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Annually, the ProDance convention is held in a meticulously selected city. Professional dancers representing the NBA, WNBA, CFL, NFL, AFL, and other professional and collegiate sports dance teams gather from across the country to participate in one of the industry’s highly anticipated events. The convention consists of dance instruction taught by the world’s top high-profile choreographers and entertainers.  This year’s designated location was Palm Springs, California! On July 28th, four exceptionally talented Georgia Force cheerleaders proudly boarded their flights. They were on their way to represent…the Force!

Once arriving in sunny California, Kelli, Carla, Joie and Brandy C. were very anxious to get started. Coach Jakene was already on the scene awaiting their arrival. The first day at ProDance consisted of the official opening and a group warm-up. It was the first opportunity to meet all of the choreographers and dance instructors. The remainder of the week was simply…dance, dance, and then dance some more! The 4-day event was closed with a performance day highlighting all of the extraordinary dance sessions that transpired.

Kelli, a four-year veteran and captain, shared her most memorable moment. “Shawnette Heard (choreographer & dancer) danced with Janet Jackson and I have recorded every concert she has been in since 1998. I still watch them to this day. I was completely star struck and I never get like that!!! I was almost in tears when I walked into her class.” Kelli was also the recipient of a dance scholarship awarded by the Broadway Dance Center. The choreographers collectively decided on the dancer most worthy of this prestigious honor. “I will be looking for a good weekend to go and hopefully catch some Broadway shows and do some shopping at the same time.” As a dancer, Kelli has always displayed unbelievable skill and as a leader she exudes such grace and poise. The choreographers definitely got it right!

As eager as she was to learn, Carla, a two-year veteran on the team, took time to get away and relax at the spa. “I had a milk-whey bath in a private area outside, and then the massage was ooohhh sooo wonderful (especially since I was in so much pain from dancing),” boasted the dedicated beauty.  Of course, all of her pampering followed days of hard work and commitment to her love for dance. Scheduled to make its debut later this year, Carla was also selected to appear in the ProDance calendar. I hear it’s going to be a sell out! When asked about the attendees of Prodance 2006 she replied, “Everyone was so friendly! We talked, laughed and shared stories. I recognized dancers from the previous year. The dancers that I really enjoyed talking to were from Virginia Tech University. College teams were invited as special guests. We also got to see a lot of creative and cute ideas for uniforms and promo outfits, especially the Philadelphia Soul (AFL) outfits. It was great bonding with dancers from the different teams that were represented!” Both Carla and fellow teammate, Brandy C. agreed that Chuck Maldonado was one of their favorite choreographers. “He is from Atlanta so we were very excited to see him all the way in Cali!  He made us feel very special and his step choreography was "off the chain"!!

Our very own, Coach Jakene, also represented! She showed those rookies how it should be done! “Pro Dance was a wonderful opportunity to learn different and innovative choreography. As a coordinator, I was inspired to create new routines and provide an exciting entertainment experience for our fans. I also had an opportunity to brush up on my dance skills. I miss performing and this experience fulfilled that need.” In addition to her role as “Coach Jeezy”, she is very much a showstopper.  Along side the dancers in which she provides support and inspiration, she learned very intricate choreography from Shane Sparks, Marina and Mina Ortega, John Peters, Barry Youngblood…just to name a few. All that’s left is to order her Georgia Force uniform so that we can get her out on the field!

Ultimately, ProDance was an opportunity to understand what makes our team unique. It is truly moving to have teammates as well as a coach that are so gifted. They are devoted to the common goal of our team…providing the best possible entertainment for the Georgia Force fans! Though the choreography can be a bit challenging it is imperative that the material is mastered to perfection. The entire team performs many of the exciting routines learned at ProDance during the upcoming season. The team relies heavily on its representatives to teach the different skills and unique styles in order to be game-day ready. With great confidence and tremendous pride, the team couldn’t have wished for four better representatives.

So….where do YOU think the ProDance convention should be conducted next year? It’s a unanimous decision, none other than the ATL!