The New York Jets Flight Crew Cheerleaders have turned the page on the calendar and are stepping smartly into the new season with the announcement today that their 2012 auditions will begin April 21-22 at MetLife Stadium.
"This is one of my favorite times of the year because it symbolizes a new beginning for the Flight Crew," said director Denise Garvey. "It gives me a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm for directing this elite squad. It is always inspiring to see talented, young women come out and audition and really want it so badly. Something that began as a small squad of 10 women is now a lifelong dream for hundreds."
All who have this dream can begin the process of trying out for the squad now. The audition application is available here on newyorkjets.com. The deadline for pre-registration is April 16, and walk-up registration will also be held the morning of the preliminary round of the auditions at MetLife Stadium on April 21.
"Last year the Flight Crew had its strongest squad ever," Garvey said. "We are looking for young women who are talented, athletic, attractive, personable and poised to be good representatives for the Jets. The Flight Crew was rated one of the top cheer squads in the NFL in 2011 and we are looking for women who can continue to enhance our squad in a positive way."
To be eligible to become a member of the Flight Crew, candidates:
■ Must be 18 years or older by April 21, 2012, and be a high school graduate or have G.E.D.
■ Must have a reliable means of transportation and be willing to travel around the NY/NJ area.
■ Must be available to attend all rehearsals, home games and promotional appearances.
Appearances away from the stadium are just as important as the in-game performances.
"The Flight Crew not only dances at all Jets home games at MetLife Stadium for 80,000 fans but they are also presented exciting opportunities like TV and media exposure," Garvey said. "New York is one of the biggest stages for entertainment in the world and it has become our stage. We've danced in Times Square, we lit the Empire State Building green, and we rang the New York Stock Exchange closing bell. We have really become a big part of the pulse of New York."
And speaking of calendars, those are selected out of the auditions to join the group will also be candidates to appear in the Flight Crew's fourth annual swimsuit calendar this year.
"Women who have only dreamed about seeing themselves as models and on the pages of a swimsuit calendar could have that dream realized through making our squad," said Garvey.
To register for the 2012 New York Jets Flight Crew Cheerleaders auditions, candidates must complete the online registration form and pay the non-refundable audition application processing fee, which is $25 for registration by March 15, $35 for registration by April 16, and $40 for walk-up registration.
To assist candidates in the audition process, seven prep classes are being scheduled. Details will appear in a separate story next week. All information on auditions and prep classes can be found at www.newyorkjets.com/flightcrew.
