08/14/07
Checkers Press Release
2007-08 CHECKMATES IN PLACE
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Nearly 100 women from the Charlotte area arrived on Sunday to audition to be a part of the 2007-2008 Charlotte Checkers CheckMates. Nerves were high as the girls stood in line to pre-register at the Childress Klein YMCA in Uptown Charlotte. Fancy costumes, glamorous hair and makeup, and big smiles filled the room as they got ready to tryout for the 15th Anniversary season of the Charlotte Checkers.
Click here to see pictures from the auditions.
After learning the preliminary-round dance, they were judged and then a cut was made. The number decreased down to 45 dancers for the final round. Emotions were running high and energy was electric in the room as they performed.
So what exactly were the judges looking for? A girl that has dance and fitness potential, and someone the Checkers fans would like. Checkers director of entertainment and creative services, Jon Pickett, was on hand to judge both rounds and said “We're looking for someone our fans can relate to. Checkers fans are very loyal and we need CheckMates that can match that loyalty to the team.”
With almost 40 home games and rehearsals twice a week, the CheckMates have to be committed to the organization. Add that to community appearances and you’ve got some busy ladies. They’ll begin their journey starting Tuesday as rehearsals start immediately.
In the end, 20 CheckMates were chosen to represent the organization this year. They are diverse in their full-time careers: teaching, nursing, health education, sales, human resources, and some full-time students. Ten rookies and 10 veterans will make up the team. They all are equally excited to start preparing for the 15th Anniversary of Charlotte Checkers Hockey. And the dancing on ice part – let’s just say a few of the rookies are a little nervous.
