Pics and videos from the Jills Open Workshop

This time of year. football fans are getting ready for the draft and in the cheerleading community, they're also getting prepared for the upcoming season by restocking their rosters. In the case of the Buffalo Jills, they just started the tryout process with an Open Workshop for all interested young ladies at Fusion Dance Studio in Buffalo, the studio run by one of the finest choreographers in the business, Kelli Wagner, the Jills' choreographer. Like most squads, all veterans have to try out again with the exception of the 8 pre-selected captains and co-captains. Last year, 17 veterans, in addition to the 8 captains, returned to tryout and every one of them made the squad. This year, we see how many of the 41 vets return to make up the 2009 Buffalo Jills. A few have already decided not to return while some more may be on the fence. A couple of alumni are looking to return and a lot of prospective rookies are competing with many talented veterans looking to fill in the 37 or so empty spots on the squad.

http://s15.photobucket.com/albums/a375/buffalojills2005/2009/Open%20Workshop/

Tryouts continue Tuesday night with another workshop, sort of a condensed version of today's workshop for those who couldn't make it today and to provide extra help for those who feel they might want it.

Thursday night, the next level of tryouts continue with the 1st cuts for the Ambassador Squad at Fusion Dance Studio in which young ladies looking to escort Billy Buffalo on Sundays in the fall get their first chance to prove they're up to the task of being an Ambassador Jill.

On Sunday, April 5, Jills tryouts move downtown to the Town Ballroom from 1-4pm in front of the public when they make the 1st dance cuts and the 2nd Ambassador cuts. Dancers will demonstrate the routine they learned in today's Open Workshop in front of judges while Ambassadors will introduce themselves to the judges and show whether they have the qualities required of a Buffalo Jill. Admission to the event is $5 a person and the participants, all putting a lot of hard work into trying to make the squad, would do well with a lot of positive reinforcement from friends, family, and fans.

A few restrictions are in place for this that will be brought up again at the start of the event. While the young ladies are out on stage to try out, no flash photography will be permitted. Cameras are allowed but the lighting will be bright enough that no flash will be needed and it would distract the participants. Also, quiet will be asked for during the routines so as to allow the young ladies to concentrate on what they need to do.

http://buffalojills.net/auditions/index.php

Bandits-Titans pics

Every so often, even the best sports teams fall flat and in Buffalo's HSBC Arena, that what the case Saturday night as the Bandits, despite 59 shots on goal, fell to the visiting New York Titans by a score of 11-9.
The Bandettes, on the other hand, even short a pair of girls, did anything but fall flat. Prior to the game, they put in some last-minute work preparing their Jr Bandettes for the game. Then, during pregame and halftime, they had the Jr Bandettes with them on the turf as they kept the crowd entertained when the team did little to do so. After the game, the team and some of the Bandettes wound down at the postgame party at Pearl Street Grill and Brewery.

http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b87/bandettes/2009/Titans/

Up next for the Bandettes, they take the floor at HSBC Arena on April 10th, Good Friday, as the Bandits return from a road trip to take on thruway rivals, the Rochester Knighthawks. Faceoff is at 7:30 and the Bandettes are expected to be back at the top of the east bank of escalators signing autographs from 6pm-7pm.

Promo for Jills tryouts

Check it out on Youtube, courtesy Lydia from CW23

Stars Lydia, Dr. Amanda, Murissa, Jennifer, Lonna, Alison, and Liz

Buffalo Jill of The Week Sarah

This week, we take a look at one of the rookie members of the
2008-09 Buffalo Jills. Sarah spent the year on the Ambassador Squad and was able to help with the Bills In Toronto Series more than anyone else on the squad. When the Bills In Toronto Series was first announced, the Jills became more active in recruiting from Canada and Sarah was one of two, along with Anna, who answered the call and made the squad. While this was her first year with the Jills, it was her fourth as a Pro Cheerleader as she spent 3 years dancing in the CFL. While many US citizens may make a big deal about traveling to Canada from time to time, especially with the increased paperwork required these days, this Canadian traveling to the US sees it as no big deal at all. Considering she spent her college years studying in Australia, the US isn't even a trip for her. You can read more about Sarah at http://www.buffalojills.net/bios/sarah.html and don't forget to check out her 97Rock photo album at http://www.97rock.com/Article.asp?id=1066675&spid=21994

Bandette of The Week Melissa

This week, we take a look at 5th year vet Melissa as our Bandette of The Week. She's been dancing since the age of 2 and she's been cheering non-stop since Jr High school. Her first year on the Bandettes was during her freshman year in college. She's been working in community and public relations since graduation and she's even used the journalism education she received in college for the Bandettes. The last few years, when a Bandette has been selected as NLL Girl of The Week, Melissa has been the one writing about her squadmate. You can read more about Melissa at http://www.bandits.com/bandette-09-melissa.cfm

Update on Jills Appearances

Obviously, the big thing right now is tryouts. The Open Workshop to be held this Sunday is closed to the public but the tryout session on April 5th is open to the public for a cost of $5. It takes place from 1pm til about 4pm...depending on the number of participants...at the Town Ballroom on Main Street in downtown Buffalo. This round of tryouts will include the 1st round of cuts of the dancers in which prospective dancers will show off their dancing ability with a routine they'll learn at this Sunday's Open Workshop. There will be a few celebrity judges for this event including Bills DE Chris Kelsay and BullRadio's own Rich Gaenzler. This will also be the 2nd round of cuts for the Ambassadors and you'll get a chance to see some of the young ladies who'll be found inside the Fieldhouse and at the 97Rock and 103.3 The Edge tailgate parties prior to all Bills home games this fall.
After that, you'll get to meet some of the 2009-2010 Buffalo Jills squad if you're a Bills season ticket holder at the Buffalo Bills Draft party at the Stadium. This event includes an announcement of the Buffalo Bills All-time team, selected by the fans, behind the scenes tours, and live 2009 NFL Draft Coverage. You'll also meet member of the current Buffalo Bills team, Billy Buffalo, local celebrities, and the Buffalo Jills who will pose for pictures and perform at the event.
On May 2nd, 2 events will be taking place at which you'll be able to meet some of the Jills. Unfortunately, the Buffalo Men's Show has been cancelled due to a lack of booth sign-ups and we hope that will change for next year. It was a pretty popular event last year and the Hamburg Agri-Center was packed most of the day. One of the events that is taking place is a meet-and-greet at Tioga Downs Racing and Entertainment. Meet some of the Jills and get photos with them from 4pm-7pm. On May 2nd AND 3rd, Hearthstone Manor plays host to the Buffalo Pizza-Fest, an event in which you can indulge your taste buds with the finest pizza in Western NY and indulge your eyes with some of Buffalo's hottest women, namely, the Buffalo Jills. There's lots going on at the Pizza Fest so visit http://thebuffalopizzafest.com/ for full details.
May 16th is the biggest event coming up soon for the 2009 Jills...it's the Buffalo Jills Congratulatory Party to be held at Club Paradise in Blasdell, NY. The event includes raffles, a hot dance performance, and a rookie initiation. At last year's event, Jickster tested 10 Jills rookies on a variety of Bills trivia. The best part is that they weren't all easy questions and challenged the most diehard Bills fans. The event starts at 9pm and runs til midnight but you must be 21 or over to attend (unless you're on the squad, obviously).
The Buffalo Jills hit the high seas from May 25th-29th on Carnival's Imagination as they work on shooting the 2009-2010 Buffalo Jills Swimsuit calendar. They'll be visiting Key west and Cozumel as part of this 4-night cruise and having a blast while shooting their calendar. To go along and see some of the making of the Swimsuit Calendar, get all the details at http://buffalojills.net/appearances/details.php?recordID=3
On June 13th, the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center plays host to Buffalo's Biggest 80s Bash. Listen to some of the greatest music of the 80s including performances by That 80s Hair Band and a great mix of tunes by some local DJs, play arcade games, and a lot more. But the biggest part will be an appearance by some of the Buffalo Jills. In addition to partying along with everyone else, they'll be putting on a hot 80s style dance performance. Get more info and ticket details at http://www.80sbash.com/ Last year, Jennifer, Lisa, Kristin B, Jenica, Jamie, Amelina, and Anna were there thrilling the crowds.
July 20th is the day for all golfers to take a vacation day as Fox Valley Country Club in Lancaster plays host to the 7th Annual Buffalo Jills Golf Tournament. The $125 fee includes 18 holes, cart, lunch, dinner, and entertainment by the Buffalo Jills. Also included in the day's festivities are raffles, a poker run, and contests with some great prizes. You can even bid to take a Jill along with your group for the day. Get all the details at http://buffalojills.net/appearances/details.php?recordID=9
On August 8th, Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson Jr and all-time sack leader Bruce Smith will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. As part of the 50th Anniversary of the AFL, the Bills Hall of Famers won't be the only Bills in Canton that weekend as the NFL selected the Bills and the Titans, the only 2 teams still with the same owner since they helped found the AFL, to face off in the Hall of Fame game in Fawcett Stadium at 8pm on August 9th. As part of that game and festivities, see the Buffalo Jills and the Tennessee Titans cheerleaders together.
Finally, the last update we have at this time is dealing with the Buffalo Jills Swimsuit Calendar Release party. September 26th is the date and Club Paradise is the place as the 2009 Buffalo Jills engage in a swimsuit fashion show, a series of hot dance performances, and pose for photos and sign calendars for the fans as well as sell raffle tickets for lots of great prizes.
Stay tuned to www.buffalojills.net and the Buffalo Pro Cheer Blog for all your Jills news and updates on upcoming appearances.

Vote for Amanda

This year, the NLL is letting fans help choose the NLL Girl of The Week and one of their nominations this week is the Buffalo Pro Cheer Blog's Bandette of The Week, Amanda. She's up against Samantha of Toronto and Angela of Colorado. Nothing against these other 2 girls but we all know that Amanda is the most deserving so go to NLL.com...go down to Community and click on the Girl Of The Week tab and cast your votes for the Bandettes' gymnastic superstar Amanda!

www.nll.com

Bandits-Lumberjax pics

In the midst of a 2-game losing streak, the Buffalo Bandits had little room for error in the minds of a fanbase that is used to disappointment thanks to the Bills and the Sabres. In fact, in New York's Madison Square Garden, the Buffalo Sabres were working to end their own playoff hopes this very night while the Bandits were working to end their losing skid. After falling behind the visiting Portland Lumberjax by a score of 2-1 and showing little signs of offensive life in the first half with a 5-3 halftime lead, the Bandits made the visitors long for the last game they played in HSBC Arena. You see, the last time the Lumberjax showed up in Buffalo, they kept the game close in a 14-13 loss to the Bandits in the 2008 Edge NLL Championship Game. This night though, after a 3rd quarter goal brought the score to 5-4 in favor of the Bandits, the Lumberjax were shut out the rest of the night in a 14-4 rout as the Bandits showed the fans of Buffalo how to enjoy a win.
But this site is less about the games themselves than it is about the dancers and cheerleaders who cheer on Buffalo's teams and the Bandettes more than did their part to keep the crowd entertained as well. Prior to the game, they signed autographed posters for fans coming into the game at the top of the east bank of escalators. After rushing down to the locker room at 7 to get ready for the game, they came out onto the field for a series of performances during each intermission as well as keeping the fans near section 113 entertained all game long with their dance routines.
http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b87/bandettes/2009/Lumberjax/

Coming up next, the Bandettes will be back at HSBC Arena on March 28th as the Bandits face off against the New York Titans, a team that could be very well-rested as they haven't played since March 1. Prior to the game, the Bandettes will be signing autographs at the top of the east bank of escalators from about 6pm-7pm. Show up early to get a place in line as they do need to cut off the line prior to 7 so they can get ready for the game. Also, watch for a 2nd poster, different from the one they've been signing all season long, that may be out for autographs this game.

Bandette of The Week Amanda

This week, we take a look at 2nd year vet Amanda as our Bandette of The Week. Dancing alongside Danielle during the game, she's the one that you'll find doing flips across the field at the start of some of the Bandettes onfield routines. That's no big surprise as gymnastics is one of her great loves. Another one of her great loves is sports as she recently got her Masters Degree in Sports Administration. Who knows, maybe she'll end up running the Bandits, Bills or Sabres someday in the future. You can read more about Amanda at http://www.bandits.com/bandette-09-amanda.cfm

Buffalo Jill of The Week Amanda K

This week's Jill of The Week is none other than the region's favorite veterinarian. Born in Buffalo, she moved down south at an early age and discovered her calling with her love of animals and science. While away from home, she went to Mississippi State (alma mater of former Bills WR Eric Moulds as well as author John Grisham) and started preparing herself for her other career in cheerleading as a member of that university's elite Pom Squad. After a couple of years there, she put more focus on her degree with a transfer to Auburn where she earned her PhD. Thankfully, she was interning here in Buffalo in her last semester when the call came out for Jills tryouts in 2007 and she decided to give it a shot. This past season was her 2nd year dancing on Omarlla's line and could be found next to Alecia, Dana, and Angelina this year. You can read more about Dr Amanda at http://www.buffalojills.net/bios/amanda.html As a special note, Amanda was the subject of a feature story in the Pro Cheerleader Blog this past October. You can read it at http://nflcheerleader.blogspot.com/2008/10/doctor-of-veterinary-medicine.html

More Jills appearances, tryout dates to watch for

Obviously, the biggest thing to watch out for regarding the Jills coming is auditions. This Saturday is the last Audition Prep Class to be held at Fusion Dance Studio from 4-5:30pm. This class is designed to give aspiring rookies a chance to get better prepared for what to expect from being a Buffalo Jills Cheerleader and the cost of the class is $20. Visit http://www.buffalojills.net/auditions/prep.php for full info and registration information.

Jills tryouts themselves start on Sunday, March 29th at Fusion Dance Studio at 10am with an Open Workshop for all interested dancers and ambassadors. In this class, dancers will learn a routine that they'll be expected to perform during 1st dance cuts while dancers and ambassadors alike will learn what's required of them as a Buffalo Jill with a short question-and-answer session with Jills management and captains. There's no fee for the Open Workshop but this event is closed to the public. Only those who are thinking about trying out are to be in the audition area. You can get more info as well as an audition application at http://www.buffalojills.net/auditions/index.php

1st cuts for the Ambassador Squad will be held at Fusion Dance Studio on Thursday, April 2nd at 8pm in an event that's closed to the public.

On April 5th, the Jills tryouts are open to the public for $5 at Town Ballroom in downtown Buffalo. The tryouts start at 1pm and will feature the 1st cuts for the dance squad as well as 2nd cuts for the Ambassador Squad.

On Saturday, April 25th, from 3pm-7pm, meet the Jills along with Billy Buffalo, local celebrities, and some Bills players at the Buffalo Bills Fieldhouse in the Season Ticket Holder Draft Party. This event is only for Bills season ticket holders.

On May 2nd, the Hamburg Agri-Center is the place to be from 11am-7pm as WEDG-FM is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Buffalo Men's Show. Tickets will be $5 for this event and watch for more details on the event as they become available at http://buffalomensshow.com/

This year, the Jills are taking their Calendar Shoot Cruise from May 25-29th and the public is invited to come along and see the making of the 2009-2010 Buffalo Jills Swimsuit Calendar. The Cruise itself is priced from $539 a person and more details can be found at http://buffalojills.net/appearances/details.php?recordID=3

Bandette of The Week Karla

This week, we take a look at the Bandette who has to be more familiar to us than any other by far. Karla has been in the cheerleading and dancing spotlight for most of the decade, starting out with 3 seasons on the Buffalo Jills. She was a part of that rookie class that included current Jills captains Omarlla and Eileen as well as Jills Coordinator Nichole. After her rookie season on the Jills, she started dancing with the Bandettes as well and kept that up for 5 years before taking a break for the 2006 and 2007 seasons. The lure of the crowds and the Bandettes proved too strong and this is her 2nd season back on the squad. Beyond her love of dance, she's known to have a few quirks, especially her love of drinking water, hot water that is.
You can read more about Karla at http://www.bandits.com/bandette-09-karla.cfm

Buffalo Jill of The Week Rita

This week, we take a look at one of the quieter members of the Buffalo Jills as our Jill of The Week. Rita spent her rookie season dancing on Omarlla's line next to Stephanie Bu and her time on the Jills is great preparation for her future career. She's pursuing a degree in Exercise and Sports Studies with a minor in nutrition. The Nutrition and Exercise parts are aspects she's had to show a mastery of just to become a Buffalo Jill. Being physically fit is something required of all professional cheerleaders and that can only be achieved through exercise and eating the right foods. Getting her degree is a pretty big deal to her and being a Jill has helped her focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which can only help her with a degree in that respect. You can read more about Rita at http://www.buffalojills.net/bios/rita.html

Jills Calendar sold out and appearances coming in the months ahead.

Anyone who checked out the new site of the Buffalo Jills may have noticed that a link is missing. There's no link for calendar sales and that's because they're basically sold out...though a few may still be out there if you make a Jills appearance sometime in the next few weeks. The 2009-2010 calendar will be shot the week of May 25-29 as well as in the weeks following that for any of the 2009 squad that doesn't make the trip. We can expect the next calendar to be available in late July/early August.

Beyond that, we have a few more appearances to announce. One of them will be on draft day, April 25th at the Fieldhouse. The Bills are holding a special draft party just for their season ticket holders and of course the Jills will be there. The other one is one we expected. Last year, 97Rock, 103.3 The Edge, and the US Army put together the Buffalo Men's Show at the Hamburg Agri-Center and the place was packed most of the day and included appearances as well as a performance by the Buffalo Jills. May 2, The EDGE Men's Show will be taking place and we can expect more of the same. Stay tuned to http://buffalojills.net/ http://www.wedg.com/Default.asp and http://buffaloprocheer.blogspot.com/ for all the details as they become available.

Jills in swimwear

It looks like the Jills are really trying to upstage the Bills' signing of Terrell Owens. Fisher Creative Image recently put up a slideshow page with a few hundred photos from the 2008 Jills calendar shoots. Check it out at http://fishercreativeimage.com/jills/

You can still get a copy of the calendar for a bargain price of $5 through the Bills store, at Citadel Radio at 50 James E Casey Way in Buffalo, or from the Jills themselves.

Jills update their website

Terrell Owens coming to the Bills isn't the only thing bold and exciting to happen in Buffalo this weekend. The Jills just updated their website. The banner on top features the 8 captains for the 2009 season and the whole layout is crisp and fresh. Check it out at http://buffalojills.net/

Bandette of The Week Alexis

This week, we take a look at one of our talented rookies as the Bandette of The Week. This future nurse practitioner puts her whole heart into everything that she wants and judging by the fact that she survived a tough audition process to become a Buffalo Bandette, it's a plan of attack that is serving her well. Beyond that, she's shown herself to be a great fan of the camera and hopes to one day visit Japan and New Zealand. You can read more about Alexis at http://www.bandits.com/bandette-09-alexis.cfm

Buffalo Jill of The Week Angelina

This week, we take a look at 3rd year dancer Angelina as our Jill of The Week. Found on Omarlla's line next to Dana and Amanda K, this short and sweet dynamo of dance has been dancing since the age of 4 and cheered throughout high school as well as a year in college. With tryouts for the 2009 squad fast approaching, we can only hope she plans to return. One of the things she loves most about being a Jill is getting to meet new people and experience new things. Obviously another year on the squad will only provide her with more new experiences and new people to meet. Plus, when you consider that her most thrilling moment as a Jill has been the Monday Night Football games, one has to wonder how cheering at the Pro Football Hall of Fame game will rank this coming August when the Bills face off against the Titans. You can read more about Angelina at http://www.buffalojills.net/bios/Angelina.html and don't forget to check out her 97Rock photo album at http://www.97rock.com/Article.asp?id=936313

Cheer girls. Cheer.

If I could pick one thing about this time of year that I like, scratch that, LOVE, it’s the Buffalo Jills Auditions. It’s just about that time! I went to the girls’ first gathering which was a prep class for the auditions at the Fusion Dance Studio. Talk about an amazing group of beautiful women!! It’s a tough job but someone’s gotta do it. J
http://blogs.cw23.com/2009/03/02/cheer-girls-cheer/

Bandits-Swarm game pics

The Bandits' road to an undefeated home record hit a snag Saturday night as the Minnesota Swarm came into town a night after barely losing in Philadelphia. The hometown Bandits, however, played as if they were the ones playing on little rest as lethargic play on offense, defense, and in goal plagued the Bandits half the night. A few questionable calls by officials didn't exactly help the Bandits either as a few calls helped slow their game when they built a few leads and the Bandits fell to the Swarm in the end by a score of 16-15.

One part of the team that was anything but lethargic was the Buffalo Bandettes. The NLL's premier dance team had their posters on hand for their first autograph signing of the season and the entire squad spent nearly an hour signing posters and memorabilia for the fans after the gates opened at HSBC Arena. After that, they made their way down to the field for the first performance of the evening, keeping the crowd interested when the Bandits themselves did little to keep the fans inspired.

Coming up next for the Bandettes, they'll be working with their Jr Bandettes on March 21st prior to the next home game against the Portland Lumberjax, the same team the Bandits defeated to win the 2008 NLL Championship. The game starts at 7:30 but be sure to show up early. The Bandettes will be signing posters again from shortly after 6pm until shortly before 7pm.

http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b87/bandettes/2009/Swarm/