Seahawks Dancers facts for kids
Blitz and then called Sea gals at Super Bowl XLVIII
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| Formation | 1976 |
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Membership
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16 |
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Director
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Courtney Moore |
| Affiliations | Seattle Seahawks |
| Website | Official website: http://www.seahawks.com/cheerleaders |
The Seahawks Dancers are the official cheerleading team for the NFL team, the Seattle Seahawks. They used to be called the Sea Gals. These talented dancers perform many different routines during the Seahawks' home games.
Before 2019, a special group called the Sea Gals Show Group traveled a lot. They performed in parades and at events both in the United States and overseas. They also worked with the USO, which supports military members.
In 2019, the team changed its name to the "Seahawks Dancers." This was a big change because they now include male cheerleaders and stunt performers! They perform different dance styles, like classic NFL Jazz/Pom and Hip Hop. The Seahawks Dancers are now a co-ed (mixed-gender) team, just like the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders. Other NFL teams with male cheerleaders include the Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Rams, Tennessee Titans, and New England Patriots. This change was made to keep their entertainment fresh and exciting, similar to when the Blue Thunder drumline joined in 2004.
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History of the Seahawks Dancers
The Sea Gals started in 1976. This was the same year the Seattle Seahawks football team began playing.
A woman named Sherri Thompson was the director of the Sea Gals for over 35 years. She was even a Sea Gal herself for three seasons, starting in 1981. In 2018, Courtney Moore became the new director. She also used to be a Sea Gal and even represented the team at the Pro Bowl in 2014. Courtney Moore continued as director when the team became the Seahawks Dancers in 2019.
The first team after the name change had 30 female and eight male dancers. They also changed their look, moving from the old Sea Gals uniform to new athletic outfits. The Seahawks Dancers also brought new dance styles and cool tricks to their performances. Besides game days, the team also makes appearances in the community.
How to Audition for the Team
If someone wants to try out for the Seahawks Dancers, they must be at least 18 years old. They also need to have finished high school before the season starts. In 2020, the Seahawks Dancers held their auditions online.
Junior Seahawks Dancers Program
The Junior Seahawks Dancers program is for younger dancers, aged 7 to 14. Only the first 250 kids who sign up and pay online can join. The program includes dance classes taught by the current Seahawks Dancers and their leaders. It also gives the kids a chance to perform during halftime at a Seahawks game!
Junior Seahawks Dancers also get a special uniform, a photo package, and a video of their performance. They also receive two tickets to a game. The program was paused in 2020 due to health guidelines but was planned to start again in 2021.
Famous Former Members
Some people who were once part of the Seahawks Dancers (or Sea Gals) have become well-known:
- Ali Dudek, a singer
- Christina Clarke, who was crowned Miss Washington USA in 2012
- Nicole Remy, a contestant on The Bachelor Season 25
- Amber Lancaster, a model on The Price Is Right and an actress
- Lauren Leeds, a reporter for KVEW
- Heidi Meili, a reporter and anchor for KECI-TV
- Julie Shipley-Childs, a professional fitness competitor
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