NASHVILLE, TN, May 1, 2007 — While the Titans were hard at work bolstering their roster during the NFL draft this past weekend, preparations for a draft of another kind formally began as well.
Assuredly, the new Titans selected in the draft, including the team's first round pick, former Texas Longhorn, Michael Griffin, will have many fans passionately cheering them this upcoming season. Among those fans may be some of the young ladies whom were lucky enough to attend this year's Titans Cheerleading Pre-Audition Clinic, which coincidently fell on NFL Draft day as well.
Approximately 120 young ladies attended the two sold-out clinics Saturday. Apparently, word must have swiftly gotten around that these clinics would immeasurably improve a prospective cheerleader's chances at the upcoming audition. Some Titans cheerleader hopefuls even embarked on long journeys to Nashville in order to attend one of the offered clinics — one even traveled from as far as Texas.
Undeniably, the collective insight and aggregate talent level of the clinic's special instructors cannot be overstated. Among the clinic's most knowledgeable instructors was the Titans' own Director of Cheerleading Stacie Kinder, who gave the ladies an overview of what to expect. In addition to her own experience as a former professional cheerleader, as the reigning director she has been distinctively responsible for former Titans squads' unforgettable on-field dance routines as well as their impact on the community. Thus, the smartest audition hopefuls assuredly took careful attentive note of her advice.
Inspirationally, Stacie shared a story about one her most memorable pre-audition clinic moments. She spoke of how, during the 2005 audition process, a prospective cheerleader made it all the way to finals. Seemingly perfect in everyway, this hopeful applicant had only one flaw. Unfortunately, this shortcoming precluded her selection to the squad that year. However, a year later, the moment that same young lady walked through the doors of the 2006 pre-audition clinic, Stacie's head turned as she noticed this young lady had gone to great lengths to improve herself by fixing the shortcoming that held her back in the past. Stacie shared, "When I saw her walk through the clinic's doors, I knew she was going to make the squad."
Also present and sharing invaluable advice were two very familiar faces to the audition's process and the Tennessee Titans Cheerleading Squad, current Music City Kittens Cheerleaders Jen and Sissy, both of whom are integral members of the 2006 Titans Cheerleading Squad. Jen, who represented the Titans at the Pro Bowl earlier this year, could relate to the prospective cheerleaders in attendance.
"Don't be discouraged," she said. "I didn't make the team the first time I tried out and only later made my way onto the team as an alternate."
In addition, Sissy offered to professional cheerleader hopefuls, "Be confident, and don't second guess yourself. If you do, there is no chance."
In regard to addressing the question of how to portray one's image in the best way possible on audition day, the very people behind the scenes of the Titans cheerleading squad who prepare the squad for game day and photo shoots offered their unique advice, including the squad's official make-up, tanning (www.planetbeach.com), and costume support staff. Lani Greer of Le Jazz, which fits the squad with their team uniforms offered, "Become the total package — beautiful on the inside and outside."
Attendees were also blessed by the presence and advice of Bill Vandiver, owner of the Edge Salon, which is the official salon of the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Kats Cheerleaders (www.theedgesalon.com). In addition to his expert advice in his area of specialization, he boldly advised the entranced pre-audition audience, "You should be what everyone wants to be."
On Sunday, May 6, 2007, these pre-audition clinic attendees, among other prospective cheerleader hopefuls, will descend on the Titans' own Baptist Sports Park (located at 460 Great Circle Road) in hopes of materializing their dreams at the 2007 Tennessee Titans Cheerleading Audition Prelims, Presented by Planet Beach.
