mdcally-blog

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As I am Finishing up my third season as a Miami Dolphins cheerleader, I felt that itʼs time to share just how much fun NFL cheerleaders can have. 

Follow along with my SEAing the world as an MDC, as Iʼll post behind the scenes of our photo shoots on the MSC Seaside Cruise for our Annual: a 100+ page booklet featuring the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders in swimsuit, lifestyle, and fitness.

Photo Cred: Jeff Nguyen

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Holly and I are about to set sail, as this is our third year cheering and traveling together for the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders. Not only have I had the opportunity to travel and dance on the sidelines of many NFL games, but meet people and create friendships that will last a lifetime. 

Holly is the FIRST ever NFL cheerleader from the UK. Her British accent always makes me laugh, along with her witty personality. 

I love the fact I can spend time with one of my best friends while sailing through the crystal blue Caribbean ocean. Holly, letʼs do this!

Photo Cred: Etta Priest, Iphone

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We have just arrived in San Juan, PR, and before you know it I hear, “Hey Ally, do you think you could get to that rock?...safely”, “Heck Yeah, let's do this” I replied to Jeff. 

Jeff Nguyen, one of our unstoppable Dolphins photographers, always captures the most beautiful shots. Jeff always uses vibrant colors from nature to enhance our natural beauty. Not to mention, the weather was PERFECT! Jeff and is cheerleaders are always up for an adventure (within reason), but willing to take fun risks to get the most stellar shot! 

Because of the sun peeking through the trees, and when the water decided to crash against the rocks, I believe I was on that rock for almost an hour.... when else would I be able to hang on a rock in the middle of a stream at the top of the El Yunque National Forest. Unforgettable, right?

Photo Cred: Carlos Goldman

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Leafy green trees, I was catching no Zʼs. Who has time to sleep, when thereʼs stuff like this to see? After Hurricane Irma, we werenʼt quite sure what the once El Yunque national forest would look like once we arrived. 

Fortunately, there were still SO many parts intact. 

Traveling up hundreds of feet, to get close to the top was eerie and invigorating. Iʼm not afraid of heights, but boy oh boy this forest took my breath away. My next post will go more in-depth on exactly what I got to do while in the remarkable country or Puerto Rico.

Photo Cred: Etta Priest, Iphone

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Jenny and I LOVE partying at sea. From the swimsuit color to the hair color, If you canʼt tell, sheʼs the Yin to my Yang! MSC Seaside is a breathtaking cruise ship, we were surprised at how much there was to do; from a sky deck, several pools, and my favorite... a chocolate bar! Doesnʼt that sound like heaven? 

Something I loved about taking this trip with all my teammates, was realizing just how much we truly bring out the best in each other. Itʼs astounding to me that 36 women, ranging from the ages 18-30, from 7 different countries maintain to get along, genuinely. 

We LOVE being each otherʼs support systems on and off the field, during photo shoots and behind closed doors. This was Jenny and Iʼs first time shooting together, so Iʼm thrilled we have a lifelong memory captured!

Photo Cred: Jeff Nguyen

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Life sure is RUFF! As I was shooting on a remote and private beach in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten, a puppy was running along the beach, dipping his little paws where the ocean met the shore. 

Although I couldnʼt take him back on the ship with me, I had to steal a picture. This little guy sure put a HUGE smile on my face, and his puppy breath as well! Iʼm not sure what was better, the fact of getting paid to live out my dream and take pictures on a beautiful island in the Caribbean, or holding the cutest, softest puppy I ever did SEA.

Photo Cred: Jeff Nguyen

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Another shot from St. Maarten, this water is too blue not to document, and the sand was too soft not to include too. Jeff always makes us feel comfortable, reminding us that he wants us to just have fun, and be totally US when weʼre taking pictures. His shots make us feel empowered and beautiful. 

Along with Jeff, we have an outstanding group of people on the other side of the camera, ones people donʼt see in the actual picture, but only on a small credit page later on.

 From our production team that include photographers, videographers, and drone masters, to our hair and makeup team that keep us looking fresh and sun-kissed, to our Managers and assistants that help us with wardrobe, killer jokes for laughing pictures, part-time security guards and full time family, our Dolphins Cheer entourage is truly a dream team.

Photo Cred: Carlos Goldman

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Hey everyone! Meet my gem named Em. My bestie Em and I just touched base in the Bahamas! After six days, we are stoked to be closer to home but bummed this journey is coming to an end. Emily was a rookie this past year and we were in the same group for game days, along with roommates on a military tour last season for a super bowl trip. Weʼve got so close and are so grateful to live out our dreams together. I was born and raised in Florida, Em is from Connecticut. Something incredible about Miami Dolphins Cheer is how the organization is so diverse that we bring girls from all over the nation and the world. With Holly from the UK, Em from the US, we also represent five other countries and several backgrounds:

Philippines Italy Cuba Argentina Brazil

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Well, DolFans, thatʼs all I have for this trip. Iʼve taken you through the whirlwind of how our Miami Dolphins Cheer Annual comes to life each year. 

From the lively and exotic locations we get to shoot in, to the spectacular production team that travels all around the world with us, to each and every cheerleader’s personality shining through as an individual, Miami Dolphins Cheer represents more than just a pretty face. 

We have fun being our total self while letting our authentic beauty resonate through the lens. Until next time, PEACE! The Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders will continue to change the game. 

Photo Cred: Jeff Nguyen