Fifth Avenue Mile - 2013

On Sunday, September 22nd 2013, Cheer New York had the pleasure of cheering on the racers at the 32^nd annual NYRR Fifth Avenue Mile.

photo credit: NYRR

As we walked towards the warm up area around 7:30am we were expecting to find tired, cranky morning people but to our surprise, everyone was so energized and excited for what the day had in store.  The weather was perfect for a fall morning: not to cool and not too warm, which was nice for the runners and spectators so they could comfortably stop to watch us in between their warm up. 

Not even five minutes into the start of the event you could already feel the high voltage energy our cheerleaders were exuding.

photo credit: NYRR

The runners themselves were so much fun to cheer for. It was so heartwarming to have them wave and smile back at us before speeding up for the finish line. Knowing that we played a part in motivating them to complete their run definitely made our day. 

We loved how responsive the crowd was as that’s what drives us as performers and cheerleaders. Great job to everyone who participated in the 5th Ave Mile. A shout-out to the adorable young runners who closed the race and Cheer New York’s own Katie M. who finished the race in 6 minutes and 54 seconds!

We can't wait for our next event this Wednesday (Oct. 2^nd from 7-10pm) THAT’S TOMORROW!! -- the "The Will Clark Show" Bingo Fundraiser at Uncle Charlie’s Bar (139 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017) Hope to see you there!

Sea Tea 2013

Sunday September 9th, Cheer New York embarked upon the Sea Tea Cruise Party on the Hudson, yet again.
For all of you who weren’t able to make it, here’s what you missed...  

Cheer New York set up in front of Pier 78 to get everyone pumped up before we all traveled down the Hudson on the Queen of Hearts with the Gay Men’s Chorus and the BOI Party.  

We had a great show with Madelynn Hatter, Pusse Couture and Jada Belenciaga, followed by a surprise performance by none other than Cheer New York themselves! 

But the highlight of the night is that Cheer New York was able to sell almost 150 tickets, which helped go towards our Cheer For Life Fund! Great job Cheerleaders!!

photo credit: Boi Party.com

GREAT news ladies and gents!!! Last night, the team voted for our 2013-2014 Cheer For Life recipients!! We will be announcing them to you all very shortly. 

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, THIS BLOG, and "like" us on Facebook! 

We're constantly updating our performance calendar and would love to see your shining face at our next event! 

Six Flags: Out At Night 2013

This year Cheer New York started off the 2013-2014 season with the 10th annual Gay Day "Out At Night" presented by Mark Nelson and Gage (Kris) in association with Six Flags Great Adventure. 

As the guests entered the park, we greeted them with stunts, cheers and dances to start their night off on a high spirited note. 

Gay Day "Out At Night" is the largest gay private event held annually in the U.S. It was an event filled with cute boys and girls, roller-coasters and a healthy dose of Jersey drama!

Cheer NY performed a few times for the LGBT Six Flag goers: At the entrance, at the water fountain and also at the main stage to the sounds of DJ's Eddie Baez, Steve Sidewalk and Hector Fonseca. Guests loved every moment of it! We even had a few record our performances and ask for pictures. 

After a few hours of performing all cheerleaders got the opportunity to enjoy the rides, play games and dance back at the main stage. 

Congratulations to all newbies who attended their very first event as an official Cheer New York member and thank you to all the veterans for warm welcoming love.

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)!

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.

Cheer NY Fundraiser At The Ritz TOMORROW!

Tomorrow, Saturday April 20th Cheer New York will be at the Ritz Bar & Lounge fundraising for our Cheer For Life fund! 

Join the charitable cheerleaders of Cheer New York at the Ritz this Saturday (tomorrow)! We will be there from 10PM - 3AM. We ask that you pick up a FREE entry pass from one of our cheerleaders! For each pass the Ritz collects at the door, Cheer NY gets a $2 donation towards charity! We will be there collecting donations, selling shots, and go-go dancing!! There will be not one, but TWO DJ's (Jon Jon Battles and Xavier) there spinning some serious jams and making sure you're having a good time no matter where in the bar you might be. And you don't want to miss Dallas Dubois! 

The Ritz Bar & Lounge is located at 369 W. 46th St. 

between 8th & 9th Ave.

Please RSVP on our Facebook invite 

or contact us for more information, info@cheerny.org

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

Sing It On -- THIS Sunday!

This Sunday, April 14th @ 8 pm - 12 midnight, Cheer New York, along with DJ Patrick Kuzara, will be hosting  
"Sing It On: Cheeraoke for Charity" at Time Out NY Lounge
(downstairs at New World Stages)!!

We will be there singing and cheering on your performance, while Patrick drops some sick beats. This is an event not to be missed! Please help us spread the word: Join our event on Facebook (and invite all of your friends and co-workers), TWEET about it, and share! share! share! on your INSTAGRAM (make sure you tag us! @CheerNewYork)!

There is no cover charge, drinks are reasonable, and all the rah-rah and fun included is FREE! We are excited about Sunday's charity event and look forward seeing you there.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Cheer NY Cheers Loud & Proud!

We know that all of our supporters cannot make it to every Cheer New York event so we want to share with you a video of what Cheer New York is about: from our stunting, tumbling, and dancing to the lifting of spirits at our charity events and fundraisers. As we approach this year’s NYC Pride season we aim to continue inspiring hope and encouragement in our audiences everywhere while continuing with our "Cheer for Life" mission.

ADD US 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!

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It's a Tie! TWO Fabulous Award Winners!

For the first time ever in Cheer New York's Fabulous Award history... we have a tie! At last week's practice, we had TWO exceptional members steal the spotlight and really take what we say about charity to heart and put a lot of focus on the Cheer For Life aspect of our team. This was also the first time ever that a non-performing member of our team has won the Fabulous Award!

Without further adieu, we present to you......JEREMY & OMER!

Get to know our Fabulous winners!

Name: Jeremy K.
Member since: February 2013
Position: Auxiliary
Why on Cheer New York: I wish I could give you all the reasons why I came to Cheer NY in a short
sentence... On top of the great things Cheer NY does for the community and the way we give back and lift spirits, I have personal reasons why I love Cheer NY. The feeling of family and love that I get from every single person on the team is something that is extremely rare to find in New York; A hidden gem in a pocket of rust and ash. I genuinely feel connected on a personal level and that is something I didn’t realize I needed, until spending time with the team.
How long have you lived in NYC? I have only lived in NY for 2 years
What’s your favorite time of year? PLEASE! Get rid of this cold and let me wear some short shorts and a tank top laying in the grass in Sheep’s Meadow in the summer time!
Occupation? Technical Designer for a big fashion company

Name: Omer C.
Member since: February 2013
Position: Auxiliary
Why on Cheer New York: To help organizations in need and be part of an amazing group of people.
Occupation? Account Manager for Ad Agency
Where are you from originally? Israel
How did you feel about Cheer NY as a group or a moment where you felt connected to CNY? I feel that everyone on the team genuinely loves what they are doing and loves each other. It really feels like one big family that extends beyond just practices and events. I am happy to know that I have been chosen to be a member of such an amazing group of people.
Who is your celebrity crush? AHAHAHA…PLEASE don’t judge: Justin Bieber. I know maybe 2 of his songs but he is def a crush!

What do job/career would you like? Creative Director of an Ad Agency (Think of Mel Gibson in the movie "What Women Want"- minus the lightning hitting me.)

Congrats Peter and Randall!

In the 11 years that Cheer New York has been around, we've gotten to be a part of some pretty memorable experiences: cheering at the finish line at the nationally-televised ING NYC Marathon every year, being in a segment on the Colbert Report, performing on the main stage at Gay Games Germany...the list goes on. But nothing compares to the truly personal and heart-warming moments we get to experience when we're not even in the spotlight.

Last weekend at The Original GLBT Expo, our members were walking around spreading the word about our Cheer For Life charities (Art Start & Bronx AIDS Services) when we found out that there would be an LGBT wedding happening right in front of the Florida Keys & Key West booth. Naturally, we wanted to be there to cheer the couple on to wedded bliss!

We were beyond flattered to receive an email from Peter and Randall a few days after the Expo that read..."We were both extremely nervous before the ceremony….we live in laid back Key West, FL and aren’t used to all of the action….but your group’s wonderful performance and love certainly put us at ease."

Peter and Randall, from all of us at Cheer New York, we wish you a lifetime of happiness together. Thank you so much for letting us be a part of this monumental day in your lives. Please let us know if you are ever in the NYC area again - we would be happy to be your tour guides!

If you want to be a part of something monumental with us... come down to the Westside Highway at Christopher St. this Sunday where we will be cheering on the racers as they fight to finish the NYC Half 2013! We will be there supporting everyone and encouraging them to race to the half marathon finish as fast as they can. 

Are you on Instagram? Us too! Follow us, @CheerNewYork

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! 

Thank You, GLBT Expo 2013!!

This past weekend, Cheer New York appeared at The Original GLBT Expo in New York City as one of the many exhibitors at the 20th annual Expo on March 9th and 10th at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center.

Cheer NY showed off our new members, new uniforms, did some recruiting, performed stunts, jumps, cheers, dances and even tumbling to raise awareness our two local charities (Art Start & Bronx Aids Services).

The two-day event was the first performance for many of our new team members and our very own John-Deric M. performed on the main stage as did David G. with drag performer Peppermint, who even gave us a special shout out.

This event marked the start of the 2013 Pride season for Cheer New York; so many fans that came and told us how great we looked and couldn't wait to see us at the Pride Parades.

This event was such a fun and successful experience for us. Cheer New York is always honored to be with such a dynamic group of people that attend The Original GLBT Expo and who cheer us on just as much as we cheer them on.

If you missed seeing us at the Expo this weekend, fear not! Cheer New York will be on the sidelines of the NYC Half Marathon Sunday morning (March 17th) cheering on all of New York City's finest Road Runners (including a few of our own teammates, Abbey C., Katie M. and Rachael G.)! Make sure you check us out at the "Cheer NY Cheer Zone" on the West Side Highway near Christopher St. (around mile marker 10!) and say hi, help us cheer on the runners and give them a bit of encouragement!

Photo courtesy of NYRR 2012

Fabulous Brennen!

This week, leadership crowned another Newbie Cheer New Yorker the Fabulous Award winner! They noticed at this week's practice that even when thrown into a new stunt group, even if they were struggling, this member would only use that as motivation and work even harder. This newbie did such a great job communicating with his pod and never gave attitude - he was always just ready to try it again until they nailed it.......Drum roll please........Congratulations Brennen C.!!! 

Get to know Brennen!

Name: Brennen C.

Member since: February 2013.
Position: Mid-Base / Tumbler.
Why did you want to join Cheer NY? I wanted to join Cheer NY to build friendships and to use my experience in cheerleading to show support for charities while entertaining and providing knowledge to the community.

What has exceed your expectations after being on the team? How hard everyone practices and how committed we are as a team to provide the best entertainment for charity events.

Who is your celebrity crush? Adam Levine!!!

When did you start cheerleading? 9th Grade.

How long have you lived in NYC? 8 Months!

Where are you from originally? The middle of the woods in nowhere Pennsylvania.

If you're in New York City this weekend and are looking for something to do to get out of the snow, make sure you stop by The Original GLBT Expo at the Javits Center! Cheer NY will be there throughout the entire weekend dancing, stunting, flipping and collecting donations for our two charities that we're raising money for with our Cheer for Life Fund! Tickets are only $17 but all the fun (and swag) is FREE!!! 

Cheer NY & The Original GLBT Expo!

This is a big year for The Original GLBT Expo as they celebrate their 20th year! Cheer New York will be there as we have been for many years past, to help boost the excitement.

Please join us Saturday March 9 and Sunday March 10, both days from 12noon to 6pm.

Come get a sneak peak at what we've got up our sleeves for Pride season as we show off our stunts, tricks and flips! Don't forget that we are cheering for charity, so make sure you show our donation bucket some love. The sexy men and women of Cheer NY will be their dancing and cheering their butts off, just for you- so please stop by and say "Hi!!"

Photos by HeyMrJason Photography and courtesy of Out Magazine, at The Original GLBT Expo, 2012.
 

Fabulous Newbie: Ashley!

If you haven't caught up with us lately, you may not know that Cheer New York recently had tryouts! It's always so great to see the energy and enthusiasm that our newbies come in with. Leadership really noticed Ashley S. stepping up at this week's practice. Always eager to be involved in whatever stunt is being thrown, always practicing the dances and cheers with her teammates when there's down time... It was an easy decision for the leadership to crown her this week's Fabulous Award winner! 

Get to know Ashley S!!

Ashley was born and raised here in NYC, she started cheerleading when she was 12 years old and you might be surprised to learn that she is ambidextrous! Even though she hasn't hit it yet, her favorite stunt is a kick-double...she says "one day I'll get there and master it!" Like everyone else in NYC, she's looking forward to spring so she can wear spring dresses and flip-flops.

Congratulations on winning the Cheer NY Fabulous Award Ashley!

Wondering where Cheer New York will be next? Make sure to come say hi to us at The Original GLBT Expo on March 9 & 10!

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Cheerleader 0f The Year: Wilson V.

Cheer New York is made up of adult men and women varying in ages, from all different walks of life. Each year we have approximately 30-40 Performing Members plus 15 or so Active Alumni and Auxiliary Members. Each November, the entire team gets all dressed up for our annual Cheer New York Awards Banquet. There are a handful of awards that the team gets to vote on, "Best Jumper," "Best Dancer," "Most Improved Flyer," etc. But there is one award, that is given by the Cheer NY Leadership, and it just might be Cheer New York's most coveted award..."Cheerleader of the Year!" The winner of this award embodies what Cheer NY is all about. They put their heart and soul into every practice, every event, every parade, raising money for local charities etc., etc., etc. We are fortunate enough to have many members of our team that could easily win this award, making leadership's job to pick only one person each year a bit difficult. But after careful consideration, leadership made their choice for the 2012-2013 recipient. Drum roll please.......

This year's Cheerleader of the Year is......

Wilson V!!!!

Wilson has been a vital part of this team since August 2009 and was a Co-captain for the 2011-2012 season. He is one of our strongest bases and one of our most talented tumblers.

He says that he is on Cheer New York because "It's a great way to give back to the community while doing one of my favorite activities, whether it be cheering, tumbling or dancing. I enjoy learning new skills and challenging myself with new stunts. But most of all, I've had the honor to meet some of the most incredible people in New York City."

Wilson makes time for Cheer NY after long days at the office as the Senior Account Service Representative for Turner Broadcasting. In his free time, he enjoys going to gymnastics classes, diving at Columbia University, coaching adults and kids in gymnastics, watching movies, and dinning out with friends and loved ones. The one meal that he just cannot get enough of is pasta, pasta, and more pasta!

What inspires Wilson? "My biggest inspiration has been my dad. He came from Cuba at the young age of 19 and was able to start a business, buy property, raise a family and become an American Citizen. He's inspired me to work as hard as I can in just about everything I do. It has affected my gymnastics, my education and my career in so many positive ways."

Giving back to the community, and raising money for charity is so much a part of this team, and a part of Wilson. "I really like how Cheer NY focuses on giving back to local organizations. How these organizations are small yet have a big impact in the community. Also, being that they are small organizations, we don't have to raise $100,000 for it to benefit the organization...every little bit counts, if it's 2k or 20k. These organizations do a lot for our community and I like to know that we can do a lot for them with the money we raise for them through our Cheer For Life fund."

Congratulations Wilson V!!! Thank you for your commitment and everything you do for Cheer New York.

Make sure you say hi to him at our next event, and congratulate him on receiving this prestigious award!