Just Dance
Tony Mercado
Friday March 10, 2006
Leaning against the wall of the practice field this past Saturday morning, I see something that warms my spirit despite the crisp winter air.
A little girl, her long hair tied neatly back with a yellow scrunchie, glances up at the woman next to her and flashes a grin. Leann Bickel, part of the Arena Football League’s most premier dance team, catches her smile and nods, extending a hand to rub the child's back in encouraging and gentle fashion.
That's when it hits me. In that momentary respite between dance lessons in preparation for this weekend’s pregame show, I realize there's more to the annual Jr. SaberKittens camp than just giving these girls the opportunity to perform alongside an array of beautiful and talented dancers.
It’s really about a chance for them to discover and build on a passion while gaining confidence and self worth that will stay with them all their lives.
"You get to have so much fun here," 6-year-old Breann Bray told me. "I’m not nervous about getting out there in front of so many people at all."
These young ladies see in the SaberKittens the women they aspire to be. In talking with the SaberKittens, I wasn’t surprised to learn they, in turn, see the little girls they once were.
"This reminds me of when I would dance with older girls at my studio and I would try to act like and basically be them," Bickel recalled. "Now being on the other side of it, I realize what an impact they had on me."
The camp has been offered every year since 2004 under the tutelage of SaberKittens Director Teri Schafer to girls between the ages of six and 13.
"It’s an exciting time for myself as well as the SaberKittens," she said. "The ladies worked very hard to put the routines together for the kids and we always look forward to seeing the finished product at the game."
Seventy-five kids are participating this year and while they understand cheerleading and dance is a lot of fun, they’re also learning it requires a great deal of work and commitment. Practice covers two Saturdays and last as long as six hours. Grouped by age, the girls work with their own SaberKittens on the moves that will captivate a throng of fans this Sunday.
"I learn a lot from the cheerleaders," said 9-year-old Emma Bunker, a second-year Junior SaberKitten. "I think it’s ‘cause they’re a lot older and know more stuff."
The bond created through the creative process is clear. Many of the girls stay with their SaberKittens, laughing with them, playing duck-duck-goose during breaks and even seeking their comfort when dance steps don’t always turn out as planned.
"It’s important we tell them how great they’re doing and that we’re proud and excited for them so they can enjoy what they’re doing," said Alicia Gamble, whose 6-year-old sister is a first year Jr. SaberKitten. "If they leave here with that and have a positive experience, then the SaberKittens have done their job."
The gift to inspire is very powerful and isn’t taken lightly by the squad. Not when you have girls such as 6-year-old Lourdes Arevalo taking part in the event. She comes to every game with pom-poms in hand and emulates everything her aunt, SaberKitten Jasmin Linares, does on the sideline.
That makes another squad member, Aimee Woodruff, hopeful that through this camp, more girls will catch the cheerleading bug.
"It’s been an important part of my life, opened many doors and new friendships and taught me life long skills," she said.
That is why these kinds of programs are important, especially when we hear in the news about another arts or dance programs being cut in schools because of lack of funding. Having the SaberKittens around helps fill that void and that kind of involvement is invaluable.
"We aren’t special or different," Bickel offered. "We’re just normal girls doing what we love to do."
Sorry, Leann. You and your teammates are indeed special. So here’s a message to the team’s fans.
On Sunday March 12, kick-off is at 3 p.m. Get there a little early for the pre-game show and make sure to give a loud cheer to the girls who out there giving their all for you.
And for the women who, in teaching them about dance, have really shown them a whole lot more.
Tony Mercado holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from San Jose State University and spent 10 years as a newspaper reporter in the Bay Area. He now works in the public relations field, but continues to enjoy writing about the local teams and the positive impact its players, coaches and dance squads have in their communities.
