Less than a week after the tryout process began with the Open Practice, we were back at the Conference Center of Niagara Falls for 1st cuts. As per usual, I was one of the 1st ones there to help set up as, for the second season in a row, 1st cuts were open to the public. 1st cuts had been done at the Conference Center before but the Grand Ballroom wasn't set up for an audience. Luckily, they had us set up with a stage, seating, a judge's platform, and even a backstage area where the hopefuls could prepare in their Event Center. Joining us to help out with the process were Kelly Ann (2003-04,09), Kelly H (2002-08), and Kristin B (2008-09).
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| Amanda F and Kelly Ann |
We had met a few prospective rookies and saw a few alums who had decided to give it a go at coming back at the workshop. However, not everyone can make it to that Open Workshop or decides to try out after the workshop and goes to the Optional Workshop held on Thursday night before 1st cuts take place. Among those alums who decided at the last minute were Stacy and Anna. Stacy had been on the squad in 2007 but left early while Anna spent all of 2008 and a part of 2009 as a Jill. One of the prospective rookies we met was Emily, a friend of Nicole and Kristen's.
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| Nicole and Kristen with their friend Emily |
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| Returning alum Stacy with Eileen |
One of the fun things about tryouts is the opportunity to make yourself stand out to the judges and one way vets have typically done that is with matching outfits. On occasion, some rookie hopefuls tried this but the tricky part of that was ensuring they performed together while vets were able to ensure they were able to by getting to select their numbers ahead of time. Val and Lisa were always #1 and #2, for example because they chose those numbers each time. The negative to that was the previous year when I didn't take video of them...but in 2010, I was set up to video all the dancers.
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| Matching outfits for Gabrielle and Loren |
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| Val and Lisa in matching outfits |
After everyone had performed, it was time to wait for the judges' deliberations and while waiting, there were some fans anxious for photo ops, including a few who hope to be on the sidelines one day themselves. After the results were posted and most of those who missed the cut left, squad management went over a few things with the ladies that remained before several of us went over to the Hard Rock for lunch...and so that Val could get a look at hers and Lisa's video...lol.
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| Group shot with a future Jill? |
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| Murissa, Anna, and Stefanie |
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| Listening to what's to come in the 2nd round after 1st cuts are done |
See all the pics at
https://buffaloprocheerbuffalojills.shutterfly.com/pictures/1799
From the Bandettes comes a photo from the 1st quarter of the April game against the Vancouver Stealth. Shown shortly after a Bandits goal is scored is 5th year vet Chrissy. Sadly, Chrissy decided to call it a career after the season ended and won't be back for 2016. Thankfully, she leaves us with many memories from over the years.
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| Brittany and Chrissy |
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