Former Nugget Dancers teaches native dance to thousands of New Yorkers

At noon on Friday, August 21, 2009, Hawaiian native, singer and former Denver Nugget Dancer Kaui Beamer of MTV reality show Taquita & Kaui, and MTV’s hit series Making The Band was joined by sexy Hawaiian dancers and performers dressed in authentic in traditional skirts teaching thousands of New Yorkers in Times Square how to Hula dance on the 50th Anniversary of the Aloha State. The Dancers handed Leis to tons of Big Apple tourists and residents. Hawaii became the 50th State 50 years ago today, August 21, 1959.

University of Denver Dance Team Coach/Choreographer position open

I am the president of the University of Denver dance team and we are looking for a coach/choreographer for the 09-10 season. I would love it if you could write a blog about the position’s availability. This is the first time in a number of years we plan to have a coach; but, I am finding it hard to reach the talented dancer we are looking for to coach us!!

The position is listed here. Let me know if you have any questions – feel free to call or email!

Visit our facebook page.
Website Quick Link

Thanks!!

Megan Schoenbauer
DU Dance Team President
303-868-7682

MAMMOTH MAKE SPECIAL VISIT TO RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

Mammoth players Tom Ethington, Jamie Shewchuk and Nenad Gajic as well as members of the Wild Bunch dance team made a special visit to the Aurora Ronald McDonald House on Wednesday, August 26.

The players and dancers hosted an ice-cream social, signed autographs and distributed team-branded items to the children and their families. Following the social, the players even took a few of the children outside for an impromptu lacrosse clinic.

"The challenges these kids have faced in their young lives are incredible - it really makes me appreciate more all of the things we sometimes take for granted," said Mammoth transition player, Nenad Gajic. "If we can do something (like this appearance) that brings a smile to their face, whether that's signing an autograph or playing catch outside, I'm thrilled to be a part of it."

The Aurora Ronald McDonald House, which provides a home-away-from-home for families of children being treated at area hospitals, opened its doors in 2008 and houses up to 45 families per night.

According to Kendra Ingles, the program coordinator for the Ronald McDonald House, the average family stays about two weeks. There are, however, multiple transplant patients that have been at the Aurora Ronald McDonald House for over two months.

"This visit was incredibly uplifting for the children and their families," said Ingles. "Although we have an amazing facility, the children do sometimes get bored. Visits like this help them think about something other than being in the hospital and being sick."

For more information on the Ronald McDonald House, please visit www.RonaldHouse.org

For a photo gallery of the event, click here.

Broncos Cheerleaders featured in DIRECTV Ad

Still watching the NFL in SD (standard definition)?
Only DIRECTV brings you every NFL game in HD.

Peyton Manning sells DIRECTV while the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, San Diego Chargers Girls, Tennesee Titans Cheerleaders, and San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush entice you to sign up for the NFL Sunday Ticket in the background.

Click here for your NFL cheerleader fix (scroll to the top of Just In in the What to Watch section.)

Fall 2009 RMRG Pep Squad Dancers

Congratulations to the Fall 2009 RMRG Pep Squad Dancers



Jenna Adamson
Kimberly Delapp*
Elisabeth Grubb
Erica Hopkins*
Katie Parisian*
Wendy Kraus*

*Denotes veteran

Congratulations to the 2009-10 Eagles Chicks!

WINDSOR, Colo. - The Pioneer Press Colorado Eagles Chicks have been named the best cheerleaders/dance team in the Central Hockey League in each of the past three seasons, and auditions for the 2009-10 squad that will be looking to continue that tradition were held over the weekend. We'd like to congratulate the following fourteen young women who made the team:



Front Row (Left to Right): Kellyn, Katheryn, Alyssa, Annie, Lyndsey, Bethany

Back Row: Amy, Trisha, Laura, Alicia, Sadie, Stacey, Janine

Not pictured: Kimberly (returning Eagles Chick), Lisa Kennedy (manager

A Chance to Kick Up my White Boots

By Heather Tocquigny
Backstage.com
August 11, 2009

“Start stretching,” a tall blonde in a business suit shouted in the distance. “Y’all have ten minutes until we begin.”

We’re at Mile High Stadium in Denver. My dad had driven me here from our home in Lafayette, Colorado—about 30 minutes away. At that moment I was standing in a long line of hundreds of pretty girls, all waiting anxiously. I was a few weeks shy of 18 years old.

The adventure actually started two days previously.

My hair in cornrows, I’d just returned from our senior spring break trip to Mexico, tanned and rested. I’d wanted to spend the weekend relaxing before school started again. Then Mom waltzed into my room, smiling excitedly.

“I heard on the radio there’s going to be a Broncos cheerleader tryout on Sunday,” she said. “You should go—for fun.” I think she secretly wished she could go herself.

I was attending Texas A&M in the fall, at which I aimed to perform on their dance team. I’d been a dancer for many years, but this was college level. So I figured why not? I could use the practice.

I was remembering the beatific expression on my mom’s face as I approached the registration desk. I handed the woman my wallet-sized senior picture, taken just a few weeks earlier.

The photo wasn’t pretty. Clipped to the back was my short, modest resume, which consisted mostly of high school credits. I glanced around. It was a far cry from the other girls’ photos: professional-looking 8×10 headshots, air-brushed, with a resume full of professional dance credits stapled expertly to the back. What am I doing here? I thought.

I signed in and was handed a big number “237″ to safety pin to my pants.

I felt as ready as I could be—an hour before I’d had my usual quick breakfast of coffee and a banana. Seeking a space to warm up, I managed my way through a sea of excessively gorgeous young women. Many wore brightly rhinestoned crop-tops and exaggerated facial makeup. One bleached blonde—of the many—caught my eye. Wearing hot pink pants with a matching sparkled top, she looked as though she had stepped right out of a Barbie box.

In comparison, I was clad in my blue Target sports bra and some old black jazz pants, both of which I’d grabbed out of the laundry that morning. I felt a bit underdressed.

“Hey! There’s space over here,” said a girl in skimpy green velvet. She was vigorously brushing and spraying her hair as she waved me over. “Hurry and put on some makeup so you can stand out!” she exclaimed.

I looked around. Am I the only one here not wearing lipstick—at the very least? The idea of glamming up for a dance audition was strange to me, but ok. Digging through my tiny sparkle-less tote bag, all I could find was a Dr. Pepper-flavored Chapstick, which I applied immediately. However, it added no color—much less the blazing red color I apparently needed.

My new friend, whose name was Kate, told me this was her third year auditioning for the team. She was so earnest. “Well, I really hope you make it this time,” I said, smiling.

***************************

The first round of tryouts began with a simple across-the-floor routine. When it came my turn to go, I was put into a group of five. At first I was a bit nervous. But I reminded myself that this was just practice for the real audition in the fall at Texas A&M. When that failed, I tried my old standby: I imagined myself in my dance studio and pretended the panel of ten judges were nonexistent. I took a deep breath, and let myself go. It worked.

After about an hour, they announced that 150 dancers were moving on to semifinals. I glanced at the list. Amazingly I’d made it, and so had Kate.

In the next stage of auditions, we were asked to do a combination with a lot of what they call ‘hairography’—shimmying hips and thrashing to “She’s a Lady” by Tom Jones. Once we learned the dance, they put the song on repeat so we could practice the steps before they started the official round of tryouts. Although the judges were taking a short break, most of them stayed at the table and observed us.

I looked around. All the girls were marking through the dance, slowly and carefully. Here’s my chance, I thought. I’m going to get right in the middle of the floor and do it full out a few times to gain the judges’ attention. Be fearless!

I ran through them several times, and made sure that I’d knew the steps. Then I made my move. I managed my way to the front of the floor. There I stood, in the midst of dozens of girls just going through the movement and checking their marks, and waited for the song to end. Just as Tom Jones started swinging again, I hit the first mark with full confidence.

From the corner of my eye I caught a few of the judges glancing over at me. I made sure they saw my big cheerleader smile.

All of a sudden, I realized—in the middle of a dramatic turn and kick—that I really wanted this. I really wanted to make it to the final round. It wasn’t just for fun anymore. My competitive side had consumed me. I was unstoppable.

***************************

By the time the judges made their last cut for the day, it was dark outside. My dad had left me several messages, asking when he could pick me up. Once again, in the last call, my number was called out. I was one of only 65 remaining dancers.

“We will see you on Tuesday! Congratulations!” Wow, I couldn’t believe it! I was coming back for the finals! They handed us a packet of football facts to learn for the interview portion of the evaluation.

Just then, a tall African American girl approached me.

“If you want to make the team, take your cornrows out,” she said. “The judges want to see you with your hair all the way down.”

“Oh, of course.” I told her. “Anything to make the team.” But my competitive instincts told me something else. As I walked out of the stadium, I grumbled to myself, “No way am I taking my hair out.”

I ran outside to meet my dad. I threw my arms around him, I was so excited to tell him the news!

***************************

The next day, my folks and I bought my first black business suit. The clothes were the easy part.

For the next two days I studied every fact in the Broncos’ 15-page football packet. Some of my football player buddies from Fairview High helped, quizzing me on the finer points of football. I already understood the basics, but this packet housed minute details on every player. I even had memorize the names of second- and third-string players who had just made the squad.

On Monday night, I thought about what the girl had said. Was I being too rash and judgemental? Maybe she was being sincere. I really liked my braided hair style, but… So I discussed it with my mom, and she told me I would be crazy if I didn’t. So, that night I unbraided my beloved cornrows.

As I walked into the stadium, I looked around for Kate, but sadly I didn’t see her.

First up, there was a quick meet-and-greet with the judges. It was a madhouse. I had to fight my way past the others just to shake one judge’s hand! When I finally did meet a few, each of them recognized me immediately: “Hey, you’re the girl with the cornrows!” they all seemed to say. Wow, I guess they really had made me stand out! (And now, of course, they’re gone.)

Then came the questions. The first two girls answered very easy questions. Then, the judge turned to me: “How many defensive players are on the line of scrimmage before the play starts?”

I went completely blank. Of all of the facts, how did I manage to miss this one!? Calming down, I averted my eyes, and tried to think.

But another vision overcame me. I saw myself on the football field dancing my heart out for thousands of screaming fans, having the best seat in the house to watch the games, and kicking up the grass on the 50-yard line in my white cowboy boots.

I snapped out of this vision, and blurted out my lucky number, which never seemed to fail me: “Seven.” Right when I saw them smile, I knew I had gotten it right.

As I changed back into my blue top and black pants for the final dance audition, I realized I was transformed. For the first time I gave a performance that surpassed the best I’d ever given before. Something woke inside me that I knew meant I belonged here, on this professional stage, right now, with some of the top dancers in the country.

And I got it! They selected me.

I woke up the next morning and I kept saying to myself, almost disbelieving: “I’m a Denver Broncos cheerleader! I’m a Denver Broncos cheerleader!” And never looked back.

Born in Houston, Texas, Heather Tocquigny graduated with a B.A. in Theatre from USC. She is classically trained in ballet, jazz, tap, modern and hip hop, as well as a gymnast. She worked as an NFL cheerleader for the Denver Broncos for two seasons. She’s acted in over forty films, and has done commercial spots for Yoplait, Samsung, and McDonald’s. Heather’s most recent film was “Wishing Well” with Oscar-winner Ernest Borgnine. Her website is www.heathertocquigny.com.

Broncos Cheerleaders in Steamboat

Some pictures of the Broncos Cheerleaders enjoying the amenities Steamboat has to offer while they were in town shooting their calendar.


Denver Broncos cheerleaders line up to ride down the Alpine Slide on Howelsen Hill.


Lindy Koucky heads down the Alpine Slide.


Jessica Flores gets air on the trampoline ride at the base of the Steamboat Ski Area.


Teresa Shear, the Broncos' director of cheerleading and game day entertainment, tries out the trampoline ride at the base of the Steamboat Ski Area.


Denver-based photographer Rob Hawthorne shows cheerleader Sara Oliver one of the shots from a shoot Wednesday at Susan Peterson's home in Dakota Ridge.


John Peterson, whose mom owns the Dakota Ridge home where Broncos cheerleader Sara Oliver was having her calendar photo shoot Wednesday, gives Oliver an unexpected kiss while posing for a photo with her after the shoot.


(from right) Broncos cheerleading coach Teresa Shear, photographer Rob Hawthorne, Shear's assistant (and former cheerleader) Kelly Tilley and former cheerleader Keela Harris look at shots from the shoot Wednesday at Susan Peterson's home in Dakota Ridge.

Eagles Chicks Auditions Upcoming

If you're interested in being a part of the Pioneer Press Eagles Chicks for the 2009-10 season, time is running out!



Below you can download more information on the official tryouts.

Click here for Tryout information.

2010 Wild Bunch Prep Class Information & Registration

Prep Class Details

Audition prep classes are designed to introduce dancers to the style of choreography performed by the Wild Bunch. Classes are open to all dancers age 16 and over. Dancers under 18 years of age will need to have a parent or guardian present to sign a waiver on their behalf. (Although the prep class is open to dancers age 16 and over, dancers must be 18 to audition.)

Prep class participants will have the opportunity to speak with current Wild Bunch Dancers and have a Q&A session with the Wild Bunch Director/Choreographer, Amy Jo Wagner.

The cost of each prep class is $10 payable at the door. Limited space is available for each class; early registration is highly recommended.

Prep Class Dates/Times
Wed. Sept 2: 6-7 pm - Pepsi Center
Wed. Sept. 9: 6-7pm - Pepsi Center

* Enrollment in prep classes does not guarantee a position with the Wild Bunch Dancers.

Prep Class Registration
To register, please email Amy Jo Wagner at ajwagner@pepsicenter.com. Registration email should include your first and last name and the date of the prep class/classes you’d like to attend. Dancers will be allowed to register at the door, but advanced registration is appreciated.

2010 Wild Bunch Audition Details

Preliminaries: Friday, Sept. 11

Semi – Finals: Sunday, Sept. 13

Finalists’ Training Camp: Mondays and Wednesdays (7-9pm); Sept. 14-30

*Preliminaries and Semi-Finals will be held at Pepsi Center in downtown Denver.

Audition Participants Must:

•Be at least 18 years of age
•Wear a cropped top, briefs, and non-marking soled shoes
•Submit non-returnable headshot or full body shot (at least 5X7; does not need to be professional but must be clear and contain only the audition participant)
•Submit a dance resume including any previous dance teams, classes, or workshops, current employment and training, and educational background. Also include 3 references with your resume.
•Professional looking hair and make up are encouraged
•Live in the Denver area and have reliable transportation to and from all Colorado Mammoth home games and Wild Bunch practices

Audition Schedule

Friday, September 11 (Preliminary Audition)
Registration: 5:30-6pm
Semi-finalists announced: 10pm

Sunday, September 13 (Semi-Finals)
Individual Interviews & Photo Shoots: 8:30am-1pm
Finalists announced: 3pm

Training Camp Dates
Monday, Sept. 14: 7-9pm
Wednesday, Sept. 16: 7-9pm
Monday, Sept. 21: 7-9pm
Wednesday, Sept. 23: 7-9pm
Monday, Sept. 28: 7-9pm
Wednesday, Sept. 30: 7-9pm

*Audition schedule subject to change.

Audition Details

Preliminary Auditions
The preliminary round of auditions will be held at the Pepsi Center. All participants are required to wear a half top and briefs and bring their headshot and resume to the preliminary audition. Dancers will learn a short routine and audition in small groups in front of a panel of judges.

Individual Interviews & Photo Shoot
Semi-finalists will be asked to attend an individual interview with a panel of judges on Sunday Sept. 13. These 10-minute interviews will be held at the Pepsi Center and will be followed by a photo shoot with the team photographer. Attire is left to the dancer’s discretion.

Semi-Final Dance Audition
After interviews and photo shoots are complete, dancers will be asked to perform the material learned on the first day of auditions. The dancers who will be invited to attend training camp will be announced at the end of the day.

Training Camp
Details of the training camp will be made available after the finalists are announced on Sunday, September 13. All dates of the training camp are mandatory.

Attire

Prep Classes: Attire left to dancer’s discretion – non-marking shoes only

Prelims and Semi-Finals: Cropped dance top / sports bra and briefs. You will not be allowed to audition in jeans or dance pants.

Finalists Interviews: Attire left to the dancer’s discretion

2010 WILD BUNCH AUDITIONS SET

The Colorado Mammoth Wild Bunch dance team preliminary auditions will be held on Friday, September 11 and Sunday, September 13 at Pepsi Center.



During the preliminary round, dancers will learn a short routine and audition in small groups in front of a panel of judges. Semi-finalists will be asked to attend an individual interview followed by a photo shoot with the team photographer.

“The Colorado Mammoth organization is interested in hiring diverse performers with a strong level of commitment to the team,” said Wild Bunch Director, Amy Jo Wagner. “Throughout the audition process, judges will be looking for dance ability, enthusiasm, figure, personal appearance, personality and poise.”

Following the photo shoot, dancers will be asked to perform the material learned on the first day of auditions. Finalists will be announced at the end of the day. Each finalist will be required to attend training camp where the final roster for 2010 will be determined.

Wagner is also encouraging dancers to attend the audition prep classes on September 2 and September 9. Although enrollment in the prep class does not guarantee a spot on the Wild Bunch roster, classes are designed to introduce dancers to the style and choreography performed by the Wild Bunch.

Note: Amy Jo Wagner, Director the Nuggets Dancers, is now the Director of the Wild Bunch. She follows in the footsteps of Sarah Schachterle who also managed multiple Pepsi Center/Kroenke Sports entertainment teams.