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!

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.

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.

And the Spirit Stick Goes to.....

It is Spirit Stick time once again and this month's winner could not be more deserving. Jennie first came to Cheer New York try-outs in 2005 to support her sister Katie (in picture above) and she has been encouraging and supporting all of us ever since! Jennie is kind, thoughtful, passionate, and superbly smart. She has also proved herself again and again as an incredibly capable base (and recently a flier!!).

Name/Nicknames: Jennie -- never really had a nickname Hometown: I grew up in Chino Hills, CA, but have been in NYC for 10 years Occupation: fundraiser for nonprofit arts organizations When did you join CNY: July 2009 will be my four year anniversary Previous cheer experience: None, though I was on the dance/drill team for one year in high school (everyone who tried out made the team, so it's not really an accomplishment) Favorite stunt: I love mounts that include a lot of people. It's a great feeling when all the parts come together! Favorite CNY moment: Without a doubt, marching in the Pride Parade last year in the middle of a thunderstorm! Interesting fact about you: Just to make the gay boys jealous, I'm going to say that I met Madonna about 5 years ago. It was pretty uneventful. She didn't even say hi, though I got a nod of acknowledgment.

Congratulations Jennie!! You bring so much to CNY!