CPL
BC Lions Add Male Dancers
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Given the changes throughout the world that we see on a daily basis with no real surprise or shock knowing that changes are coming the BC Lions.
While many consider the profession of cheerleading for females only, this part of the sport has changed to allowing males to also either compete or become a member of the team.
Like it or not competition has changed in the way we have to focus on all sports which has it’s pro and cons depending on your personal preference, but change is inevitable.
Cheerleading in BC has taken the area by storm that has competitions year round and should continue since Covid-19 has been put on the backburner, or so we hope.
For those who attend various sporting events in the area some have cheerleaders on hand to get the ‘crowd pumped” in hopes of bringing success to the team.
During the summer months we get to watch the BC Lions Dance Team perform at all home games at BC Place at various times of the game.
We are hearing that the BC Lions Dance Team recently held auditions in White Rock to fill the 40 positions available for dancers to compete for spots on the team.
This is the first time in history that the competition has opened up with male dancers welcomed to the audition.
Carolyn Cody, BC Lions Director of Business Operations and Marketing mentioned “The team will be made up of the highest caliber talent from the audition process – regardless of gender.”
Taking note that the BC Lions are not alone having male dancers as the New Orleans Saints and the LA Rams were the first NFL teams to add male dancers in 2018.
Branding means everything when it comes to sport and we watched as the “Sea Gals” in Seattle rebranded changing their name to the “Seahawks Dancers” after adding male dancers to their team.
The Toronto Argonauts added male dancers to their dance team in 2019 which was quickly followed by the Toronto Raptors.
The “Felions” will be rebranded and the new name will be announced prior to the start of next season.
Carolyn continued “We can’t wait to share this new dynamic dance and entertainment team when we launch their brand in May 2022 and fans can expect high-quality dance performances with some very special surprises along the way.”
Dance tryouts were open to the public and took place at Spiral Dance in White Rock where all Dancers were required to register online prior to showing up,.
All attending dancers must have graduated from high school as of June 3, and be over 19 years of age.
All of the finalists were interviewed at the Lions’ training facility in Surrey with the season starting preseason on May 28, with the regular season beginning on June 11th.
For those wanting to know, yes they are paid for appearances and also receive two 2022 season tickets plus sponsored services such as tanning, hairstyling, clothing discounts and gym memberships.