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The Saintsations are a cheerleading and dance squad that performs at New Orleans Saints football games. The Saintsations are involved in several community projects, and the squad is featured each year in a special swimsuit calendar.

The New Orleans Saints had two different sets of dance teams prior to the Saintsations: From 1967-71, the original Saints dance team went by several different names including the Lousiannes in 1967 (which was changed to the Saints Dancers after one pre-season game for that name had been copyrighted by a Louisiana-based high school), the Mademoiselles in 1968, and the Mam'selles from 1969-71. The roster size averaged 48 active dancers per year (up to 12 "reserve" dancers).

The original dance team was put together by Tommy Walker, the long-time entertainment director of Disneyland who worked for the Saints during the 1967-70 football seasons. His choreographer was Phyllis Nelson, New Orleans based dance instructor and voice coach who worked as a film actress for RKO pictures in the mid-1950s, was Miss New Orleans USA in 1954, and was a frequent on-air personality at WDSU-TV in the 1950s. Mrs. Nelson was also team director from 1969-71, replacing Joannie Husser (1967-68). In 1968, Mrs. Nelson was assisted in the months leading into the season by Tommy Mahoney, a long-time Hollywood choreographer who worked with Tommy Walker at Disneyland. Mr. Mahoney helped stage numbers for the dancers at their practice studio which was the U.S. Naval Reserve Training Center on Lakeshore Drive in New Orleans. Once the season started, Mahoney focused on helping Walker with the production of pre-game & halftime shows. One of Mr. Walker's assistant entertainment directors was Rhonda Shear, who became a popular TV commercial actress in New Orleans before becoming a national TV star primarily thanks to the USA Network's "Up All Night" series that ran in the 1980s and 1990s. Rhonda worked in her capacity with the Saints for most of the 1970s, prior to that Rhonda was a Saints Mam'selles dancer in 1970 & 71.

Saints dancer Sandra Labourdette (1967-70) was the original dance team's captain and later became the first Saintsations choreographer (1987-93).

The second set of Saints dance teams were from 1975-77 called the Bonnes Amiees (French term meaning "Good Friends"). This dance team was very supportive of many charities including the Muscular Dystrophy Association where they annually performed on the local TV affiliate's telethon in addition to having their own exclusive fundraiser for MDA. In 1978, the team was re-organized as the Angels. Unfortunately, this version of the team didn't last very long for in early October 1978 a person who was hired to be a staff assistant to the Angels was discovered to have been arrested for drug possession, but when the New Orleans Saints issued a press statement on this situation the club wouldn't specify that none of the dancers nor their choreographer were involved in the arrest. When the Saints organization refused to allow anyone on the Angels to speak to the press on this matter, the dance team's ties with the Saints ended. The disbanding was so noteworthy that a "radio cartoon" was produced by famed New Orleans broadcaster Ed Clancy called "Saints Angels" which was a parody of the 1950s hit "Earth Angel" by the Crew Cuts where Ed was able to get Crew Cuts lead singer John Perkins to sing lead on his parody as well. The Bonnes Amiees averaged 16 dancers per year on their roster, the Angels 24.

In 1987, Saints General Manager Jim Finks suggested bringing back a dance team to the sidelines which would work in conjunction with the Saints cheerleaders (acrobatic), which had been part of the team since 1967. Under further organizational thought from Saints entertainment director Barra Birrcher (director from 1971-2007), a tryout was held in the spring of 1987. 27 dancers were chosen to be part of what was initially called "The Saints Dancers" before a contest was held where more fans chose the name "Saintsations". Ironically, the first year of the Saintsations the Saints had their first-ever winning season and first playoff appearance. The roster size would vary over the years from 30, 32, 36, 37, and as high as 40 dancers in 1997.

Original Saintsation Angie Waguespack took over as choreographer from 1994-1999. Another one-time Saintsation Lani Quaglino-Neil (1994-99) would follow as choreographer in 2000.

The greatest change in Saintsations history occurred in 2001 when American All-Star Inc., based on the North shore of Lake Ponchartrain (north of New Orleans), took over the rights to the dance team and created new marketing, promotions, and costume designs that gave the fans a greater variety of dance routines and looks. American All-Star is operated by Leslee Fitzmorris and Royce Mitchell. Saintsations choreographers since 2001 included Angie Waguespack, Elizabeth Portwood-Gibson, Steven Boss, and director Kristen Rapp. The average roster size under American All-Star has been in the low 30s (28 in 2008).

Under American All-Star, the Saintsations have especially become international ambassadors of goodwill by touring with the USO to military bases in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and other locations to provide entertainment and reassurance for the U.S. Military. They also appear at countless functions in the New Orleans area for charitable, non-profit, and commercial organizations. The Saintsations also have their own charitable foundations including the Saintsations Inspiration Program. Every year the Junior Saintsations program allows girls under 18 get to perform on the Superdome floor with the dance team before a Saints game.

The Saintsations are no secret to the international stage as their first border-crossing performance was in 1990 at London when the Saints played the Raiders in a pre-season contest where they did countless appearances during the week leading into the game and on game day, they would repeat this in 1993 when the Saints played in Tokyo for a pre-season game vs the Eagles. Since February 2004, the Saintsations have been the invited guests of the NFL to perform at the annual London Superbash, the official NFL Super Bowl party in Great Britain. In Feb.2008, they also performed at the official NFL party in Mexico City called "Fiesta Super Bowl." The Saintsations returned to London in late October 2008 when the Saints played the Chargers in a regular-season game at Wembley Stadium.

Historically, the Saintsations biggest merchandise sales comes from their annual calendar sales. Most of American All-Stars' calendars (2002-2006, 2008) were shot along the Gulf Coast, 2007 edition was done in New Orleans. Most of the calendar shoots were also covered by Cox Sports Television of New Orleans resulting in an annual half-hour special (since 2003). The first Saintsations calendars ran from 1989-1995 and were mainly shot in the New Orleans metro area.

The Saintsations have also sent a member to the Pro Bowl every year since February 1993.
Notable Members

PB = Pro Bowl Saintsation and Year Game Was Held
1) Lori Carroll (PB93-1987-96))
2) Stacy Chien Rumney (PB98-1991-2001)
3) Traci Breaux Marchetta (1992-99)
4) Rochelle Brunner (PB97-1988-96)
5) Erica Spruille (PB95-1991-98)
6) Angie Waguespack (PB94-1987-93)
7) Christi Cado (PB2003-1997-2004)
8) Rhonda Hemelt (1987-94)
9) Melissa Zeno (1987-94)
10) Tamica Lee (2001-05)
11) Ava Allen (1987-92)
12) Sherri Zundel (1989-97)
13) Lindsey Williams (PB2006-early 2000s)
14) Sherry Serio (1992-99)
15) Vanessa Sardi (2001-05)
16) Tori Nunez (PB2008-2003-07)
17) Jayne Phillips (1987-94)
18) Deryn Derbigny (PB2005-2001-04)
19) Lena Nuccio (PB96-1987-95)
20) Julie Burmaster (1994-99)
21) Denise Trahan (1987-88,90-91,94)
22) Tina LeBreton (1987-89,92-93)
23) Paula Scalco (1994-98,2000)
24) Lisa Hollister (2002-05)
25) Leisha Fleming (1988-94)
26) Cana Rivero (PB2002-1999-2003)
27) Tabitha Henry (PB2001-1995-2001)
28) Lani Quaglino (PB2000-1994-99)
29) Kirsten Aucoin (PB2007-2002-06)
30) Samantha Cazalot (1992-96)
31) Charlene Hibbs (1987-93)
32) Shari Haley (1994-98)
33) Charis Garner (early-mid 2000s)
34) Teri Moore (PB99-1994-99)
35) Stacey Perez (1992-98)
36) Lisa Brumfield (1987-91)
37) Michelle Alford (1987-90,93)
38) Melanie Wester (early-mid 2000s)
39) Shannon O’Brien (1995-99)
40) Christine Simeon (1993-97)
41) Michelle Callahan (1995-2000)
42) Natalia Pando (1999-2004)
43)Callie Camet (2003-07)
44) Carleen Tullier (1991-95)
45) Raquel White (1992-95)
46) Suzette Lampard (1992-93)
47) Tiffany Martin (2003-2007)
48) Jackie Huck (1987-90)
49) Kristine Mauterer (1989-92)
50) Val Stevens (1987-90,94)
51) Christi Hebert (1994-97)
52) Laurie Maffei (late 1990s-2001)
53) Stacey McDaniel (2004-2007)
54) Alana Weber (2002-06)
55) Tiffany Tisdale (2001-04)
56) Brooke Croaker (PB2004-2000-04)
57) Suzanne Seiler (1992-96)
58) Vicky Scales (1987-90)
59) Donna Talley (1987-88,90)
60) Dung Cobos (1987-90) 61) Megan Andry (1992);
62) Lisa Aucoin (1990-92);
63) Denise Basco (1992-93);
64) Karen Davis (1991-93);
65) Amy Elsensohn (1992-93);
66) Kristine Gibbs (1992-93);
67) Stephanie Hammons (1992);
68) Lucretia Hydell (1992-93);
69) Wendy Samples (1990-93);
70) Kelli Weems (1991-93);
71) Lucita Willard (1992-93);
72) Jeanne Williams (1991-93);
73) Jennifer Wright (1990-92);
74) Cheri Guillot (1994-97);
75) Fran Messina (1994-97);
76) Peggy Jo Jones (1993-94);
77) Juanita Kain Parenton (1994-98);
78) Angela Kain (1997-01);
79) Amy Beeson (1994-95);
80) Christy Corrales (1994-95);
81) Jacey Geisinger (1994-97);
82) Redena Bivins (1987-88);
83) Gia Trapani (1987-88);
85) Amy Priez (1987-88);
86) Jill Gustella (1987-88);
87) Alicia Esquerre (1987-88);
88) Stephanie Jeffries (1987-89);
89) Lisa Domengeaux (1990);
90) Catherine Clark (1991);
91) Marcelle Coulter (1993);
92) Stephanie Garcia (1993);
93) Cathy Fernandez (1987-89);
94) Carmen Reyes (1987-89);
95) Lisa Barber (1987-90);
96) Nica Orgeron (1999-2000);
97) Jorina Preyan (1995-97);
98) Keitia Hodges (1995-98);
99) Mya Williams (1995-99);
100)Letra Wilson (1997-99);
101)Netra Wilson (1997-99)**First identical twin sisters in dance team history**,
102)Jenny Baldwin (1997-98);
103)Nancy Sale Lockhart (1993-95);
104)Heather Young (1995-98);
105)Sherri LeCompte (1989-91);
106)Jodi Barrilleaux (1991);
107)Anne-Marie Prueyn (1989-90);
108)Tameka St.Martin (1995-98);
109)Jill-Marie Kenyon (2000-04);
110)Melissa Brewer (1991);
111)Bethany Tonguis (2003-07);
112)Jennifer Gajan-Mire (2000-02);
113)Marcie Roddy (1991);
114)Adrienne Gauthreaux (late 90s-early 2000s);
115)Britney Theriot (2004-07);
116)Jennifer Bonck (1995);
117)Deana Carter-Gill (1994-96);
118)Wendy Hollingsworth (1987-88);
119)Melissa Tryniecki (1987-88);
120)Lisa Chauvin (1987-89);
121)Monique Rose (1987-90);
122)Michelle Alford-Oubre (1987-90,93);
123)Alicia Esquerre (1987-88);
124)Vanessa James (1989-91);
125)Tresonne' Peters (1988-89);
126)Jeanne Harris (1989-90);
127)Sarah Cronin (1989-90);
128)Darlene Barrios(1989);
129) Kiarra Thornton (1997-01)
130) Linda R (1987)
 
                  2010 New Orleans Saints Pro Bowl Cheerleader
                                                  

                                 
                                                            Amanda T.

                  Amanda T. has been selected as the 2010 New Orleans Saints Pro Bowl Cheerleader.  She will travel to Miami to represent the New Orleans Saintsations.   Amanda was selected by her team based on her dedication to the New Orleans Saintsations.   According to Lesslee Fitzmorris, New Orleans Saintsations Management, "Amanda is a beautiful person on the inside and out.  She is 100% dedicated to the organization and it's mission of public service to the community.  She is a great role model for young girls and a wonderful representative for our organization."   Amanda was selected as a New Orleans Magazine 2010 "People to Watch."  Amanda is from Brandon Mississippi.  She attended the School for Film and Television in New York City.    She has a degree in Business Management and is active in the arts community in New Orleans.   When asked about her selection, Amanda says, "I feel honored to represent the amazing young women on this team.   We are all very close and each girl brings outstanding attributes to the team.  I feel so very fortunate to be a part of this group and I vow to represent them to the best of my ability."
                 Congratulations Amanda!






    Royal Sonesta Hotel "Royal Teddy Bear Tea" to feature Saintsations

                                   


A New Orleans tradition, the Royal Teddy Bear Tea is a magical experience where a child’s fantasies come to life as holiday characters like the Sugar Plum Fairy Princess, Royal Dancing Bear, and Marching Toy Soldiers perform for the children. This year, the Saintsations will join the festivities and tradition of the Royal Teddy Bear Tea. The Royal Sonesta Teddy Bear Tea is offered from December 12th through December 23rd with two seatings available at 11:00am and 2:00pm.

To reserve your place at the Royal Teddy Bear Tea, call Front Gate Tickets at 888-512-7469.


Saintsation Alumni Set to Take the Field at Saints vs Panthers Halftime Show

Former New Orleans Saints Cheerleaders will once again return to the football field at halftime on Sunday.   Over 60 women will once again take hold of their gold poms on the Super Dome field.  Included in the alumni is Keshia Borel who wore the Saintsation uniform in 1998.   Her sister, Macie, is a current member of the 2009 Saintsations.  "I can't wait to have the chance to dance next to my sister at the game," states Macie.  "I remember watching her as a Saintsation and not she's watching me."  According to Saintsation Manager, Lesslee Fitzmorris, "We want to honor the women who were members of the previous teams to demonstrate their importance to Saints history."  The alumni group is directed by former Pro-Bowl Saintsation Tori Nunez who danced for five years with the Saintsations.  "We have a great day planned for the alumni and I can't wait to see everyone perform on Sunday", states Nunez.
        Current Saintsation Macie   Keisha Borel - 1998

                             SAINTSATIONS SELECTED TO REPRESENT NFL IN MEXICO

                              
                                      
Twelve Saintsations and Saintsation Game Day Coordinator Kelly Dupont will depart on Monday for a week-long NFL promotional tour to Mexico.    The group was invited by NFL/Mexico to travel to Mexico City to begin promotions of the NFL and New Orleans Saints in Mexico.   The group will be featured performers at the new stadium opening ceremonies which will feature Ricky Martin and the President of Mexico.
During the week, the team will perform at various official functions and numerous charitable events. 
Additionally, the team will speak to media from throughout Central and South America to promote the New Orleans Saints the the City of New Orleans. 



THREE SAINTSATIONS SELECTED BY NEW ORLEANS MAGAZINE AS PEOPLE TO WATCH                  
                                 
       Amanda T.                             Jennifer                              Chrissy

Amanda T, Jennifer and Chrissy will be honored Wednesday, October 21 at the New Orleans Fairgrounds.  An annual tradtion for 28 years, New Orleans Magazine's People to Watch recognizes the talent, accomplishments and possibilities of New Orleans' new and notable.     Chrissy is a Pharmacy graduate from Xavier University and hopes to one day own her own pharmacy.   A resident of Chalmette, Chrissy remains loyal to her community.     Amanda has a Buisness Management Degree from the New York Film and Television Academy in New York City.  She is active in the film, arts and entertainment industry her in Louisiana.   From Jackson, Mississippi, Amanda now lives in the French Quarter.    Jennifer is graduate in Graphic Design with a minor in Fine Arts from Samford University.  Jennifer is a resident of Slidell, Louisiana and presently serves as Marketing Director and Public Relations Director for McDonald's.    According to Saintsations Manager Lesslee Fitzmorris, "These three outstanding young ladies lead by example.  Through education and hard work, they are fulfilling their career goals.  They truly represent the future women leaders in our community.   We are proud to have them represent the Saintsations as 2009 New Orleans People to Watch."  Congratulations!
                                 
SUSAN G KOMEN BREAST CANCER "RACE FOR THE CURE"- SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25th

The Saintsations will once again cheer off the participants at the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer
"Race for the Cure" on Sunday, October 25th at City Park in New Orleans.  Warm-up begins at 8:15am,  the 1 Mile starts at 8:30, the 5K runners start at 9:00 and the 5K walkers start at 9:05.

The Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure" is one of the Saintsations Inspiration Programs.  The team is dedicated to participating and supporting this cause.   For more information, please visit www.komenneworleans.org
 


                                      

Saintsations Support "ANGEL'S PLACE" as part of their Saintsations Inspiration Program
Fundraiser set for October 30, 7:00PM at the Airport Hilton
Tickets still available! Please call 504-455-2520

The Saintsations once again have selected "ANGEL'S PLACE" as one of their Saintsations Inspiration Programs.  Angels Place, Inc. is a non-profit local children' charity providing resite services and assistance to seriously and terminally ill childen and their families. All of our services and children's yearlly events are free to the Angels Place children and their families. Angel's Place is presently located at 4323 Division Street, Suite 206, Metairie, La. 70002, Hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm Mon - Friday, PHONE NUMBER IS 504-455-2620. At the present time, they have 102 seriously ill children on our census, adding in their families there are over 400 being visited and cared for with a staff of 2 fulltime and 2 part-time.

Angel's Place is holding it's annual fundraiser "Under Angels' Wings Gala" on Friday, October 30, 2009 at 7:00pm at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Kenner, LA.   Tickets are $75.00 each and corporate sponsors are welcome.  According to Angel's Place Director, Anita Gilford, RN, MSN, Founder and Executive Director, "We are honored to have the Saintsations once again select "Angel's Place" as one of it's Inspiration Programs.  Our wonderful Saintsations will be modeling Steinmart Fashions,  performing for our audience and assisting with the event.  We truly appreciate the support the Saintsations have devoted to Angel's Place through the years." The night will include a delicious sit down dinner, a silent and live auction, and a presentation of our Angels Place "Honorees" who have helped Angel's Place this past year:  DAVID ABBENANTE, HRI; SCOTT FUJITA; NEW ORLEANS SAINTS; JUDGE GLENN ANSARDI; LARRY GRAHAM,AMEDISYS; CAPTAIN DON RIEDER, NOBRA(NEW ORLEANS BATON ROUGE RIVERPILOT ASSOCIATION;AND SHEILA STROUP, TIMES PICAYUNE.

They will also have live testamonies of two of our Angels Place Moms whose children died and tell how much Angels Place helped them and their families. Please help us to continue their "mission" and help us reach their "vision" of Angels Place Children's Respite/End-of-Life Medical Home for up to eight seriously ill/dying children and their families.  For tickets, please call 504-455-2620.



   Blair Buras                    Eileen Arnold

Blair Buras and Eileen Arnold Selected as 
2009 Saintsations Choreographers/Rehearsal Directors

 Blair Buras has recently returned to Baton Rouge from Houston where she danced with the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company  and worked as a nutrition coach for Life Time Fitness. She is a graduate of Louisiana State University where she received a BS in  Dietetics, a minor in dance, and a MS in human nutrition. While in Houston she completed a dietetic internship and passed the national  exam to become a Registered Dietitian. She began her dance training at Creative Dance Center in Covington, Louisiana where she was a  member of a modern dance company , The Dance Players. She continued her dance education at Tari's School of Dance where she  was a member of Tari's Company. While at LSU, she performed with the LSU Dance Ensemble and was an LSU Golden Girl for five years  serving as captain and choreographer from 2002-2004. Blair has taught dance in Louisiana (Tari's School of Dance) and Houston  (Connolly Dance Arts) and has choreographed for various groups, including most recently the New Orleans Saintsations. 

Eileen Arnold began her professional dance career as a master teacher and choreographer for the Jason Michaels Energy Source Dance  Workshops and continues to teach master classes and set choreography for studios all across the country. She expanded her talents to  include production choreography in shows for the Beau Rivage, Grand, Treasure Chest, and President’s Casinos. Around the same time,  Eileen began Elite Dance Academy, LLC, a very successful studio now located in Mandeville, LA just north of New Orleans. Her choreography  and competitive team continues to receive accolades and awards from every attended competition. Eileen has choreographed for the Junior  Miss Pageants and numerous dance teams. She has judged and taught for some of the hottest dance competitions around, such as Fire & Ice, Star Systems, and Dance Xplosion. Eileen is married to her husband, Michael, with two beautiful girls. 

Royal Sonesta Hotel
Announces
Sponsorship for the 2009-2010 Saintsations
"Official Cheerleading Team for the New Orleans Saints                                                      
Royal Sonesta Hotel                                                                                                                      Alfred L. Groos and Rita Benson LeBlanc preview the
300 Bourbon Street                                                                                                                       first calendar off the press at the hotel minutes before
New Orleans, Louisiana                                                                                                                 the unveiling ceremony.
504-586-0300
www.sonesta.com

NEW ORLEANS (August 31, 2009) -- Vice President and General Manager of the Royal Sonesta Hotel Alfred L. Groos, announces today that the French Quarter property will serve as the “Presenting Sponsor” of the New Orleans Saintsations during the 2009/2010 NFL season.

The Saintsations entertain fans during every Saints game and are an indispensable and beloved component of a complete Saints game-day experience. The official cheerleading team is collectively involved with a number of non-profit organizations, which benefit and enrich our New Orleans community.

“As an organization, the Saintsations truly embody the passion we all share for our New Orleans’ lifestyle and unique culture. The Royal Sonesta Hotel is proud to serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the Saintsations, and we look forward to supporting their efforts as we cheer our New Orleans Saints towards a victorious season,” says Mr. Groos.

“The Saints are proud to bring together two New Orleans institutions, the Royal Sonesta Hotel and the Saintsations,” explains Jean Paul Dardenne, Director of Corporate Partnerships for the New Orleans Saints. “Both are tremendous representatives of our city, and we are pleased to announce the Royal Sonesta as the Presenting Sponsor for this year’s Saintsations squad.”

Lesslee Fitzmorris, President of St. All-Star LLC., the Saintsations’ managing company states, “We are honored to team with the prestigious Royal Sonesta Hotel which symbolizes the beauty, grace and historical significance of the City of New Orleans. We look forward to working with the Royal Sonesta on many events at the hotel wherein we can combine the spirit of the Saints with the spirit of the City.”

This Wednesday September 2, the Royal Sonesta Hotel will host their first event as “Presenting Sponsor” for the Saintsations. Invited guests will be the first to preview the Saintsations 2010 Swimsuit Calendar, which will be unveiled at the party that evening.

The public is invited to take part in a traditional New Orleans’ Second-Line Parade, which rolls through the French Quarter at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday evening September 2. Members of the Saintsations, “Gumbo,” the official New Orleans’ Saints mascot, and WDSU Television’s Sports Anchor Fletcher Mackel will participate in the parade led by the Storyville Stompers Brass Band.

Saints’ fans are encouraged to cheer the Saintsations along the official parade route which begins at Conti and Bourbon, rolls up Conti to St. Louis, turns on St. Louis to Dauphine, down Dauphine to Iberville, turning on Bourbon to arrive at the Royal Sonesta Hotel’s main entrance at approximately 7:15 p.m.

The luxurious 500-room Royal Sonesta Hotel located in the heart of the historic French Quarter is just steps away from the finest antique shops, art galleries, and visitor attractions in New Orleans. The hotel’s atmosphere reflects a strong European influence with a distinctly Southern charm. Guest accommodations offer stunning views of the beautifully landscaped pool, secluded patios or vibrant French Quarter life. For hotel reservations visit www.sonesta.com, call the hotel directly at 504-586-0300, or in the United States and  Canada, call 1-800-SONESTA.                                                                                                                                                                                   



 
Production Credits - Sponsors