Fifty-seven candidates were chosen from Final Auditions to participate in the final phase of Patriots Cheerleaders auditions; boot camp. The two week boot camp, that took place between March 27th and April 7th, included learning and performing routines, participating in BMAX workouts, public speaking, team unity drills, and even a talent showcase.
Boot camp mirrored an average day of cheerleading practice to give the ladies an idea of what their routine would be like if they were chosen to cheer on the 5X Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots. Each day started off with a BMAX workout which includes full body exercises, running the ramps at Gillette Stadium, and strength and conditioning drills. These workouts give the cheerleaders power and endurance to cheer for a full 4 quarter NFL football game.
The ladies were prepped on best practices for public speaking. Whether it is for a national media outlet like "Good Morning America" or a local newspaper, the New England Patriots Cheerleaders are ambassadors for the Patriots organization. Throughout the season, the Patriots Cheerleaders engage with fans from all over New England at their promotional appearances. Excellent communication skills are a very important requirement.
This two-week process was a great opportunity for the women to truly bond and gain life-long friendships. Many alumni cheerleaders speak about the sisterhood this squad has given them. Between practices, squad trips, games and events the ladies grow a strong bond that starts during the audition process. The participants went through a variety of team-building exercises including a fun, surprise lip sync battle to test how they work together. It is imperative for these women to be able to collaborate, be problem solvers and trust one another.
Dancing, of course, was an important component of Patriots Cheerleaders boot camp! Throughout this month-long process, the participants learned 5 and perfected five routines. Each dance tested the ladies' dance style, technique, and skill. Cheers were taught, high kicks practiced and the ladies rehearsed on their own to show up for each boot camp polished and prepared.
On the final day of camp, five line captains were announced and celebrated: Alex, Andrea, Kayla, Nicole, and Melissa. That night the thirty-four member, 2018 New England Patriots Cheerleader squad was announced on Patriots.com.
Check out photos from boot camp below:
57 candidates were chosen for the final phase of Patriots Cheerleaders auditions; boot camp. The two week boot camp included learning and performing routines, participating in BMAX workouts, public speaking, team unity drills, and even a talent showcase. Photo Credit: Dwight Darian
