Indianapolis Colts Football

GETTING TO KNOW CHEERLEADING HOPEFUL ALLIE J.

The Indianapolis Colts are in the midst of trimming down a group of ladies that started over 100 into a final roster that will comprise the 2013 Indianapolis Colts Cheerleading Squad. Training began back in January and the team will hold final auditions for 49 women on April 17. Over the next week Colts.com will introduce you to a few of the hopefuls. Below is Allie J, a native of Centerville, Ohio and is a two-year veteran with the Colts.

Allie J., Centerville, Ohio

Past cheerleading or dance experience:  Allie was a cheerleader all through high school, including winning a dozen national championships through competitive cheerleading. She made the transition to NFL cheerleading after coaching and doing choreography for local teams. Allie has spent the last two years on the Colts Cheerleading Squad.

Main reason on why she tried out this season: “I was a cheerleader for the past two seasons and it’s just gotten better and better each year. I could only imagine this would be the best year yet,” Allie said.

Favorite TV show:  Dance Moms

Favorite Movie:  The Social Network

Favorite Actor:  Anthony Hopkins

Favorite Musical Artist/Group:  Bing Crosby

Favorite Song to Cheer or Dance to:  “Taking Care of Business” by Bachman Turner Overdrive.

Favorite community experience with Colts:  The Henryville Tornado cleanup with members of the Colts staff.

Advice for aspiring cheerleaders:  “Be confident. That’s what it’s all about. It’s a big game of confidence and if you come prepared and you do your homework than you will be fine,” Allie said.

Cheerleading hopeful Allie J.

GETTING TO KNOW CHEERLEADING HOPEFUL JULIA P.

The Indianapolis Colts are in the midst of trimming down a group of ladies that started over 100 into a final roster that will comprise the 2013 Indianapolis Colts Cheerleading Squad. Training began back in January and the team will hold final auditions for 49 women on April 17. Over the next week Colts.com will introduce you to a few of the hopefuls. Below is Julia P., a native of Delphos, Ohio and is a two-year veteran with the Colts.

Julia P., Delphos, Ohio

Past cheerleading or dance experience:  Julia danced for five years growing up, along with cheering competitively in high school and for the basketball team. She would go on to cheer for one year in college and has been a member of the Colts Cheerleading Squad each of the last two seasons.

Main reason on why she tried out this season:  “I’ve been on the squad for two years so it’s something that I love. I know I’m not going to be able to do it forever and it’s going to be absolutely heart wrenching to (eventually) give it up. I see it every year, every single vet that has to walk away, I’m not looking forward to that because it’s going to be hard,” Julia said.

Key factors that she thinks the staff is looking for when filling out a squad:   “I think definitely your dance, your technique. Showmanship is huge because you could have the greatest technique in the world but if you aren’t fun to watch and engage the fans when you’re dancing on the sidelines, than that’s not really a great fit for an NFL team,” Julia said.

Favorite TV show:  Friends

Favorite Movie:  Pretty Woman

Favorite Actress:  Julia Roberts (not just because they share a first name)

Favorite Musical Artist/Group:  Michael Buble

Favorite part about cheering for the Colts:   “I love to perform so definitely the games are a great aspect of cheering but I do really love appearances because just seeing a look on a kid’s face or a fan that is meeting you for the first time. That’s the closest some people will ever get to the Colts. It’s really neat to see when you make someone’s day so I love that,” Julia said.

Advice for aspiring cheerleaders:  “If you are even close to thinking about doing it, then go for it. Before I tried out, I didn’t think it was attainable. I really did not think I had a shot at making it. You just always have to pursue things that are tough and go for it. If anything, you are going to learn something from it and make new friends along the way,” Julia said.

Cheerleading hopeful Julia P.

GETTING TO KNOW CHEERLEADING HOPEFUL RACHEL H.

The Indianapolis Colts are in the midst of trimming down a group of ladies that started over 100 into a final roster that will comprise the 2013 Indianapolis Colts Cheerleading Squad. Training began back in January and the team will hold final auditions on April 17. Over the next week Colts.com will introduce you to a few of the hopefuls. Below is Rachel H., a native of Greenwood, Ind. who his hoping to make the team for the first time.

Rachel H., Greenwood, Ind.

Past cheerleading or dance experience:  Rachel was a competitive dancer for 14 years and is looking for her first experience as an NFL cheerleader.

Main reason on why she tried out this season: “I always had a passion for dance. I’ve danced all growing up and just wanted to continue it. We’ve had season tickets for a few years so we’ve gone to all the games. I love watching the Colts and I love dance so just combine them,” Rachel said.

Favorite part about cheering/dancing:  “I love performing in front of people. It’s just a rush,” Rachel said.

Favorite TV Show:  Say Yes to the Dress

Favorite Movie:  Step Up

Favorite Actor:  Matthew McConaughey

Favorite Musical Artist/Group:  John Mayer

Favorite Song to Cheer or Dance to:  “Feel This Moment” by Pitbull featuring Christina Aguilera

GETTING TO KNOW CHEERLEADING HOPEFUL LAUREN M.

The Indianapolis Colts are in the midst of trimming down a group of ladies that started over 100 into a final roster that will comprise the 2013 Indianapolis Colts Cheerleading Squad. Training began back in January and the team will hold final auditions on April 17. Over the next week Colts.com will introduce you to a few of the hopefuls. Below is Lauren M., a native of Greenwood, Ind. who has previously cheered two seasons (2009, 2011) with the Colts.

Getting to know Lauren M.:

Past cheerleading or dance experience:  Lauren has been dancing since she was three-years old. She was a cheerleader in middle school and high school and was also on the Colts squad in 2009 and 2011.

Main reason on why she tried out this season:  “I’m excited for the new opportunities that the Colts Cheerleading Organization has this year. I’ve missed dancing and I’m just ready to be back on the field,” Lauren said.

Key factors that she thinks the staff is looking for when filling out a squad:   “They are looking for positive role models. Women that can be looked up to in the community. I think they are looking for women who have careers, not just looking to be a cheerleader. Just people that the fans can get to know and talk to,” Lauren said.

Favorite Song to Dance to:  “We Got it Going On” by Bon Jovi

Favorite TV show:  The Bachelorette, Revenge

Favorite Movie:  Legally Blonde

Favorite Actress:  Jennifer Aniston

Favorite Musical Artist/Group:  Lauren listens to a variety of genres. Country is Lauren’s favorite type of music and she also enjoys Broadway tunes.

Favorite Community Experience:   Singing Christmas carols at Riley Hospital. “Just going into each individual room and seeing the kids and their faces light up touched my heart,” Lauren said.

Advice for Aspiring Cheerleaders:  “Believe in yourself. You’re going to have your ups and your downs. You’re going to have your strengths and your weaknesses. Focus on your weaknesses and make them better. Just embrace your strengths and let those shine,” Lauren said.

GETTING TO KNOW ANGELA C.

As part of a promotion on our Indianapolis Colts Cheerleading Facebook page, we’re featuring a different candidate selected by you the fans!

Our second one is Angela C.

Guilty Pleasure: singing at the top of my lungs while driving my car!

Hidden Talent: Performed competitively and hold national titles in character tap dancing

Career Goals: Evolve within my career as a registered nurse with the ultimate goal to obtain a director position within a private surgical practice. Also plan to continue with small business and open cheer gym in the future.

Dance Resume: Trained in tap, jazz, ballet, and character dance. Tap danced competitively on the national level. Was a dancer for the Cincinnati Cyclones Hockey and the National Indoor Football Leagues Cincinnati Marshals.

Why Colts?: I would truly be honored to become an Indianapolis Colts Cheerleader.  The Indianapolis Colts organization is incredibly well respected and what other teams in the NFL strive to be.  The Colts are a class act team that values professionalism and moral standards.  This is a team I would proudly represent with enthusiasm and dedication.  If given the chance to say that I am a member of the 2013-2014 Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders, well that brings a smile to my face and fills me with an immense amount of pride. J  It would be an opportunity of a lifetime and one I would cherish.  To have the opportunity to become a sweetheart of the horseshoe and to be able to share in this passion and pride is priceless.  I am giving it my all Colts Fans and I hope to make you proud!

GETTING TO KNOW MAKINZEE L.

As part of a promotion on our Indianapolis Colts Cheerleading Facebook page, we’re featuring a different candidate selected by you the fans!

Our first one is Makinzee L and below is a little bit about her!  

Guilty Pleasure: Shopping

Hidden Talent: Proficient Video Gamer

Career Goal: Focus on health & wellness and becoming a certified trainer!

Dance Resume: Started dancing at age of 3. Grew up on competitive dance teams. Was an extra in Disney’s High School Musical. Past 5 years have been on tour with the Donny and Marie Show.

Why the Colts?: I am a dancer by trade and just ended my contract with the Donny and Marie show in Las Vegas. I remember last year attending my first ever NFL football game.  I sat and watched Andrew Luck throw his first pass at home as an Indianapolis Colts quarterback, it was an exciting win for Indianapolis and the players.  As I sat there, I watched the cheerleaders cheer, and thought to myself I want to be out there helping the fans cheer on the Indianapolis Colts. The one thing that helped me in not re-signing my contract and making the 19 hour drive to Indiana from Las Vegas, was seeing the camaraderie of the Colts Cheerleaders.  I am fascinated by the charity events they participate in, to even seeing two of the cheerleaders shaving their heads for Coach Pagano and cancer research.  Being part of this organization, representing the NFL, the Indianapolis Colts, and our community would be an honor and just as rewarding as dancing in any show on the Las Vegas strip!  

2013 Cheerleader Auditions LIVE!

The Indianapolis Colts will be holding Cheerleader auditions for their 2013 team. Preliminaries will be held on Saturday, March 23, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. More than 200 women are expected to partake in the preliminary round and approximately 60 will be selected to participate in the finals. The first round on Saturday is closed to the public; however, you can be part of the action by watching the live stream online at http://www.coltscheer.com/auditionday.aspx.  Through this site, you can not only watch the performances but can also vote for your favorite candidates during the FREE live stream!

If you are still interested in auditioning to be an Indianapolis Colts Cheerleader, walk-in registrations will be accepted! Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and the first routine will be taught at 9:30 a.m.  The tryouts will include a dance audition, with choreography taught on the spot.

The Cheerleader Final Auditions will once again be open to the public and are on Wednesday April 17, at 6:30 pm at the Hilbert Circle Theater, home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Tickets will be available for purchase online at http://www.hilbertcircletheatreindy.org.

The 2013 Colts Cheerleader Auditions are presented by Tyler Mason Salon and Spa, and Sun Tan City.

Natalie’s Notes #8-Q&A

Hey everyone! We had some questions come in this week so I thought I would go ahead and get those answered. Remember you can submit any cheerleading related questions through Twitter, Facebook or the website. Just remember to use hash tags #NataliesNotes and #ColtsCheer2013!

Q. How long have you been dancing? – Raymonda

A.  I have been dancing since I was four years old, so about 19 years! I grew up dancing and competing with a local dance studio, The Dance Refinery. Then once graduating high school I immediately started dancing for the Colts.

Q. What tips can you give to help first time Colt’s cheer candidates to help calm their nerves and to not be overly intimidated by the lights, microphones and cameras which are present at auditions? – Angela

A. What I always do is just try to act like they aren’t even there! Pretend like you are just dancing for an audience and try not to even pay any mind to the lights and cameras. That way you can completely focus on yourself and your performance, which will give you the best result. Yes, it’s hard not to notice them at first, but just get in a mindset where you are only thinking about YOU and your dancing, don’t let the extra’s take over your confidence.

Q. For tryouts, would clear bra straps be okay to wear if we are wanting to wear a bra underneath? – Ashley

A. Yes, clear straps are great! Wearing a bra under your top is definitely necessary. So as long as your bra and straps are not visible, then you are good to go! And that goes for any undergarments you might be wearing.

Q. Natalie, how do you wear your dance tights with low shorts? I’m trying to figure out the best way for auditions! – Cassandra

A. It all kind of depends on the type of tights you are wearing, but there is a trick that a lot of us use. You can cut the waistband of the tights off, not completely though, you want to leave a little bit of the waistband on so the tights don’t run or fall down. That helps with the dreaded ‘muffin top’ look that some tights can create. Now, if they still come too high for your shorts, an easy fix for that is to just fold them over far enough to not be visible. Just makes sure your fold is smooth and seamless as to not be seem through your shorts. Hopefully that fixes your problem.

Thank you to those who sent in questions this week. I love getting the feedback. I hope you cheer candidates are getting excited for auditions, they are so close! Hope to see some of you at next weeks workshops. Thanks for tuning in.

Natalie’s Notes #7-Audition Workshops

Hey everyone! Auditions are quickly approaching. They are a little less than 3 weeks away! As we get closer and closer the reality of the auditions are setting in and girls are doing everything they can to prepare. A great way to get prepared is to attend the audition workshops leading up to the actual auditions. Last week was our first workshop for the year and today is the second. It was amazing to see how many girls came out to the first workshop last week! That was one of the highest number of attendants I’ve seen. I’m glad to see so many girls taking advantage of these opportunities to get themselves better prepared.

The workshops are great and beneficial in so many ways. One main thing is that they let you get a feel for the types of choreography you will have to learn and perform at auditions. Knowing the kind of style ahead of time allows you to find out what things you have down and what things you need to work on before auditions. Depending on your background, NFL style can be very different form what a lot of girls are used to doing. So whether you were a cheerleader, studio dancer or have no training at all, I can guarantee that the NFL style will be new to you. Coming to the workshops will get you well acquainted with the style.

Another thing you get out of the workshops is useful and helpful info. Each week a topic is discussed at the end of the workshop. Last week’s topic was audition attire and today’s topic is what to expect on audition day. At the end everyone gathers around to talk about the topic. The senior director of marketing and our cheerleader intern will give any kind of advice, rules, or tips they might have. Then you have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the week’s topic. This is a chance to learn things about auditions that are not supplied on the website.

You will also get a feel for all the girls trying out, along with a chance to get to know them. This is a great way to get to know new people who you will be auditioning with before the big day. Getting to know the girls and making friends will make you much more relaxed coming in that first day of auditions. It is always nice to have people you can connect with who are going through the same things as you.

So if you haven’t already witnessed for yourself, you can see that the workshops are extremely beneficial. Why not do everything possible to be as prepared as you can be? If you are still debating about auditioning, you should definitely come out for a workshop! It’s the best way to get an inside look at what you might get into before you actually decide to dive in. And if you are auditioning for sure, I hope you are planning to attend one if not all of the upcoming workshops. Time is ticking. Let’s take advantage of every possibility to better ourselves prior to this journey! Thanks for tuning into Natalie’s Notes, hope to see you or talk to you all soon!

Natalie,

Natalie’s Notes #6-Audition Makeup

Hey! I’m back for another round of some notes. Since my last post was about hair for auditions, I thought I would talk about audition makeup since those two go hand in hand. Auditions are fast approaching so remember you can submit any kinds of questions to me! This is a good way to be as prepared as you can.

Your appearance is the first impression people get of you, so you want to make it a great one! Your makeup should compliment and highlight your natural features. You want to wear stage/performance makeup for auditions, so your everyday makeup isn’t going to be quite enough. You want your complexion to be as flawless as possible. Picking the right foundation and applying it correctly will do just that, so make sure you have the right shade and apply evenly to give you that perfect glow. You want to accentuate three main parts of your face, your eyes, cheeks and lips. You really want to make your eyes pop, use neutral shades of shadow that compliment your skin tone and, of course, eye liner and mascara. Using an eyeshadow primer is a great tool for making your makeup last all day. The first day of auditions is a long one and you don’t want to have to reapply your eyeshadow in the middle of the day. False eyelashes are a great way to give your eyes a little extra attention. They will make your lashes look longer, fuller or even both depending on the type you choose to wear. Accentuating the cheekbones is a great way to brighten up your whole face. I know many people don’t usually wear blush/bronzer, but for auditions I recommend it. Depending on your skin tone, you can use a bronzer or blush, just make sure you use your perfect shade. Now for lips, you want to make them defined. I know nude lips are trending right now and that’s fine for normal day wear, but when you are trying to be seen from a distance and have pictures taken of you, nude isn’t the best shade. Again, it’s all about picking the right shade for your skin tone. Just like your eyeshadow, you want to find a lipstick that will last and not wear off, and using a lip liner will help make that happen. A little tip about lips, try to stay away from any kind of gloss. We do a lot of what we call “hair-ography” and the last thing you want is hair stuck on your mouth while dancing or lip gloss all in your hair. One more tip, red lip stick is not always the best color. Yes, it is bright and noticeable, but sometimes it can look a little to dramatic. You might want to try a darker rose shade or mauve.

Another thing I want to talk about that kind of goes along with makeup is tanning. Tanning is in no way a “must” for anyone auditioning, but many girls like to have a little extra sun-kissed glow which is great, too. If you have never tanned before (UV bed or sunless), be very cautious of trying to for auditions. Most girls will just get spray tans. I know spray tans have a reputation for coming out orange or streaky, but there are some really great spray tan options out there! Sun Tan City is a sponsor of ours and they have a great Versa Spa sunless option. If you have never spray tanned and would like to, I highly recommend trying it out before auditions. Everyone’s skin reacts differently to it, so you want to see if it turns out well on you or not. If you are someone who chooses to tan in a UV bed, make sure you do not go overboard. Remember, a nice sun-kissed glow is the look you are trying to go for. You want your skin to look flawless, so coming in looking like a lobster or Oompa Loompa is not going to achieve that. A subtle glow will come off looking best.

I hope this is all helping you girls feel better prepared for auditions. Just a little more than 4 weeks until the big first day! Remember you can submit any kinds of questions to me through the Indianapolis Colts Cheerleader Facebook page or Twitter page using hash tag #NataliesNotes! Hopefully, I will see some of you at next weeks’ clinic!

Until next time,