2013-2014 Newbies Announced!

Just a few weeks ago, we held tryouts for our upcoming season. This is anticipated to be a huge year for us with Gay Games just around the corner. We had a strong turnout this year, making choosing our new members very difficult, but we could not be happier with our selection. 
After much anticipation, Cheer New York is very thrilled to finally announce the new members of our 2013-2014 team!

Fans, please join us in congratulating eighteen fabulous new men and women to our cheer family-
Anthony M., Ashley C., Ashley Rose L., Christopher R., Destiny M., Jessica J., John G., Karen L., Kerry M., Kiran R., Lauren A., Lyndsay A., Malaea R., Milissa C., Rachel S., Theo B., Zaccary B., and Zavier C.

Thank you so much to each and every one of you that came to audition this year. If you didn't make the team this time around, please tryout again. We have a mid-season tryouts in the beginning of the year and again next summer. To the eighteen that did join us, CONGRATULATIONS! We are so happy to have you on the team... hope you're ready to WERQ!

Don't forget you can follow us on Instagram, Twitter and like us on Facebook!

Contact us at info@cheerny.org for any further information

Tryouts start THIS WEEK!

photo credit: Andre Photography

Have you been wanting to find a way to get back into cheerleading after all those years? Is cheerleading a sport you've always admired, but never knew how to get involved? Have you been searching for a way to work with charitable organizations within the local community? Well look no further! Dust off those pom poms folks! Cheer New York is looking for YOU!

photo credit: Andre Photography

It's hard to believe that with our season only having ended a few weeks ago, that tryouts are already here, but they are!

That's right! Our first clinic will be this Wednesday 7/31 from 6:45-10pm. We will have an additional/make-up clinic the following Sunday (this Sunday) 8/4 from 1:45-5pm. You must attend at least one of the two clinics to be eligible to tryout for the 2013-2014 season. We will hold the final tryout on Wednesday 8/7 from 6:45-10pm.

Cheer New York (Cheer NY) is an all-volunteer non-profit adult cheerleading organization by and for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Straight communities that combines cheers, gymnastics, dance and acrobatic stunts into a professional and exhilarating crowd-pleasing performance. Cheer New York is made up of adults from the NY/NJ area who are in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Our mission is to support the fight against AIDS and other life-challenging illnesses and conditions by raising money for small local charities through our "Cheer for Life" fund.

If this sounds like a group that you would like to be a part of, please contact us for more information about tryouts including exact locations, requirements, and any other questions you may have: info@cheerny.org

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@cheernewyork)!

Queens Pride 2013

June 2, 2013 officially kicked off Pride season for us starting in Jackson Heights, Queens. All of Cheer New York arrived at the parade line up early to go over a few last minute details and to throw a few practice stunts before the parade got going. It was a warm, humid morning, but that wasn't going to stop us! The energy that goes along with this parade is incredible. 

Queens Pride promotes awareness and education among and of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning community of Queens, New York. The first Queens Pride march was held in 1993, now attracts more than 40,000 spectators and is the second largest Pride celebration in the New York metropolitan area.

 The Queens Pride parade route is a short one for us, but never short on enthusiasm, great energy and fun.  One of the things that we love most about Queens Pride is the opportunity to perform on stage in front of an audience during the multicultural festival. 

 It is such an honor for us, and always a great time. It's not often that we get the chance to perform for our fans in such a way, so we try to soak it up as much as we can.  

A HUGE thank you to Jason Russo from HeyMrJason Photography for providing many of the photos you see here in this post.

Cheer New York is taking the next couple of weeks off from our high flying stunts to gear up for Manhattan Pride on Sunday June 29th. But that doesn't mean you can't come hang out with us and donate to some of the greatest local NYC charities around! This Saturday 6/15, we will be at The Ritz Bar & Lounge from 10pm-3am. We'll be selling shots, go-go dancing, collecting donations and generally just making sure YOU have a good time. This is one of the last opportunities to meet up with us this season and donate to our Cheer For Life fund. Already have plans, but still want to donate to a good cause? No problem! You can donate on line: http://www.gofundme.com/36igwg. We are trying to raise $5,000 by the end of June and can't do it without your help! No amount is too big or too small!

We hope to see you soon! Have a great week and weekend everyone!

Chris = Fabulous!

June is by far and away our busiest month of our entire season. So it somewhat goes with the territory that not every member is able to perform with us at each event.  that being said, we still ask that everyone comes to each practice, because as the saying goes, "practice makes perfect" and we want to make sure we keep all of our skills as sharp as possible for all of our fans out there! This week, it was one of our members who won't be able to attend the weekend's events who really stood out at practice. Even though he wasn't placed in any of the stunt pods or set in any of the formations, Chris W. worked the entire practice long doing countless burpies, endless crunches, and push-ups until he just couldn't push anymore! It's that kind of dedication to the team that we love so much about our hard working members. Please join us in giving Chris a big congratulations as he is our Fabulous Award recipient for the week! 

 Name: Chris W.
Member since: August 2012
Position: Base
Why did you tryout for Cheer New York:  I wanted to give back to my community and get involved in a group of people in the city that enjoyed do the same things. And I wanted to do some stunting in the meantime!
Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Masters of Arts in Art Education
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I am a puppeteer! I was fascinated with puppets when I was a kid, but didn’t really start seriously working with them until grad school. Now I perform with a Latino children’s theater on the Lower East Side.
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? My favorite kind of ice cream is anything except mint chocolate chip. I do LOVE chocolate or vanilla ice cream with chocolate birthday cake and frosting mixed in with it.
What’s your favorite time of year? I really like the summer because I love swimming and getting my tan on, but fall is my absolute favorite because of the beautiful colors and pumpkin anything!
What is your favorite quote? "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." -Eden Ahbez "Nature Boy" (song, recorded by Nat King Cole)

Looking to add a little spirit to your weekend? We will be super busy both Saturday and Sunday cheering through the streets of New York! Saturday, we will be alongside all of the walkers, runners, and racers as they make their way through Central Park for the YAI Central Park Challenge. Sunday, we will be out in Queens officially kicking off the start of our Pride season! The parade gets going at 12 noon followed immediately by the multicultural festival where we'll be performing on the main stage! Two great events that you will NOT want to miss. We can't wait to see you there!

Ember D. Is Fabulous!

In case you missed the memo...Pride season is just around the corner. Cheer New York's first Pride appearance will be in Queens, NY in less than a month and the "main event" (NYC Pride) is just a short 53 days away. So what does that mean for us? New tricks, new flips, new dances and practice, practice, practice! 

Someone that is a true pro when it comes to rolling with the punches, bumps, and bruises that go along with Pride preparation is none other than Ember D! We are so excited that she will be with us for her THIRD Pride season this summer. Ember truly is such an amazing asset to our team and we are lucky to have her. 

Take a moment to get to know Ember D. 
a little better!

Name: Ember D.
Member since: 2010.
Position: Flyer / Tumbler.
Why on Cheer New York: C-H-E-E-R-N-Why? Because cheering for charity is an inspiring and productive way for me to support the community. Also, my belly-baring uniform motivates me to stay in shape and my teammates are all wonderful friends who totally rock.
Occupation? Family Nurse Practitioner.
Where are you from originally? Sacramento, CA.
How long have you lived in NY? 4 years.
When did you start cheerleading? When I was 12 years old.
What’s your favorite Cheer NY event? Out at Night at Six Flags
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I'm 1/4 Chinese.
Who is your celebrity crush? Natalie Portman.
What’s your favorite meal? Sushi.
List 6 things you could never do without: Ketchup, earplugs, NYC MTA, Rainbow sandals, toothbrush, laughter.
What’s your silliest fear? Clowns.

Mikaela Is F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S.!

Now that we are getting closer to Pride season, Cheer New York is working really hard to learn new and exciting stunt sequences to wow the crowds. Last week at practice, we tried something new that was a challenge to even the most experienced of flyers. Mikaela D., who is not only new to the team but also new to flying, took this challenge in stride and was able to successfully hit the stunt. That's why she's this week's Fabulous award winner! She listened to the advice of her bases with a smile and wasn't afraid to try something new. Great job Mikaela! Thank you for all of your hard work each week!

 

 Mikaela D. (right) pictured at The Original  GLBT Expo with her sister, Ember D. (left)

Here's a little more about Mikaela!

Name: Mikaela D.
Member since: February 2013.
Position: Flyer / Tumbler.
Why are you on Cheer New York: My sister Ember has been on Cheer NY for the past few years and I had always wished there was a similar organization where I was living. After visiting, I decided to stay and live in NYC just a couple weeks before tryouts. I jumped at the chance to join Cheer NY, get involved in the community and meet new friends. It is awesome to be able to make a difference while doing something I love with such a fantastic group of people. I am looking forward to the rest of the season!
Occupation? Commercial Real Estate.
Where are you from originally? California.
How long have you lived in NY? Since January 2013.
What’s your favorite stunt/trick? Anything new!
What do you do in your free time? I love to spend time with my sister and friends cooking, eating, and going on adventures.
What’s your favorite meal? Kimchi jjigae.
What’s the last book you loved? The Art of Racing in the Rain.

Jovani Is...FABULOUS!

Jovani P. is always a team player who is willing to step up whenever the team needs him. This past week, one cheerleader had to step out of stunting and couldn't do his part of the pyramid, and Jovani stepped in right away to make the stunt happen.

Way to go, Jovani! 

Here's what you need to know about this week's Fabulous Award winner...

Name: Jovani ("Jeo") P.
Member since: 2011.
Position: Base / Tumbler.
Age: 25.
Favorite stunt: 360 full-up high-to-high tick-tock bow-and-arrow double-down.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? That behind this tough exterior lives a quiet and innocent little boy.
Who is your celebrity crush? Prince Harry of Wales.
What do you do in your spare time? Cheerleading.

Sing It On!

Last Sunday, April 14, Cheer New York hosted a karaoke fundraiser night with DJ Patrick Kuzara at the Time Out New York Lounge. Patrick took the stage at 8 o'clock sharp singing Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" to get the night started.

The rest of the night, the stage was never empty. We had a great mix of performances from our own Cheer NY cheerleaders, as well as some really talented audience members. Adele, Shania Twain, Lady Gaga, Sister Act, Beyonce... you name it, we sang it.

A loud shout out to everyone who bought the raffle tickets too! Congratulations to all of the winners!

For everyone that was able to make it out on a school night to sing along with us, THANK YOU!! These charitable cheerleaders sure are proud of you! 

NEXT FUNDRAISER: If you missed us last weekend, we will be at The Ritz Bar & Lounge this Saturday (April 20th) night from 10pm-3am! Make sure you pick up a"TICKET" from a Cheer New York member as the Ritz will be donating TWO DOLLARS to Cheer NY on behalf of every person that walks in the door with a ticket. We will also be dancing, selling shots, drink specials.... all that good stuff, so please stop by! Get in touch with a member from our team, or contact us directly for more details. 

Don't forget to spread the word about our charitable cheerleading on your favorite social media site!
We are now on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  @CheerNewYork

Cassie Is FABULOUS!

Even though Pride season isn't for another couple of months, Cheer New York is already working hard on getting our stunts perfected. As a sport, it comes with the territory that sometimes we are going to get bumped, bruised, and a little banged up. But this week's Fabulous Award winner didn't let that stop her. Even if she may have been a little nervous about trying new stunts, she never showed it. Like a true professional, she remained safe and encouraged her teammates to try again until they got it right...Just a few of the reasons why CASSIE J. won the Fabulous Award this week!!

Get to know one of our awesome Newbies! 

 

Name: Cassie J.
Member since: February 2013.
Position: Base.
Why on Cheer NY: I recently moved to New York from California and was looking for a way to meet a new group of people when I happened to see Cheer New York at Barnes & Noble wrapping gifts around Christmas time. I immediately looked up the team online and knew I just had to try out, not only because I missed the sport and wanted to meet all these amazing and talented people, but because everyone on the team works for a common goal that is completely selfless and helpful to the community. I’m so happy to be a part of this team and I already feel that I’m helping make a difference in New York even though I’ve only been on the team for a couple of months!
When did you start cheerleading: 8th grade.
What’s your favorite Cheer NY event: So far, the NYC Half Marathon. It felt so good making people smile and giving them that extra encouragement toward the end of the race.
What would people be surprised to learn about you: I’m trilingual! Quieres hablar en Español o vuoi parlare in Italiano?
What’s your favorite stunt: Baskets, they always get the crowd going.

Who is your celebrity crush: Ryan Gosling, his abs are ridiculous!

.

NYC Half 2013

On Sunday, March 17th, Cheer New York layered up to cheer at an event we participate in every year, the NYC Half Marathon. The thousands of racers weren't going to let the unseasonable cold keep them from putting a "spring" in their step! Upon arriving at the designated Cheer NY Cheer Zone, teammates were shaking and chattering due to the weather, early hour and excitement for the NYC Half. 

Once the race started, a sea of faces streamed down the West Side Highway, and Cheer New York was there near mile 11 to pump the runners up for the final stretch.

photo courtesy of NYRR

For many members of the team, this race is possibly one of the most emotional. It's always fun to dance, stunt and cheer but at this race we are able to connect more with several runners who not only waved and smiled but, high fived, hugged and a few racers even got a little jiggy with us. This race is longer and more physically demanding than a 5k, but more intimate than the NYC ING Marathon.

 We rallied on the athletes for three hours and in that time we saw the spirit of those racing; beginning with wheelchair racers, followed by the top men and women, LGBT friends from the Front Runners NY team, the thousands of NYRR racers and all the way to the very last local runner.

Some runners who were out of steam seemed to come alive and picked up the pace once they saw us. It is incredibly inspiring to see runners light up and get a second (or perhaps third or fourth) wind.

When the racers laughed, smiled and even thanked us for cheering them on, all thoughts of chilly weather were gone. And it was a special treat for us to cheer on three of our own teammates, Abbey C., Katie M., and Rachael G., as they traded in their pom poms for some sneakers and took to the pavement.

It was an intoxicating feeling knowing that you helped at least one person achieve a personal goal. We did not stunt or jump this year (due to the bitter cold), which for some members is a personal favorite part of events, but it was always easy to keep a smile on our faces at the NYC Half.

Great job and a huge congrats to the thousands of finishers from this past weekend’s NYC Half Marathon. We are proud of YOU!

This Is Your Time - Become A Member Of Cheer NY!

Join Us! We are "Cheerleaders for Charity!" Join Cheer New York to help your community, make new friends and have fun, while staying in shape. Besides the joy of raising money for charities through our Cheer for Life Fund, Cheer NY provides a positive and mutually supportive environment for our athletes, where adult men and women of all ages, gay and straight can share their talents and training with each other and strive for personal excellence. We are a sport, charity, social club, and family all in one! If you are 21 years old or older, you can audition to be a performing member on our Cheer Squad or join our Cheer NY Auxiliary Group (“Behind the scenes” Helpers, Fundraising or Marketing Assistants, Team Photographers, and Team Mascots).

Tryouts include one day for a MANDATORY Clinic/Registration on Feb. 6 (MAKE UP Clinic/Registration- Feb.  10), and a second day for your MANDATORY Audition (Feb. 13).

At clinics, you will get an orientation, get your questions answered, complete registration paperwork, and then review/learn jumps, cheers and stunts needed for tryouts. You must come to one of the two clinics (but are welcome to attend both, if you want the extra practice).

TRYOUT CLINIC: February 6, 2013.

Chris W, You ARE Fabulous!

Cheer New York had another grueling practice last week, learning new parts to our Pride routine...Some of the members of our team are born dancers; learning new material doesn't present much of a challenge for them. But for the rest of our team, well...it can take a little bit more effort. It's such a great feeling to watch as each person learns and really pushes themselves to master each new eight-count. This past week in particular, Chris W. really pushed himself to his limits to make sure that he knew each count perfectly. Chris came to Cheer NY after cheering at West Virginia University for five years, in search of something to do in and around the city with hopes to make new friends.

"I was very happy to get the Fabulous Award this week because I have been working very hard to do my best. I am glad my hard work was noticed!" - Chris W.

Congratulations Chris! Thank you for always giving Cheer NY your all!

Wish you could be our next Fabulous Award winner?! Become a member of Cheer New York!!! We have auditions coming up. The first clinic is Wednesday February 6 with a make-up clinic on Sunday February 10. Final night of auditions is Wednesday February 13.

Please visit our website www.cheerny.org to get further details and contact info.

CHEER NY MID-SEASON TRYOUTS 2013!!

Want to join the team?

 
TRYOUT CLINIC:  Wed Feb 6th
(Time: 6:45pm-10pm)

TRYOUT CLINIC (Make-up):  Sun Feb 10th 
(Time: 1:45pm-5pm)

TRYOUT AUDITIONS: Wed Feb 13th
(Time: 6:45pm-10pm).

Cheer NY asks that all RECRUITS:
A) Go to our website to learn about our LGBTS organization & our Cheer For Life charity.
B) Be athletic or physically fit (no experience necessary).
C) Be 21 and older. There is no upper age limit. Current members are in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
(If you are 20 years old and will turn 21 soon, speak to Director for special approval to join the team).

All recruits must attend at least ONE cheer CLINIC to complete paperwork and learn tryout material. You can come to BOTH clinics to get your skills up.

There is a one-time $20 fee to register for tryouts (collected at the start of the clinic). This fee will pay for gym space rental and an official Cheer NY t-shirt for you to wear for your Audition.

Tryouts and clinics will be held in Chelsea / Midtown Manhattan. Please Register Online to get exact location and details.

No experience necessary!!! We are NOT an All-Star Team. If new to cheerleading, a sports background is highly encouraged for BASES (bottom of pyramids) & a Gymnastics / Diving background encouraged for FLYERS (top of pyramids).

You must REGISTER via our website or Email to attend clinics and auditions.

CONTACT US to sign up and get more info, financial and time requirements and exact location.

WEBSITE: www.CheerNY.org

PHOTOS: www.facebook.com/CheerNewYork

Cheer NY Hasn't WRAPPED Up Their Season Yet!

That's right folks! Cheer New York is still hard at work wrapping all of your 2012 gifts at the Union Square Barnes & Noble! We will be there open to close through Christmas Eve (Monday night)!

As you can see, our little elves have been keeping busy taking care of all of your gift wrapping needs. All of your generous donations that we've received so far are making a HUGE impact on our two Cheer For Life charities, Art Start and the Bronx Aids Services (BAS).

Be sure to please your favorite book worm or that movie goer in your life, with a gift from Barnes & Noble. There's still plenty of time to get in all of your holiday shopping! If nothing else, we'd love to have you stop by and say hello!

From all of us at Cheer New York, we want to wish you the happiest of holidays and a healthy New Year!

World AIDS Day 2012

Happy Holiday's Cheer New York friends, family and fans! Today, December 1, 2012, is World AIDS Day. An opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. Please show your support by marking this day, taking a moment to reflect on this worldwide issue. Please show your support by wearing a red ribbon, raising awareness, give a donation to an AIDS organization or attending a local event.

Cheer NY At The Walk To End Alzheimer's 2012

As much fun as we all have being able to cheer in multiple pride parades, bar events that even take place at sea, and sometimes even on Broadway, nothing is more satisfying than when we are cheering people on at a charity walk or race. Back on October 21, Cheer New York cheered on hundreds of adults, kids, and even dogs at the Walk To End Alzheimer’s.

This time around Cheer New York cheered people on as they are arriving on an early, chilly morning and you could just see the excitement in their eyes that there were real cheerleaders there… for them! 

We cheered them on when they were halfway done by throwing stunts and thanking them for being there.

 And finally, we cheered for them again when they finished a very long walk for a very good cause.

Being able to thank people who come out for such a good cause and having them thank us for being there for them is one of the most amazing and humbling feelings a person can have. This reminds us all why we are a part of this organization and what we do for people who also do great things like participants of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Cameo, You're Fabulous!

Hello to all of our loyal Cheer New York blog followers. We apologize it’s been a little quiet around here. First and foremost, we want to thank everyone who has reached out to us in the midst of hurricane Sandy. Your strength and support means so much to us. Rest assured, no one from Cheer NY was seriously harmed or injured. Thank goodness!

Because of all of this crazy weather, Cheer NY had their last practice for the fall 2012 season on Oct. 24. The winner of the last fabulous award went to a veteran who has really come back to prove herself this season. Please give a huge congratulations to Cameo S. for really stepping up her game lately. Leadership chose Cameo as this weeks fabulous award recipient because athletically, she has really improved. But more importantly, she has improved her commitment to this team and always serves up a good dose of healthy competition at every practice or event.

"Super excited about getting the fabulous award. I wish I had some glitter to throw!" - Cameo S.

We wish we had some for you too! You deserve it!

Please come out to see your favorite Cheer New York members this holiday season, we will be wrapping gifts at the Union Square Barnes & Noble December 6-24! Don't forget that all of your generous donations go to charity!

Cheer New York & The Will Clark Show

On Wed. Oct 11 Cheer New York teamed up with The Will Clark Show to raise money for The Cheer for Life Fund playing good old fashion BINGO.  
That is, if old fashion BINGO featured booze,  Adult prizes, and some risqué banter from Will and co-host Collin Stone. 

 The team sold $1 Bingo cards to Ritz bar patrons who were treated to off color comedy, Happy Hour specials, and music by DJ Chauncey Dandridge.  Special guest Joe Conti also performed his new single When it Comes to Love (available on iTunes) during a break between rounds.  

Will was a gracious host giving shout outs to the team several times through out the evening and sharing our mission with the crowd.  Thanks to the Ritz, Will Clark, and to everyone who came out and had a great time.  BINGO!!!