Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders
The Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders are the official cheer squad of the Kansas City Chiefs. The group performs a variety of dance moves at the Chiefs' home in Arrowhead Stadium. The squad was originally a co-ed squad that was first formed in 1971, and eventually dropped the male cheerleaders, and renamed the squad as the Chiefettes. In 1986, the squad changed to its current name, and male cheerleaders returned. In 1997, the squad became all-female.[1] The group's annual tryouts take place in April.[2] Non-KCCC members can still join by participating in "Spirit Day", in which a group of 7th-12th grade cheerleaders performs with the squad at halftime.[3] The group also makes various appearances at military bases, trade shows, commercials, convention, county fairs, talk shows, grand openings, autograph sessions, photo shoots, golf tournaments, charity functions, and auctions.[4] The squad also has a "Junior Cheerleaders" program. However, the program is separated in 4 age divisions:[5] Angel Chiefs for 3-5;[6] Junior Chiefs for 6-12;[6] The Satellite Program for 6-17;[7] as well as the Teen Chiefs for ages 13–17.[8] The squad also performs with Chiefs mascot KC Wolf, who also makes appearances.[9] Similar to the drum line of the Chicago Bears, the Chiefs also have the "Rumble", a drum line consisting of male and female musicians who pump up the crowd at each home game, and at various community events with the cheerleaders and KC Wolf.[10] A Chiefs Cheerleader, Susie, rides a horse called "Warpaint" out the tunnel before every home game and after each Chiefs touchdown. This had been done until 1989, at which time the tradition was retired, however, in 2009, for the Chiefs (and the American Football League's) 50th Anniversary, Warpaint was brought back.[11] Aside from the squad, the Chiefs also has the "Red and Gold Girls", which performs cheerleading stunts.[1]
![]() Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders at Schriever Air Force Base in 2018 | |
Formation | 1963 |
---|---|
Affiliations | Kansas City Chiefs |
Website | Official website |
Notable members
- Krazy George Henderson (1975–1979)
- Najahe Sherman, anchor of KSHB-TV
- Rachel Wray, MMA fighter[12]
- Sylvia DelaCerna, mother of ballerina Misty Copeland[13]
- Dr. Jennifer Horrell, wife of St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page
References
- "Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders - Red and Gold Girls Cheerleaders - Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader". Footballbabble.com. Retrieved 2012-07-31.
- "Tryouts". KCChiefs.com. Retrieved 2012-07-05.
- "Kansas City Chiefs - Spirit Day". Kcchiefs.org. Retrieved 2012-07-05.
- "Cheerleader Appearances". KCChiefs.com. Retrieved 2012-07-05.
- "Youth Cheer Programs". KCChiefs.com. Retrieved 2012-07-05.
- "Angel Chiefs Cheerleaders". KCChiefs.com. Retrieved 2012-07-05.
- "Chiefs Dance Studio/Mini Camp". KCChiefs.com. Retrieved 2012-07-05.
- "Teen Chiefs Cheerleaders". KCChiefs.com. Retrieved 2012-07-05.
- "KC Wolf Appearances". KCChiefs.com. Retrieved 2012-07-05.
- "KC Chiefs Rumble". KCChiefs.com. Retrieved 2012-07-05.
- "Warpaint Appearances". KCChiefs.com. Archived from the original on 2014-12-14. Retrieved 2012-07-05.
- Beattie, John (2012-12-13). "Cheerleader-Turned-MMA Fighter Rachel Wray Making Name for Herself in the Ring (Videos)". New England Sports Network. Retrieved 2012-12-17.
- Adato, Allison (1999-12-05). "Solo in the City". Los Angeles Times.