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!

Eli, You Are F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S!

Sorry we haven't been blogging about our events as much lately, but trust us, we've been BUSY! Don't worry, we'll tell you all about them very soon!

In the mean time, please join Cheer NY in congratulating Eli R. who won the Fabulous Award last week! We definitely pushed Eli to the max last week, but you wouldn't know by watching him that he was tackling stunts and pyramids that he had never done before. He was high-flying in the air like a pro! Way to go Eli!

Eli R. is a constant bundle of energy and we would love for you to get to know him a little better.

Name: Eli R.
Member Since: August 2012.
Position: Mid-Base Flyer.
Why on Cheer NY: I joined Cheer New York because I wanted to give back to the community, create new friendships, and pursue my passion for cheer & dance again.

Fun Facts About Eli:

• My celeb crushes are Adam Levine, Joel Madden, & Daniel Radcliffe
• Favorite bands are Green Day and Blink 182! Do Britney Spears & Madonna count too?
• Favorite meal is sushi. I'm Asian/Islander, I know! Typical. 
• Favorite dessert is red velvet cake.
• People might be surprised to know that I enjoy fishing. 
• In my free time, I roam the city looking for design inspirations, whether it's from browsing at flea markets, sketching at Central Park, or running in my neighborhood. This city is truly magical.
• Growing up I always thought I'd be a nurse or a doctor but as you grow up you learn more about yourself and discover your passion in life. For me, it's fashion design and that is how I ended up here in NYC. 
• I am so glad to be part of this amazing organization. The people on the team have become my closest friends. Everyone is genuinely passionate and kind, I definitely felt at home after the first practice. In cheerleading trust is important and I think that's what initially connects each and everyone of us immediately. 

  

Who's Fabulous? Cody!

As the workday winds down here on the East Coast, our Cheer New York members still have a long night ahead of them with another practice that will go into the night. These practices only get tougher and more grueling as we are fast approaching our Pride season (17 days 'till Queens Pride; 24 days 'till Brooklyn Pride; 25 days 'till Philly Pride and a short 45 days 'till NYC Pride)!!

As you (our loyal blog readers) may have noticed, we award a different team member each week for an exceptional job well done at practice. We hope that you've enjoyed getting to know a few of our team members, but now it's time to recognize one more! Last Wednesday, Cody W. really did an exceptional job filling in wherever we put him with a phenomenal attitude. Won't you please join us in congratulating Cody for winning this past week's Fabulous Award! 

Take a moment to get to know Cody W. a little better... 

Name: Cody W.

Member since: Fall 2010.

Position: Base.

Why did you join Cheer New York? I originally joined Cheer New York because I missed cheering so much. I've been cheering since I was 15, but after joining this amazing team, making some of my best friends and helping out the community the way that we do...the reasons are endless!

Age: 31 years old.

Occupation: Freelance dancer and choreographer.

Where are you originally from: Utica, upstate New York, it's about 4 hours away from NYC.

How long have you lived in NYC? I moved to NYC in 2010...the day I moved here, I tried out for Cheer NY!

How long have you been cheerleading? I started when I was 15.

What is your favorite stunt/trick? Basket tosses.

What is your favorite Cheer NY event? I have two favorites! The ING New York City Marathon and NYC (Manhattan) Pride.

What do you do with your free time outside of Cheer NY? I work as a dancer, hairdresser, makeup artist and costume designer. Although it's my work, that is what I do for fun!

List six things you couldn't live without: My family, my iPhone, dance, cheerleading, chocolate and love.

Tell us something interesting that you want our readers to know about you: When I grow up, wait...I'm 31 (HAHAHA). When I die, I want to be known worldwide for my passion for dance and the performing arts.

What is your favorite time of year? Spring.

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.

Brian, You're Fabulous! ~~*Kiss Noise*~~

Week after week, the farther we get into our season, and closer to Pride, Cheer NY members really start stepping up their game at practices and giving it their all, which makes it hard for our Coaches to decide who is most deserving of that night's Fabulous Award. This past week, it was one of our amazing Veterans who really inspired the team. Never one to let anything stop him, and always one of the firsts to help out behind the scenes -- this week's well-deserving recipient of the Fabulous Award was...Brian W! Coaches really appreciate the extra work that he puts into Cheer New York. Sidelined from stunting until next season due to medical issues, Brian doesn't let this stop him from taking on whatever extra conditioning he can squeeze in to make sure he's in shape for Pride season - that is of course if he's not spotting or helping other teammates perfect their dances.

Please help us congratulate Brian W. and take a moment to get to know him a little better!

 Photo compliments of Hey Mr. Jason Photography.

Name: Brian W.
Member since: 2006.
Position: Mid-Base / Tumbler.
Why joined Cheer NY: Where else can you give back to the community and look FIERCE while doing it? It's good for your muscles too.
Where are you from originally? Sidney, NY...A place with more cows than people.
When did you start cheerleading? When I joined Cheer NY in 2006. I came from a dance and acrobatics background which I had been doing since 1986.
What’s your favorite stunt/trick? "It's a Prep!!" - coach Mike V.
Who is your celebrity crush? Jason Statham.
What’s your silliest fear? Being in some type of "Saw" style situation.
What’s your favorite meal? Dessert.
What’s your favorite Cheer NY event? NYC PRIDE!! 

Congrats 2013 Newbies!

Cheer New York is very lucky in that we live in the greatest city in the U.S. (in our humble opinion). We have such a huge pool of talent show up at our auditions each year, it's hard for us to make cuts. That being said... Congratulations to the lucky 16 who recently went through our mid-season auditions and made the team!

Thank you to each and every person who auditioned.... we sincerely wish we could take every one of you. Please, re-audition for us again this summer for our 2013-2014 season!

Congrats again, and welcome to the Cheer NY family: Ashley S., Brennen C., Caitlin O., Cassie J., Dustin B., Justin K., Kendrew D., Lyndsey A., Mikaela D., Omer C., Sloan L., Zavier C., retuning member Jovani P., and our new auxiliary members, Cleopatra A., Jeremy K., and Austin N!
 

Now let's get ready for Pride season!!!

  Please join us in welcoming the newest members to the team!
Cheer NY would love to see you at 
Boxers Sports Bar in Hell's Kitchen
(50th St. & 9th Ave.) this Sunday, February 17 @ 6pm-9pm
for our semi-annual "Newbie Night!" 
Always a fun time, we hope to see you there!

Jock-A-Thon!!

Last night, Monday February 4, 2013 Cheer New York attended the 7th annual Jock-A-Thon Ball Gay Sports Party & Time Square Social Presented by TheMenEvent and Edge Networks at Dave & Buster's in Time Square. 

Cheer New York, along with other participating NYC teams came out to recruit and gain new athletic supporters. Hundreds of men and women came out to meet the jocks, and perhaps, end up on a team! This event has been a staple of the gay sports community and has been an excellent way to mix and mingle with all team members and those interested in learning more about gay sports in NYC.

With our upcoming tryouts, less than a day away, this event was a great way for us to gain some last minute recruits for this week's auditions.

We had a blast getting to know some of the new teams in NYC and reconnecting with long standing friends (Front Runners NY, Team New York Aquatics, and Big Apple Dodgeball just to name a few). We also gave away some great prizes for those that participated in our raffle- congrats to the winners of the theater tickets and the North Face jacket!

A big thank you to everyone that made it out last night, we had so much fun meeting you! We hope to see some of you tomorrow night (or Sunday afternoon) to audition for the remainder of our 2013 season! Don't forget to checkout out website for official details: www.cheerny.org

Fabulous VAL!!

This week's Fabulous Award winner comes to Cheer New York all the way from Russia!

Valerie D. joined Cheer NY this past August because she saw it as a great opportunity to combine her love for cheerleading with helping the community. Val is one of our most flexibly flyers, with her favorite stunt to perform being a scorpion twist. One of the reasons leadership crowned Val this week's winner is because while she may often come across as timid and shy, she really goes out of her way to get to get to know each of her teammates personally.

Having only been in New York City for about a year and a half, Val says that through Cheer NY "I've gained an amazing family, I love my cheerios!"

Well, we love you too Valerie D! Congratulations on winning the Fabulous Award - keep up the good work!!

If you think you've got what it takes to be a fabulous member of Cheer New York, show us what you got! Mid-Season Tryouts start this Wednesday for the remainder of our 2013 season and we'd love to meet you.

 Please visit www.cheerny.org to REGISTER & get more details.



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.

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.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Cheer New York would like to wish you a happy Labor Day weekend from our family to yours! 
We hope that you're all doing something fabulous to celebrate the last weekend of summer 2012.

We hope to see many of you just one week from today when Cheer NY sets sail on our annual Sea Tea boat cruise around lower Manhattan. Cheer NY will perform on the dock from 5:30pm - 6:30pm. At 7:30pm, the boat will set sail into the sunset, cruising up and down the Hudson and East Rivers.

Your $25 ticket includes a free buffet dinner, a show, lots of dancing, and spectacular views of NYC! There will be hot guys and girls, a live DJ, beautiful views of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, and the NYC skyline!

Please buy your tickets through...
A) Cheer NY member or B) Cheer NY’s main website
else Cheer NY doesn't receive the donation!

Contact Us for details: Info@cheerny.org

Purchase Sea Tea Tickets: http://www.cheerny.org/donations.htm

Get your tickets TODAY!!!

NYC Pride Parade 2012

Please join Cheer New York on June 24th (Sunday) 

12noon–4pm for the NYC LGBT Pride March!!!

 (photo by: Andrew Werner)

The parade (one of the BIGGEST pride marches in the world) began as an annual civil rights demonstration beginning the year after the Stonewall Riots in 1970. Over the years, its purpose has broadened to include recognition of the fight against AIDS and to remember those lost to the illness, violence and neglect. It has also evolved to include being a celebration of the LGBT community! 

The parade will start at E. 36th St and go down 5th Ave, across 9th St and then down Christopher Street. To watch the parade step-off you should be in the 30s. For larger crowds and high energy, Chelsea or the West Village is ideal. Cheer NY will be in Section 5 = Sports.

Happy Pride to everyone!!…and don’t forget, when you see us…"Cheer Loud, Cheer Proud!!!" 

You're so FABULOUS Geoff!

We have already had an exciting start of the season with some amazing new additions of cheerleaders, like Fabulous Award Winner Geoff W. Geoff recieved the award due to his amazing skills, positive attitude and ability to play multiple parts when it comes to the stunts and dances. 

"I've had a blast on Cheer New York since I joined and it's really great to be recognized by the coaches," said Geoff.

Geoff definitely deserves the Fabulous Award because he is Fabulous and we are so happy to have him on our team and as a member of the Cheer New York Family. 

Pride And Spirit Takes Manhattan!

The cheerleaders of CNY are still recovering from a fantastic NYC Pride Parade. We marched down Fifth Avenue to the Village, cheering, jumping, dancing, and stunting our hearts out.

A few highlights: high-fiving Grand Marshal Lieutenant Dan Choi after he watched our routine, launching basket tosses right in front of the Stonewall Inn, where the gay rights movement began 41 years ago, and cheering for crowds with the Empire State Building behind us. What an amazing day!

Yes, it was hot, it was sweaty, and it was tiring, but the glitter, the love, and the PRIDE was in abundance. We're just sad gay pride month is over. Only 11 months until Gay Pride 2011!

If you missed the team's performance, you can check out videos, picture and so much more at the Cheer New York Facebook page. The team wowed the crowd at from midtown to the Village, and we've got the clips to show it! Happy pride everyone!

Happy Birthday Maiko!!

Today is Maiko's Birthday!! So, while you are recovering from your food induced comas, please send all your warmest wishes to her.

Maiko is one of the sweetest, bravest, kindest, and most talented people we've had the pleasure of meeting. We are VERY lucky to have her as a part of Cheer New York.


Happy Birthday Maiko! We love you so much!!



(On left: Maiko stunting with Matt A at Pride. On right: Maiko and her good friend and former member of CNY Takashi F.)

2008 Pride Parade Video Extravaganza!

Proud!...and Wet

About half a million people attended New York's Pride Parade to cap off a month of LGBT celebrations throughout the city. And since it's the biggest and most anticipated event for Cheer New York, a 30-strong contingent -- current and former CNYers and volunteers -- marched down from Fifth Ave. to Christopher St. to bring energy and spirit to an already fabulous occasion.

But about 15 minutes into the parade, the sky tore open, thunder struck, lightning cracked and rain poured by the gallons (fortunately we were able to get in a few photographs before). Still, that didn't dampen the spirits of CNY members as they traversed the city: dancing, stunting and posing (remember the scantily clad fireman?).

Here's what some CNYers said:

"Walking down Fifth Avenue in the middle of a thunderstorm certainly added adventure to the parade. That the crowds stayed outside too in the middle of it all really proved the incredible amount of Pride that this city has!"~Jennie

"Pride is a magical time of year because it is the ONLY time when trannys, chelsea boys, dykes, thugs, heteros and everyone in between are standing together smiling and cheering without a care in the world. It is my Disney World!" ~Captain Manny

“Nothing is sexier than wet cheerleaders!! The rain was only fuel for our fire! Thank you to EVERYONE that supported us! I'm proud of CNY and I'm proud to be Gay!!”~Raelyn

"GET-SOAKING-WET!" ~Brian

"No downpour could dampen the pride and spirt of Cheer New York. Our shoes were squishy, our make-up smudged, but the parade must go on, so we BROUGHT IT!" ~Heather

Another year, another successful Pride Parade! Thank you to all the hardcore Pride supporters that continued to cheer us on and keep us pumped up through the rain. Without you we would have just been a bunch of wet cheerleaders walking down 5th Ave!

See you at Pride!!

As we all know, tomorrow is the NYC Pride Parade!! The Superbowl of Pride events. The Holy Grail of Cheer New York events.

Come check Cheer NY out in all our stunting, cheering, dancing glory!

Click here for more information about tomorrow's events. http://www.nycpride.org/