They all share a passion. Dancing! The San Francisco 49er
cheerleaders performed at the first pre-season home game last
Saturday against the Oakland Raiders; six local young women were
among them.
The San Francisco 49er cheerleaders performed at the first pre-season home game last Saturday against the Oakland Raiders; six local young women were among them.
This year, out of 450 young women who tried out for the Gold Rush; the San Francisco 49ers cheerleading squad, 32 made it including six from the Morgan Hill and Gilroy areas.
Director, Erin Olmstead said this is a rather high number from one area.
Girls from all over the world including Japan showed up for the open call to audition for the team last April. When the selection was narrowed down to 75 finalists, the young women had to show that they had more to offer than dancing ability alone.
Before a panel of six judges, each performed an individual dance they choreographed, learned a dance routine given to them and answered questions in a personal interview.
“We had to prove that we are well-rounded, articulate and intelligent,” said Rebecca Marlitt, one who was successful.
Stephanie Gamble, Marlitt, Janelle Matulich, Claudia Ponce, Katie Towe and Leila Wright proved they had what it takes when the judges made their final decisions.
Of the six, Marlitt, Towe and Wright are rookies to the team; Gamble, Matulich and Ponce are returning.
There are many different levels of dancers competing. The returning women agreed that in order to re-qualify requires keeping their techniques up-to-date with the competition from all the new competition who were also trying to prove that they are capable of representing the 49er team and the Bay Area community.
The women had to audition in a two-piece leotard, half top and briefs with flesh colored hosiery, wear their hair down and with makeup a little heavier than normal because of the lighting.
“It’s by no means easy and we do get nervous,” said Wright.
“Every year, I’m just as concerned about qualifying,” said Gamble.
This is Gamble’s third year on the team and she is the line captain. Her teammates call her “top dog” because she calls the dances and lets them know what’s happening in the game.
Before joining the Gold Rush girls, Gamble was an Oakland Raiderette for three years. The 27-year-old is also studying to get her California real estate license and works as a child care provider.
Gamble attended Live Oak High School and studied dancing at Lana’s Dance Studio and Dance Unlimited.
As long as the young women keep qualifying, they can stay on the team.
Ponce, who is returning to the team for her third year, has as a 3-year-old daughter. She said that her most fulfilling accomplishment when not representing the team is being a mother.
“I love being on the team and working with our community service organizations,” said Ponce. “I especially like working with the Susan Komen Foundation, a breast cancer organization.
Before becoming a Gold Rush girl, Ponce was a San Jose Saber Kitten cheerleader (for the Saber Cats, the arena football team). She is studying psychology at San Jose State University with an emphasis on social behavior, works as a facilitator for high risk adolescents and teaches at Dance Unlimited.
Ponce attended Live Oak High School and received dance training at Dance Unlimited.
Returning to the team for her third year, Janelle Matulich is using this opportunity to help achieve her career goals.
“Being a Gold rush girl is giving me the chance to work with the media and make appearances in TV, radio and even video games,” said Matulich.
Matulich, 23, said she is most proud of overcoming a learning disability and making the Dean’s List at San Jose State University where she is studying radio and film.
She received the majority of her dance training at the Alice Porter’s Dance Studio and participated in the Oak Groove and the Pop Warner program, youth cheerleading and football organizations. Matulich attended Santa Teresa High School.
Marlitt doesn’t have to worry about her biggest pet peeve, “waiting in line,” when it comes to being at the 49er games.
“I have been a die-hard 49er fan since I was able to walk,” said rookie Marlitt, who has been dancing since she was 2 years old.
Marlitt, 23, tutors children with special needs and is working towards her Ph.D. in forensic psychology at Santa Clara University.
She attended Live Oak High School and studied dance at Dance Unlimited in Morgan Hill along with Ponce.
She might be a rookie Gold Rush girl but, 23-year-old Wright, brings more thanb 20 years dance experience to the team. Before becoming a Gold Rush girl, she was a Radio City Music Hall Rockette and a San Jose Saber Kitten cheerleader.
“I attribute my success to my mother,” said Wright.
Wright attended Live Oak High School and studied dance at her mother’s studio.
Wright is studying business management at San Jose State University, teaches dance and owns a dance apparel shop with her mother in Morgan Hill.
Rookie Towe, who has been dancing for 19 years, said that her most memorable moment was just making the team.
“Being on the team will open new doors and help develop my communication skills,” said Towe, 24 “I also like interacting with people my own age and working with the community.”
Towe, who attended Gilroy High School, is studying business and marketing at San Jose State University with plans to start her own clothing boutique.
“It has to be ‘freezing’ for us to wear pants and a long sleeved jacket,” said Wright.
Whether it’s performing in front of millions, working with youth, participating with local fundraisers or doing charity work, these girls are setting examples for other young dancers interested in professional dance.
“It’s a great opportunity,” said Gamble.
