Ariann's

Allstars

Ariann’s “ALLSTARS” are the top models, dancers and entrepreneurs born out of the NFL and NBA. These women have graduated beyond the Pro’s to the All-Star Level.

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Etta Priest, Director of Cheerleaders

etta@ariannsallstars.com

FEATURED ARTICLES BY SIDELINE PREP

MAY 2023

It’s no secret that proper training is essential for cheerleaders and dancers to develop their skills

and reach their full potential. For amateur cheerleaders and dancers who aspire to become

professionals, such training can mean the difference between success and failure.

“Being on a pro-level entertainment team in the NFL or NBA is very different from traditional

cheerleading,” says GeNienne Samuels, founder of Sideline Prep, a company that helps

aspiring cheerleaders and dancers achieve their goals. “The style is also quite different from

that of studio dance, so if this is a path someone wants to take, there are various new things to

master. Different skills are necessary, the choreography is different, and you are given less time

to learn routines. Not to mention you have to show that you would be a solid ambassador for the

team and look the part too. Proper training is vital to ensure you are prepared and give yourself

the best chance at success by showing up as the “full package”.”

Why training builds confidence

According to Samuels, working with experienced professional cheerleaders and dancers can

help boost trainees’ confidence and stage presence. “These programs can tell you what to

wear, what to look like, what sort of skills to practice, what kind of culture to expect, and how to

prepare for the various parts of the process,” she explains. “Knowing what you personally need

to improve is invaluable. It enables you to focus on the right things and do them the right way,

which increases your skills and knowledge in those areas. Also, increasing your confidence.

When you’ve been working on the ‘right’ things , it helps you feel confident even in stressful

situations like auditions and callbacks.”

Being confident and relaxed can help dancers perform at their highest level. “When you’ve

received proper training, you walk into auditions knowing you’re the best you can be,” Samuels

says. “That goes a long way to combat nervousness. For this reason alone, it’s always

important to have a coach.”

Good training programs for aspiring professional cheerleaders also teach students insider

information about specific teams and opportunities. “When you have a network that includes

people who are on or close to these teams, you will be able to learn what they are looking for,”

Samuels explains. “You won’t go into tryouts and get rejected for trivial reasons you could have

fixed if you’d just known.”

Helping Cheerleaders and Dancers Build the Skills ​and Confidence to Go Pro

Sideline Prep's GeNienne Samuels

Benefits that go beyond audition prep

“Once you make a team, it could also lead to other opportunities.,” Samuels says. “Connecting with these professionals can also open up other exciting career opportunities for aspiring cheerleaders and dancers. Some teams have swimsuit calendars. Other modeling opportunities sometimes become available, as well as performance opportunities in music videos or on Broadway. You may also get the chance to become a coach yourself.”

Training programs can also connect students to these additional job opportunities. “Maybe it

wasn’t a certain student’s time, and they didn’t get picked for a specific team,” Samuels says.

“That doesn’t mean there aren;t other opportunities out there. A better fit could come along on a

semi professional team, appearance squad, pre professional dance troupe, or freelance dance

company.”

But that’s not the only added benefit. “By joining a training program, you’re actually becoming

part of a sisterhood, a powerful network,” Samuels says. “You make friends with other

cheerleaders and dancers, and these friendships last for life.” In addition, students gain access

to mentors and role models like Samuels herself, who was a top professional cheerleader for

over 11 seasons .

Pick a positive, healthy program

Unfortunately, the dance world has a reputation for pitting dancers against each other and

beating individuals down. For Samuels, effective training programs take a different approach.

“Look for a program where the coaches don’t make you compete against the other dancers,”

she says. “You should only be competing against yourself. Your main goal should be to be at

least one percent better today than you were yesterday.”

For that reason, Samuels encourages aspiring cheerleaders to work together even when trying

out for the same team. “When people work together, everyone does better,” she explains.

“Doing this also demonstrates good character. Teams want dancers who will improve morale for

everybody and who show up as a true team player. ”

Samuels also emphasizes the importance of health, well-being, and body positivity. “If you are

five foot seven, then it wouldn’t be appropriate for you to wear a size zero,” she says. “It’s more

important for you to be healthy and fit for your particular body type. We help students create a

healthy lifestyle and relationship with food and build habits around movement and working out,

which enable them to better maintain the physique needed to go pro. For example, our Nutrition

and Fitness Coach, Jeanette Chancler, crafts and creates a meal plan and workout program for

each of our Lovelies and Gents to help them build their stamina, maintain a healthy diet for their

athletic bodies, and improve their relationship with and mindset around healthy habits.”

In addition to preparing students physically, Samuels and her team prepare them mentally.

“Being a professional is more than just how someone carries themselves around other people,”

Samuels says. “It’s also about how you treat your mind, body, and soul when no one is

watching. You have to be full on the inside in order to be able to show up in a professional,

caring, and friendly manner. That’s where journaling, words of affirmation, meditation, working

out, and proper nutrition come in.” Samuels adds, “At the end of the day if you don’t have

confidence in yourself and know that you can accomplish your goals, then it doesn’t matter how ​great of dancer you are or how high your leaps are Your confidence will shine through (or not) ​every time.”

Be the person you want to Become

The best training programs for aspiring professional cheerleaders and dancers don’t just

prepare students for auditions — they empower people and help them grow. Sideline Prep’s

Pro Cheer Playbook Program teaches their clients to show up, act like and “be” the person the

want to become NOW. You don’t have to wait to hear your humber called at an audition to be a

pro cheerleader. You can have the habits, mindset, eating routine, workout regimen, glamour

and speaking ability of a pro cheerleader right now. Why wait? Our clients live that dream life

now.

“That’s my favorite part — seeing someone put their all into themself,” Samuels says. “They are

so proud of the life they created with this journey. No matter the outcome, they feel like they’ve

already won because they didn’t do it for the title, they did it to improve their own life. It’s

beautiful to watch light bulbs go off when students realize their worth and abilities. After working

with us, they graduate as a completely different person because they’ve turned themselves into

who they’ve always wanted to be.”

JUNE 2023

Why Experience Matters: The Benefits of Learning from Professional Cheerleaders

Learning from professional cheerleaders equates to expert knowledge

Expert knowledge is the most effective tool on the path to success, but it is not always easy to come by. This knowledge can only be gleaned from the few people who walk the road, learn from their mistakes, and take the time to share the wisdom they pick up along the way.

"Our coaches are professional cheerleaders for a reason," Samuels explains. "They can point

you toward success, and they have the experience to back up their advice. They help you

become a better athlete and prepare you for pro-level auditions."

Professional cheerleaders have stashed away decades of tricks, moves, and techniques. The

mistakes they spot during practice guarantee fewer errors during competition.

"It's time to skip the guesswork and start getting your training straight from the source," says

Samuels. "Stop spending hours trying to figure it all out. There is power in doing something

on your own, but there is also power in seeking guidance."

Learning from professional cheerleaders equates to higher motivation

Pro cheerleaders are the ultimate role models. They are strong, confident, and talented in their own right. They know how to both lead a team and be a good teammate. They demonstrate the positive attitudes, mindsets, and behaviors that inspire clients to improve themselves and the students around them.

They are skilled in their sport and provide motivation through the power of example.

"Our coaches serve as your accountability partners and help you stay on track through what can be a grueling process," Samuels says. "In addition to helping you prepare and polish your

moves for auditions, they empower you to build a positive mindset and self-confidence. Under

their training, you become stronger from the inside out."

Their example builds the confidence individuals need to attain the pro level. "Becoming a top

competitor in this industry takes years of practice and dedication. Who better to have in your

corner than a professional cheerleader?" asks Samuels. "Cheerleaders know better than

anyone how to offer encouragement. Their role is synonymous with support."

Learning from professional cheerleaders offers inside information

Experience matters, especially when it comes to pro-level cheerleading auditions. To set ​themselves apart, competitors need to think on their feet and maintain perfect poise. They need ​to come to auditions knowing what works in performance routines and what to say during ​interviews.

"Each of our clients comes to us with the dream to become a professional cheerleader,"

Samuels comments. "With them, we are able to explore their current abilities and skill sets and

map out an action plan covering what they need to work on to ace their next audition."

At any cheerleading camp, students can learn new skills and make friends with other

cheerleaders. But to become one of the few elite athletes who move on to the pros, students

need to spend time with professional cheerleaders.

There are tricks of the trade that only the pros can pass on. "Inside knowledge is not something

that you can learn from personal research," Samuels warns. "Our pro coaches share

experiences with you that are personal and unique. Learning from their stories offers inspiration

and practical guidance to help you on your own journey."

Sideline Prep works with its clients far beyond just the technique and style of dance. They cover

tips for submitting applications, choosing just the right photos, crafting the perfect resume,

creating a healthy lifestyle, embodying a positive mindset, presenting yourself in the most unique way and so much more!

"We teach you exactly what to do before, during, and after auditions, so you can keep your

poise throughout the entire day," explains Samuels. "We let you know what audition judges

want to hear during interviews and the specific steps each team wants to see during routines. When you know what judges are looking for and how the scoring works, you can go into the process confident and ready to shine."

JULY 2023

Top Tips Prepare for Professional Level ​Cheerleading Auditions, From the Pros

Professional cheerleaders are in a league all their own — both literally and figuratively. The ​industry is highly competitive and one must refine their audition approach in order to stand out.

GeNienne Samuels, CEO and President of Sideline Prep, has perfected the art of the ​professional-level cheerleading/dance audition. Now, Samuels and her team are guiding others ​internationally on how to nail their next audition, resulting in helping to get her clients on 19 NFL ​teams and 15 NBA teams plus dozens of other dance and entertainment teams.

Samuels embodies and emboldens her clients to live the mantra of “prepared, polished, and ​confident” in their day-to-day lives, as well as on the court or the field — but especially in ​auditions. “The quote ‘If you stay ready, you won’t have to get ready’ is true,” says Samuels, “It’s ​something we live by in our programs.”

Samuels knows from experience exactly what teams may be looking for. A retired NBA and NFL ​cheerleader of 11 seasons, Samuels is now an accomplished entrepreneur, public speaker,

news anchor, reporter, and coach who has assembled a team of top current and former cheer ​and dance professionals to help her guide the next generation of cheerleaders.

“The teams want the full package,” says Samuels. “They are looking for someone who brings ​dance, showmanship, appearance, public speaking, and interaction with fans to the table.” ​Coaching and guidance to become the “full package” is what Sideline Prep offers their clients, ​preparing them for high-level auditions and, in many cases, positions on professional squads.

Performance

The most important criteria on the judges’ scoresheet is the execution of the performance ​material. This could include choreography, motions/cheers, technical elements, across-the-floor ​combinations, kicks, flexibility, tumbling, facials, showmanship, and more. Teams are looking for ​performers that can capture and keep fans’ attention, who are engaging and fun to watch, and ​who can blend in with others on the team to produce a masterful performance.

Samuels and her team spend countless hours helping their clients with all of these elements. ​Each person gets one-on-one feedback on their execution of all areas of performance. “We train ​our clients to be performers — not just dancers.” Samuels says. “This means being

well-rounded and energetic once they hit the dance floor, so we have to work on all elements ​that could be a part of prep classes, auditions, and game day.”

Samuels was not a trained dancer so she knows how it feels to not have confidence in all the ​areas that are needed at the pro level. This is why she created the Pro Dance Academy. This ​online dance training program provides “how to” videos in all things dance and technique ​starting at beginner skills and moving through to intermediate, then advanced. The best part, ​clients also have the option of submitting unlimited videos for critique and feedback.

Physique and stamina

Cheerleading and dancing for sports events is a high-energy and physically taxing job, so it’s ​imperative that cheer and dance hopefuls reach and maintain ultimate physical fitness and ​stamina in order to compete. “Our Nutrition and Fitness Coaches craft and create an ​individualized meal plan and workout program for each of our clients,” Samuels explains. “This ​helps them build their stamina and maintain a healthy diet for their athletic bodies.”

The plans that Sideline Prep create for their hopefuls are not only for audition preparation, but ​are meant to be year-round wellness directives. Maintaining the physique and stamina of a ​professional will help those hoping to audition keep up with the competition, as well as the ​demanding requirements of the job once they land a position on a team.

“The Look”

Professional cheer and dance teams require a certain uniform “look” for their performers. Much ​like physical fitness, maintaining a professional-level look on and off the field is essential in ​order to find success in the pro-level cheer and dance world. While focusing on nutrition and ​fitness will help achieve a toned body and increased stamina, Samuels and her team of ​professionals also help their clients refine their makeup and hairstyles, dress, and overall style.

Those auditioning can study the style of the team they are hoping to join and integrate their ​game-day look into their own makeup, hair, and style approach. Styles are changing with the ​changing times, and Samuels makes it part of her offerings to stay on top of changing trends.

“Teams are now more open to the diversity of skin tones, hair textures, and body weight,” says ​Samuels. “For example, more black women are allowed to wear their natural hair. Uniforms are ​different. Some teams are going more hip-hop with full-coverage shirts and leggings or pants, ​which opens up the door for performers with varying body types.”

While the styles may shift, maintaining a modern, professional look can help a hopeful not only ​get their foot in the door, but solidify their position on a team over someone else who may be ​less prepared in the style department.

Confidence

The number one element on which Sideline Prep and Samuels place focus is instilling ​confidence. With professional audition prep, they give hopefuls the tools to tackle auditions ​successfully and have a better chance of placement on a team.

As mentioned, their results are impressive, with clients represented on 19 NFL teams and 15 ​NBA teams, over 70% of their Pro Cheer Playbook graduates making teams, and a 98% ​satisfaction rating. The experienced team at Sideline Prep makes instilling confidence their main ​goal.

“Someone seasoned can tell you what to do and how to do it because they’ve been there,” says ​Samuels. “This provides confidence and positions you to do as well as you can. If you don’t

have proper training, you won’t show up with the proper preparation, which means you probably ​won’t get very far. Comprehensive training gives you an edge. You’ll go into the audition

knowing that you are prepared and feeling it, too.”

Sideline Prep has prepared hundreds of hopeful men and women, internationally, to walk into ​auditions with the right skills, the right physique, and the right look. Samuels is giving hope to ​many who may not have seen a path toward professional cheer and dance after high school.

With the all-inclusive training that Sideline Prep provides, cheer hopefuls can enter auditions ​confident that they have the “Right Stuff”.

AUGUST 2023

Building Confidence Through Cheerleading

Confidence plays a vital role in the world of cheerleading by empowering dancers to reach new ​heights and showcase their talents with pride. While far easier said than done, the journey to ​developing self-assurance begins with creating an environment that nurtures and supports ​individuals on their path to success.

Cheerleading and dance offer unique platforms for personal growth and self-expression, where ​participants can learn valuable life skills beyond routines and choreography. This is exactly what ​former pro NFL and NBA cheerleader GeNienne Samuels has built with Sideline Prep.

Be realistic

In the pursuit of building confidence through cheerleading, one crucial element is to be realistic ​by setting achievable goals. This provides aspiring cheerleaders and dancers with a clear ​direction and a sense of purpose by breaking down their aspirations into manageable steps, ​allowing them to witness their progress and achievements, which boosts their overall ​confidence.

“Setting realistic, measurable goals not only helps to prevent discouragement or feelings of

being overwhelmed,” Samuels says, “but can also help the process of determining what’s truly

achievable. At Sideline Prep, our expert coaches and mentors are former professional

cheerleaders and dancers themselves. They play a pivotal role in guiding you through how to

set appropriate goals that align with your skill levels and aspirations.”

As Samuels explains, developing the proper skills is an integral part of staying realistic in the

goals one sets for themselves. By offering opportunities for participants to develop and refine

their skills, Sideline Prep’s coaches create an environment that fosters self-assurance in their

abilities.

“Practice, practice, practice”

According to Samuels, practice doesn’t just mean getting in the studio/gym and going through drills — it means performance opportunities, mock interviews, and attending social gatherings

to network. “Cheerleaders and dancers need to be able to do everything when they’re in public, so it’s important to take every opportunity to practice all the skills,” she says.

For example, the performance opportunities Sideline Prep provides its clients offer them a

chance to not only showcase their skills and talents to industry pros, but to demonstrate the

progress they have made in their cheer and dance journey to themselves and their peers.

“Learning how to properly prepare for and engage in performances helps our clients learn how

to perform under pressure and showcase their abilities with confidence,” Samuels remarks. “In

working with us, we also help you develop the right skills for networking as well as auditions. We

offer guidance on what you should and shouldn’t say, how to talk about yourself without

bragging, and even offer opportunities for mock interviews.”

As Samuels mentions, these mentorship and performance opportunities provide Sideline Prep’s prospective pros with valuable feedback and evaluation. Judges, coaches, and even their peers

can offer constructive criticism and highlight areas for improvement.

“This feedback is delivered in a supportive and constructive manner,” Samuels explains, “which

helps our clients refine their skills and recognize certain areas where they excel. The process of

receiving feedback and incorporating it into their practice fosters a growth mindset, reinforcing

participants' confidence in their ability to continuously improve.”

A positive mindset goes a long way

Sometimes, it can be difficult to stay positive and recognize one’s own strengths, but this is ​where Sideline Prep’s coaches come in to relay positive reinforcement and highlight what may ​or may not be going well.

“Our coaches encourage a growth mindset in each one of our clients,” says Samuels. “We help

our students see how their skills can be developed through practice and perseverance, which

lets them approach challenges with a positive attitude and an eagerness to learn. Learning how

to foster this mindset allows them to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth, rather than

as obstacles to their confidence.”

The positive reinforcement Sideline Prep’s expert coaches provide is as consistent as it is

balanced, since providing honest and constructive feedback is necessary to address areas

where one can improve. “By offering guidance on how our clients can enhance their skills, while

also acknowledging their strengths, we help them develop a realistic understanding of their

abilities and provide them with clear directions for growth,” Samuels adds.

Furthermore, Sideline Prep’s coaches encourage their clients to take ownership of their

strengths and develop them further. Providing this guidance — as well as resources for skill

enhancement — allows them to maximize their potential and reinforce confidence in their

abilities. This growth mindset fosters continuous improvement and a deep sense of self- ​assurance.

“We also pair individuals that display certain strengths with each other in order to build a support

system that strengthens their overall confidence,” says Samuels. “This kind of support lets our

coaches and mentors foster an environment where participants can grow and thrive together.”

The uplifting and encouraging atmosphere builds a foundation of confidence that extends

beyond individual achievements, creating a team that is united, resilient, and poised for

success.

Building confidence through cheerleading is a multifaceted process that involves various

strategies and approaches, but coaches like those at Sideline Prep understand the value of

mental health and the importance to build confidence as well skills.

By empowering young women and helping them achieve their goals, everyone can build

confidence and find the strength they’ll need to succeed in the world of professional

cheerleading.

Dance & Cheer

Classes and Summer Camps for children are held at Dance Theatre of Broward in South Florida. Adult Dance with Etta is Tues at 7pm.

Register for Summer Cheer Camp HERE.

ALLSTARS

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Director of Cheerleaders - etta@ariannsallstars.com

Founder & CEO - ariann@ariannsallstars.com

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