Bandette of The Week Amanda

This week, we take a look at rookie Ambassador Amanda as our Bandette of The Week. A well-spoken young lady, she graduated with high honors from Niagara University and is using her degree in Marketing with website work among other things. She also spent some time with Niagara's Dance Line and put those skills on display at the recent Dance Fair and Expo when she joined the Bandettes dancers in the 1st of their two performances. Her reliability and helpfulness are some of her strongest qualities, qualities that are to be admired in anyone no matter their age. Too many people these days seem to focus solely on themselves without regard to how they are affecting others. With young ladies like Amanda around, the future is bright. You can read more about Amanda at http://www.bandits.com/bbio.asp?bandID=AmandaT Amanda's secondary photo comes from the Open Practice. Shown posing for a photo after the Bandettes dancers performed are Jessica, Amanda, and Chrissy.

Jessica, Amanda, and Chrissy

Buffalo Jill of The Week Ruby

This week, we take a look at now-4th year vet Ruby as our Buffalo Jill of The Week. I can say she's in her 4th year now as she was recently named as the co-captain of the Ambassador Squad for the 2012 season. The promotion isn't a surprise at all to those of us that know her. When it comes to helping out in the community, Ruby would probably be doing almost as much if she weren't on the squad as she does as a member of the Jills. She's gotten special thrills out of troop visits and is a graduate of Erie County Firefighter Boot Camp. A part of my own mindset in running this site is that everyone should find some time to do something for others without expecting anything in return. While I get along with all the girls on the squad, Ruby is one of the select few I get along with the best...partly because she has a similar mindset in doing for others. She has her bachelor's degree in criminology with a focus in economic crime investigation and is currently using that in the banking industry. You can read more about Ruby at http://buffalojills.com/profile.php?PID=34 Ruby's secondary photo comes from the Lot C Tailgate party before the Patriots game. Shown posing for the camera are Ruby, Shannon, and Courteney.

Ruby, Shannon, and Courteney

Vote for Stephanie in Rd 1 of the playoffs for the NLL Girl of The Year

After winning handily over Candace of the Toronto Rock Cheerleaders in the opening rounds, who she'll be performing alongside this week in Banditland, rookie camera ham Stephanie O of the Buffalo Bandettes is in the playoffs for the coveted NLL Girl Of The Year title. In round 1, she's facing off against Kayleigh of the Colorado Wild Bunch in an attempt to make the Final Four! Kayleigh beat Amy of the Rochester Knightingales in her matchup but the whole contest was a total of 23,739 votes while Stephanie's win involved a record 106,271 votes with a win of over 18,000! Go to http://www.ilindoor.com/2012/03/29/nll-girl-of-the-week-elite-eight-round-1-stephanie-vs-kayleigh/ and place your votes in for Stephanie and when I say votes, I mean plural....vote often and let's get Stephanie the win she deserves!

The Bandettes and the Jills at the 1st Annual Dance Fair and Expo

Val and Melissa B, who used to dance together

Dance is a big thing in the world today and we regularly see that in the movies, tv, and, at sporting events, performed by the Buffalo Bandettes and the Buffalo Jills. As a way to draw awareness to the dance culture throughout Western New York, and to support and encourage local dancers, local organizers put together an event bringing in local studios, schools, organizations, clubs, dance teams and more including the Buffalo Bandettes dance team and the Buffalo Jills cheerleaders!

Chrissy, Beth, and Jessica

Jaclyn and Loren

Alecia, Stephanie C, Lauren K, and Stephanie G

One of the local dance studios with the Jills

For me, besides getting to see all the talented dancers, it was an extra thrill for me getting to see girls from both the squads I cover in one place. Except for Valerie, I hadn't seen any of the Jills in two months. Both squads put on a pair of thrilling performances for those in attendance. In addition, the Jills handed out info on tryouts and on their Jr Jills program. Afterwards, after both squads had left for the day, I spent some time talking with the writer for Buffalo Dance Examiner, Lauren K of the Bandettes, a young lady who really has her head screwed on straight.
See all of the pics at http://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/5147

Coming up next for the Bandettes, they'll be back at First Niagara Center when the Bandits play host to the Toronto Rock. They'll be far from alone however as they'll have two groups of guests dancing with them. This is the annual Jr Bandettes game and in addition to the Jr Bandettes, the Bandettes will also be joined by the Toronto Rock Cheerleaders.
For the Jills, tryouts will be in full swing in a few weeks as the Jills Open Workshop takes place at the Fieldhouse on April 15th. Even before the Open Workshop though, there is a Dance Prep class on April 1st and a Glam Workshop on April 4th. Go to http://buffalojills.com/event_details.php?EID=1 for all the info on Jills tryouts.
Read more about the world of dance in Buffalo at http://www.examiner.com/dance-in-buffalo/lauren-kirchmyer

Blondes Vs Brunettes registration is ongoing

Tammy and Jenni in action at last year's BvB game

The 4th Annual Blondes Vs Brunettes game is in the planning stages and registration is open to recruit players and coaches. This event pits women against women in a powderpuff flag football and features several Buffalo Jills alumni in each game.
The 1st game, staged in 2009, featured current Jills director Stephanie M and Jills alumnus Danielle H (1998-2002).
In 2010, Danielle was joined by Amanda F (2001-03), Dana (2008), Francine (2000-04), Jenni C (1997-2004), and Kimberly Z (1996-99, 2002)
Last year's game had a total of 8 girls signed up with time spent with the Jills. Amanda, Dana, Stephanie S (1999-2001) and Meghan (2010) ended up not playing for various reasons but joining Danielle and Jenni on the field were Tammy S (1994, 95, 2002) and Desiree (2005).
So far this year, Danielle is back for her 4th year and Amanda, Jenni, and Desiree are all signed up to join her. So far, out of past BvB players who've been on the Jills, I know that Meghan isn't planning on it but what about Dana, Francine, Tammy, and Stephanie? Should be interesting to say the least to see who's playing. Sign up to play at http://act.alz.org/site/TR?pg=informational&fr_id=2194&type=fr_informational&sid=11303
If you're an alumnus from the Buffalo Jills, Bandettes, Bombshells, or Rush, let us know and we'll be sure to give you some extra publicity to get you extra donations.
Oh, and as an added bonus, one of the celebrity coaches is none other than future HOF WR Andre Reed!

Bandette of The Week Jessica

This week, we take a look at 2nd year vet Jessica as our Bandette of The Week. Dancing on Lauren B's line, she's one of those girls who legitimately gets along with everyone. A big part of that is the fact that her friends know they can always count on her when the chips are down. She's also probably more involved than any other non-captain when it comes to the squad in some ways. Prior to games, the captains usually let me know which performances will be new for that game but Jessica is always eager to let me know as well and odds are, I won't be able to leave the post-game parties at Cobblestone until after she's seen the footage...lol. She's a future athletic trainer who will be getting her degree in Exercise Science in just 2 months and is also planning on getting her Master's as well. You can read more about Jessica at http://www.bandits.com/bbio.asp?bandID=JessicaM Jessica's secondary photo comes from the game in January against the Philadelphia Wings and was taken just prior to the girls heading out for pregame. Shown posing for the photo are Kirsten, Carissa, Noelle, Jessica, and Danielle.

Kirsten, Carissa, Noelle, Jessica, and Danielle

Buffalo Jill of The Week Jami

This week, our Jill of The Week is rookie dancer Jami. Spending her gamedays on Christina's line this past season between Christina and Nicole, Jami is one of those girls who puts the cheer in cheerleading, She's extremely outgoing and friendly, attributes that will one day serve her well in her chosen career when she graduates and becomes one of the prettiest nurses in Buffalo. Being cheerful is pretty much a requirement to being an NFL cheerleader but Jami takes it to a whole other level as I can't recall ever seeing her without at least a small smile. In regards to how friendly she is, when she was doing an appearance at training camp back in August, she seemed to treat everyone she met that day as a pretty big deal when I was observing things myself. You can read more about Jami at http://buffalojills.com/profile.php?PID=16 Jami's secondary photo comes from the 9th Annual Buffalo Jills Golf Tournament held last August. Shown posing for a photo before the golfers started arriving are Lindsey and Jami. This year's Golf Tournament takes place on August 6th at Williamsville's Westwood Country Club.

Lindsey and Jami

As anyone can see in her video from tryouts last April, I wasn't exaggerating about Jami's smile as she's clearly got it shining all throughout her routine.

The Bandettes at the Bandits-Swarm game...plus some Jills news!

Bandettes with Jaclyn, Erin, and Alexis (2009-10)

The Bandits have had a rough season in 2012 but after Friday night's huge comeback in Toronto, hopes were high for the Banditland faithful as the Bandits returned home for a match-up against the Minnesota Swarm on St Patrick's Day. In honor of the holiday, Bandits players were wearing special jerseys and the Bandettes, as well as a certain visiting alumnus, were decked out in green tshirts for the game as well. Prior to the game, the squad was downstairs at the entrance greeting fans when Bandettes alumnus Alexis (2009-10) made an appearance.

Lauren's line signing autographs

After a little while, the lines split up as Lauren's line kept greeting fans downstairs and Kirsten's line went up to the 100 level to meet fans up there.

pregame performance

Chelsea, Stephanie C, Stephanie O, and Lauren K greeting the team

Chelsea, Stephanie O, and Lauren K cheering on a goal

Kirsten, Danielle, and Lauren K in action

Chrissy and Stephanie O

Full squad in action

The game itself, went well as the Bandits pulled off a 13-10 win based largely on a strong 2nd quarter and are now tied for 3rd place in the East. The game also featured a milestone as the greatest player in the history of the sport, Johnny Tavares, notched his 1600th point with a 3-goal and 1 assist performance.
See all the pics at http://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/4996 
Next up for the Bandettes, they'll be helping out and performing at the 1st Annual Dance Fair and Expo on Sunday the 25th at Classics V Banquet and Conference Center at 2425 Niagara Falls Blvd in Amherst. See the details at https://www.facebook.com/1stAnnualDanceFairAndExpo The event is open to the public for a $8 ticket at the door and features not only the Buffalo Bandettes, but the Buffalo Jills as well, bringing both squads together for their 1st joint event since last year's Buffalo Men's Show.
Speaking of the Jills, in the 4th quarter of the game, I got a tap on the shoulder. The last time I saw this person was on TV when she was in the Pro Bowl representing the Buffalo Jills. In addition to taking in the game, Valerie gave me a few tidbits of news. The squad determined this week who would be serving as captains and co-captains in 2012-2013. With Keisha retiring as captain of the Ambassador squad and Natalie undecided on returning as co-captain in dance, there were some openings to be filled.
Serving as Omarlla's (in her 13th season) co-captain will be 3rd year vet Emily.
Christina will be joined by 4th year vet Loren as her co-captain, switching over from Valerie's line.
Valerie's co-captain will be her former partner for tryouts, 6th year vet Lisa.
Covering the Ambassador Squad, 6th year vet and current CW23 girl Laura will be the new captain, taking over for the retiring Keisha. As her co-captain, 4th year vet Ruby will be getting the call.
Congrats to Emily, Ruby, and Laura in their new roles!

Bandette of The Week Stephanie O

This week, we take a look at rookie camera ham Stephanie O as our Bandette of The Week. Dancing on Kirsten's line on gamedays, Stephanie is fast making a name for herself already. Besides being pretty active in getting on camera...if she sees it pointing her way, she's pretty quick to smile for the camera. Dancing next to Chelsea, who was quite very much the same way in her rookie season, I would say the way she handles the camera isn't surprising...though I have a hunch it's something that she'd be doing even without Chelsea's influence. In addition her love of being photographed, she's also pretty well-loved herself. When she was down by 4000 votes in an NLL Girl of The Week poll last month, her friends and other loved ones pulled together to give her a convincing win by over 18,000 votes! A future social studies teacher, I think it's pretty much a certainty all her male students will be very attentive in class to whatever she has to say. Besides her obvious beauty, she's pretty bright as well. She enjoys reading about history and even has pi memorized out to 9 digits...whereas most people only remember 3.14! I just wish I'd had a teacher like Stephanie...they were never this cute when I was in school. You can read more about Stephanie at http://www.bandits.com/bbio.asp?bandID=StephanieO Stephanie's secondary photo comes from the game against the Washington Stealth. Shown posing for the camera just prior to heading out for pregame are Chrissy, Stephanie O, and Jessica.

Chrissy, Stephanie O, and Jessica

Buffalo Jill of The Week Sara

This week, we take a look at 2nd year vet Sara as our Jill of The Week. This stunning blonde was the lone Jills Ambassador mentioned in a recent article on Yahoo talking about the 5 most marketable Buffalo Jills and is well-liked by everyone who meets her. For those of us who have gotten to know her, it has less to do with her looks and more to do with her caring and fun personality. When squadmate Laura was auditioning to become the latest CW23 star, Sara was there for her the whole way. Her compassion extends not only to her friends but everyone's furry friends as well and is working towards becoming a veterinary assistant. When pressed for words to describe herself, she gave a few answers that a friend of hers has said about her but she left out one key word... persistent. With tryouts coming up, it can't be overstated that girls who give up after missing the cut the 1st time are really selling themselves short. Thankfully, Sara didn't give up after missing the cut in 2009 or else we wouldn't have gotten to know her. Even though she's an Ambassador, she has contributed some dance moves as well and loved every minute of it when she's had the opportunity first, in 2010, when she joined the huge halftime show in Toronto and then again in 2011, when she was part of a group of about 180 Jills and alumni performing prior to the Eagles game. You can read more about Sara at http://buffalojills.com/profile.php?PID=35 Sara's secondary photo comes from the Jills Comedy Show held in January. Shown posing for the camera before the doors were opened to the public were Omarlla, Sara, Courteney, and Loren.

Omarlla, Sara, Courteney, and Loren

Bandette of The Week Alicia

This week, we take a look at rookie Alicia as our Bandette of The Week. Dancing on Lauren B's line on gamedays, this 18-year old has been dancing since she was 3 and even started teaching dance herself a year or so ago. Dance is a huge part of her life and she's used it to learn about life and living it to the fullest. This future preschool teacher was a perfect fit for the Bandettes from the start. She's a big lacrosse fan and would probably suit up for the Bandits if they'd let her...and it wouldn't keep her away from dancing...lol. Plus there's the fact that she's obsessed with the color orange. Like a lot of girls with the Jills and Bandettes, she says her biggest weakness is procrastination but there's two examples where she's overcoming that. First is the fact that she started teaching dance at 17...most are in their 20s when they start doing that. Also, she didn't wait to try out for the Bandettes once she was eligible. She tried out and was on the squad within months of turning 18. So if she's looking to overcome the procrastination, I'd say she's definitely making strides in that. You can read more about Alicia at http://www.bandits.com/bbio.asp?bandID=AliciaD Alicia's secondary photo is from the meet and greet held after the Open Practice. Shown posing for a photo are Lauren B, Alicia, and Bandettes alumnus Lauren S.

Lauren B, Alicia, and Lauren S (2009-11)

Buffalo Jill of The Week Amanda F

This week, we take a look at 5th year vet Amanda F as our Jill of The Week. Unfortunately, 5 years was enough for this Jills Ambassador as 2011 was her final year on the squad. Always one to look out for the best interests of the squad as a whole, Amanda is one of those girls with whom you'll always know where you stand. Thankfully, I've always been on her good side and when you consider the fact she's talking about doing a little boxing now that she's retired, that can be a very safe place to be! LOL. But getting back to her time on the Jills, she spent the 2010 season as the co-captain of the Ambassador Squad and did an outstanding job in the role. Amanda has been the definition of class in how she deals with fans...of any age. She's great with children and can converse as easily with a child as she can someone her own age. More often than not, when it comes to children, she's even more excited to talk to them than they are to her! You can read more about Amanda at http://buffalojills.com/profile.php?PID=4 Amanda's secondary photo is from the 9th Annual Buffalo Jills Golf Tournament held at Westwood Country Club back in August. Shown posing for a photo while the golfers were returning to the clubhouse are Reena, Jami, Amanda F, and Nicole.

Reena, Jami, Amanda F, and Nicole

Top Five Most Marketable Buffalo Bills Cheerleaders: A Fan’s View and...Cheer Camp scheduled!

First up is an article on Yahoo today written about who one man feels are the 5 most marketable Buffalo Jills on the squad in 2011. Included are a pair of rookies, 2 2nd year vets, and a certain captain who had a visit to Hawaii pretty recently.

See the article at http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ycn-11071394
Also, from July 8-12, members of the Buffalo Jills will be at Niagara County Community College for their annual Cheerleading Camp. The camp is designed to teach young cheerleaders the importance of teamwork, commitment, and the reward of hard work. Staff will work with each cheerleader to enhance their individual level of cheerleading as well as encourage them to move forward. The NFL Buffalo Jills Cheerleaders have advanced to professional cheerleading from all types of backgrounds. With experts in tumbling, dance, stunting and performance training, each cheerleader will be sure to grow! Get all the info and registration, liability, and health forms at http://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/comm/camps/#tabs-5
Also, take a look at the following video for a look at last year's camp!

1st Annual Dance Fair and Expo with the Bandettes

Join us for the 1st Annual Dance Fair and Expo at Classics Banquet and Conference Center on Niagara Falls Blvd in Amherst! This highly anticipated event will celebrate dance at all levels and will be an educational, exciting, and FUN event for all who attend. We will have numerous local dance studios and college/university dance teams performing live exhibitions! If you like dance you need to be there. If you LOVE dance, you MUST be there!

Bandettes in action

The Buffalo Bandettes will be in attendance and will kick off the Exhibition Performances https://www.facebook.com/1stAnnualDanceFairAndExpo
This event will take place at the Classics Banquet and Convention Center
2425 Niagara Falls Blvd
Amherst, NY 14228

The Bandettes at the Bandits-Mammoth game

The Buffalo Bandits continued their losing streak Saturday night, slipping to a 2-5 record with a loss against the 7-1 Colorado Mammoth. Sadly, unless they turn things around in a hurry, they could make the Bills' recent struggles look good in comparison and could actually end up being the only team in the entire NLL to miss the playoffs.

Stephanie C, Carissa, Danielle, Krista, and Melissa

After last week's release of the 2012 Buffalo Bandettes posters, the Bandettes were set up with autograph tables for the game so that fans could come by, get a poster, and get it autographed by the entire squad all at once.

Chrissy and Stephanie O

Before the game, a few girls posed for photos before heading out for a pregame performance that didn't happen. Unfortunately, the sound system started playing the wrong song that was planned for pregame but the Bandettes made up for that by 1st waving to the fans in pregame and then performing their pregame performance at the start of halftime.

Danielle shares a laugh with Noelle during the 1st quarter

Jessica, Kirsten, and Stephanie G

Noelle, Chrissy, and Stephanie O in action at halftime

Chelsea and Noelle

See all the pics at http://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/4879
In addition to their normal performances, they had a special feature at the end of their 3rd quarter performance, a regular crowd pleaser they do a few times a season.


Next up, after the Bandits play a road game in Rochester next week and a game in Toronto the following Friday, the Bandits return home on March 17th to play host to the Minnesota Swarm.

Jills Golf Tourney announced!

Golfers with Christina, Beth, and Myesha

Time to get your time off for the 10th Annual Buffalo Jills Golf Tournament! On Monday, August 6th, Westwood Country Club in Williamsville once again plays host to the Buffalo Jills as they host their annual Golf Tournament. $135 gets you 18 holes of golf, golf cart, lunch, dinner, and entertainment. There will also be games to play, raffles. and even the chance to have a Jill accompany you around the course for the day!

2011 Caddies Emily, Sara, Rebecca, and Shannon

See all the details and how to register at  http://buffalojills.com/event_details.php?EID=3

Bandette of The Week Ashley

This week, we take a look at 3rd year vet Ashley as our Bandette of The Week. After 2 seasons dancing and tumbling, Ash is now heading up the new Bandettes Ambassador Squad, a group of 3 girls who are specializing in appearances, especially suite visits during games. She's one of those girls who people naturally gravitate toward with her friendly smile and even friendlier personality. She's good at picking a person's spirits up with either a friendly ear or a laugh. She was, after all, known for getting laughs throughout her high school days.  Well, she's out of high school now and still getting laughs but probably from no one more than her fiancé as she's engaged to be married in the offseason.  You can read more about Ashley at http://www.bandits.com/bbio.asp?bandID=AshleyX Ashley's secondary photo is from the Meet and Greet held the evening after the Bandits Open Practice. Shown posing for a photo are Amanda, Ashley, and Noelle.

Amanda, Ashley, and Noelle

Buffalo Jill of The Week Reena

This week, we take a look at 2nd year vet Reena as our Jill of The Week. After a season as a dancer, Reena stepped back and joined the Ambassador Squad in 2011. While it was disappointing not having her dancing on the sidelines, I'm sure there were a lot of fans who visited the tailgates who loved getting to see this beauty up close. Odds are she received a lot of marriage proposals on gamedays this past fall...and those were from guys who didn't even get to know her first. As beautiful as she is on the outside, she's even more so on the inside. She's one of those girls who's genuinely caring and will put herself out for her friends. Of course as sweet and delicate as she can be, she can be pretty tough when she needs to be, as one of her squadmates learned last year. The toughness will serve her well in her chosen career as she got her law degree last spring and is hoping to land a job in the entertainment or fashion industry. You can read more about Reena at http://buffalojills.com/profile.php?PID=33 Reena's secondary pic is from the Jills Comedy Show held in January at the Tralf. Shown posing for a photo while the audience was still arriving are Amanda F and Reena.

Amanda F and Reena