“It was a huge thrill.” Emily Smith, director of dance and entertainment for all dance squads that perform at The Q (Cavalier Girls, Monsters, Gladiators and Canton Charge), notes how she was especially impressed by Jasmine’s exceptional ability to spin and leap. “She can perform more pirouettes than anyone. She’s phenomenal at it.” For the try outs, Smith reports that what many may not know is how the candidates receive a study packet to learn about the game and the Cavaliers’ roster, all of which appears on a test. They also have an interview with team executives covering their background and goals. The dance portion of the tryout involves performing solo, in small groups and large groups. Throughout the season, the Cavalier Girls’ schedule involves practices two to three times per week, from 6-10 pm, to polish old routines and prepare new ones. The team rotates 16 girls in for each game while four sit out during the 41 home game regular season. “We’re constantly learning new choreography,” Jasmine says, admitting that she catches on quickly, with a great memory for movement. The team keeps the routines current and fresh by also frequently changing the songs that accompany its routines. On game days, the squad arrives at 3:45 pm to start preparing. During play time, in addition to performing dance routines, the girls fan out throughout the arena to appear in suites, concourse C, the Loudville section and on the floor during game breaks for special promotions. The dancers also make numerous community appear- ances to spread team spirit and generate excitement at locations including local hospitals, the Veterans Administration, nursing homes, malls, schools and at corporate functions. Her work in Beachwood allows her to say that she is tapping into all her interests since children figure prominently into them. “I love being able to inspire students by day and Cavalier fans by night,” she says, adding that she never imagined she’d have both in her life simultaneously and so soon. “I thought I’d be a professional dancer for a while and when that career was over, I would go into education,” she explains. Ultimately, she can see herself teaching dance in a public school setting. In pursuit of that potential path, she recently applied to graduate school to earn a Master’s degree in teaching and to obtain her licensure. Jasmine’s earliest exposure to dance was at the Jordan Center Dance in Warrensville Heights where she enjoyed tap and jazz. She realized that it was her passion when she was 10 years old, getting ready for a performance. She told her mom, “This is what I’m supposed to be doing.” Jasmine entered BHS as a junior, and was the cheerleading captain as a senior. The OSU dance program was a change of pace and stressed ballet and modern dance, where she says she gained an appreciation for those forms as well. To those thinking about a career in dance, Jasmine says, “Just go after it. Nothing is impossible and with hard work and dedication, anything can happen.” “She can perform more pirouettes than anyone. She’s phenomenal at it.” – Emily Smith, director of dance and entertainment for all dance squads at Quicken Loans Arena Pictured: Beachwood JV Cheerleading Squad (from left): Jvian Ferguson, Zoe Zilbert, Madison McShepard, Jasmine, Melondy Shen, Sydney Leiken, Cassidy Crosby and Marissa Thomas. 10 Beachwood Buzz n March 2016 10 Beachwood Buzz June 2015