It feels like only yesterday that I heard my name being announced as a Miami Dolphins Cheerleader for the first time. Now it’s the last home game of the season against the Buffalo Bills.  Before the game started, I thought about my rookie year and how fast it went.  I couldn’t be any happier to dance with the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders and be a part of such a wonderful team. Knowing that this was the last game of the season we would be cheering at was bittersweet! My body was filled with gratitude.

Although this season is coming to an end, I had so much to look forward to during this game.  I had family in town who had never been to a NFL game. They came to support and watch my sister and me cheer.  I was excited to share my experience with them. I knew it was going to be a fun and entertaining game for them to watch.

A special moment for me was our half time performance.  We danced to Christmas music with the Junior Cheerleaders.   I always enjoy watching how much fun they have out on the field.  During a section of the dance I was able to partner dance with my father and I was really proud of him!  We had so much fun together. I couldn’t have had a bigger smile.

In the fourth quarter, the Bills scored a touchdown, but that wasn’t keeping us from a win.  We ended the game winning, 24-10.  I really enjoy cheering for the Miami Dolphins and these are just some of the memories that will last a life time!

Forever Fins,
Courtney

You know you’re doing something you love when you wake up each morning just as excited as you were the first time.  That is exactly how I felt the morning of our eighth game at home.  I still had the butterflies and excitement that I had the very first preseason game. It is true what they say about us having the greatest fans in the NFL and their energy is contagious.

Walking into the dance studio, I was instantly reminded that giving back is of one of the most gratifying parts of the MDC experience.  I walked in to see all of the toys collected for Toys for Tots.  Being an educator of young children, I am made very aware of the effect that even a small sticker or toy can make on a child’s day.  I knew these toys were going to brighten the holidays for many children.  I feel all children deserve to feel special and these donated toys would definitely do the trick.

When lining up to do our pregame intro, I was reminded of another very important part of the experience as a Miami Dolphins Cheerleader, which is the amazing opportunities we are often afforded.  I was waiting to walk onto the field to line up when I noticed that our five-year veteran cheerleader Amy was on the jumbotron.  She was presented with a lei and hula skirt and announced as the Pro Bowl Cheerleader for 2013.  I can only imagine the excitement she must of felt at that moment when given the opportunity to represent our amazing organization.  The opportunities are truly endless and we are so blessed.

The game against the Patriots was the most crowded game I have ever cheered at.  The excitement in the stadium was unmatched and as always I could feel the energy from the fans.  I wanted to make sure I was giving back as much energy as the fans were.  This is a game I feel as though I really left my heart on the field.  Don’t worry though; I’ll be back to get it for games nine and ten at home.  Although our team lost to the Patriots, they played hard all the way into the fourth quarter.  I was proud as I always am.  Win or lose, it is always fun to be a Miami Dolphin.

Fins up ~ Brittany M.

What a great way to end November! I couldn’t ask for anything more than a Dolphins win to close the Thanksgiving weekend. The stadium was packed with the best fans in the NFL and their excitement during the game showed our team that they stand with them no matter what. This is the type of support and spirit that helped our team fight through the last seconds of the game for a 24-21 win over the Seahawks and the kind that energizes our cheerleaders as well. Personally, this game was filled with many moments that I will never forget.

During a small break, I was able to spot my family members who came to support me at the game. Hearing them scream and cheer for not only the football players, but for me as well, always adds excitement to the game day atmosphere.

For me, it’s always a touching moment when troops are recognized for their service at each of our games. Amongst the troops who were recognized this game, was my friend’s father. Their deployment to Afghanistan the day after the game was announced and the entire stadium rose to their feet to wish them farewell.  I found myself cheering the loudest because I wanted to let him and the other troops know that I thank them for their service.

Halftime was another memorable moment for me- I got to live out a dream to perform as a backup dancer for a musical artist! Austin Mahone performed his hit single “Say Something” and I had the opportunity to dance to fun choreography alongside the greatest teammates I could have. I have had so much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving and this game was yet another reason. Until our next game, Fins up, Miami!

The military holds a very special place in my heart.  As the sister of a U.S. Navy serviceman, this game hit close to home. My brother has been to Afghanistan and will be deployed in January once more.  So you can imagine how wonderful it was for me to have the brave men and women of our armed forces come together and support the Dolphins for our Veterans Day game against the Tennessee Titans.

I arrived early to the Stadium so that I could take pictures with the men and women in uniform on the field. This was very exciting.  It meant a lot that I could be a part of their special day. One of the most exciting parts of the morning was recognizing the gentlemen of the US Coast Guard Cutter Dolphin. I met them during a visit to the Port Of Miami, and was very happy that they could come see a game. I had the chance to take pictures with them as well.

At 1:00 pm, it was finally game time! We started with our pregame cheerleader performance and then one of my favorite parts of the game: the National Anthem.  Our service members joined us on the field in formation along with the unveiling of our nation’s flag. A military band played the national anthem. I felt goose bumps on my arms.  Seeing an entire stadium filled with thousands of people standing together to represent and respect our country and soldiers was truly heartwarming.

There is no greater joy than when I get out onto the field and start performing for the fans.  Our first end zone dance was military themed.  We danced to Stars and Stripes and changed into these adorable blue, red and gold soldier costumes. Throughout the entire game the Jumbotron showed clips of men and women overseas fighting for our country. Every time I would catch one I couldn’t help but smile and just think of how grateful I am to have these amazing people serving. They risk their lives so that we can be here in America having football games and live freely.

As the game drew to an end, it still felt as if it were my first game.  The excitement of being a cheerleader for the Dolphins will never fade away.  I will have these beautiful memories forever and cherish them for years to come.

Cheers,
Carissa

You would think that by now, midway through the season, the excitement and anticipation of game day would have ebbed a little.  However, it seems (at least for me) that every game brings a new level of energy and excitement.  From the minute we took the field for our pre-game performance on Sunday’s game vs. the Rams, you could tell the Dol-Fans were out in full force.  Maybe it was the downpour of rain that started just as we began to dance, maybe it was the overwhelming support for breast cancer awareness or perhaps it was the promise of Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas being inducted into the Dolphins Honor Roll, whatever the reason, the stadium was alive with pride for the orange and aqua.

I have two favorite parts to any Dolphins game.  One is of course, a Dolphins win and the other is the flyover.  The flyover is always a surprise to me so on Sunday when the pilots from the Key West Naval Air Base flew over the stadium I was thrilled.  The flyover has a way of getting the crowd revved up before the game even starts and the VFC-111 Sun Downers never disappoint with their F5s!

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month and it was evident throughout Sun Life Stadium on Sunday.  It is always great to see the pink that the players and coaching staff wear to show their support for the cause.  Even more moving were the signs being held up in the stands.  There were several signs that Fins fans made showing not only their support for the cause but also showed women that are proud survivors of breast cancer.  My favorite sign read, “I beat breast cancer!  Fins beat those Rams!”

During half time we escorted Alumni Dolphins players onto the field for the induction of Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas into the Dolphins Honor Roll.  It was fantastic to see all of the support by former teammates, coaches as well as the crowd during their induction.  Both Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas were overwhelmed as their names were revealed on the stadium; it was definitely a moment to take in.

I am happy to report that the Dolphins ended the game with my favorite thing, A WIN!   Every time the Dolphins score, the cheerleaders perform the fight song and though every score is thrilling, nothing is like the feeling of performing the fight song at the end of the game.

FINS UP!
Georgia

There’s always an undeniable excitement in the air on Dolphins game days, but there’s an extra spark when we play the Jets!

Fins fans were out in full force and the stadium was packed! The game kicked off with a beautiful display of international flags in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. It was a true reflection of our eclectic South Florida community. I even met fans from Mexico who flew in just for this game!

No one seemed to mind the rain as we watched our Miami Dolphins dominate in the first half! The skies cleared up just in time for our halftime show where we had the honor of celebrating our Floridian olympians, including 11-time Olympic medalist, Ryan Lochte! One of my favorite parts of the halftime show was dancing with the Jr. Cheerleaders. They looked amazing on the field and always bring an extra sparkle to the performances.

The second half was intense! The Jets were on our tails (or Fins in this case) but the Dolphins held them up. The rain started to come down again, yet every person in the stands was on their feet as it was a three point-game in the fourth quarter. As we strutted into the end zone at the two minute warning to perform our staple kick line routine I remember thinking “I don’t want this game to end!” Then, with 16 seconds left on the clock, Dan Carpenter made a 41-yard field goal, tying the game 20-20 and sending us into over time!

Through five all-out quarters, an imminent storm and the roar of more than 60,000 fans, my first game vs. the Jets as an MDC is one I will never forget. I can’t wait to see you all from the stands at our next home game!

Fins Up!
-Marjorie

The day I had been waiting for had finally arrived – the Miami Dolphins 2012 Home Opener! I have not only been waiting for this day since the MDC auditions, I have been waiting for this day my whole life! Growing up as a true Dolfan and attending every single home game since I was five, made this day just that much more special for me. Going to the games and cheering in the stands is one thing but actually cheering on the sidelines with 43 other beautiful ladies beside me was an experience I will never forget.  Having all 53 players run by me as the fireworks went off was such an adrenalin rush! Then holding the flag with all the fans as the Jets flew over the stadium definitely topped off the morning. The best part was that I knew the real excitement hadn’t even begun!

While cheering on the sidelines during the first quarter, I didn’t think the crowd could get any louder than they were at the start of the game, but when Tannehill ran in his first NFL touchdown on the opening drive, the fans cheered so loud that they made the stadium shake! I am so glad that was the first touchdown I got to cheer for as a Miami Dolphins Cheerleader. I will never forget that moment.

Even though we were down by 3 points at the half I knew we had to keep our heads held high. Bringing together the past, present, and future of the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders to dance on the field during half time was a definite way to keep the crow uplifted. I have to say, working with the MDC Alumni was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever been a part of. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would have the opportunity to meet, speak, and dance on the same field with MDCs who cheered at the 1972 Super Bowl. At that moment I realized what an amazing organization I am involved in. There have been generations of fabulous talent on that field and I am now responsible for upholding the famous MDC image. I am so honored to have such a great responsibility as well as so blessed to be able to stand amongst these beautiful women. As I was dancing with all of the Alumni during half time I didn’t think I could feel any happier…but I was wrong.

The Dolphins came back stronger than ever scoring 2 touchdowns in the 3^rd quarter and then another 2 touchdowns in the 4^th to defeat the Oakland Raiders 35-13. Being able to cheer for the Miami Dolphins as they won their first home opener in 7 years made my day just that much more gratifying. I could not have asked for a better way to start my career as a Miami Dolphins Cheerleader and I cannot wait for the amazing season to come!

Fins Up Forever Miami!
Alison

For more Falcons Game Photos, click here!

Our second preseason home game against the Atlanta Falcons had so many exciting elements! I was looking forward to this game so much because I was ready to get back into the action after having such a great time at the first game. This game I felt just that little bit more comfortable on the field, knowing what to do and cheering to the fans. This game definitely had the stadium almost full with our wonderful Dolphins fans! It gives me so much energy to see everyone in the stands, cheering the team on.

Something I couldn’t wait for was our end zone performance to Katy Perry’s song Last Friday Night, which was super cute because it happened to be a Friday night game!  On top of all that was going on, we had another visit from some rain, although I think it’s kind of fun when it’s a little rainy because we get sweaty dancing anyway!

I just love dancing on the field cheering all of our fans, players, friends, and family on, especially because my two younger brothers got to come to their first NFL football game ever to see their big sister!  Each dance makes me more excited for the next one and the great vibe my group has is so awesome.  Every game is going to get better and better!

Cheers!
Macy

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This is the day we have all been waiting for — our first home game of the football season!  I have dreamed of this day for so long. This game was also special because we did an opener with all the girls who participated in the summer camps. I really enjoyed this since I was a camp counselor and got to know some of the girls previously and had the opportunity to perform with them on the field. In the tunnel, the little girls were so cute in their own uniforms & poms and were excited to step on the field with us and perform a dance in front of their families and our fans.

Stepping onto the field and the lights hitting me and hearing fans in the stands cheering was amazing. We stood in the end zone for the National Anthem which gave me goosebumps. I was listening to the words and looking at my surroundings and where I was at the exact moment. Once we broke off into our groups it was show time! Dancing for an organization you’ve loved since you were young is unbelievable. While dancing I could find my family in the stands who have been season ticket holders for 20 years. They all had huge smiles on their faces watching me on the field, fulfill my dreams. The weather was up and down, but I didn’t mind it, dancing in the rain was actually fun and definitely cooled me off. The game flew by, before I knew it I was lining up for kick line with 2 minute to go of the 4th quarter.

It is the best feeling in the world being on the field with amazing women all around me, cheering on my favorite football team. We  got the crowd pumped up! There was nothing I would trade this feeling for. All in all, my hard work and dedication brought me to where I am today and is the reason I got to experience this breath taking moment of stepping onto our field and performing for our fans and I can’t wait to do it again.

Cheers,
Heather

Click for more 2012 Audition Photos!

My journey to make the squad has been one of the longest voyages I have ever taken.  This was my third year auditioning to become a part of the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders.  As soon as I saw the date for auditions, I started counting down the days until the first prep class!

I had never been to prep classes before and I decided that maybe I should try them out and see what I could learn from them.  At the very first prep class I attended I earned a free pass to skip the first round at auditions!  I was so excited and I loved dancing and meeting new people that I had to continue coming back to prep class every week.  Before I knew it audition day was here!  I got to the stadium with such excitement and anticipation.  As the hours passed, they finally announced the finalists.  As each beautiful girl was called my heart beat faster and faster, then finally they called my number!  It was the best feeling ever, but I knew it wasn’t over yet.  I would have to really impress the judges though finals week and at the final audition.

Finals week was an intense process, but I could feel it in my heart that this was my year. I would fight until I got to my dream of becoming a Miami Dolphins Cheerleader.  The final day had arrived.  This year was very special to me because my entire family came to cheer me on.  It meant so much to me and made the process so much easier to see all their faces in the crowd.  As the audition process came to an end they called all the girls to the side of the stage.  I knew they were getting ready to announce the 2012-13 squad.  As girls were called up one by one you could see such excitement and happiness in their eyes. I just hoped to hear my name called.  My hands got sweaty and my heart beat faster, then my name was called and I ran onto that stage for the first time!  I cannot describe the excitement, thrill and joy that was going through my body.

I know that all my hard work has finally paid off.  I am so proud of myself for never giving up and never taking “no” for an answer.  Now my dreams of becoming a Miami Dolphins Cheerleader are finally coming true.

CAN’T WAIT to see you on the sidelines!
~Jenny