The members of the 2011-2012 New Orleans Saintsations are (from left to right):
Top row: Jessica- Mount Vernon, AL; Heather- Slidell, LA; Erin- Kenner, LA; Harmony-Breaux Bridge, LA; Samantha-Zachary, LA; Kristen D.-Kenner,LA; Tori-Covington, LA-; Brooke P.-Ponchatoula, LA
Second Row; Jerami- Hattiesburg, MS; Alexa –Ruston, LA; Caitlyn M.-Metairie, LA; Lauren- Baton Rouge, LA; Kristen G.-Metairie ,LA; Lori-Olathe, KS; Deri- New Orleans, LA; Kristina-Carriere, MS
Third Row: Stephanie S.-Metairie, LA; Derecka-Metairie, LA; Maggie- Alexandria, LA; Chastity-Biloxi, MS ; Ashley T-Duluth, GA; Tara-Lafayette,LA; Taylor-St. Amant, LA
Bottom Row: Ashley L.-Ponchatoula, LA; Cyd-Homer, LA; Heidi-Lake Charles, LA; Jasmine- Theodore, AL; Danielle-Metairie,LA; Brooke R.-Metairie, LA; Aimee-Meraux, LA; Caitlin C.-Franklinton, LA
New Orleans Saintsation 2011-2012 Team Announced
The New Orleans Saintsations announce their 2011-2012 team members. After nearly 200 hopefuls came out to the grueling three day audition process; the final 32 have been named. The members, whose hometowns span from Kansas to Georgia, fought their way to the finish using their uniquely honed dance and interview skills.
These 32 coveted spots aren't easy to land either. The team members had to go through an all-day preliminary round held on April 2nd at the Saints Training Facility where choreographer Blair Buras taught them two routines similar to those performed at the Dome. The members then had to perform the routine in small groups for six judges. The judges, who included fitness trainers, dancers, publicists and stylists, had a tough time narrowing it down.
During the second round, the girls had to perform the second routine taught to the judges that same afternoon. The judges once again had to get critical and shave off 39 prospects. The group slimmed to 60 semi-finalists who would move on to the interview portion of auditions.
The interview round was held at Franco's in Mandeville. Business professionals from around the New Orleans area acted as the judges. Their job was to measure the level of professionalism held by each candidate. The job of being a New Orleans Saintsation is a serious one. The cheerleaders act as ambassadors to the New Orleans area and all the fans across the gulf south. Last year alone, they made over 450 appearances. Needless to say, the individuals gunning for the spots must be well mannered and well-spoken to be able to meet the standards.
The interview is just one portion of the semifinal round. The candidates must also take a 50 question NFL general knowledge test. They must be familiar with the game to make the team. It is important that each member of the squad know what is happening on the field to guide the fans. With questions like, "Who was the first commissioner of the NFL?" and "Describe a draw play and which players are involved" the women had a tough test ahead of them
After this tedious round was finished, the judges had gotten to our 48 finalists. The hardest cut is yet to come. The final round consisted of a current event question, and introduction by each candidate, and another performance. The finalists entered the room in groups of three and showed their technical dance prowess. Each member had to do a double turn and a full split. Once they finished the routine, the next three were sent in. After the final three performed, the judges deliberated.
The finalists waited with bated breath, some hoping for callbacks to have one more chance to show that they had what it takes, however, the judges had made their decision. The final 32 were chosen.
