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.

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.

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!! 

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.)

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!!! 

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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Oh Hey, Pam! You're Fabulous!

With so many fabulous members on our performing team (we have close to 60 now!) it can be hard for the coaches to pick who the Cheer NY Fabulous Award winner is each week. At last week's practice, it was easy for leadership to choose their winner...Todd R. (a.k.a., "Pam") has been around Cheer New York for over a year now, but didn't officially join the team until the summer of 2012.

Get to know Todd R!!

Todd has lived in NYC for just over a year and comes to us originally from Bowling Green, Kentucky. As a member of Cheer NY, Todd really brings his A-game to our performances as a base, backspot and a tumbler. Todd began cheering when he was just in 8th grade and Cheer for the University of Kentucky - so he really knows the sport of cheerleading backwards and forwards. He is very helpful and knowledgeable when it comes to mastering new acrobatic stunts and is assisting leadership in taking our team to the next level. We are so lucky to have him as a part of Cheer New York.

Congrats again Todd R! Thanks for everything you do for us! 

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.

New Year, New Uniforms...Fabulous!

Cheer New York is back from our winter break. Our 2013 cheer season has started off with a big bang! Our new uniforms finally arrived, and everyone looks so great in them - we cannot wait to show them off at our upcoming events!

We're only two practices in, but we are already getting started, working hard on our routine for Pride month. If you plan to be in the NYC or Philly area this summer, make sure you find us at your favorite Pride parade.

All of our team members work so hard and dedicate so much time, effort, and energy each week. But this week, Ronz R. really put in the extra effort it takes to receive the coveted Fabulous Award! (Given to an exceptional team member each practice by the team's Coaches). Ronz has really come back from the break giving nothing less than 100%. His attitude and determination to get the job done is so encouraging and inspiring to the rest of the team. Thank you so much for all that you do for Cheer NY Ronz, congrats!

Cheer New York Mid-Season Tryouts are just around the corner, with our first cheer clinic on Wednesday February 6th. To REGISTER and get more information, please visit our website www.cheerny.org 
 

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!

Who's Fabulous? Mark C!!

Cheer New York was at it again last Wednesday for another grueling practice. At the end of each practice, our leadership gets together and decides who should win that night's fabulous award. Some nights, it's a no-brainer and other nights, each of the teammates have worked equally as hard so it might be a bit tougher for them to decide. It's especially difficult when you have a teammate who is consistently fabulous, they can almost fly under the radar. That is exactly why Mark C. won last week. Since joining the team at the end of the summer, Mark has showed up to every practice and almost every event. He has helped a ton behind the scenes and always gives 110%. 

"I am so honored to be part of Cheer NY and to be recognized as fabulous. Thank you team for allowing me to be part of something greater than myself!" - Mark C.

Thank YOU Mark, for being so fabulous!
Cheer New York is taking a break from practice next Wednesday to go trick-or-treating! But keep checking in with our blog, we've got some great posts coming up from our most recent events!

David G., You're FABULOUS!

Hard to believe it, but Cheer New York is already half way through our 2012 season! We had another great practice, cleaning up the pyramid we learned the week before. It was so great to see so many teammates shuffling around, trying out different stunt positions and hearing everyone's positive encouragements. One voice that really stood out from the crowd was our returning member, David G. 

David really stepped it up this week and kept such an upbeat, uplifting attitude which really helped his pod especially towards the end of practiced when we were all pooped and wanted to be done, David kept the group going! 

"We can only be as fabulous as the people we have around us! I got Cheer NY!" - David G.

Thanks again for your hard work and dedication David!

Val, You Are Fabulous!!

Oops! We skipped a week, sorry everyone! 

The first week of October it was just starting to cool down, but Cheer New York was just warming up! We had another great practice and learned a new pyramid. This week, one of our newest members, Val D. really made an impression on our leadership. She may be one of our more reserved, quiet team members, but when she has something to say, it's always so sweet and so caring. She is always such a huge asset to her stunt pod and never stops working. 

"I am so proud to be on this team and love you all!" - Val D.

We love you too Val! Cheer NY hopes to see you at an event soon. Don't forget we are available for hire throughout the holiday season!

Terry, You Are FABULOUS!

This past week, Cheer New York had an exceptionally amazing practice. We cannot wait to show everyone what we've been working on. Bases and back-spots were busy showing off their muscles tossing and flipping flyers all over the place. One strong base really impressed the leadership this week, which is why Terry R. won the Fabulous award! Terry is one of our newest newbies and has had such a positive attitude from the get-go. He has gone out of his way to get to know everyone on the team and gets involved at every chance he can.

"From day 1 Cheer NY has taken me in as one of their own, and that is why I'm fabulous... because this whole team is awesome!"
Congratulations Terry, keep up the fabulousness! We can't wait to see who steps up to the plate tonight when we join together again for yet another weekly practice.