Saintsations facts for kids
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| Formation | 1987 |
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Membership
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32 |
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Director
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Ashley Deaton |
| Affiliations | New Orleans Saints |
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Formerly called
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The Saintsations are a cheerleading and dance team that performs at New Orleans Saints football games. They also act as ambassadors for the team. You can often see them taking part in different community events and projects.
Contents
History of Saints Dance Teams
Before the Saintsations, the New Orleans Saints had two other dance teams.
Early Dance Teams (1967-1978)
From 1967 to 1971, the first Saints dance team had a few names. They were called the Lousiannes in 1967, then the Saints Dancers. In 1968, they became the Mademoiselles, and from 1969 to 1971, they were known as the Mam'selles. These teams usually had about 48 dancers. In 2018, a male dancer joined the team for the first time!
Tommy Walker, who was the entertainment director for Disneyland, helped create the first dance team. Phyllis Nelson, a dance instructor from New Orleans, was the choreographer. One famous Mam'selle was Rhonda Shear, who became a TV star. Another was Sandra Labourdette, who later became the first Saintsations choreographer.
From 1975 to 1978, the Saints had a team called the Bonnes Amies, which means "Good Friends" in French. They were the first dancers to perform in the new Superdome. This team supported many charities, like the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
In 1978, the team was renamed the Angels. However, this team did not last long. Due to an issue with a staff assistant, the dance team's connection with the Saints ended.
The Saintsations Begin (1987-Present)
In 1987, the Saints decided to bring back a dance team. Sandra Labourdette, a former dancer, became the choreographer. Twenty-seven dancers were chosen for the new team. Fans helped choose the name "Saintsations." It was a great start, as the Saints had their first winning season and made the playoffs that year! The team usually has between 30 and 40 dancers.
Later, former Saintsations like Angie Waguespack and Lani Quaglino-Neil became choreographers.
Modern Saintsations
A big change happened in 2001 when a company called St. All-Star, LLC took over the dance team. They brought new costumes and dance routines. Many former Saintsations are now leaders in their communities, working as doctors, lawyers, teachers, and business owners. Famous choreographers have also worked with the Saintsations. The team usually has 28 to 36 members, ranging in age from 18 to 42.
The Saintsations have become international ambassadors of goodwill. They travel with the U.S.O. to military bases in places like Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. They entertain and support the U.S. military. They also appear at events in New Orleans for charities and other groups.
The Saintsations have their own charity programs. One is the Saintsations Inspiration Program. This program allows girls under 18 to perform on the Superdome field with the team before a Saints game. The team also gives a scholarship each year to a high school dancer or cheerleader. In 2017, the Saintsations returned to being managed by the New Orleans Saints. Ashley Deaton is the current director.
Saintsations Around the World
The Saintsations have performed in many countries. Their first overseas show was in 1990 in London. The Saints played a pre-season game there against the Los Angeles Raiders. They also performed in 1993 in Tokyo, when the Saints played the Philadelphia Eagles.
Since 2004, the Saintsations have been invited to perform at the London Superbash. This is the official Super Bowl party in Great Britain. In 2008, they performed at the official NFL party in Mexico City. They returned to London in 2008 when the Saints played the San Diego Chargers at Wembley Stadium.
The Saintsations have sent a team member to the Pro Bowl every year since 1993.
Notable Saintsations
- Tamica Lee (2001–2005): A TV reporter and cast member of Southern Charm New Orleans.
- Kriste Lewis (2014–2018): She was the oldest NFL cheerleader.
- Lorenza "Renny" Martyn (1977–1978): A HouseGuest on Big Brother 10.
- Bailey Davis (2015-2018): A former NFL cheerleader who works for change in the NFL league. She is now a dance teacher.
- Madeleine Overby (2017–2018): She was crowned Miss Mississippi USA 2019.
