By Jacie Scott

Before making our booties bounce and our makeup sweat off in her Monday Night Pro League Prep classes at Power House of Dance in Dallas, Stephanie DiBiase Wheat dazzled as a Dallas Mavericks Dancer and AFL Dallas Desperados Dancer!

If you follow Wheat, you know that she’s since soared to incredible heights! From directing the Allen American Ice Angels to being a featured choreographer on CMT’s Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team series.

I had the opportunity to chat with the always energetic and crazy-talented choreographer about her journey with professional dance/cheer, her current gigs, future goals, and advice for young women pursing a spot on a professional team. You’re sure to be inspired. Check it out:

Jacie Scott: When did you retire from your last pro team? What led to that decision?

Stephanie DiBiase Wheat: 2002! It was time for me to pursue other outlets in theperformance industry.

JS: So, talk me through where life has taken you since!

SW: I’ve had the opportunity to travel all over the country performing and choreographing. I’ve been amaster hip-hop instructor for American Dance/Drill Team, MA Dance, and HTE – Half-Time Entertainment. I’ve been a master choreographer for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders for the last 15 years and was featured as the guest choreographer on Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: “Making the Team” season 9 and 10. And I was featured as The Top 10 Influential Women of Dallas 2016.

JS: Geez, woman! You don’t stop! Talk a little about your Monday night classes at PowerHouse. When did they start and how has it grown over the years? I love seeing your vids on Instagram.

SD: I started my pro-league class at Dallas Powerhouse of Dance four years ago! It’s a hip-hop class that is open to anyone and everyone. It’s a popular class that girls who plan on trying out for professional sports teams come to! I give lots of audition tips, along with confidence boosters for becoming better versions of themselves. I’m also known in the Dallas Pro Dance World for having the most intense cardio burn in one hour! You will leave drenched… literally!

JS: Yes… I’m aware! Ha! What is the most important thing you want dancers to learn from you in these classes?

SD: I want people to leave my class feeling differently than they did before they walked in the door! It’s a huge reward for me when people come to my classes regularly and tell me how much more confident and comfortable they feel in their own skin. [When I hear] the words, “thank you for such a motivating class”– then I know my job is done. Dance is not just about the passion I have for it, but more so the effect that my passion has on others! Very rewarding!

JS: You always have awesome motivational nuggets. So tell me. What’s your best advice for any young woman in your industry, young entrepreneurs or just women with big goals and dreams?

SD: VALUE YOUR WORTH! This industry can be very brutal at times and incredibly amazing! Be prepared. Be yourself. Be confident in your own skin. Do your research, and train in your craft! Carry yourself with elegance and grace. It’s now always the best dancers/entrepreneurs that get the job. A HUGE part of it is your confidence within yourself and how you treat and speak to others. Get this simple formula down, and the rest will follow!

JS: PREACH! Ok, what’s next for you?

SD: Along with teaching at Dallas Powerhouse, I’ve recently started teaching dance at Studio 7 Performance. It’s an acting, vocal, modeling and dance studio! To be working with children pursuing their dreams in the entertainment industry and being able to be part of their growth in reaching their goals is a beautiful thing!

JS: There you have it, ladies and gents! Catch Stephanie in action Monday nights at Dallas Powerhouse of Dance for her pro-league class at 8:30. You can also catch her team perform at the Allen Americans’ home opener October 21st at the Allen Events Center!

If you’d like to be highlighted in our “Where Are They Now?” series, email jaciescott@prodancecheer.com!

The post PDC Series: Where Are They Now – Stephanie DiBiase Wheat appeared first on Pro Dance Cheer.

Nicole Bulcher cheered five season in the NFL before starting her own business. Credit: Oakwoods Photography

For this series, we’ve sat down with former dancers and cheerleaders from professional sports teams to discuss their latest ventures. Catch up with some of your favorites right here, each month!

 

I was always captivated by Nicole Bulcher’s signature curly hair, gorgeous smile and sweet spirit during her time as an NFL Cheerleader. Well guys, it’s very refreshing to say that none of that has changed since her retirement two years ago. (Except for the rare occasions she rocks the straight do.)

 

Jacie Scott: Ok, so what led you to make the decision to retire?

 

Nicole Bulcher: I retired in 2015 after 5 wonderful years because I knew it couldn’t get any better than what I had already experienced. During my 5 years I traveled to London with the team for the International Series when the Cowboys played the Bengals. I shot 4 beautiful swimsuit calendars in stunning locations all over Mexico, performed at the Big D New Years Eve countdown, at baseball games, concerts, conventions, and too many other performances to honestly recount. 

 

After being voted by my team to attend the Pro Bowl, I knew for sure that was the best note to end on. During the end-of-year banquet, I was also given the personalized football announcing me as Veteran of the Year (another team-voted recognition), and I knew there was no better way to leave the organization than on that honor. I exited my active years of cheerleading for the Cowboys with only the best memories and feelings. I’m forever thankful for my awesome “run” with the best cheerleading team in the NFL. 

 

JS: Did you have any specific goals post-retirement?

 

NB: Yes, I wanted to continue to grow my career with The Bar Method in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. I poured all of my spare time into learning more about the business I had been managing and teaching at for the last 6 years.  

Erin and Nicole opened The Bar Method Southlake just seven months ago.

I spent the first 6 months of ‘retirement’  traveling the world and then got focused on opening my business. My sister and I bought the franchise rights to The Bar Method Southlake in February 2016 and by January 2017 we had opened the doors to our very own studio. From financing, to the build-out of our 3,000 sq foot space, to training our first teachers…it has been a blast! My sister is the best business partner I could’ve asked for. We are official co-owners of The Bar Method Southlake,and we are enjoying every minute of it!

 

JS: Why take the plunge of opening a Bar Method studio and why did you zone in on Southlake? 

 

NB: Most of my success with cheering for the Cowboys was because I had a flexible, but still full-time job at The Bar Method Dallas. I was never fearful of losing my job because of Cowboys commitments and that made it possible for me to cheer all five years. I was given the freedom to write my schedule around cheerleading commitments, learn the business side of the studio, and manage many people over the years in that role. The knowledge and confidence I gained in that role at the Dallas studio equipped me to open my own with my sister in Southlake. After much market research, we knew Southlake was the best option for a boutique fitness concept, and I’ve personally always loved Southlake.

 

JS: Did any of the skills you’ve learned as a dancer help you in this new business journey?

 

NB: I learned a lot while dancing in college as far as work ethic, being reliable, and organized. Once I made the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and still had my 40+ hour work week, out of necessity I learned how to better manage my time. The DCC taught me how to conduct myself under pressure, how to maintain composure even when I lacked sleep, and definitely reminded me how to treat others because it goes well beyond the person you may be speaking to. Taking those skills into my business is a daily task. I’m confident in my business decisions. I know how to manage my time andsleep when I can (a workout studio has many early mornings!) and I still get to connect with all types of people, whether they are students in class or employees. I want every person who walks through our front door to feels special and noticed. 

 

JS: Speaking from experience, I know they do! So, what’s next? Any other goals/dreams?

 

NB: I just achieved another goal: to work for The Bar Method Headquarters (in some capacity) by being invited into the Franchise Advisory Board. The board consists of 5 studio owners and we act as a liaison between the other 100+ Owners and corporate, test new product, give feedback and help create new initiatives for the brand. My other goal would be to open 2-3 more Bar Method studios in the next 5 years and continue to travel the world, which is my passion.

 

JS: What’s your best advice for any young woman in your industry, other young entrepreneurs or just women with big goals and dreams?

NB: My best advice is to surround yourself with friends who push you to be better and to achieve your goals. Most of my close friends came from my 5 years on the DCC, and that team attracts a certain type of go-getter. I would not have stuck with this career path had I not been encouraged and pushed. It’s easy to give up or get distracted, but it’s more fulfilling to see things through that you never thought were possible. 

 

The Bar Method Southlake continues to employ current and former DCCs…over the years in Dallas I employed 9 cheerleaders because I understand their demanding schedules and know their work ethic is phenomenal. Since opening the Southlake location, 3 of our 7 teachers have worn the white boots and even the Frisco and Dallas studios continue to employ DCC alumni. The team brought us all together at some point and I’m so thankful to continue these connections into my career post-cheering. Working with your friends is the most fun!

 

JS: Perfectly said! Any events or specials coming up at The Bar Method? 

 

NB: Look at southlake.barmethod.com for more information & enter “CASHBAR” at checkout to receive $20 off your first purchase! 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barmethodsouthlake/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barmethodsouthlake/

Website: southlake.barmethod.com

Inquiries: southlake@barmethod.com

The post PDC Series: Where Are They Now – Nicole Bulcher appeared first on Pro Dance Cheer.

Photo Credit: Golden State Warriors

Note: “Where Are They Now?” is our new feature highlighting some of your favorite former NFL and NBA dancers and their latest moves.

By Jacie Scott 

Imagine being in Oracle Arena the night the hot Golden State Warriors beat the Orlando Magic to establish a NBA record for most consecutive regular-season home victories. Or maybe the night they topped the Memphis Grizzlies for their 73^rd victory of the 2015-16 season, setting another NBA record for single season wins.

Imagine the game day experience. Fan or not, there was no denying the thrill of the contests that went down in that arena. The courtside celebrity sightings. The NBA Finals. The energy of the crowd. Just imagine.

While you’re imagining, let’s talk about the fact that Jasmine Goode lived it last year, with the best views in the house, on the Golden State Warriors dance team.

“Dancing my rookie year with the championship team was unreal. It’s such a rush being at the games, dancing in front of celebrities, and having the opportunity to do what you love to do on such a huge platform,” she said. “Dancing on the same court that Steph Curry plays on and Draymond Green, all those amazing players. It’s something I’m going to tell my kids one day. “

The journey to get to this pinnacle began when she was six-years-old, doing the ballet, tap, and jazz basics. In the beginning, dancing was more for therapy than enjoyment. Jasmine was born with a clubbed foot. Her doctor suggested dance classes to help strengthen her foot so that she’d walk correctly.

“It was something my mom put me in to help, but I fell in love with it,” the 29-year-old said. “When I’m dancing and performing I feel comfortable and feel like myself. No one is judging me, it’s fun, and I love it.”

That love followed her through high school, into college and onto her first NFL cheerleading team. Jasmine spent two years with the New York Jets Flight Crew Cheerleaders. Some of her favorite memories include a calendar shoot experience in Aruba and cheering on a team that went on to the AFC Championship game in 2010.

Following her time with the Jets, Jasmine auditioned for Disney Cruise Line and was invited to travel the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas as Princess Tiana.

“Disney was great. I mean, I got to be the first African-American princess, which is awesome,” she said. “It wasn’t cheerleading, but I got to get back to my dance roots and perform on a stage as part of a wonderful show.”

But, she couldn’t stay away from cheerleading for too long. She made the move to Dallas to audition for the world-renowned Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and, after a grueling, summer-long audition, she made the 2012-2013 team. Jasmine said that the experiences that she had as one of America’s Sweethearts has truly shaped the woman that she is now. But, following her third season with DCC, she saw her dance career come to a surprising halt. Jasmine was cut at the final auditions for her fourth season. It was heartbreaking, indeed, but she wasn’t ready to call it the end.

“Being cut from Cowboys, people thought that my dance career was over, and that I was never going to dance again,” she said. “But for me it was like, you know what, that’s just one door closing. That’s a chapter of my life that I’ve learned so much from, and I’m going to use that in the next chapter.”

And it happened to be with the Golden State Warriors, a team that was floating in their championship high. For Jasmine, auditioning for their dance team challenge her as a dancer because the process and the style are completely different from NFL dancing. Then, there’s the 10 home games with the NFL versus the three games per week with the NBA aspect. Lots of cardio, extensive dance classes and studying the Warriors style went in to her preparation.

She went through a three-day audition, followed by a boot camp, then a six-week training camp before being able to call herself a Golden State Warrior Dancer.

“I cried. I was in shock. It’s pretty cool to be able to say that I danced for the best NFL team and the best NBA team,” she said.

The 2016-2017 Warriors Dance Team auditions were held on August 13, and Jasmine was invited back to training camp as a veteran dancer. We’ll be looking forward to the final team announcement in the coming weeks.

The post PDC Series: Where Are They Now – Jasmine Goode appeared first on Pro Dance Cheer.