Raiderette LOW PAY Lawsuit – MY THOUGHTS!!!

Yes, I was an Oakland Raiderette…and am still a proud alumni! So news of a lawsuit by a current – on her way out former Raiderette from the most recent season has hit the media, and I couldn’t resist giving my 2 cents, okay it’s more like a lot of SENSE!! And this all comes on the heels of a new petition on behalf of ALL NFL Cheerleaders (completely unrelated) to get MORE PAY!

Check these links for background:

Busted Coverage – Cheerleader Sues Raiders for Withholding Pay & Not Paying Minimum Wage **this article contains a copy of the actual lawsuit paperwork filed**
ESPN – Cheerleader Files Suit Against Raiders
Pay Petition – for all NFL Teams Cheerleaders

But seriously, this is sparking so much debate among Raiderette Alumni and people in general, that I just had to put my thoughts down and share…so here goes…

YES…being a PRO TEAM Dancer/Cheerleader is a low paying job…I’ve been on 3 teams in the NBA and NFL. Do I believe the compensation should be more, yes, that would be nice to be paid for my time and talent, but here’s the reality (from my dancing days):

  • Cheerleaders (Raiders) are paid a per game stipend, practice is not paid and certain community/charity events may also be non paid. There are other paid appearance opportunities and you are always told the pay, location and summary of all events before you sign up. Other pro teams do receive a minimum wage for practice. You also receive tickets for the game as part of the compensation.
  • Team members sign a contract acknowledging and agreeing to the terms of pay, attendance, expectations (hair, makeup, nails, citizenship, etc…), duties, hours, and it is often a requirement for those selected to hold some type of job or be a student outside of the team.
  • Members are required to maintain and meet fitness/appearance requirements, all of which are discussed and agreed to…gym membership and stylist discounts are also given by sponsors. And while some of the ladies may take that as required weekly manicures or regular haircuts and color, those are optional expenses the ladies incur at their own discretion…again they AGREED to this.
  • Travel to appearances may sometimes be out of area, but if you sign up to drive 90 miles, I’m saying, don’t complain about it.
  • Fines are incurred when you are late for practice, games, events or if you forget required equipment, attire, etc… I have no issue with this, money is the best motivator to get people to stay on top of their game.

So my thing is, at auditions… candidates are WELL AWARE of what it takes to make the team and what the job entails, if selected among the HUNDREDS, sometimes THOUSANDS of hopefuls. I think the general public assumes it is a full time job and doesn’t realize the reality of what goes on behind the glamour – hours of practice, appearances and prep, but truth be told, after all the hard work, hours of sweat, all the tears shed, dedication and miles driven, what you take home doesn’t even cover gas costs! However, the majority (if not all) of the ladies in the pro ranks aren’t doing it “for the money.” What this job offers are priceless memories and friendships, unique experiences and once in a lifetime opportunities. As a pro team cheerleader I was able to network and meet countless top level executives from a wide range of industries, work alongside community leaders and influencers, travel and represent teams in the most elite sports leagues and given the platform to be part of game day entertainment in front of tens of thousands of adoring fans!

Honestly, this gets me worked up because I am protective of the “sisterhood.” I do see the point of being paid more and it would be well-deserved, but the reality is that being a Raiderette or part of any pro team is a privilege and honor, that is priceless!! IF this suit is successful, I think a few things could happen. It may be possible that teams do away with cheerleaders altogether or make it a volunteer job with NO stipend. However, since the cheerleaders are vital to branding and bring in millions of dollars for the team, maybe they shrink the squads down to only a dozen or less, to make them full-time staff.  But, let’s be honest, the hundreds of women that try out would do it for free, and these days the spots are so coveted that they enlist the coaching of people like me, through Going Pro Entertainment, to give them advice and pointers on how to make a team!

It will be interesting to see what happens. I worked full time outside of my position as a pro team cheerleader/dancer, with each team I was lucky enough to be a member of…and I would do it all over again for the same “low” pay.

50 Years of Raiderettes

I recently celebrated 50 years of Oakland (and LA) Raiderettes with a few hundred of my “Football’s Fabulous Females” sisters, who have also been honored to hold the Raiderette title! The 2012 Raiderette Reunion started off with a dinner at the Eastside Club at the Coliseum…

On display were the various uniforms and costumes donned by the Raiderettes over the years…

The next day after we gathered at the Raider facility to “practice” for our anniversary halftime show! We had all received a video link prior to the reunion weekend, to learn our respective routines…since we were celebrating 50 years, they divided us into 5 decades, and you learned the routine that corresponded with the decade you became a Raiderette! So the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and (my group) 2000’s!! It was the first time we got together for a dance rehearsal with everyone. Ah, what a reminder of the hard work it takes to be a Raiderette!!!

We also received these beautiful medallions to mark the 50 year celebration!

Finally our reunion weekend culminated with a spectacular halftime performance at the Oakland Coliseum where the Raiders hosted the Jacksonville Jaguars!! Lots of fun and reminiscent of old times…starting with a bus ride together to the stadium.

Then of course GAME TIME!!

And — it’s great to dance alongside with the current squad and to see what a GREAT job these ladies are doing to carry on the Raiderette tradition!!

I don’t have the final number of how many alumni turned out to attend the weekend, but at least 300+…and I imagine if each and every former Raiderette was able to be there, the number would be more like 500…that’s a lot of Raiderettes!! 🙂

Finally, what would a performance be without the VIDEO…haha! You can actually see me in the clip below…I danced on the 25 yard line, closer to the north end zone, then in end zone (near the “K”) during the finale!!

Once a Raiderette, ALWAYS a Raiderette!! 😉

Buy My BRA!!!!

***UPDATE*** 04.07.12: The auction has begun…go here to bid now >> www.ebay.com/mzemmerssportsbraauction :: Aubrey Aquino – Autographed Sports Bra http://r.ebay.com/LGkL9X

I recently donated one of my old Oakland Raiderettes sports bras to a very worthy cause…the MZ & Emmers Sports Bra Auction for Breast Cancer Awareness.

“MZ & Emmers” was formed through a friendship between Women’s Professional Soccer star McCall Zerboni (MZ), and now five-year-old Emma Bayer (Emmers) and her parents. We are dedicated to raising awareness and funds in the fight against breast cancer, through the empowerment of women’s athletics.

My bra goes up for auction along with several other sports bras from women all across the world of sports beginning April 7, 2012 – I believe it’ll be on ebay. I was able to get involved after the organizer got in touch with Going Pro Entertainment founder and current Ms. United States, Laura Eilers. She’s a former Kansas City Chiefs and Saint Louis Rams Cheerleader.

Laura put the word out for us to send in a piece from our pro cheer days, and I did not hesitate to donate for such a worthy cause!! 🙂 You can view all the “bras” here —> http://www.facebook.com/MZEmmers

GPEgroup

And — just because, here’s a picture of me with some of my fellow Going Pro Consultants/NFL Cheer alumni!


2012 Audition Prep Classes

Every year, hundreds of women pour their heart, mind, soul and body’s into auditioning for various Pro Sports Dance and Cheer Teams. I have worn an audition number, stood in line with the masses for my chance to dance, and so I KNOW what the experience is like. Thankfully I have been successful and have reached my goals of being selected for a coveted spot on one of those teams. Now that I’ve hung up my dance shoes, I work as a consultant and regional director for Going Pro Entertainment…and every year the company puts on “dance conventions” all over the country, designed to help audition hopefuls be ready and be their personal best for these once a year NFL, NBA, AFL, etc.. auditions. This year I am again coordinating events in the Bay Area (Northern California) and Miami, FL.

Another GREAT benefit of our workshops is that there are open to current dancers as well. Perhaps you are on a college dance team or semi-pro team that doesn’t have a big budget for choreography, however…by attending our events, you will learn 2 routines and 4 sidelines to take back and use for your own performances, so we encourage teams to send a couple if not all their dancers to be part of this exciting day! And — it’s always a wonderful refresher for alumni who’ve taken time off and want to get back in the groove before auditioning again.

All our events are staffed by former dancers, director and choreographers from Pro Sports Teams and we have the advice, tips and insider info you need to put your best foot forward! Of course we encourage you to always attend the “prep classes” for the specific team that you are interested in being part of, to be audition ready. Going Pro conventions offer that extra “edge” and additional help some of you may seek and it’s another opportunity to meet like-minded women who are also going through the process. Plus, since we are not the actual team reps for specific auditions, it’s no pressure, ask any questions and have fun!

West Coast (Bay Area) Pro Dance is Sunday, January 29 in San Jose!
For more info & sign up >> http://westcoastprodance2012.eventbrite.com/

Miami (South Florida) Pro Dance is Sunday, February 19 in North Miami!
For info and to register >> http://miamiprodance2012-eorg.eventbrite.com/

All other Going Pro Conventions, including DC, Atlanta, Arizona…
For the complete list >> http://procheerallstars-eorg.eventbrite.com/

West Coast Pro Dance 2012

Are you a current, former or prospective professional dancer or cheerleader? Does your team need fresh choreography? Would you like to meet others in the industry or hear about audition opportunities?

Then get ready for the West Coast Pro Dance Convention in San Jose, CA on Sunday, January 29, 2012!
http://westcoastprodance2012.eventbrite.com/

CHOREOGRAPHERS

Our choreographers are top alumni and directors of dance and cheer teams in the NFL, NBA, AFL, MLB and other sports leagues. They will teach 6 sidelines and 2 routines in length of 45-60 seconds.
**Aubrey Aquino, NBA Dancer – Sacramento, NFL Cheerleader – Oakland & Arizona
**Kristin Medwick, 7 year NFL Cheerleader – Oakland, “Dancer of the Year” 1998; “Raiderette of the Year” and Pro Bowl Cheerleader 2005
**Kristena Wright, NBA dancer – Washington, NFL Cheerleader – Miami
**Chris Rhyu, NFL Cheerleader – San Francisco

PRESENTERS

**Faithe David, former 49ers Cheerleader will be giving awesome dance technique class to help candidates put their best foot forward at auditions.
**Jada Law, former NBA dancer in Sacramento and LA and current TV personality & host for Lakers TV will give a fitness/health/nutrition presentation to get candidates ready for auditions.
**Audrey Asistio, an alum of the San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush and Gold Rush Ambassador now works for a news station as a reporter/fill-in anchor. Audrey will offer participants interview, attire, and overall presentation tips.
**Mindy Kreis, Director of Crunch Fitness will be knocking our socks off with a specialized bootcamp geared specifically to dancers.

LOCATION

San Jose Athletic Club
196 N. THIRD STREET
SAN JOSE, CA 95112

For complete details – http://westcoastprodance2012.eventbrite.com/

West Coast Pro Dance Convention

I am so excited to return home to the Bay Area next weekend, not only am I going to see tons of family and friends, but I am bringing a very exciting event to the area. Many people know I have a background that includes dancing and cheering in the NBA and NFL…it’s something near and dear to my heart. These days, I get sore after an hour or 2 of dance, but I still got it! lol..uh sort of… Anyway, it’s not about me. The event I’m talking about is the Going Pro Entertainment: West Coast Pro Dance Convention which will be held at Crunch in Danville, CA on Saturday, March 12, 2011.

West Coast flyer

It’s not a competition, it’s not an audition, it’s a fun, all day convention filled with dance choreography taught by Pro Alumni & a fitness boot camp, paired with makeup, hair, interview, attire and photography presentations! The workshop is open to current, pro and aspiring cheerleaders and dancers, and most of the attendees are in the early to mid 20’s, however we have had juniors and seniors in high school attend as well as women in their 30’s. We’re all Alumni from the NFL, NBA, AFL, etc… If you are thinking about auditioning for the San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush, Oakland Raiderettes, Golden State Warriors or Sacramento Kings, etc… this clinic a great starting point! We are a great alternative to a team’s official prep classes for Pro Dance and Cheer auditions because you don’t have to worry about messing up or doing the wrong thing ( we aren’t judging you), and there’s no need to hold back when asking questions. Our focus is to get you prepared and ready to have the best audition of your life…we are here to help!! So sign up today >>> Registration & info for the (Bay Area) event is at http://westcoastprodance.eventbrite.com/

AND — just to give you a taste of what people can expect…here are some photos and video highlights from my super successful Miami event!! We had great dancers, current and alumni Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders, alumni Miami HEAT dancers and I’m sure there were at least a few future Pro’s in the mix! 😉

IMG_0865

IMG_0208 IMG_0221 IMG_0218

IMG_0215 DSCF5698 DSCF5693

Bay Area Pro Dance Convention

Just as I am organizing the Miami Pro Dance Convention on Sunday, Feb 27, I am also coordinating another event in my hometown Bay Area on Saturday, March 12 for Going Pro Entertainment! The event is designed for current, former or prospective professional dancers and cheerleaders, as well as team’s who need fresh choreography. It’s also a great networking opportunity to meet others in the industry and hear about other auditions!

West Coast flyer

The March 12 event will be held at CRUNCH in Danville, CA and we have separate AM and PM sessions, with different choreography, so stay the whole day if you like! In addition to myself, the all-star lineup of alumni (so far) includes choreographers:

**Robin Delaney, NFL Raiderettes and Gold Rush, NBA Dancer – Warrior Girls
**Jada Law, NBA Dancer – Sacramento Kings and LA Lakers

And then we’ll have great Q&A opportunities as well as presentations on what you need to know to be prepared for try-outs!

** Cole Martin, former Raiderette Cheerleader will be giving awesome hair/makeup techniques to put your best “face” forward at auditions.
** The Director of Crunch Fitness will be knocking our socks off with a specialized bootcamp and fitness presentation geared specifically to dancers.
** Patty Hererra, alumni Raiderette and Director of Multi-Cultural Initiatives for the Oakland Raiders will give you advice on interview preparation.

There’s more to come, so stay tuned…better yet…SIGN UP!! http://westcoastprodance.eventbrite.com/