Being an Outrider

By Miss Kalie

I have wanted to be a professional dancer ever since I was six years old and have always loved performing in front of large audiences. When I was 16 I started dancing at Pure Motion. Miss Victoria was my cheer teacher and an Outrider at the time. After hearing about her experiences with the team I knew that cheerleading would be a perfect fit for me. The following year I tried out for the Stampeders Outriders and made the team. I can hardly believe I am now on my sixth season. I love being an Outrider because it gives me the opportunity to continue my dance training, perform in front of the best fans in the CFL and fuel my passion for dance. There is no better feeling than when I am performing a fun, upbeat routine in front of thousands of people. However, e are not just dancers. On top of our two practices a week, each Outrider has to complete a minimum of 40 volunteer hours in the community throughout the season. The charity and promotional events are also a huge reason why I love being a part of the Outriders. I love that it has given me the opportunity to become even more involved in the Calgary community.

Our annual Grey Cup trip is the season highlight for our team. All cheer teams have the opportunity to go to the festival no matter which football teams are playing. Luckily, the Stamps have been in the game 50 per cent of the time in my six seasons with them. Whether my team is in the game or not, Grey Cup has always been a phenomenal experience. Thursday through Sunday, we are up at the crack of dawn to perform at numerous events for the fans of the CFL until the late evening. It is so much fun to see all the fans that come out to celebrate Canadian football, see the other cheer teams and watch the routines they have been working on throughout their season.

These past six years have been the best years of my life so far. I have had some once-in-a-lifetime experiences and have made some life long friends. The Outriders program is an awesome way for studio dancers to continue to dance after they have graduated and have left their studio. My time with the team has made me a more confident person and has enhanced my communication skills that will benefit me and my future career. I encourage all of our dancers to one day try out for the Stampeders Outriders. It will surely be an experience they will never forget.