Chapelhall cheerleader joins Scottish Rockettes squad

Aug 18 2010 by Judith Tonner, Airdrie & Coatbridge

A CHAPELHALL dancer has been selected to join the Scottish Rockettes cheerleading squad.

Danielle Eadie came through two testing auditions to win a place on the glamorous dance team and will now appear at sports matches and other major events.

The 18-year-old, of Crieff Avenue, has just completed a two-year HND course in professional stage dance at Stow College.

She successfully became one of 12 new recruits to the 25-strong Rockettes squad after joining almost 100 hopefuls for open auditions at Glasgow Fort.

Applicants were extensively assessed for personal fitness reports and asked to demonstrate various dance techniques. They then learned and performed a demanding jazz routine.

Danielle was among those who went through to the final at the Radisson Hotel, where dancers performed an even more challenging routine in groups of three.

They were then interviewed by a panel of eight judges, including Coatbridge broadcaster Heather Suttie, River City star Pamela Byrne and STV presenter Johnny Pender and then again on stage in front of an audience of 250 people.

Danielle said: “At the first audition, we had to learn a routine and perform in small groups which were then whittled down.

“It was quite difficult as it was all very fast and you just have to pick it up on the spot but I managed to prove that I could do it.

“The judges at the finals saw us perform and then asked us a bit about ourselves. The interview in front of the whole audience was very nerve-wracking but I managed to give good answers.

“Each successful person’s name was called out one by one and it was so exciting when I heard mine and went on stage to join the squad.”

Danielle is now already in training three times a week with the squad. Her future engagements will include Scotland matches, Scottish Rocks basketball games and promotional appearances.

The former St Margaret’s High pupil, who spent eight years with Airdrie-based Pamela Logan school of dance, joins the Rockettes at a time when she is realising another dream.

She is co-founding her own dance school ADV, alongside childhood friends Amanda and Vicky Ringrose, with classes taking place in Kirkshaws.

Danielle said: “I’ve already done my first event, which was dancing at the Miss Scotland “glam in the city” event. It was very exciting and I even got to meet Lorraine Kelly

“Being part of the squad felt really good and I’m really looking forward to all the other events we have lined up, such as basketball and Scotland games.

“I’ve been dancing since I was three and have always wanted to do this professionally. it’s something I’ve been working towards and I’m really excited about.”