The Redskins vs. Dallas game on December 22nd will have a new and special halftime performance. The inaugural Elite Halftime Show will make its debut. Dancers attended a master class with Redskins Cheerleaders, Maigan and Charo, in November and auditioned to be selected for this prestigious halftime group. 100 dancers auditioned and only 46 were picked. In this newsletter we are featuring a group of dancers selected from Evelyn Ott School of Dance in Norfolk, Virginia. A few of their dancers each wrote about their experience at the dance workshop and their excitement in preparing for the performance.
"As I was entering the door to the audition room I didn't know if I should've felt more nervous or excited, but I'm pretty sure it was a little bit of both. When we first started warming up on our own I was a nervous wreck, but once we did a quick warm up along-side the cheerleaders the nerves definitely started to settle. Once the setting became more familiar, and we started going across the floor that's when I felt like my true personality coming out. The workshop/audition was such an amazing opportunity and I loved every part about it! Giving girls a chance to dance at an event as big as this one is fantastic. It still seems like a dream to me. Dancing and doing what I love to do in front of the Redskins Cheerleaders and their coaches most definitely have made my year" – Victoria Martel
"I found the registration page for the Redskins workshop/ audition through my best friend's father. We both were extremely excited for the opportunity to audition and after we signed up, it was all we could talk about for days. We informed our other friends from our dance studio to register as well, and by audition time we had 15 girls from EOSOD signed up. We weren't sure what to wear, what to do with our hair, how many people were auditioning, or how many of us were going to be picked, which made all of us even more nervous. Before we went into the tunnel to get our numbers and warm-up, we all huddled together in the cold and prepared ourselves for whatever was about to come. Luckily, it wasn't as intimidating as we were expecting! The cheerleaders, teachers, and coaches were really helpful and gave us critiques on our technique. I know personally, one of the coaches Stephanie Jojokian helped me get my jump higher by telling me to lift my chin and push my shoulders down. The routine was really cute and full of personality, and the cheerleaders that choreographed it were really patient with us, and helped us learn it to the best of our abilities. After the audition was over, I anxiously awaited to know the results. I couldn't even remember the questions that I wanted to ask the cheerleaders because I was too tense. But they quickly returned and gave us the result. Thankfully, I was chosen among 10 other girls from my studio. It gave me the confidence boost that I really needed. It made me feel accomplished and proud of myself. The workshop was a wonderful experience, and I cannot wait to learn the choreography on December 14th, and perform on December 22nd. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity Redskins, you're the best!' – Molly Huss
"I'm 14 years old and from Norfolk Va. When I found out about the workshop I knew I couldn't allow this opportunity to pass me by! The workshop was intense but rewarding at the same time. I learned a lot from the Redskins Cheerleaders and can't wait until choreographing starts so I can learn more! Words can't express how excited I am for the halftime show. It hasn't sunk in that I will performing in front of 80,000 people. What an amazing opportunity this is and I'm so grateful to the Redskins Cheerleaders for choosing me to be a part of the halftime show." – Saddie Wishard
"As captain of the Charisma Dance Team from Evelyn Ott School of Dance (The large group from VA) I was overjoyed that we all had the opportunity to attend the workshop in October. It was such a great experience being there with my team and also meeting girls from different places who love dance as much as we do. It was a great bonding experience for us all as the older girls looked out for our younger ones and our younger girls looked up to our older ones seeing what they were getting themselves into. Our company teachers are so proud of us and thankful to you guys for this amazing experience. The upcoming game is always a topic at our rehearsals between us all, we are so excited and anxious to learn our dance and perform at the game. We cannot thank you enough for broadening our dance horizon and allowing us to perform with you all." – Deanna Harris
Check out these ladies and our other performers during our Elite Halftime Show during the Redskins vs. Cowboys on December 22, 2013, and exclusive on field photos on our Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/washingtonredskinscheerleaders.
