Raiderettes

NFL: RAIDERS: Unprecedented Anticipation


/noticias.info/ By Kelly Martinez

The day has arrived. The 2006 Raiderette Final Audition took place today where more than 100 finalists arrived prior to 8:00 a.m. to check into registration in the hopes of having a lucky day, and a life changing one at that. The vast majority of these competitors are first time finalists and new to the entire Raiderette auditions experience.

In the midst of a whole new experience, how does one prepare for such a challenge? Many finalists had different strategies in terms of physical and mental preparation. First time finalist Nicole is an example of sheer determination and commitment. "I went to the preparation practices and then I would go to the gym afterwards until midnight," said Nicole. "I practiced the routine repeatedly."

Another first time finalist Jovann would listen to the routine music in her car on her way to work and on her way home every day so that she could visualize the routine in her mind. "I would also practice the routine a lot," said Jovann. Similarly, Kali, another first time finalist, would practice repeatedly. "I tried to make sure I had all of my steps together. I would go over the counts and try to incorporate it with the music," said Kali.

In addition to the dance routine, the finalists felt it was challenging to prepare for the interview portion of the audition. "I knew the judges were going to ask questions about me and there is really no way to prepare for that. All I could do is be myself," said Nicole.

There are numerous items that one needs to be sure to cover in preparation to the final auditions. It is important to pay attention to detail and better to over-prepare than under-prepare. "I spent Saturday getting my hair and outfits together. I also practiced the routine in my dance outfit. I wanted to make sure that I would not have any wardrobe malfunctions," said Jovann.

The finalists always try to set themselves apart from everyone else. They are trying be distinctive and unique. "I am really involved with the community through my Greek Orthodox Church. I am also part of a Greek dance team," said Nicole.

Becoming a Raiderette is a dream of a different meaning for every finalist that aims to become one of Football's Fabulous Females. "If I become a Raiderette, I see that as a foot in the door to helping other people," said Nicole. "It is really rewarding for me to give back to the community. I believe that when you give, you get twice in return," added Nicole.

One of the finalists had previous professional cheering experience but her heart was not entirely committed. "I was formerly [a cheerleader for another professional football team] and we were involved in the community but I wasn't feeling like I was getting a lot out of it because it wasn't a community I could connect with," stated Jovann, an Oakland native. "I figured that if I'm going to pursue this I want to do it with a community that I can connect with and I would rather do it with the Oakland Raiders as a Raiderette," said Jovann.

All of the finalists do share two things in common: They all hang on the hope of being one of the 40 Oakland Raiderettes and the fact that once in the chosen in the squad they will share the good news with their loved ones.