HOLLA'! Cheer and Dance Magazine - WINTER 2019

TM

WINTER 2019

HOLLA’! On Point!

Activating our

Activism

OUR ESSENCE OF

BLACK DANCE WITH HAL BANFIELD

CELEBRATING YOUR ACTION!

Celebrating YOUR Black Excellence

Stay connec nected by signing up for the FREE mont onthly newsletter

12

Ms D is Back Ba !

17

Let’s Fix…

Image credit: Tyrone Winters

32 Tyra ra W Winters Rockwall High igh School

After recove overing from being hospitalized ed, our editor-in-chief is back and in fierce mode! Read how she is committed to not just getting bett etter but more!

Your back flexibility is the focus of our conti ntinuing Let’s Fix It series.

Check out ut how h simple yoga basics can n help!

HOLLA’!! On Point!

Is it appropr opriate to activate our activisim through th our athletic talents in cheer ch and dance?

Check out ut our o say, in our way!

PG 18

R Rockwall, TX When Tyra Winters sprung into action to perform lilife-saving CPR on Clark Hornback, it became an eye-opening ge experience for her. Despite the media attention she garnered, ed, she remains humble, reflecting on how her heroism has ma made her more focused, attentive, and observant.

A cheer athlete since she was 5 years old, thisis RRockwall High School has plans to become a collegiate c cheer athlete.

Priority first as a student-athlete, she also plans to om matriculate to become a pediatric surgeon. She also gives her er e experience as a cheer athlete credit for preparing her for herr ch chosen career.

“We often work with children and our pa patience and attentiveness is very important, which is also es essential in the medical field.” To her advantage, Tyra’s mother her works in the medical field. It was in influence of her mother, w who instilled in her the importance of knowing CPR and its emp mpowerment to help someone in need.

Tyra obtains her inspiration not only from her parrents, but also from the youth in her life. As a volunteer at thee BBoys and Girls Club of Rockwall, she states how those child hildren and her parents have taught her the importance of being ng a role model.

“My mother also has a group home, meaning ng I have foster siblings, so being able to be a good mentorr fo for them is an excellent key.”

Currently, Tyra is completing her senior year at at RRockwall High School and has received a very high-profile men entorship for her medical-field aspirations.

Check out more from this black excellence studen dent athlete with her interview from The Kelly Clarkson Show on YouT ouTube®. ■

Page 19 HOLLA’! 2019 Winter Issue | 1

www.c w.cheerlivesmatter.net Use Promo mo Co Code: HOLLA for 15% off your next purchase

Cheer Lives es Matter

@CheerLivesMatte tter

Publisher Not otes Volumee 7 Edition 2 Publisher Founding Editor-in-Chief Business Manager Copy Editor Contributing Writers Contributing Photographers Office and Editorial Staff General Graphics and Video Editing Public Relations Marketing and Advertising HOLLA’! Street Crew Website Developer and Host

HOLLA’! Cheer and Dance Mag agazine™ Deedra A. Morley-Artis Leroy T. Artis Maude Campbell Adia Boyd ▪ Irina Muñez ▪ Heat eather Sprivage ▪Taiya Parham Hal Banfield ▪ Jerry Hughes ▪ JJa’Nia Ragin Randy Singleton ▪ Kevin Water ters ▪ Kyle Okita ▪ 2C2K Photography Adia Boyd ▪ Heather Sprivage Kevin Boyd ▪ Raeheem Washin hington ▪ Fivvr.Com HOLLA’! General Staff Allyson Brinson ▪ Ashlin Price Network Solutions, Inc.

Image Credit: Howard University

HBCU GAMEDAY ACTION! PAGE

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“You deserve the he celebration of YOU!” Deedra dra Morley-Artis HOLLA’! Cheer and an Dance Magazine™ Publisherr | Editor-in-Chief

SUBSCRI CRIBE TODAY! Celebrating 7 years yea of celebrating YOU! On the Cover: Azza Lamya Shabazz-Henry ph photographed by Jerry Hughes on location in New ew York City, NY.

Produced and Printed in the USA HOLLA’! Cheer and Dance Magazine™ www.HOLLACheerDanceMagazine.com m Letters to the Editor and Feedback editor@HOLLACheerDanceMagazine.com m PLEASE PROTECT THE PLANET AND RECYCLEE TH THIS ISSUE.

Print Subscriptions $26.72/1 YR

Digital Subscriptions $10.00 /1 YR

Single issue print availa ailable from

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Visit HOLLACheerDanceMagazine.com for or additional a purchasing details.

HOLLA’! 2019 Winter Issue | 3

inside ISSN 2472-6494 Print | ISSN 2472-6508 Digi igital Volume 7 Edition tion 2

Volume 7 Edition on 1 Due to the hospitalization and recovery of the Editor-in-Chief, the 2019 fall issue was postponed. Its content has been en included in this current issue.

Print and digital subscribers should refer to their emails for information regarding subscription extensions and credits. For additional information, please contact subscriptions@HOLLACheerDanceMagazine.com. ■

Protecting Our Turf on

©

We contacted Facebook , which owns Instagram for guidance regarding their analytics regarding this concern. To date we have not had a response.

Therefore we hope our proactive stance will help with assuring our followers that our celebration of them will always be protected to the best of our ability. ■

The he Celebration of YOU in D.C. Join us April 4, 2020, in the nation’s capital for our annual celebration of YOU! The HOLLA’! Spirit Championship will be held at the new Ballou High School Arena in Washington, D.C. Teams who missed the Super Saver registration can still save until November 30, 2019, with Early Bird rates. On-time registration is due January 31, 2020. Visit the website at www.BlackCollegeNationals.com for complete details. ■

Sign Up!

Winter 2019 | Volume 7 Edition 2 “You close the door on me and tell me I can't, I'm gonna gon find a way to get in.”

—Tyler Perry

HOLLA’! Hype 1

Celebrating YOUR Black Excellence: Tyra W Winters

5

Inside the HOLLA’!

8

HOLLA’! Black

10

HOLLA’! Happenings

12

Editor’s HOLLA’!

HOLLA’! 4 U!

HOLLA’! Cheer and Dance Magazine™ is committed to keeping our social media feeds as a safe outlet for our followers. It has been our policy to purge followers we deem irrelevant or inappropriate for our followers, many who are under the age of 18. When we see comments that contain profanity or suggestive content, these followers are purged from our feeds. In addition, if we feel that a followers has no relevance to the spirit sports we promote, in several cases we have designated them to an “unfollow” and block status. It may keep our number of followers lower than other similar feeds, but the protection of the athletes we celebrate takes precedent over those numbers. ©

Contents

Sign up for the FREE monthly newsletter for more updates.

16

HOLLA’ Fit: Fitness Frustration

17

oga Let’s Fix…Your Back Flexibility with Basic Yog

HOLLA’! About U 18

Lil HOLLA’s | June, September – November er 2019

19

H’! featuring Kinley Agent and Southern Sca Scarlet Cheer Club

20

HOLLA’! On the Cover: Azza Shabazz-Henry ry

22

HOLLA’! Stars | June, September – Novemb ber 2019

24

Our Essence of Black Dance: A Conversatio tion with Hal Banfield

HOLLA’! Doing U 26

2019 HBCU Game Day Highlights

HOLLA’! on Point!

32

Activating our Activism

HOLLA’! Cheer and Dance Magazine™, Volume 7, No 2 is a trademark of and published publ quarterly by HOLLA’! Cheer and Dance Magazine | PO Box 6358 ▪ Annapolis, MD 21401. Telephone (443) 225-5792. Pleas ase address all editorial and advertising mail to the relevant address listed at www.HOLLACheerDanceMagazine.com. HOLLA’! Cheer Che and Dance Magazine™, is not responsible for loss or damage of any unsolicited material. Any content in whole or part appe ppearing in HOLLA’! Cheer and Dance Magazine™ may not be reprinted without permission. All right ights reserved.

Copyright © 2019 by HOLLA’! Cheer and Dance nce Magazine™ For advertising information and rates, e-mail ads-production@HOLLA OLLACheerDanceMagazine.com.

For subscriptions, contact subscriptions@HOLLACheerD erDanceMagazine.com.

All advertising is subject to approval before acceptance. HOLLA’! Cheer and Danc nce Magazine™, reserves the right to refuse any ad for any reason. Prior publication does not constitute any agreement for cont ontinued publication in any form. Advertisers certify that the descriptions of the products or services advertised are factuall in all respects and HOLLA’! Cheer and Dance Magazine™, assumes no liability for the content of the advertising, guarantees es made, or the quality and/or reliability of the products or services offered in such advertisements. Information provided by advertisers is provided on an “as is” basis without guarantees of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not lim imited to the implied guarantees of the fitness and merchantability for a particular purpose. HOLLA’! Cheer and Dance Maga agazine™, expressly disclaims any and all responsibilities for any and all direct, indirect and consequential loss or damage, ge, included but not limited to loss or damage to property or for loss of profit business, revenue, goodwill or anticipated savings ings resulting or arising from the information contained in the advertisements appearing ng herein.

The instructions and advice presented are in no way intended as a substitute for or professional pr training and instructions. If you – the reader or any persons engage in any exercise program or activity presented d herein, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities and assume all risk of injur njury to yourself. HOLLA’! Cheer and Dance Magazine™, disclaims any liabilities or loss in connection with the exercises and nd advice herein. Further the views expressed within this edition’s content are not solely endorsed by the editor or publisher her of this publication, its events or sponsors.

Further HOLLA’! Cheer and Dance Magazine™ and its affiliates will not be liable le for f any content errors within this publications or affiliated electronic and social media entities. ent HOLLA’! Cheer and Dance Magazine™ is available in print format via subscri cription through HOLLA’! Cheer and Dance Magazine™ and individual print sales through MagCloud | Blurb®. The publication ation is available digitally through Magzter.com and MagCloud.com. Complimentary digital issues are available to potenti ntial advertisers by contacting the office.

Background Photo Credit: Woodrow Wilson High School at the Fish Bowl Par arade in Portsmouth, VA | Randy Singleton.

HOLLA’! 2019 Winter Issue | 5

“A PROUD PC BRANDS COMPANY”

th

November 17 , 2019 at AmeriCheer™ 20 Collegeview Rd, Westerville, OH 43081 (One Day Regional Event) th

December 14-15 , 2019 Oklahoma ▪ Location TBA (One Day Regional Event)

January 4, 2020 Utah ▪ Location TBA (One Day Regional Event)

March 2020 North Carolina ▪ Location TBA (One Day Regional Event)

April 18-19, 2020 New Orleans, LA ▪ PONTCHARTRAIN CENTER (One Day Regional Event)

April 25-26, 2020 Charleston, SC ▪ NORTH CHARLESTON COLISEUM (One Day Regional Event)

May 23, 2020 Chicago, IL ▪ NAVY PIER (One Day Regional Event)

May 9-10, 2020 Atlanta, GA ▪ COBB CENTER (One Day Regional Event)

June 5-7, 2020 Indianapolis, IN ▪ INDIANAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER Registration Check-in begins on June 5th, 2020 (Exclusive 3 Day Event by Invitation Only)

THE PRIMARY PURPOSES OF OUR COMBINES ARE TO INFORM, EDUCATE AND TEST ATHLETES INTERESTED IN CHEERING, DANCING, AND DOING ACROBATICS AND TUMBLING AT THE COLLEGIATE OR PRO LEVEL. OUR COMBINES WILL PROVIDE A PLATFORM FOR ATHLETES TO EXHIBIT SKILLS, ASK QUESTIONS AND LEARN THE REQUIREMENTS THAT UNIVERSITIES, COLLEGES AND PROFESSIONAL TEAMS REQUIRE ATHLETICALLY AND ACADEMICALLY. WHETHER YOU ARE INTERESTED IN CHEERLEADING, DANCE, ACROBATICS, AND TUMBLING FOR A COMPETITIVE SCHOOL, NON-COMPETITIVE SCHOOL, ALL GIRL OR COED TEAM, THESE WEEKENDS ARE FOR YOU! TALK DIRECTLY TO COLLEGIATE AND PRO LEVEL COACHES, GUEST SPEAKERS (INCLUDIG CASTING DIRECTORS) WHO WILL BE ON HAND TO TALK ABOUT RECRUITING ON ALL LEVELS.

REGISTER AT WWW.PARAGONXL.NET

HOLLA’!bl black l

YYOUR FEEDB ACK

The Sunja njai article was very nice for my daughter to read ad. It was great to read about how humble she he is after all the fame. We wish this young lady dy tons of success in her future.

Get in on This!

The Congressio ssional Black Caucus (CBC) Spouse uses Performing Arts Scholarship wass established e in 2000 in honor of the late te ssinger Curtis Mayfield for black students nts pursuing a degree in the performing arts a including dance.

The scholarship op opens in February with an April deadline line. Applicants must reside in a CBC m member’s district. Visit theirir website w at www.CBCFinc.o c.org/scholarships for complete qualifica ifications and additional details. Check their the website further for additional schol holarships, fellowships, internships, and networking oppor ortunities. ■

Adiyuke Carmoon-LaRue, MI

I appreciate you your magazine’s effort to define the chang nges in the cheer [and dance] industry butt I d disagree that the industry has changed. It is th the people in the industry that [have] changed. ed. It is as if you need a certain “pedigree” to b belong to the clique. Money and who you know is a priority over wha what was to be fun for children.

The influencers are driving the sportrt in into a culture of social media “wann annabes,” into a fading format.

Rhonda Hayes, LA

Thank you for your comment! My daughter ter saw it and it made her day!

This is her 3 rd year on varsity cheer.. 9 th grade she was 1 of 3 black grade still 1 of 2. Curious to see females; 10th grade she was 1 of 2; 11 th gra what senior year will look like. This is her 9 th yyear in all-star cheer. We love your IG page! @cheermom4lyfe

Back2School Givea iveaway Winners!

Congratulations to the winners of our annual al Back2School Giveaway! A’ziyah Fennell (Destiny Spirit Elite All-Stars), Destinyy M Morand (Mountain Island Charter School Cheer & Cheer Athletics - Charlotte), Jo Jordan Williams (Wild About Cheer All-Stars), and Bethany Rodrigue uez (Odyssey Cheer Company). ■

color struck WE ASKED: 5 black cheer & 5 black dance ce athletes:

?

3 0

Mixed M Feelings The comments ts were mixed to the posting of a video from Red dH Hots Cheerleading and Dance from om Austria and their stand dance performance. e. Their T inspiration came from the Jackson State Sta University Prancing J-Settes.

Check out some me of the comments on HOLLA’!s and various feeds.

“The fact that tha individuals in another country took note and da appreciated the dance style of the amazing ladies lad form Jackson, Mississippi is amazing to me. me I hope the @prancingjsettes see that people ple around the globe love them!”

“Chile, we can’t n’t do/have nothing! Guess they’ll start accepting this style now.”

“Imitation tion is the best form of flattery! But [expletive] if you’re y going to do it, do it right!

“How long ong is it going to be before [white people] claim they th invented this and making it a mainst instream mess?” Why do we keep allow[ing] them m to t steal from us - rock, hip-hop, history, etc.”

Doess co colorism exist in the spiri pirit sports?

Dance ce athletes said NO! Cheer er a athletes said YES!

The results are from various verbal, online and/or email conversations oof selected black cheer and dance athletes between the ages of 15- 21. The survey was conducted ed from 10/1/2019-11/1/2019.

The results are not scientific. Statements, if included, have been een edited for clarity.

8 | HOLLA’! 2019 Winter Issue | HOLLACheerDanceMagazine.com

HOLLA’! at the Editor This is your magazine for your voice. vo Join the celebration and a connect!

Send in n your y letters to editor@HOLLACheerDanceMag agazine.com.

Holiday Magic National Championship Orlando, Florida December 14-15, 2019 ▪ Top of the Rock Championship Slippery Rock, PA February 1, 2020 ▪ BIG KISS Championship Henrietta, NY February 8, 2020 ▪ Rock the Falls International Championship Niagara Falls, NY February 15, 2020

Un Uncle Sam Cheer Jam Tr Troy, NY Fe February 22, 2020 ▪ St Steel Town Showdown Pi Pittsburgh, PA Fe February 29, 2020 ▪ Gr Great Lakes Championships Er Erie, PA Ma March 7th 2020 ▪ Oc Ocean State Championship Pr Providence, RI Ma March 8, 2020 ▪ Qu Queen City National Championship Or Orchard Park, NY Ma March 14, 2020

www.SHO .SHOUTCheer.com (716) 640 640-3085

Cleveland Ro Rocks! D2 National Championsh ship Cleveland,, O OH March 28,, 2020 20 ▪ ossom Championship Cherry Bloss Washington, on, DC April 4, 2020 020 ▪ The Big App pple Classic National Championsh ship New York Cit City, NY April 18, 2020 020 ▪ The WAVE EN National Championship Daytona Bea Beach, FL April 18, 202 020 ▪ The Open Cheer Ch and Dance Championsh ship | Universal Studios Orlando | Orlando, Or FL May 1-3, 2020 020 www.TheOpe penCheerandDance.com

olla’! appenings!

7-14 2019 Pop Warner National Cheer & Dance Championships

Compiled by HOLLA’! Staff

Photo credit: Kyle Okita

January 2020

UCA/UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship Orlando, FL | Varsity.com

25 2020 Honda Battle of the Bands Atlanta, GA HondaBattleoftheBands.com

31 On Time Registration Due HOLLA’! Spirit Championship Washington, DC |bit.ly/HOLLASpirit The FLY Dance Company The Cleveland Pops Orchestra - Severance Hall Cleveland, OH | www.ClevelandPops.com

February 2020

ESPN Wide World of Sports™ Complex Orlando, FL PopWarner.com

17-19

29 UFit CIAA High School Cheer Championship Charlotte, NC | U-Fit365.com

Does your event need a HOLLA’!?

HOLLA’!?

10 | HOLLA’! 2019 Winter Issue | HOLLACheerDanceMagazine.com

1 CIAA Cheerleading Exhibition Super Saturday Charlotte, NC CIAA.org

March 2020

14-15 Dance Theatre of Harlem Michigan Opera Theatre Detroit, MI Michigan Opera.org

Photo credit: Randy Singleton at 2018 CIAA

h

December 2019

Do you need a correspondent to cover your event? Contact the editor to submit your event information at editor@HOLLACheerDanceMagazine.com.

Editor’s

KEEP US CLOSE ●

GO AHEAD. BE A

HOLLA’!

FOLLOWER!

Doing Better!

FOLLOW US

When you get close to leaving this earth, a bunch ch of thoughts just go through your mind, including what you have left unfinished. I never want to gett th that close to my transition before my time again.

Yet, I do want to spend the time God has blessed dm me with, to just do better!

As athletes, coaches, parents of athletes, and d th those involved in the spirit sports, we are in a constant cycle to always improve. I used to tellll m my former athletes, “Getting to the top is easy.

Staying on top is harder.” They knew that even n tthough they may have reached that temporary goal, they had d to do better I never accepted than their best to get there – to stay there. Therefor fore, they had mediocrity from the to define what exactly was their “better than theirr be best.”

I never accepted mediocrity from the athletes I co coached. My thoughts of fighting the afterlife made me wond onder if I was accepting it in my daily life. I questioned if I wass wo working smart versus working hard regarding many aspects.. I had to be honest with how I was seeing situations as a hindra rance instead of a process for preparation for better than n the best I accepted I could do. As I was promoting the e g greatness of others, the experience of being close to passing a away bought me to a place where I had to recognize I w was allowing negative facets to stifle the emergence of my grea reatness.

athletes I coached.

My thoughts of fighting the afterlife made me wonder if I was accepting it in my daily life.

During my recovery, I told one of my girlfriends I wa was going to not only define my greatness but see the hidden messages of others’ greatness. Inste stead of being critical, I wanted to work towards motivation, inclusive of an inspirational social al media presence with our daily HOLLA’!s to encouraging excellence from just doing better.

How wonderful it is to be encouraged by the teams ms and athletes I have been following through this journey. Many were already doing better than thei heir best to highlight our black excellence. My task is to show the world as better than as best as I ca can your greatness and how I, too, will grow from that inspiration until it’s my time hopefully in the way distant future. ■

Deedra Morley-Artis Publisher | Editor-in-Chief

12 | HOLLA’! 2019 Winter Issue | HOLLACheerDanceMagazine.com

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

VISIT US

HOLLACheerDanceMagazine.com BlackCollegeNationals.com

Visit the USDA website at www.Outreach.USDA.gov/education/1890 for complete details including eligibility requirements.

This page is informational content from HOLLA’! Cheer and Dance Magazine™ and not an official advertisement from USDA.

HOLLA’! 2019 Winter Issue | 15

FITNESS Frustration

Don’t give up just, change up!

Compiled by HOLLA’! staff Images and illustrations ©CanStockPhoto/Karelnoppe and ©CanStockPhoto/RaStudio Always consult with your physician before starting any exercise, nutrition, or fitness regimen.

What’s Happening Inside?

Despite your hard work, you are not seeing results. It may be time to seek professional guidance from your physician. No need to panic, but a physician’s evaluation may lead to causes for your lack of progress. Causes could be something simple you need to address to an ailment more complicated such as diabetes. No matter the outcome, you need to know what’s going on internally with your body!

I’m Doing THAT Diet!

Don’t fall for every diet fads. Every body is different, so why would you expect every diet would work for every–body? Your fitness frustration could be caused by not eating enough food. A professional nutritionist/ dietician can help you with an eating plan to achieve your fitness goals.

I Work Out all the Time!

Exercise is a very important component for fitness. However, for some people too much exercise can actually do more harm than good.

You could also be exposing your body to physical harm such as muscle tears and overuse. If you are at your fitness peak, many experts say you need about 3 days for 20 minutes exercise sessions just to maintain that peak.

Yet, if you are at a fitness plateau, consult a professional trainer. If you are currently working with a trainer, discuss a new regiment or consider a new trainer. ■

nutritionist vs. dietician 16 | HOLLA’! 2019 Winter Issue | HOLLACheerDanceMagazine.com

In the U.S., there are certain licenses and certifications a dietitian has to earn to be able to work. However, nutritionists who pass the certification board requirements may refer to themselves as certified nutrition specialists, or C.N.S., which is a protected title. A great website for information is www.nobidan.org.

Let’s Fix Your our Back

FLEXIBI IBILITY

A must for cheer and nd dance skills, you can improve sp spinal flexibility with these se yoga basics.

Compiled Com

by HOLLA’! staff Images and illustrations©CanStockPhoto and an ©Tamara Baleika | Dreamstime.com

1. Plank Pose | Preps the back muscles Extend legs behind you so that you are on your toes and your body is a straight line from the top of your head to your heels. Hold for 5 breathing cycles (breathe in and out). ►

2. The Cobra Pose Arm rms pressed close to your sides and sho houlders back, lower both knees.

Inha nhale, and raise your upper body, leav eaving your lower body on the grou round and arms fully extended, Rep peat for 5 breathing cycles. ▼

4. Resting Child’s Pose 3. Downward-facing D dog From all fours, slowly lower your hips on an exhale until your bottom is resting on your heels. Walk your hands forward to elongate your spine. Lower your forehead to rest on the floor. Hold as long as you want, breathing deeply.

Lift ift up your hips and back as you inha nhale, straightening your legs and arm rms to a reverse "V" shape. On you our toes, press heels down. Keep you our shoulder in line with your spin pine. Stay in the pose for at least 5 breathing br cycles. ◄

HOLLA’! 2019 Winter Issue | 17

Note from the Editor Due to the hiatus of the publication during the summer of 2019, Lil HOLLA’!s for July and August were not selected.

Shania Monae McClain

Jeona Rae Parson

Zelaya Amira Chase

Mellena Blockton

Infinity Cheer Detroit Detroit, MI Her favorite thing about cheer: Competing in competitions!

Rhythm City Dance by Chelsea Washington, PA Her favorite things things about dance: Jazz, hip-hop, sass, and energy!

Maryland Glitz All-Stars District Heights, MD Her favorite things about cheer: cheer: Learning stunts and tumbling!

Diva Sweat Dance Company St. Louis, MO Her favorite thing about dance: Being a ballerina!

Whitney James

Trenia DyMarian K-Summerville

Phoenix Monique Johnson Exclusive Elite All-Stars Atlanta, GA Her growngrown-up career: She wants to be a dentist!

Epic Cheer & Dance Durham, NC Looking forward to this competition season: season: All the travel and building with a new set of girls!

Jasmine Vonae Michael

Peyton Elizabeth Alexander

Dominion Elite All-Stars Upper Marlboro, MD Her summer training fun: Pep talks after training!

Metro Cheer All-Stars Livonia, MI Her growngrown-up career: career: A police officer | gym owner.

18 | HOLLA’! 2019 Winter Issue | HOLLACheerDanceMagazine.com

Next Level Dance | Dallas, TX Her growngrown-up career: She wants to be a gynecologist like her Nannah!

Kristiana Kelly Wolf Pack All-Stars ▪ Moonlight Fayetteville, NC Looking forward to this competition season: Having fun and doing her best!

McKenzey Briel Jones

Maya Cuffy

Rosedale Tigers Cheer Washington, D.C. If she could not cheer: cheer: She would play soccer because it is super FUN!

Encore Dance Academy Newark, DE Her growngrown-up career: She wants to be an actress!

meet mee Kinley Agen gent Q Q&A with a talented a athlete you need to kknow!

By Irina Muñez | Photography by Ja Ja’Nia Ragin for Arion Amari Photography

Ki Kinley just celebrated her 10th birthday at a hip-hop-themed party with family and fri friends. However, Kinley did not know that there w was a huge surprise waiting for her at her party. To re reveal the surprise, party guests had to unscramble an and turn over cards that spelled out “CONGRATULATIONS KI KINLEY ON MAKING SEASON 4 OF LITTLE BIG SHOTS!”

Celebrating our cheer and dance athletes 6 years old and under!

HO HOLLA’! caught up with Kinley for a Q&A interview. Read th this short preview of our YouTube™ interview with this gr great dance athlete!

Q Q. How does it make you feel that you have inspired so many young dancers?

Check out The Lil HOLLA’!

FUN PAGE

from the FREE monthly newsletter or from the website!

A. OMG! When I saw that you guys [HOLLA’!] posted m my video the first thing I said was, “What the heck?”

LO LOL! I was so excited! I had to keep checking social m media because I didn’t think it was real. Inspiring so m many young dancers makes me feel good, because I’m letting people know that you do not have to be ce certain age, shape, or size to follow your dreams. Just go for it!

Q Q. Tell us about a dance artist you admire and how they in nspire you. How do you think that same dance artist also in inspires others?

A A.. Missy Elliott and Robert Green are my favorite dance art artists.

M Missy Elliott teaches me that weigh isn’t’ a factor. Robert Green Gr te teaches me to stay positive. Robert has a style of dancing ing that is out of this world; when he dances he just seems so free. e. It’s so fu fun to watch him!

See more of Kinley’s interview at HOLLA’! Cheer and Dance Magazine™ on YouTube™!

Team

Southern Scarlet Cheer Club Trinidad and Tobago

Each Lil HOLLA’! athlete receives a bag button!

Submit your athlete at bit.ly/LilHOLLA

The Southern Scarlet Cheer Club recently co competed at the 2019 Pan American Ch Cheer Competition in Costa Rica where the they placed 4th in the junior hip-hop div division. Future plans inc include competing at ICU Worlds and the Pan Meet the Am American Cheer Ch Championship. Follow Team the hem on Instagram® at @S @SouthernScarlets. ■

(Not in order pictu ictured) Hadarah Phirangee (Captain), Kwanza Smith (Vice (Vic Captain), Jaell Joseph, Lael Phirangee, J’nyah yah Joseph, Shania Adams, Nafia Paul, Cianna Fisher, Kerdijah Ke Diaz, Zariah Diaz, Rayanna Mayers. Coaches hes: Cydni-J DeFrence, Jayme Hoyte, and Shane Elbour ourne.

HOLLA’! 2019 Winter Issue | 19

HOLLA’!

On The Cover

by Dee Artis | Photography by Jerry Hughes

Azza Lamya Shabazz-Henry has been a core HOLLA’! Cheer and Dance Magazine™ supporter for over 7 years! I waited to do her article because I wanted to see her story evolve. She had something special. After her performance and globing with her team, Central Jersey AllStars–Bombshells at the 2019 USASF Worlds, I told her, she was ready to tell her story. We met with Azza and her family for her showcase in Kenilworth, New Jersey, along with a fun- filled afternoon brunch getting to know those responsible for Azza’s story.

A typical 14-year-old teenager, Azza is taking her spot in the all-star arena one day at a time. To know Azza you also have to know her faith, her family, and her best friend, TT (Tamyra Singletary).

Spending the day with her massive support circle at her showcase for Central Jersey All-Stars, the power she displayed on the mat definitely started off the mat.

Her parents Andy and Kiewanda Shabazz-Henry have instilled firm roots in each of their three children, including brothers Ahad and Azad. Azza understands her brand not just as an athlete but as a person of faith and a role model. In fact, to spend time with her family, one becomes immersed in the genuine humor and love. All-star cheer is just an extension of their foundation as a complete unit of family.

Azza on location in Times Square, New York City, NY.

“As a black athlete, it’s hard because you have people who want you to be the perfect white cheerleader - you have to be the perfect black cheerleader.”

Azza is excited for the season because she is going to continue to push herself. She admits that her faith as a Muslim athlete gives her the motivation to push harder. As there are some aspects that she understands that needs to be separated from the sport such as modesty out of uniform, the tenets of the faith of excelling, positivity, and humbleness are core and evident.

This season, in particular, she cites that there are some obstacles that any athlete or team faces.

Yet, she is confident; they will not hinder the successes she will experience during the season. Her grandmother, Rasheedah Shabazz Salaam, is one of that extended support, that she has that will make sure she is focused on success. As one of her biggest admirers, her grandmother is amazed at Azza’s skills. Azza in return extends the respect for such wisdom and love in her life from a matriarch with an infectious sense of humor that warmed us on a chilly temperature day as we waited to enter the showcase.

One should also know that Azza has a serious love for power tumbling. Along with TT, they both expect greatness from each other and they expect nothing less from one another. As Azza is unable to participate in power tumbling while in all-star cheer, she will be competing in that arena after she competes at the 2020 USASF Worlds in Orlando, Florida. Power tumbling is a necessity, as Azza is interested in Baylor University’s Acrobatics & Tumbling program as a college choice.

Undecided on a postgraduate career, Azza has many options with her talents and aptitude.

Despite the positive vibes Azza has for the sport of cheer, she is also no stranger to many of the facets of concern for African American spirit athletes. Her parents have purposely made her aware of those facets, as it has been a topic of discussion and occurrences for them as a family.

In addition to her responsibility to her faith, her education is not to be compromised. Azza confesses that at times “school is hard!” With 5 subjects of homework most evenings plus team practices, she continues to find time to be an encouraging force on social media.

Azza and her parents candidly discussed several aspects of the all-star cheer arena from an African American perspective. As they see the sport growing, they also see and feel the pressure to be at the top of the game. As adults, they understand the business aspect of the sport.

They want Azza to also be aware of that aspect, especially how it relates to her as an athlete and an African American athlete. Azza shares her perspective, “As a black athlete, it’s hard because you have people who want you to be the perfect white cheerleader–you have to be the perfect black cheerleader.” She further shares that to be that perfect black cheerleader, one has to love every aspect of themselves in addition to the skills they possess. Yet she feels that they are equal with any athlete in the arena, particularly with the pressure from the

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coaches. However, her parents are right there to step in their role, as they have a perspective that is more protective from aspects Azza may and may not be aware of.

As with her generation, Azza also feels the competitiveness on social media. As an athlete who is known to be positive with whom she follows and those who follow her, she does wish, that positivity was more reciprocal. She has even shared how being bullied has strengthened her resolve to stay focused and motivated. She knows the benefits of that commitment and continues to experience it daily.

She also confessed that she has little time for any boyfriends.

They are not part of the plan right now. Right now she and TT are planning to be a power tumbling force duo after Worlds.

Once a pair of girls who expressed that they hated each other when they met at around the age of 5, they are inseparable now.

As humility is also a facet of the tenets of her faith, Azza employs that tenet in her gratefulness to those who have helped her in her growth in the sport. Her former coach Shahronda Rison, and former director of Premier All-Stars of New Jersey, remains part of her circle of support. She is fondly grateful to coaches Rosemary Liggins and Jarheya for teaching her how to execute her back handspring. She also credits her high school cheer coach Mark Tonsul and power tumbling coach Rayshine Harris for her continued growth in the sport. Along with a host of current and former coaches and industry professionals Azza has trained with, her gratefulness is unwavering. Her connections with those on her current team and teams from the past, remain a part of her community of family and support.

As our interview concluded, it was the adults who were left at the brunch table. As we discussed the many aspects of cheer and dance, we left feeling part of the big circle of family and friends that surrounds Azza. Watching Azza, TT, and Ahad play a mock game of soccer in the parking lot as daylight saving made itself apparent, Andy and Kiewanda are the core of an extended community that grows from their family. No matter Azza’s journey in the sport, she will have an impact beyond that circle. When we asked Azza about her brothers, she said, “My brothers; they’re something!” Her brother Ahad responded quickly, “Right back at you!” They got it for each other – undeniably.

Azza, absolutely has a gift. Not just the gift of her talents and skills. She has the gift of her faith, a strong family and friends that have her back–no matter what – absolutely! ■ HOLLA’! Cheer and Dance Magazine™ would like to extend appreciation to Patty Ann Romero and the Central Jersey All-Stars athletes, coaches, staff, family, and friends for welcoming our publication at their showcase event.

HOLLA’! 2019 Winter Issue | 21 21

HOLLA’!

Stars Celebrating YOU as cheer and dance champions!

June 2019 Sarai Samara Steglich Crimson Heat All-Stars | Forestville, MD Sarai graduated with the class of 2019 from Bishop McNamara High School as a newly inducted member of the National Honor Society. Known to always have her head in her studies, Sarai was also the recipient of a Presidential Award she received from President Barack Obama for her community service work. Now a freshman student in Norfolk State University’s nursing program, it is her hope to continue to serve in the community and to become a cheer coach. ■

Note from the Editor Due to the hiatus of the publication during the summer of 2019, the HOLLA’! Stars for July and August were not selected.

September 2019 Jasmine R. Tyler Morgan State University | Baltimore, MD Jasmine started recreation cheerleading at the age of seven, with her mom as her first coach. She began competitive recreation cheerleading and tumbling at the age of nine. Jasmine trained with Spirit Technique, LLC, which helped propel her skills to excel as a member of the Oakland Mills high school varsity cheer team. She is a student and cheer athlete at Morgan State University. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. ■

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October 2019 Jabria Shanice Brown Python All-Stars of Columbus Columbus, GA Jabria started recreational cheer at the age of five with the Columbus Youth Football League for the Eastway Cherokees.

She started cheering competitively at the age of nine for Python All-Stars of Columbus, GA, on a L1 Youth team.

Jabria currently cheers for her middle school, Aaron Cohn Middle School, for sideline cheer as well as competitively for the Junior L3 team for the Python All-Stars of Columbus. ■

“Every great athlete, artist, and aspiring being has a great team to help them flourish and succeed– personally and professionally. Even the so-called 'solo star' has a strong supporting cast helping them shine, thrive, and take flight.” ― Rasheed Ogunlaru

November 2019 Sydnei Chase Institute of Notre Dame Baltimore, MD A sophomore student and cheer athlete at the Institute of Notre Dame high school, Sydnei is known to her cheer sisters as “Tenacious!” According to those who know her, Sydnei is always willing to jump right in and tackle new material with a positive attitude. She was so determined with her athletic goals that she attended the team’s summer camp prior to her freshman year.

During that camp she was selected by the coach to join the team.

Sydnei is also an all-star athlete with Shutdown Academy Cheer. ■

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Our Esse ssence of

BLACK DANCE DA

Hal Ban anfield talks honoring ourr d dance history in his new bookk I Am Dance.

by Irina Muñez Photography and an images provided by Hal Banfield

The late Leonard Gibson Gib was known for preparing his students forr the harsh realities of the dance world. As a legend in the Canadian dance arena as a dancer, teac acher, and choreographer, Hal Banfield fondly reme members Gibson as a stern and results-oriented instructor. ins As one of his students along with h classmates c such as Laurieann (Boomkack) Gibson,, of o no relation, Banfield gained an appreciation of pushing pass any limitations.

“Len inspired us all to o ssee our blackness as an asset and not a liability.”

Banfield’s career in the dance arena actually began with discouragement from doctors. Born with sickle cell anemia, the physicians did not realize they were speaking to the wrong patient regarding limitations. At age 14, Banfield was immersed in dance classes and auditions with doctors still in doubt of his tenacity. Taking total control of his diagnosis, he implemented the teachings from Leonard Gibson of pushing beyond limitations. That control and push led Banfield to a career that included dancing in the musical Sing, in a scene opposite Patti Labelle and a Canadian company tour of Cats.

He made the move to New York to be cast in the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe production of Star Starlight Express, dancing, singing, and roller-skating in Germ rman. It was then onto London, where h he danced for the West End production of Carmen Jones es and Five Guys Named Moe. Coming back to the United States, Banfield field was casted in several Broadway productions, including ng Grease and Miss Saigon. His casting was expanded to the West Coast ast with production of The Wild Party. With dance opportunit nities in New Zealand, Australia, Sweden, and a host of international nal locations. Banfield was exposed to the diversity of dance nce before his decision to retire.

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Banfield’s wealth of experience and the essence of his exposure to the historical styles of Katherine Dunham, Martha Graham, Lester Horton, and others, I Am Dance: Words and Images of the Black Dancer is a collaboration honoring African American dance roots, expressions, and experiences.

Banfield admits that the process was complex regarding whom to feature in the publication. Yet, he offers how he had to remember the intention behind the book. “My casting for the book was very broad in the sense that I was looking for all types of dancers to be represented, but first and foremost, I was looking for dancers who could freely speak to the black dance experience. Dancers who had the experience of being trained at or work for a majority black dance company really got my first attention.”

The book has a diverse focus, as the dancers featured had to have a very specific point of view with their dancing and their story behind such. He refers to the heels and vogue dancers featured as examples of dance artists who could articulate their passion for the art of dance and how dance has been a guiding force in their lives. In addition beyond the story, there was the factor of each dancer being able to show impactful movement for the camera.

According to Banfield, the dancers featured, “checked all the boxes!”

career, I feel the dancer should certainly be rooted in a solid foundation of technique to understand the natural limits of their bodies to avoid and withstand injuries. A true master dancer also knows the origins from which a lot of dance styles come from.” Citing the aforementioned great dance artists of the past, Banfield reiterates the knowledge a dancer needs to fully understand the nuances of the art.

As a retired black male dancer, Banfield is proud to be one of the gifts to the dance world as a black male dancer. “From a photography standpoint, their strength, grace, and athleticism is a joy to capture and film.” He is further enthusiastic to see the emergence of black male dancers versus what he was exposed to in the past. “Back in my day, I was the only boy in a lot of my classes. I know of a young boy I am soon about to shoot, whose father is incredibly encouraging of his son’s interest in dance and is grooming him for success.

Seeing more men in dance class and leading classes shows how much we have grown as a culture in terms of quelling preconceived ideas and stereotypes of what boys can do.”

Despite, his success and the successes of dance artists such Misty Copeland and Michaela DePrince, Banfield does not believe that black dancers “have arrived.” He states that he “Even in the face of believes African American dancers have always been resistance and kicking in the doors to open them wider. can reach back and acknowledge the opposition, brilliance can “We early trailblazers like Janet Collins, Raven never be denied and Wilkinson, and Lauren Anderson. If it were not these incredible women, who brought young dancers need to for black body visibility to the art of ballet, we know where this early would still be waiting for this generation stars Copeland and DePrince to have their brilliance was first born.” like rightful place in the spotlight.”

I Am Dance: Words and Images of the Black Dancer has a purpose in addition to its stunning pictorial basis. It emphasizes the art form and the technical aspects for one to strive to be a master dancer. “Any dancer worth their salt knows that dance is and will always be hard work.

To attain any degree of sustainability of a

HOLLA’! @ Hal!

He is encouraged that more classical dancers of color will have their opportunity to shine. “Even in the face of resistance and opposition, brilliance can never be denied and young dancers need to know where this early brilliance was first born.”

With reflections on his past dance career, in addition to his current and future endeavors, Banfield is a proponent to remind dancers to know their complete value as artists. “Keep going! Don’t stop! You have so much to offer the world. Know your worth and know your brilliance!”

He speaks this power as the true dance aficionado he has earned. ■

Hal Banfield (pictured left) is also a professional photographer. I Am Dance: Words and Images of the Black Dancer is available for purchase at the website www.IAmDanceBook.com. Follow author Hal Banfield on Instagram™ at @iamdancebook.

HOLLA’! 2019 Winter Issue | 25

Pictured this page – Top: Prairie View A&M University Black Foxes; bottom left: Morehouse College Cheerleading; bottom right: Hampton University Ebony Fire. Page 27 Top row: Shaw University, Norfolk State University; middle insert: North Carolina A&T University; bottom row: Savannah State University and Jackson State University.

Photo Credit: 2C2K Photography

Photo Credit: Kevin Waters

26 | HOLLA’! 2019 Winter Issue | HOLLACheerDanceMagazine.com

Photo Credit: Randy Singleton

Photo Credit: Kevin Waters

Photo Credit: Randy Singleton

HBCU Game Day Photography by

Randy Singleton ▪ Kevin Waters ▪ 2C2K Photography Photo Credit: Randy Singleton

Photo Credit: 2C2K Photography

Photo Credit: Kevin Waters

HOLLA’! 2019 Winter Issue | 27

Photo Credit: 2C2K Photography

Photo Credit: 2C2K Photography

Photo Credit: Randy Singleton

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Photo Credit: Kevin Waters

Pictured page 28 – Left: Virginia Union University; top right: Texas Southern University; middle insert: Southern University Dancing Dolls; bottom right: Bethune Cookman University. This page top and bottom right: Prairie View A&M University.

Photo Credit: 2C2K Photography

Photo Credit: 2C2K Photography

HOLLA’! 2019 Winter Issue | 29

Photo Credit: Kevin Waters

Photo Credit: Howard University Public Relations

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Photo Credit: Kevin Waters

Photo Credit: Randy Singleton

Pictured page 30 – Left and clockwise: Howard University; Kentucky State University and Albany State University. Pictured this page top left clockwise: Norfolk State University: North Carolina A&T University and Virginia State University Essence of Troy. ■

Photo Credit: Randy Singleton

Photo Credit: Randy Singleton

HOLLA’! 2019 Winter Issue | 31

HOLLA’!

On Point!

Our Say Our Way

Activating Our Activism We had a very active period where our athletes in cheer and dance used their platforms to spotlight injustice and inequalities African Americans and people of color continue to face. The sentiment has not died, but we fear that the energy has been subdued. With the continued unequal punishment that gives the privileged a pass, wondering if we now need to talk to our children about how to be safe in their own homes from rogue cops with guns, we must continue to be heard. Since January 20, 2017, many people of color understand the coded language and actions of people guided by an administration unfit to serve in the capacity of leadership, attention to equality, and genuine justice.

During the summer of 2019, one of the major leaders of the cheer industry spoke at a conservative teen summit and deemed that, the person now titled as the current President of the United States is “doing a good job.” We would like to ask that cheer industry leader, if he would actually have that person run his billion-dollar business inclusive of his insults, despicable nature, and gaslighting of rhetoric which stokes racial division, tensions, stereotypes and language very suggestive of a superiority upheaval. Does doing a good job include the promotion of bigotry, ignorance, incompetence, and dishonesty? We would like his definition of that reasoning, especially for a company that promotes an anti-bullying platform.

A choreographer shared with us that he had choreographed a performance piece for a competition event to bring attention to the shooting deaths of African Americans by white law enforcement. It was decided that perhaps it was too [powerful] for a mainstream competition event. Therefore they decided not to perform it. The consensus was that some people might find it uncomfortable.

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We should never be deterred to stand up and be heard regarding any injustice and inequalities directed toward us. If we can make a statement through our art in dance or our talents with cheer, we are in a time where there can be no hesitation because of the discomfort of those who cannot handle truth. If the leader of the cheer industry previous cited can publically announce his support for a person who has proven to be unfit, a person who has proven to be a racist, misogynist, and a sexual aggressor, we need to be louder.

Colin Kaepernick took a knee to take a stand. Still unsigned with a team, he understood he would make the powers that be uncomfortable with his actions. The times we are living in are perilous and close to being detrimental to the successes our ancestors took beatings for. We encourage teams to dare to speak up whether it is in a small deed, community action, a powerful routine, or promoting and exercising the right to vote. After the many years African Americans and people of color continue to face social and economic struggles now eroding due to new purging of civil rights laws and policies, we cannot afford to be silent because we fear it will cost us a trophy or an audience.

If we want to finally arrive, we cannot fear the path to the destination of that arrival. ■ Pictured: Virginia Union University cheerleaders at the 2018 CIAA Cheerleading Exhibition. Photo credit: Randy Singleton

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