Seahawks Dancers

The Seahawks Dancers, formerly known as the Sea Gals,[1] are the official cheerleading squad of the NFL team Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks Dancers perform a variety of dance routines during home games. Previously, a select performance team called the Sea Gals Show Group traveled to perform in parades, events overseas and at home with the USO. They also participated in events with other NFL Cheerleaders around the world.

Seahawks Dancers
Blitz and then called Sea gals at Super Bowl XLVIII
Formation1976 (1976)
Membership
16
Director
Courtney Moore
AffiliationsSeattle Seahawks
WebsiteOfficial website

Since 2019, the group has been re-branded to the "Seahawks Dancers", and now includes male cheerleaders/stuntmen. They perform styles such as classic NFL Jazz/Pom and Hip Hop. They are now along with the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders as a permanent co-ed squad. The Seahawks along with the Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Rams, Tennessee Titans, and New England Patriots are the only ones with males on their squads.[2] The rebranding came in hopes to continue the evolution of their entertainment, such as the addition of the Blue Thunder drumline in 2004.[3]

History

The Sea Gals' inaugural season was in 1976, which was also the first year of the Seattle Seahawks franchise.[4]

Sherri Thompson served for over 35 years as the Sea Gals Director. She herself was a Sea Gal for three seasons, beginning in 1981.[5] In 2018, Courtney Moore took over as Director. She also was previously a Sea Gal, as well as a Pro Bowl representative in 2014.[6] She remained as Director through the rebranding to the Seahawks Dancers in 2019.

The first squad after rebranding included 30 female and eight male dancers. They also changed their overall look, moving away from the traditional Sea Gals uniform to many new athletic looks. The Seahawks Dancers additionally brought new styles of dance and tricks to their performances. The team also makes appearances off the field and in the community.[3]

Auditions

A dancer trying out for the Seahawks Dancers must be 18 years old or older[7] and have received a high school diploma or equivalent[7] before the season begins. In 2020, the Seahawks Dancers held auditions virtually.

Junior Seahawks Dancers

The Junior Seahawks Dancers are dancers ages 7–14.[8] The group is limited to the first 250[8] participants who sign up and pay online. The package includes clinics taught by current Seahawks Dancers and management, as well as a halftime performance. Junior Seahawks Dancers also receive a uniform, photo package, music download, memory video download, and two game tickets.[8] The 2020 Junior Seahawks Dancers program was canceled due to government mandates surrounding Coronavirus. The program is scheduled to resume in 2021.

Notable members
  • Ali Dudek, singer[9]
  • Christina Clarke, Miss Washington USA 2012
  • Nicole Remy, contestant on The Bachelor Season 25
  • Ariana Hagstrom, Model Ms UjENA Arizona, Choreographer, Fitness Instructor,Personal Trainer, Director/Owner Arizona Spiritline, Actress [[Medicine Ball, Pandoras Clock (NBC Mini Series) Prefontaine (motion Picture) Spokesperson for Fitness Guru Jack LaLanne
  • Amber Lancaster, model on The Price Is Right and actress
  • Lauren Leeds, reporter of KVEW
  • Heidi Meili, reporter and anchor of KECI-TV
  • Julie Shipley-Childs, fitness competitor and IFBB professional

References
  1. "As we continually look to evolve our gameday entertainment, our dance program will now be known as "The Seahawks Dancers."".
  2. https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-say-goodbye-to-the-sea-gals-adding-males-to-their-dance-team-and-renaming-them-the-seahawks-dancers/
  3. Arthur, Ben. "Sea Gals no more: Group rebranded as Seahawks Dancers (men included) for 2019".
  4. "Seattle Seahawks Team History".
  5. "Sherri Thompson Through The Years".
  6. "Courtney is the Sea Gals New Choreographer".
  7. "Auditions".
  8. "Junior Seahawks Dancers".
  9. http://www.alidudek.com/home.html
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