Where Are They Now - Becca Nitz

Former 2010-2011 DND Becca Nitz is in the running to be a 2011-2012 Phoenix Suns Dancer! She needs your vote...

She is Rebecca, third row on the left.

VOTE HERE

Denver Pro Dance Convention March 26

Don't miss the Denver Pro Dance Convention on Saturday, March 26!

Register online here.

Perfect for current, former and future pro dancers.

AGENDA
** Learn choreography from elite alumni and directors
** Representing the NFL, NBA and AFL
** Get tips from the pros on fitness, nutrition, makeup, attire and communication
** Network with other performers and directors from Denver (and beyond!)

COSTS
Full Day 12:00-5:30pm - $45.00 per person
Half Day 12:00-2:45pm OR 2:45-5:30pm - $30.00 per person
Director's Discount - Bring 2 team members and receive a director's registration for free!

LOCATION
Mountainside Fitness
2751 W 120th Ave, Westminster, Colorado

CHOREOGRAPHERS and STAFF
Going Pro choreographers are top alumni and directors of dance and cheer teams in the NFL, NBA, AFL and other sports leagues. They will teach 4 sidelines and 2 routines in length of 45-60 seconds, representing all major sports leagues. View photos and complete bios here.

** Courtney Conway, Alumni NFL Denver Broncos Cheerleader, Professional makeup artist and hair stylist
** Jacqlyn Conte, Alumni NBA Denver Nuggets Dancer, Fashion design graduate, Model
** Kristin Engler Brooks, Alumni NBA Denver Nuggets Dancer, Former director of the Colorado Crush AFL Dance Team
** Megan Savage, Alumni NFL Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader, Alumni NBA Nuggets Dancer

PRESENTERS
Because there is much more to the pro dancer and cheerleader role beyond choreography, Going Pro's workshop brings you presentations by experts in related fields.
** Hair and makeup
** Photography tips
** Fitness and Nutrition

CONTACT EVENT DIRECTOR
Email info@goingproentertainment.com

GOING PRO EVENT TOUR
Events coast to coast sponsored by Going Pro Entertainment! Visit Pro Cheer All Stars or Going Pro Entertainment.

Our March It Girl Will Dance your Blues Away

By Jim Wills
LoDo Magazine

Jana Mae Blue

Occupation: Administrative Assistant/Dancer

Sign: Libra

Fourteen years ago, Jana Blue fell in love. Not with a boy or some childhood crush, though. She found her passion- her heart song, if you will. Through lessons and endless practice, Jana realized that she could pursue her love and that it would stay with her for the rest of her life. Fast-forward to today and Jana has combined that childhood passion with charm, grace and a determination that has landed her a spot as LoDo Magazine’s March It Girl.

During the daily 9-5 grind, Jana works her “money maker” job as she calls it. She works as an administrative assistant at Acxiom Corporation. Acxiom is a data solutions company (if you don’t know what that means, you probably don’t have any data that needs solutions). Jana enjoys managing the office, but when work lets out its time to let her hair down and get on dance floor.

Remember the passion that began fourteen years ago? Well, it's dance. Dance, I said (got a little Salt-N-Pepa running through your brain right about now?). Jana has been dancing professionally for several years and absolutely loves it. She was a child with lots of energy and dancing was the one thing that slowed her down and kept her from going a million miles a minute. “It’s where you forget about all the unfair things you went through in the day- the haste and requirements of being an adult,” she says.

If you’ve been to the Pepsi center for a Nuggets game or happened to a catch a Denver Outlaws game in the past couple of years then chances are you’ve seen Jana Blue. She’s danced for both teams in 2009 and 2010. Jana is reaching for the next rung in the dance ladder this year however as she will be auditioning to be a Denver Broncos cheerleader. With the announcement of the return of John Elway to the team in January, Jana is super thrilled and hopes to have many years of success cheering the team on to a future Super Bowl victory.

Jana also works on the production side of dance and has begun choreographing as well. She has worked with local artist Adam Duncan and also has been performing for the past year as part of the John Gillette crew.

Being a dancer means staying in great shape and that shape and Jana’s ability to move has caught the eye of many a local photographer. Dancing has led her to start a modeling career and even though Jana stands only five foot six inches (okay- she says 5’ 6.5”) she has done several professional shoots and will be in her first runway show this month. Through dance and modeling, Jana has also found representation with a local agency as a petite model.

Dancing has also led her to volunteer work as the dance groups she works with often spends time giving back to the community. Most recently, Jana and her fellow dancers spent the day with patients at Craig Hospital, the largest spinal chord and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation facility in the country. Jana said that her time there made a big impact on her, “I’ve been able to meet some great people who share this earth with us, and they have done nothing short of touch my heart.”

Whether she's dancing, modeling or doing admin work, it's clear to us that Jana Blue is still going a million miles a minute.

Photography: Jim Wills- 1World Studios
Designer: Fashions by Rea Marie
Hair: Kimberly Cline of ZandiK Salon
Makeup: Kelly Grady of ZandiK Salon
Location: Big Game Restaurant and Lounge

Blah Blah Blah - Eagles Chicks

Denver Dancer Jana Blue shares her choreography, performed by the Colorado Eagles Chicks.

Where Are They Now - Erica Weston (former DBC)

Lakers Blog
Laker girl profile: Erica believes everything in moderation is key to a successful diet
January 9, 2011 | 8:15 am

Laker Girl name: Erica

Hometown: Denver, CO

Years on the Laker Girls squad: 3

Area of Residence: Marina Del Rey

College: Graduate of Loyola Marymount University (CA)

High School: Highlands Ranch High School (Highlands Ranch, CO)

What prompted you to want to become a Laker Girl? I’ve been a dancer my entire life and from a young age, knew of the Laker Girls dance team and what it meant to me, to become one. Early on, I established auditioning for the Laker Girls and making the team as one of my key goals as a dancer. Plus, I love sports!!

What do you think stood out to the judging panel, about you, regarding your audition? I think the judges could tell from my dance audition that I was really passionate about the possibility of getting this job. It had truly been a lifelong goal. Also, in my interview, I think they could see that I understood what it takes to be a member of a professional dance team, having had prior experience.

What do you think makes a good Laker Girl? Being a Laker Girl requires dedication, attention to detail and having excellent time management! We are very busy. I also think a good Laker Girl shows a willingness to be involved in the Los Angeles community. We have the opportunity to meet just about every walk of life in Los Angeles through our charities and appearances. Not to mention, it is a tremendous opportunity to connect with fans and serve as an ambassador for the Lakers organization and NBA. Also, perhaps the most obvious about being a good Laker Girl…… is being a fan of the Lakers!

What is your dance experience? I’ve been a dancer since I was 3 years old and started with ballet training. I attended ballet-centric dance academies until I was about 11 and then started to add jazz, contemporary, hip hop and tap into my training as well.

Favorite dance routine, while being a Laker Girl? My favorite dance while being a Laker Girl was one we did my first year called “Show Me” by Janet Jackson. It’s that cool, hip, trendy sort of jazz that I don’t really get to perform that often.

Favorite uniform? My favorite uniform is one that we call “Purple Mesh.” It’s a skirt and a top that are made of white and purple mesh (naturally, hence the name) with rhinestones. I feel very girly and glamorous when we get to wear that one!

Favorite Lakers Player? Pau Gasol

Favorite Laker Girl memory so far? My favorite memory would have to be the parade and rally after we won the first of our most recent back-to-back championships. The fans during the parade were SO happy that the Lakers were able to return the title to its rightful home in Los Angeles. And the rally at the Coliseum was something I will never forget! Dancing on the transplanted STAPLES Center court at the Coliseum with 90,000+ fans celebrating together literally gave me goose bumps!

What do you like most about being involved, as a Laker Girl, at local charity/community events? The appreciation we get from the fans. Everyone is so happy that we are able to lend our time to help them, but we are just as thrilled to be there helping them out.

What would you say is your beauty secret? Wash your face every night and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!!

What diet/workout tips do you have? Try to find something that works for you and stick with it. I am a huge supporter of “everything in moderation”. Do not feel deprive yourself, or you will end up going crazy. Also, everyone knows, or should by now, that including workouts several times a week will help you achieve your goals and stay healthy.

What are your hobbies? I like playing golf (I won a long-drive contest when I was 7!!), tennis, board/yard games and keeping my dog, Jack, happy!

Career aspirations? Laker Girls has given me the opportunity to be an in-game “Lakers TV Host”, which has made me realize how much I enjoy on-camera work. I’d love to be a host, reporter or broadcaster some day in the sports or entertainment world.

--Mark Medina

Denver Dancer Jana Blue Checks In...

Hi there--

I now offer group classes in addition to privates. These classes are geared to what is happening in the professional dance world and I would love to invite some of the RMS Blog readers to attend!

Classes start Dec. 9th!

Happy Holidays!

PR Fit Club

Carla Sanchez, former DBC, and her Performance Ready Team have a hot holiday offer to keep you in shape.

KEEP FIT DURING THE HOLIDAYS WITH PR FIT CLUB!

Only $35 for the month of December!

Choose 1 of their 8 PR Fit Clubs for the PeRfect match to your fitness needs!

Weight Loss
Powerfully Sexy
Bikini Body - All fitness levels. Designed for dancers, cheerleaders, performers, models, or those just wanting to look like one!
Endurance Strength
Men's Muscle Building
Hot Mama
Mommy Makeover
Home Body

They do the work, so you can workout!

Makes a GREAT gift too!

SIGN ME UP!

Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta

Denver Broncos Cheerleader Alumni Carla Sanchez hosted her annual Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta this past weekend at the Curtis Hotel downtown. Some familiar RMS Blog faces were in attendance.


The Rockstarz performed a couple routines during breaks, with their choreographer Sarah Schachterle.


Belles Performance Team Owner/Executive Director Cher Fox makes her fitness stage debut (1st from right).


Celebrity judge and Spike TV host Renee Herlocker (former DBC) with photographer Isaac Hinds and Pro Boxer DaVarryl Williamson.

A Denver Dancer Branching Out

Jana Blue, Denver Nuggets and Outlaws Dancer, is looking to get some ladies interested in becoming a professional dancer and start helping them out with technique, tips, etc! Also to possibly participate in a dance reel.

Visit her blog here.

Follow her on Twitter here.

Subscribe to her YouTube channel here.

Become a fan of her Facebook page here.

Email her at jana.blue@rocketmail.com.

Here is a sample of her choreography performed by the 2009 - 2010 Denver Nuggets Dancers:

Denver Channel's A*List 2010 Best Dance Studio

Congratulations to consecutive year winner Allana's Academy of Dance for winning the 2010 Best Dance Studio. AAD also won this category in 2009 after being open for only 8 months! With over 137,500 online votes, the support was outstanding and appreciated!

To celebrate, print this message out and bring it in to the studio for :
50% OFF your 1st 2 MONTHS OF TUITION!! New dancers only.
Offer does not apply to Musical Theatre classes.
You better hurry though!! Registration for Fall Session ends on Sept 30th!!

Classes offered include :
Jazz * Hip Hop * Poms * Cheer * Lyrical * Contemporary * Ballet * Pre-Ballet * Ballet Technique * Tap * Zumba * Breakdance * Mommy & Me * Creative Movement * Dancer Tone & Flexibility * Leaps/Turns/Progressions *

Visit our website for details!

AAD's amazing instructors are one of the many reasons why they receive this top honor year after year. Former AAD instructor Jamile McGee recently choreographed this video for funnyordie.com, with Wayne Brady, Mike Tyson, and Bobby Brown. Enjoy!

Ms. Planet Beach Midwest

Congratulations to Jessica Mason, Ms. Planet Beach Denver Colorado, on her win of the Ms. Planet Beach Midwest regional spokesmodel search. Jessica, a former Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rapids, and Colorado 14ers Dancer and owner of Studio-21 dance in Golden, competed at Shady Gators in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, on Saturday, September 25, to win the regional title over 17 other midwest city and state Ms. Planet Beach spokesmodel representatives.

Jessica's prize package included a tiara, trophy, Ms. Planet Beach sash, $1500 cash, a month in the Planet Beach 2011 calendar, a full magazine spread, and a paid trip to attend the International Spokesmodel search finals in New Orleans January 2011 to compete against the other regional winners for the title of Ms. Planet Beach International. Good luck Jessica!

Where Are They Now - Jessica Mason

Jessica Smith (formerly Jessica Mason-Evans), now back to just Jessica Mason...

In 2009 Jessica won the title of Miss Colorado Galaxy and placed top 10 at Miss Galaxy. Jessica currently represents our state as Ms. Planet Beach Colorado. Since 2010 Jessica has been coaching the Colorado School of Mines Dance Team and will be hosting auditions for the 2010-2011 season on September 6, 2010. New to Studio 21 Dance this year are “Blush”, the studio’s professional burlesque troop, and “Catch 21”, the studio’s performance team. Both teams audition twice a year, contact blush@studio21-dance.com for more info. Follow all three teams as well as Jessica’s latest projects on Facebook, Twitter and online here.

They will be holding secondary auditions for both studio teams later this fall. Jessica is a former Nuggets, Rapids and 14ers dancer.

Pure Barre Boulder

Michelle Metz and Shalisa Pouw, both former Nuggets Dancers, are in the process of opening a Pure Barre in Boulder. They are currently looking for teachers living in the Boulder area who have a strong background in dance, cheerleading and fitness. For more info on Pure Barre and for their resumes/headshots, please visit www.purebarre.com. Here is the job posting:

Pure Barre, a ballet-barre based workout which has locations nationwide is
opening in Boulder, CO. This intense, non-impact workout utilizes small
isometric movements done at the ballet barre set to motivating music and
promises to lift your seat, tone your body and burn fat. Its' cult-like following
claims Pure Barre is the fastest, most effective way to transform your body.
The studio is set to open in the Fall and Pure Barre is currently
auditioning teachers. Teachers should have a strong background in dance,
cheerleading or fitness. For more information on Pure Barre, visit
www.purebarre.com. If you meet the qualifications and are interested in
teaching, please respond with a resume and photo to boulder@purebarre.com.

Visit Pure Barre Boulder's face book page here.


Photos courtesy of Michael Martin Photography.

Where Are They Now - Maria Mateo

Former DND Maria Mateo is entering her first season as a San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush Cheerleader. Sneak peek at her photo and bio...

Career goal:
Since middle school I wanted to become an interior designer, but recently I have developed a passion for medicine and am pursuing a career in dermatology.

What you like best about the 49ers:
What I like best about the 49ers is that they represent the highest level of sportsmanship, professionalism, and integrity. The organization is a socially responsible entity, not only in sports but in the larger community it serves.

Guilty pleasures:
My guilty pleasures include, but are not limited to, laughing out loud, vanilla bean ice cream, fashion, big and fluffy dogs, Travel Channel and HGTV, festivals, anything French, and Survivor (have been a fan since Colby Donaldson!).

Hobbies (outside of dance):
Outside of dance I love to run, shop, travel, sing while driving, play with my niece and nephew, play the piano, and, most importantly, spend quality time with people I love.

Most adventurous thing you have done:
The most adventurous thing I have done, besides skydiving for my birthday, is paying for higher education on my own. It’s a big risk I chose to take. I get a rush knowing I can do things I set my mind to, on my pace, and am picking up life skills while gaining meaningful relationships along the way.

Most proud of:
I am most proud of my faith and integrity.My faith assists in giving me the confidence to trust myself and feel secure in my skin.It teaches me to be aware of my actions and be open-minded; hence, I do my best to not put myself in situations that will compromise my integrity but still try new things.

Most memorable moment as a Gold Rush member:
Aside from bonding with my teammates, my most memorable moment as a Gold Rush Member thus far was my first Appearance in my Gold Rush uniform supporting the Yes on J rally where I heard Jerry Rice and Dwight Clark speak alongside Jed York, surrounded by Santa Clara 49er Faithful!

Best word that describes you:
Well-rounded.

What most people don’t know about you:
I am fascinated with Latin (ballroom) dancing, especially the Rumba.

I wish I could:
I wish I could have a Girls’ Night Out with Victoria Beckham, Audrey Hepburn, Angelina Jolie, Princess Diana, Giselle Bündchen, Basia Trzetrzelewska, Drs. Rodan and Fields, and Lady Gaga. In their unique way, they are beautiful, intriguing, and powerful women. Each of them has that je ne sais quoi - it’s charming.And I cannot help but be inspired by them.

Song do you most enjoy dancing to:
I like dancing to songs with catchy melodies.

Something you like to do each day:
Each day I am thankful for another day, I like chatting with my sisters, surf the web, and eat something sweet.

Where Are They Now - Erica Weston

Congratulations to former DBC Erica Weston for her 3rd year selection to the Los Angeles Laker Girls!

Where are they now - Tiler Wilkerson

Former DBC Tiler has been busy with the Sweethearts for Soldiers. The SFS is a 501(c)(3) Non-profit public charity that provides tropp entertainment overseas and stateside, produces an annual charity troop calendar and Sweet'n Your Day Gift Baskets for our female troops. They are comprised of former NFL/NBA cheerleaders and dancers from around the U.S. who have a strong passion for supporting our military. The mission of the Sweethearts' is to help raise morale and bring a touch of home to the brave men and women fighting for our freedoms.

Recently military personnel were asked to vote for the cover of the 2010 - 2011 calendar. The winning cover features Tiler front and center. Congratulations!

Tough tryouts for Laker Girl hopefuls

Katelyn Miller, left, Westlake Village, and her friend Jamie Dukehart-Conti, who came all the way from Denver for the tryouts, pose for a picture during a break in the auditions Saturday. More than 400 hopefuls showed up to the Los Angeles Laker Girls tryouts for 22 positions.
SAM GANGWER, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Jamie is a former DBC and Miss Colorado. Good Luck!

Smush

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Where Are They Now - Maria Mateo

Congratulations to former Denver Nuggets Dancer and Colorado Crush Girl Maria Mateo for her selection to the 2010 San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush!



Follow her and the rest of the candidates through the audition process via video here.

Miss Colorado Blogs

Hi Friends,

Exactly one month ago, I was in Las Vegas for the experience of a lifetime! I was competing for the crown of Miss America 2010, and it was the most amazing, life-changing, wonderful time of my life! I feel so blessed and am so grateful to have made it into the top 12! I hope I made Colorado proud!

I would like to thank the Miss Colorado Organization and Board of Directors, Wayne and Suzi Doland, Katee Mink, Christi Demetrion, Jamie Dukehart-Conti, and all of those who helped with my Miss America preparations and gave me guidance and support. I'd also like to thank my family, all my friends, and Janelle, Stacey, Melaina, Kayla, Caley and Morgan for cheering me on and making me feel so loved!

Every day I was in Las Vegas was memorable, exciting and so much fun! One of my favorite moments was the IHOP breakfast appearance. Flipping pancakes was quite an event, and I must say, I'm pretty good with a spatula! All of the contestants were able to meet some of the children who are part of Children's Miracle Network, and hearing their amazing survival stories was very humbling. It was really inspirational to learn about what they've fought through, and where they're at now in their lives.

I am excited to be back home in Colorado and I am now looking forward to my last 4 months serving as your Miss Colorado. I have had so many experiences that I will always cherish. One of my favorite appearances this year was the Veterans Luncheon at the Rocky Mountain Airspace Museum. At this event, I got to visit with Governor Bill Ritter, Gateway High School ROTC members and Veterans of Americas Armed Forces. While visiting with the veterans, I was truly touched to hear their stories of how they served our country and I felt very blessed to be one of their fellow Americans.

I will also be graduating this spring from the University of Colorado and I will be receiving my degree in Photography, with a minor in Psychology. The scholarship money I have earned through the Miss Colorado and Miss America Organizations have helped to pay for my education and will continue to help me as I pursue my Arts Education License to teach secondary education.

As my year is winding down, I'm excited for workshops to begin and to meet all the new contestants who will be competing for the job of Miss Colorado 2010!

All my best,

Katie Layman
Miss Colorado 2009