping to have the sign up by mid March so take a look at it when our in the area.

My staff and I have been very busy the last couple of weeks. On Feb 20th we shot Iowa State womens gymnastics versus Minnesota in Ames, Iowa. We then drove back and got a couple of hours of sleep and then left for Grand Island at 6am the following morning. On Feb 21st we shot the Nebraska Cheer/Dance State Championships in Grand Island. This was an all day event for us. I actually took off around 5pm and headed for Omaha to shoot the Omaha Roller Girls in their first bout of the season, while another photographer stayed in Grand Island to finish shooting the rest of the event.

This past Wednesday I went to Denver. I took my studio lights and backdrops with me to shoot headshots and full frame shots for a few professional dancers in Denver. The shoots went very well and gave me some really good portfolio pictures. I also shot a wedding Saturday Feb 28th in Denver. It was a full 14 hour day.

This Wednesday I am heading to Laramie, Wyoming. I will be shooting their cheer/dance team this Wednesday night at a basketball game. Then again on Thursday at their practice I will be shooting their headshots/full frame shots. Friday I will travel to Kansas City for the Going Pro Fluid Dance convention in Kansas City. I will be offering headshots/full frame shots to the girls that attend the convention.

Things don’t slow down much after this weekend. March 11th I have a wedding all day to shoot. March 13th I will be in Columbia Missouri shooting a gymnastics meet. March 21st I have another wedding to shoot. In April, I have a wedding on the 11th and Denver Bronco Tryouts the following week.

It has been and will continue to be very busy for me and everyone who helps me out with Ericson’s Photography. I thank you for everyones patience in advance while I continue to shoot events and try and edit the photos as quick as possible. A lot is going on, but we will continue to offer top notch photography service that we have been offering the last two years.

Tips from Kelli of the Raiderettes and Erin of the Chiefs!

2009-02-16T20:05:00.000-08:00

NFL and NBA auditions are right around the corner, and our favorite former cheerleaders remember just what it was like!

Kelli, Los Angeles Raiderettes 1990 - 1996, Line Captain and Dancer of the year in 1995, says:
Come to the audition over-prepared in every way especially on your routine. Practice the moves until you can do them in your sleep then it will be second nature so you can really have fun for the judges. Smile and show them how much you love to dance and you can't go wrong!

Erin, Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders 2004-2006, says:
Realize that you're being judged not only on your dance ability and appearance but your character as well! Be respectful, helpful, and NICE to the other girls auditioning, as well as judges and any other personnel. Remember, these girls are going through the exact same experience as you - you might even make some great friends!

Thanks for the tips! Be sure to forward this Facebook page to a friend and spread the LOVE! Be sure to see Pro Cheer and Dance Audition Tips page on Facebook.

Recent "Ask A Pro" questions

2009-02-16T19:51:00.000-08:00

Below are the lastest questions we have recieved from our website. Thank you for all the questions and to Laura for answering them! Keep the questions coming by going to www.wecovercheer.com/Ask_A_Pro.html

Melissa in Nebraska:
After a long day of competing I always have really sore feet. Do you have any suggestions for improving this? Do you wear any type of shoe inserts?

When I was an NFL cheerleader, we had to be on our feet for 6 hours in 2-inch heeled boots, walking on concrete, performing, kicking!! It was agony by the end, so I feel your pain. :( I have found that insoles generally crowded the shoes and made my feet even more uncomfortable, but taping the balls of my feet with athletic tape helped. You need to be careful not to limit your movement so you can fully point and flex your feet! Be sure to try this at practice before going to a competition to make sure that precautionary measure works for you.

Alyssa in Nebraska:
Laura thank you for taking questions. I was wondering, to be a professional dancer, what techniques of dance should I be working on to perfect?

This is a great question, because pro dancing is indeed very different from competitive cheerleading and dance. Dance technique is still crucial; most teams include double or triple pirouettes, leaps, jumps, axels, and high kicks in their choreography. You'll find one squad's dance style really varies from the next, so research the team for which you are auditioning and take class from their choreographer or attend one of their prep classes a few months before auditions. Usually pro dancing requires more exaggerated movements and a great deal of personality. We call it "hair-ography" because you learn to work with your hair while dancing!!

Craig in Kansas: Whats it like being tossed up in the air? I play football and see the cheerleaders on the sidelines and always wondered what its like being tossed so high?

Haha... Craig, honestly I have only been a top flyer once or twice and that was back in high school! I remember it being an adrenaline rush, but too scary for me. Flyers must have a great deal of trust in their teammates! In fact, pro cheerleaders rarely are involved in stunting. The only NFL stunt team is the Baltimore Ravens, but it is more popular in the NBA as seen with the Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers.

Amy Day, Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader

2009-02-09T06:58:00.000-08:00

Today we feature Amy Day, 6th year veteran with the Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader, 2-time swimsuit cover model, captain, choreographer and ProBowl Cheerleader. Amy has also played an integral role on the Chiefs Cheerleader Variety Show performance troupe, traveling around the world entertaining and showing appreciation to United States military.

Hi Amy, tell us more about the CC Variety Show, As Time Goes By: Memories Last Forever.

The show is a journey from the 1940s to today. We feature music from each year that captures the spirit of that time. There is singing, dancing, acting, and over 40 costume changes. A narrator introduces each decade, describing moments from that ear such as the price of gas, popular movies, and events that were taking place.

What is your favorite part of the show?

We end the show with a patriotic section. I think that every girl who performs the show agrees that is the best part!

Where have the CCs performed?

We have traveled to Cuba, Italy, Egypt, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, and Germany. We have performed at numerous events in Kansas and Missouri, as well as Seattle and Omaha, and most recently Maryland.

What else do you do for the troops besides the show?

When we visit the bases, we truly get to know them. We want to meet as many troops as possible before the show and personally invite them to come. We want to know about the base, who these men and women are, what is their job, where are they from. Doing the show is so much fun, but my fondest memories come from conversations I've had one on one.

What did you do during this particular trip?

We went to Bethesda hospital in Maryland, where we met "wounded warriors," soldiers who were severely injured in Iraq. They were some of the bravest men I have met. Near the end of our trip, 176 troops were returning home from Iraq at the Maryland airport, and we were the first ones to greet them as they stepped off the plane. Seeing them reunited with their families is something that I will never forget.

As you retire, what are your top 3 moments as an NFL cheerleader?

Cheering at the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. Traveling to Egypt to perform and seeing the pyramids! Then probably my last home game cheering, it was very special.

Why did you initially try out for the NFL?

I grew up dancing and bumped into a girl with whom I used to dance, who at the time was a Chiefs Cheerleader. I honestly had no idea I could try out to do that! So I kept in touch with her and auditioned two months later and made it!

Of course your reasons for returning are quite different, wouldn't you say?

Yes definitely. It's just in your blood! I feel that I have grown so much from being a part of the Chiefs organization. It's more than just dancing in front of 80,000 people. I have had the chance to participate in so many events that I never would have experienced. I have been able to reach out to my community and make a difference. I made the best friends of my life! Chiefs is more than just a team. We really become a family. Our squad really takes the time to bond as sisters.

Any advice to girls considering auditioning for a pro squad?

Talk to as many people as you can who have cheered. You need to want the experience with all your heart because it is a huge commitment. Look at your life and schedule and make sure it is going to work. It is sometimes difficult to balance a full time job, a family, your friends, your own life, and professional cheering. If you decide it is something you want then just be positive. Go into auditions with an optimistic attitude. I guarentee you will get something out of the experience no matter what the outcome is.

As Amy closes her chapter with the Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders, she is excited to serve future professional cheerleaders and dancers as a Going Pro Entertainment Consultant. Meet Amy on Saturday, March 7 at the Kansas City Fluid Dance Convention through the Going Pro Agenda. Learn more at http://www.goingproentertainment.com/going-pro-kansas-city-1

JAMfest Results

2009-02-01T17:02:00.000-08:00

Congrats to all teams yesterday at the Wacky Jam in Omaha, NE. Our photos will be posted soon online, but below is the link to the results.

http://jamfest.com/Events/Results/2008-2009/WackyJAM.pdf

Recent "Ask A Pro" questions

2009-01-26T16:00:00.000-08:00

Below are the lastest questions we have recieved from our website. Thank you for all the questions and to Laura for answering them! Keep the questions coming by going to www.wecovercheer.com/Ask_A_Pro.html

Samantha in Nebraska:
I'm on a level 4 all star team in Nebraska and we're really good! Just last year we won Nationals down in South Dakota. I'm a junior in highschool and i've been on the varsity squad for two years now. My highschool is private so we can stunt and tumble, which are two things that I'm pretty strong in. I really wana continue cheering in college and I've been looking into colleges around and in Nebraska but I"m not aware of colleges around that have good cheer programs. I wana go to a school that has tumbling and stunting and who has a great cheer team but I don't know of any. Can you please help me out?

Many Nebraska colleges have recently become ground-bound, so that is a great question. I have heard great things about University of Nebraska-Omaha, which is one of the only Nebraska colleges that still allows stunting and tumbling. But don't be scared to look out of state! There are several schools within a short drive with nationally competitive cheer programs including Avila (Kansas City, MO), University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS), and Missouri Valley (Marshall, MO).

Kristin in Iowa:
What is a good song to do a cheer/dance routine to?

My favorite songs so far this year are Beyonce's "Single Ladies," Miley Cyrus "Fly on the Wall," Kevin Rudolf "Let It Rock" and Flo Rida/Will I Am "In the Ayer." Cheer music is usually a little more complicated, so I recommend buying pre-cut music. Two good sites are www.cheermusicstore.com and www.routinemixes.com.

Bio for our "Ask A Pro" page - Laura Eilers

2009-01-15T16:43:00.000-08:00

Laura Eilers is an audition consultant for professional cheer and dance candidates with Going Pro Entertainment. Laura's professional experience includes Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders (5 years), Kansas City Wizards Girls, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader auditions, and instructing for Universal Dance Assocation. Laura can be contacted at laura@goingproentertainment.com

Visit www.wecovercheer.com/Ask_A_Pro.html to ask your questions!

Ask A Pro

2009-01-11T14:19:00.000-08:00

Below are the lastest questions we have gotten from our website. Thank you for all the questions and keep them coming!

1. Stacy in Nebraska:
I am on the reserve team for my school but I want to compete more so I have been thinking about contacting a cheer and dance school in town to see about joining an all-star team. Do you know if I would have to quit my school's team? If so, what do you think would be better to do?

Hi Stacy, it is great that you are trying to get extra training and competition experience! Every coach can determine if she will allow athletes to dance/cheer in an outside program, but if the policy has not been made clear, it doesn't hurt to ask! You should find out the practice times of the all star team, and if they conflict with your school's practices or games, be prepared to make a decision. If you are able to make both teams work, will it hurt your studies? Can you fully dedicate yourself to both teams? Will there be expenses with each program? All star vs school squads are very different environments, and if your goal is to perform in college or in the pros, maybe that competitive experience is exactly what you need! Good luck!

2. Meg in Nebraska:
What is your favorite part about cheering?

Hi Meg, being from Nebraska, you can probably relate to my love for my football team - you Cornhuskers fans are crazy! Well, I was raised as a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan, tailgating, watching every game, spending time with family wearing red! So my favorite part of professional cheerleading has been the honor of working for the NFL and cheering in the great Arrowhead Stadium. It gives me goose bumps every time!

3. Alyssa in Illinois:
We have to wear our hair down when we dance. Is there a good way to keep it from falling in your face during a routine?

Oh, Alyssa, I feel your pain! In college, our team had a strict rule to dance with our hair pulled back, so my transition to professional cheerleading, where the girls always perform with their hair down, was quite an adjustment! With some hair styles, you pretty much can't avoid hair falling in your face, so work on using your hair as an extension of your performance. Pinpoint moves in the routine where you can toss your head without taking away from the choreography. The more you move, the more your hair will keep out of your eyes! Oh, and don't ever wear lip gloss, which will cause your hair to stick to your lips and act like a glue no matter how much you flip your lovely locks around!