 |
 |
 |
|
Football Main Page |
Redskins CheerleadersWashington Redskins Cheerleaders |
|
 Representing
the NFL’s Washington Redskins franchise, the Washington Redskins
Cheerleaders are also known as the “First Ladies of Football.”They are the oldest active cheerleading organization in the National Football League. The cheerleaders have traveled everywhere from Turkey to China and appeared in magazines such as FHM, Newsweek, Maxim, Ebony and Cosmopolitan. They’ve performed for such superstars as Ricky Martin, Larry King, Jerry Lee Lewis and James Brown, and they were even featured on a David Letterman Top 10 List. Washington Redskins Cheerleaders HistoryOriginally known as the Redskinettes, their first appearance was on September 30th, 1962. The original roster was made up of 30 young women, and their first costumes were designed in the style of Native Americans (complete with braided wigs and beaded headbands). By the late 60s, the squad had abandoned the Indian look and adopted mini-skirts and sequins. White knee-high boots and long hair were also a popular style at the time. In 1978, the cheerleaders showed their stomachs for the first time. Since this was the era of Farrah Fawcett, the feathered hair look was also very trendy. Of course, the outfits still included the trademark burgundy and gold color scheme. 1979 saw a failed fashion experiment, as the squad suited up in red Danskin outfits with white go-go boots and gold fringe. Despite the dated appearance of the outfits, the team used them as their winter uniforms from 1979 until 1981. By 1982, a suede look with a burgundy and gold headband had been adopted. The white boots were still present, and the Redskin Cheerleaders wore these outfits for both Super Bowl XVII and XVIII. During the winter of the 1983 season, the squad wore burgundy and gold striped sweaters. Burgundy and gold leg warmers were worn over white boots, and burgundy briefs rounded out the look. For the 1984 through 1987 season, the squad wore burgundy Jantzen body suits trimmed with fringe and accented by leather boots. This was a very new wave look, and it kept the Redskins cheerleaders on the cutting edge of fashion in the NFL. By 1995, the team returned to a one-piece uniform with a short skirt and puffy sleeves. Go-go boots were replaced with tennis shows. Things got sexier in 1998, when the uniforms became two-piece and showed off the girls’ well-toned midriffs. From 2000 on, the team has continued to show liberal amounts of skin, while continuing to add various amounts of rhinestones and Swarovski Crystals. It seems as though the halter top and revealing shorts may be here to stay, as they’ve now been around since the beginning of the new millennium. Redskins Cheerleaders Swimsuit CalendarThe first Redskins Cheerleaders swimsuit calendar was released in 1998. The inaugural calendar was photographed in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. By 2000, the team was also releasing a “making of” video along with the calendars. The 2007-08 calendar was shot on location in Grand Oasis Cancun in Mexico. In this edition, the cheerleaders wore everything from body paints to handmade swimsuits. In addition to the swimsuit calendar, fans can also order a compete set of Redskins Cheerleaders trading cards. A complete 40-card set goes for $75, and a personally autographed deck sells for $150. But that’s not all. An autographed cheerleading squad photo is available for $20, and Pom-Poms used by the squad are available for only $50.
Redskins Cheerleaders Variety Show - Entertaining the TroopsThe Redskins also have a special group of 10 to 15 cheerleaders who travel the world putting on a variety show. The show lasts 90 minutes and features singing, dancing and a number of elaborate costume changes. The Variety Show has been around since 1997. In 1999, the cheerleaders were invited by the Department of Defense to visit U.S, soldiers serving in the Balkans. Since that visit, the Redskins Cheerleaders have went on over 24 tours with Armed Forces Entertainment to more than 40 countries (including places such as Iraq, Cuba and Afghanistan). Washington Redskins Cheerleader AmbassadorsThe Ambassadors are selected in April, at the same time as the regular cheerleading squad. While the cheerleaders dance on the field, the Ambassadors specialize in fan interaction at place such as the Touchdown Club, luxury boxes and Tailgate Club. They can even be found interacting with fans in the stands of FedExField. More NFL Articles |
Football Rules and Gameplay |
 |
 |
|