Getting Ready for the Season

Good morning, Broncos fans!



We sure have some new and exciting adventures coming up. Today we actually begin shooting our 2007 Denver Broncos cheerleader poster. For those of you who have been in the Broncos fan arena for a while you know that in past years the cheerleaders have always shot the poster at a different location around beautiful Colorado–such as the mountains or the stadium (old and new). However, for the past four or five years, as our team has grown to 34 members, we have begun taking the photos at a photography studio in the area and have also incorporated a separate backdrop. Our posters are done in segments, in essence, by taking about five girls at a time. After all of the groups of five or six have been shot they put all of us together to create the final product!

This time of the year is always one packed with a lot of energy. Our rehearsals have gone into full swing and I believe we have but a mere seven rehearsals until our first home preseason game!

As we prepare for the season we have a few items to tend to so we can ensure our gameness for the season. One of the opportunities that we have been able to take advantage of for the past several years is essentially a dance convention, called Pro Dance. The dance workshop unites choreographers and dancers from around the country to offer an energized environment to learn fresh material and technique; and for our specific uses we will be integrating what we have learned into our 2007 Broncos game day experience! I have never been to Pro Dance before so I am not sure what to expect, but I am altogether honored and thrilled to be attending with several of my other teammates. I will certainly keep you updated on our adventures in Palm Spring upon our return.

God Bless!

- Keela Harris (7/26/2007)

Visit Keela's blog here.

Learn From the Pros

ELITE DANCE ACADEMY


LISA CORBELL PEVATEAUX
Owner & Studio Artistic Director

Lisa was a Denver Nuggets Dance Team member for four years and she directed the team in her final season during a playoff year. She was a Denver Broncos cheerleader for three seasons and in her final year she performed at Superbowl 32.

Lisa continues to participate as a judge for the Denver Nuggets Dance Team annual auditions as well as teaches master technique classes for the team. The Colorado Crush girls rehearse at Elite Dance Academy intermittently. Lisa is also still involved with the Denver Broncos cheerleaders.

Lisa has also directed the Elite Divas troupe for the past ten years. She has built the team through her dedication and is proud to say that the team has over one hundred alumni members. These alumni have gone on to dance for professional squads such as the Denver Broncos cheerleaders, the Colorado Crush and some have become professional dancers in Los Angeles, California and can be seen on television commercials and sit-coms.


BREE
Instructor and 2 year Colorado Crush Girl


LAURA FREEMAN
Instructor and 1 year Former Denver Broncos Cheerleader

A Pom Spring Prep class is offered each spring. This class is designed for those students who need to prepare for tryouts for professional teams. Students will stand out from the majority after attending this class. This class is a perfect way to prepare before the BIG DAY!!!!!

Visit the Elite Dance Academy website here.

So You Think You Can Dance Top 10

It's down to the last 10 dancers on FOX's So You Think You Can Dance? Can former Denver Nuggets Mob Squad member and Colorado Crush City Dancer Sara Von Gillern survive another week?



So You Think You Dance? - The Results Show airs tonight (Thursdays) 9 E/PT on FOX.

Fun with the Junior Cheerleaders

Today we had our second JDBC clinic of the year and it was pure success! Last year was the first year our team decided to do something a little different with our Junior Cheerleader program. In past years the DBC has offered one clinic per month for girls to take part in leading up to the final performance at several games throughout the season. There are no auditions required for the Junior girls to be a part of this program; in turn, the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders have a waitlist of awesome young ladies who would like to be a part of this gameday and clinic experience.

Last year we opened the program up to a second clinic of girls, allowing hundreds on our waiting list to move right up and experience the program. This growth has been such a new and exciting addition for our team; reaching more young girls and creating a far more dynamic gameday for the fans!

We have one clinic in the morning and a different squad in the afternoon. The girls learn a camp dance, an age-group specific dance and a finale, ultimately performing at three different games throughout the season of the Denver Broncos. We always integrate games, activities and new music to get the girls motivated and enthusiastic. These experiences enable the girls to see the value of team work, while enjoying the friendships that can be formed.

I personally coach the 12-14 year old age group, and we have a blast. My fellow 12-14 age group instructors include Laura Sobon, Serita Archuleta and head instructor and DBC alumni Sarah Silva.

The girls will be performing at their first game August 30. I think my favorite piece about the JDBC program is the ability to strike a chord and watch the passion grow for that which we all love! We have a common ground and with that bond we are able to laugh, grow and just have some good ol’ fun!

- Keela Harris (7/21/2007)

2007 - 2008 Denver Nuggets Dancers

The Nuggets Dancers held their 2007-08 team auditions on Saturday, July 14 at the Pepsi Center. Over 225 women were in attendance in hopes of becoming a Nuggets Dancer. The audition consisted of Dance technique, learning routines, business interviews, and more. Over the course of four days, the candidates were narrowed down to the 18 women listed below who will make up the new 2007-2008 Denver Nuggets Dancers. The Denver Nuggets would like to thank all of the participants for their hard work and support.



Back row (standing): Chalaunda Scott, Megan Savage, Kimberly Bull, Keri Blunt**, Brittany Ball**, Heather Hartman, Lindy Koucky**, Kandice Trujillo**, Kimberly Hidalgo**, Kristen Holleyman, Daniele Gutierrez

Front row (sitting): Keri Grogan, Nicole Hurdle, Amanda Brophy, Stefanie Buttars, Taylor Anhouse**, Maria Mateo**, Caty-Sue Greene**

** Indicates new member.

Movers & Shakers: Caty-Sue is a former Colorado Crush Girl.

Miss Colorado 2007 Pageant

Jamie Dukehart-Conti, Rookie Denver Broncos Cheerleader, recently participated in the Miss Colorado 2007 pageant, representing Colorado as Miss Cherry Creek. Although she did not capture the crown, she finished in the top 5 as the 4th runner up.

Jamie also participated in the Miss Colorado USA 2007 pageant, where she was a semi-finalist and awarded Miss Congeniality. She was also the 4th runner up in the Miss Colorado 2006 pageant. Here are some photos of her pageant participation:









Former Denver Nuggets Dancer, Jessica Mason-Evans, now holds the title for Mrs. Colorado International 2007 as Jessica Smith.



Former DBC Davina Lochi participated in the Miss Colorado 2005 pageant representing Westminster.



Former DBC Susan Manuello held the title for Miss Colorado USA 1999.



Former DBC Billye Dee Williams (also former Nuggets, IBL Aurora Cavalry and current 14ers Dancer), placed in the Top 10 of the Miss Colorado USA 2003 pageant.



Former DBC Keely Gaston held the titles for Miss Colorado 1998 and Miss Colorado USA 2002.



Former DBC Qadra Evans was the 1st runner up for the Miss Colorado USA 2000, 2004 and 2005 pageants. She was the 2nd runner up in 2003.



Former DBC Morgan O'Murray held the titles for Miss Colorado Teen USA 1999, Miss Colorado 2002, was 3rd runner up for the Miss Colorado USA 2005 pageant, and placed in the Top 10 for Miss Colorado USA 2004.



Former DBC Katee (Doland) Mink was a triple crown winner, capturing the titles for Miss Colorado Teen USA 1998, Miss Colorado USA 2001, and Miss Colorado 2003. Katee is now the Producer for the Miss Colorado Pageant.




Interesting celebrity fact: When Katee participated in the Miss Teen USA 1998 pageant, she was selected to semi-finals. The pageant was won that year by Vanessa Minnillo, who was representing South Carolina. You might recognize Vanessa as a former MTV host and Nick Lachey's main squeeze.

Wild Bunch Audition Information

WILD BUNCH AUDITIONS
SET FOR AUGUST 7



The Wild Bunch, the professional dance team of the National Lacrosse League's Colorado Mammoth, will hold auditions for the 2008 team on Tuesday, Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Pepsi Center. An invitation-only final audition will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 8 at 6:30 p.m.

The Wild Bunch performs at every Mammoth home game during the season. It is a paid position and dancers receive additional money for local appearances.

Audition requirements:

Must be at least 18 years of age by Aug. 7, 2007.
Must have a head shot. Does not have to be a professional picture, but should be no smaller than 5x7 and be a clear photograph of only you
Must have a dance resume that lists performance experience and anything judges should know.
Auditions are closed to observers.

Audition attire:

Sports bra, long or short sleeve and shorts.
Non-marking soled shoes only.
Hair and makeup should be done as if in a performance.
For help with hair and makeup plase contact Cassie Boyd with The Straight Curl, the official salon of the Wild Bunch, at 720.231.6608.

Audition format:

No exact time for the audition to end.
Begins with an “across the floor” routine consisting of basic technique (kicks, leaps, turns).
Minimal dance training is acceptable as many times judges are looking for potential.
Certain applicants will be asked back for final round of auditions on Aug. 8.
Those remaining will learn a routine and perform it in groups for the judges.
There will be a mandatory training camp for those who make the team. Dates TBD.

Frequently asked questions:

Q: How do I know where to go when I arrive at Pepsi Center?
A: There will be signs and people directing you to the correct entrance.

Q: Where can I brush up on my dance technique?
A: Contact the Director / Choreographer at sschachterle@pepsicenter.com and she can recommend a dance studio or personal instructor.

Q: How many dancers make the team?
A: Anywhere from 10-15.

Q: How many spots are open?
A: Technically, all of them. All of the current dancers are required to re-audition.

Q: I can’t make it on Aug. 7. Is there any other way to audition?
A: No. Due to the high volume of applicants, we do not have any further auditions nor do we accept video submissions.

2007-2008 Nuggets Dancers Announced

The Nuggets Dancers held their 2007-08 team auditions on Saturday, July 14 at the Pepsi Center. The following 18 women were chosen to represent the Denver Nuggets for the 2007-08 season:

Taylor Anhouse **
Brittany Ball **
Keri Blunt **
Amanda Brophy
Kimberly Bull
Stefanie Buttars
Keri Grogan
Caty-Sue Greene **
Daniele Gutierrez
Heather Hartman
Kimberly Hidalgo **
Kristen Holleyman
Nicole Hurdle
Lindy Koucky **
Maria Mateo **
Megan Savage
Chalaunda Scott
Candice Trujillo **

** Indicates new member. Details and photos regarding the audition to follow in the upcoming days!

Mexico Pictures!

Here are a couple pictures from the Mexico trip.

The first picture is of several of us in the lobby of the Iberostar hotel in Mexico. That evening, we attended a reception where we watched a slideshow of the week’s happenings, and met several Mexican reporters, dignitaries, and the owner of Hotel Iberostar. Then, we all headed over to the hotel restaurant and enjoyed some delicious Mexican food together.


Top Row (from left): Melissa Lopez-Aust, Keela Harris, Kelsey Vernon
Bottom Row (from left): LaToyua Tolbert, Kaoruko Horiike, Valerie Scott, Sarah Culter, Jesse Greenberg, Mandy Adams, Laura Sobon, Sara Oliver

While in Mexico we were invited by the hotel to perform a few numbers and of course we happily obliged. A large group of us did several numbers at the hotel for the guests and staff. We had a lot of fun and we hope the audience enjoyed the show. This picture is of us backstage before the performance.


From Left: Terita Johnson, Laura Sobon, Sarah Culter, Kristin Sanders, Alex Taylor, Romi Bean, Whitney Evered, Serita Archuleta

Our calendar release party is going to be August 16 and please come! Stay tuned for additional details!

- Laura Sobon (7/16/07)

Nuggets Dancers Auditions

One sneak peek picture from Mile High Sports Magazine...

Doug Ottewill accompanies this picture with an interesting article on reality shows and these auditions. Read the article here.

Denver Broncos Cheerleaders - Rookie Shots

The Broncos are diligently working on posting the 2007 pictures and biographies of the DBC. Let's meet the 2007 Rookies...

Shelby Britton

Rebecca Bolan

Lindsey Dudley

Jamie Dukehart-Conti

Lauren Gardner

Jessie Greenberg

Kaoruko Horiike

Mary Johnston

Katie Layman

Nicole Moore

Sara Oliver

Valerie Scott


Meet the 2007 DBC here.

Movers and Shakers: These ladies have impressive dance backgrounds. Shelby is the Owner/President of ProSport Entertainment producing Fire and Ice USA and a former Colorado Crush Girl. Lindsey and Nicole are former Denver Nuggets Dancers. Jamie, Lauren and Katie are former Wild Bunch Dancers.

Learn from the Pros

In this new blog segment, we will introduce you to the Colorado dance studios you can take class from your favorite veteran and current pro dance team members.

CENTERSTAGE STARZ

Centerstage not only boasts an amazing faculty list (it reads like a Whos Who in the Colorado dance scene), but also offers an in depth Professional Dance and Cheerleading Preparatory Workshop each year.

Lindsay Evered-Ceilley
Director of Business Operations/Dance Company Director

Former Denver Broncos Cheerleader and Denver Nuggets Dancer, as well as former Co-Director for the Colorado Rapids Cheerleaders.


Whitney Evered-Gustafson
Director of Dance Education/Dance Company Director

Current Denver Broncos Cheerleader and former Denver Nuggets Dancer.


Kristalynn Russell
Dance Instructor/Dance Company Director

Director of the Colorado Rapids Cheerleaders.


Shannon Fine
Dance Instructor/Choreographer

Former Colorado Crush City Dancer.

Kelli McCaslin-Keena
Dance Instructor/Choreographer

Former Denver Nuggets, Colorado Mammoth Wild Bunch, and Colorado Rapids Dancer.


Sarah Culter
Dance Instructor/Choreographer

Current Denver Broncos Cheerleader.


Learn more about these faculty members and the rest of their talented staff by clicking here.