Did Sammi Make The Las Vegas Raiderettes? (PHOTOS)
You might recall on the morning of Friday, February 24th, I joined Aimee+Shawn (half asleep) and announced that I would be auditioning for the Las Vegas Raiderettes‘ 2023-2024 season. If…
You might recall on the morning of Friday, February 24th, I joined Aimee+Shawn (half asleep) and announced that I would be auditioning for the Las Vegas Raiderettes' 2023-2024 season. If you don't recall, here's the video proof.
At this point in my life, I needed a challenge. Not just any challenge - something that was going to initiate a total transformation, physically and mentally. I wanted a challenge that was going to get me to put myself first. A challenge that would force me out of bed in the morning and into the gym. A challenge that would leave me feeling more confident at the end of the road.
I started dancing at the age of three. Dance was always my first love and my top passion (until I turned 15 and took my first steps into a radio station my freshman year of high school but that's a whole other story). My last time taking the stage was during my time at UNLV, where I completed a minor in Dance Performance. By the time I had completed my minor in May 2020, COVID-19 had already turned life on its head and completely changed the world as we knew it. The entertainment industry took a massive hit that would take years to recover, and opportunities to dance - even just the opportunity to take a simple class - would become a massive rarity.
Fast forward to February 2023. My yearning for a transforming challenge and a rekindling of my passion led me to this verbal commitment on Aimee+Shawn to attend the Las Vegas Raiderette auditions. And on March 1st, it was go time.
I immediately got my diet in check - cut out the fast food, added a whole lot more protein to my everyday intake. I started meal prepping at home, and when I didn't have a meal prepared, I made a quick stop at FoodieFit to keep me on track. I started going to the gym in the mornings before work. This part was the biggest struggle for me. But on the mornings that I didn't make it, I'd head to Planet Fitness in the evening and force myself on the stair climber.
In April, I attended a Raiderette audition prep clinic. I wasn't sure how I would feel during or after this clinic. After all, I really hadn't danced at this point for approximately 3 years. I walked into the clinic feeling nothing but excitement for the unknowns ahead, and I walked out absolutely gassed but absolutely floating on cloud nine. This Raiderette audition prep clinic was the ultimate physical and mental test throughout my journey. Three hours going nonstop was something I hadn't done in a good long while. But I made it through. And I walked out of Raiders Headquarters feeling more proud of myself than I had in a long time.
Then... We were in the final stretch. It was REALLY go time. I needed to get new headshots, submit my application, order audition wear, and really kick it into gear at the gym (I learned at the prep clinic that I really needed to focus on my stamina and endurance). I got fresh headshots taken and submitted my application, and before I knew it, it was May 13th - audition day.
I walked into Allegiant Stadium with my head held high, ready to take on the unknowns of the day. I walked in the door and was immediately greeted by women from all over the United States who were feeling the same way I was - over-the-moon excited to be there vying for a dream position as a prestigious Las Vegas Raiderette.
The day was honestly one of the most fun days I've ever experienced. I met so many incredible dancers who were unbelievably and simultaneously equal parts humble and talented. And I ultimately did what I went there to do - I walked out onto the field at Allegiant Stadium and auditioned to for the Las Vegas Raiderettes.
Scroll to see the pictures of my journey and find out if I made the Las Vegas Raiderettes!
Ultimately, as they called the numbers that would be moving on in the audition process, mine was not one of them. Approximately 200 fabulous dancers walked out of Allegiant Stadium on May 13th devastated at the loss of such a grand opportunity. And while I was initially among them in their sorrows, I crawled in the car and immediately started reflecting on why I was there in the first place.
Although my dream of being a Las Vegas Raiderette for the 2023-2024 season was gone, I couldn't help but feel so overwhelmingly proud of myself. After all, this was about the challenge. The commitement to myself to come out of the other side of this journey as a better, happier, healthier version of myself. And while I totally counteracted that and immediately drove to McDonald's for a large Diet Coke following my audition, I couldn't have felt any prouder of myself than I did in that very moment.
As for how I'm feeling now, I'm excited to continue my journey to becoming the best version of myself. I've continued hitting the gym consistently, and I'm planning on taking dance classes ahead of next years auditions. Because all in all, while the journey was very difficult and trying at times, my preparation to audition for the Las Vegas Raiderettes was one of the best things I've ever done for myself. And above all else, it was a BLAST!
A huge thank you to all who supported me and encouraged me throughout my journey. To those who listened to Aimee+Shawn that morning on February 24th and continually checked in on my journey to provide words of encouragement and support, you were often the reason I kept going throughout the process. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Until next year... 😁
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