The PROformance Review podcast (formerly The ImPerfect Cheerleader)

The PROformance Review podcast (formerly The ImPerfect Cheerleader)

By Jasmine NeelyArtsPerforming Arts
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The PROformance Review podcast (formerly The ImPerfect Cheerleader) episodes

  • #153: What's on that judge's sheet?

    We are talking about what you can expect a judge's sheet to look like and thus what you should prepare for.

    Subscribe to the ImPerfect Cheerleader podcast!

    Subscribe to the YouTube channel!

    https://www.youtube.com/@theprofessionalcheerleader3985

    17 min
  • #152: Marissa West talks time as a TopCat, West Kept Secret, fitness, nutrition, judges tips for hopefuls and more!

    ATTENTION: If you listened to this episode, there's a gift for you toward the end...but you have to listen to the end to find out what it is! And it's goooood. You're welcome, babe.

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    Marissa is the founder / creator of WKS! She grew up and went to school in Northern VA. Her love for fitness started young (competitive gymnast + dance team member!) She moved to Charlotte in 2011, after making the Carolina Panthers TopCats and is a CPT and nutrition specialist through ACE. She focuses her fitness studies on cardio/interval training, resistance training, ballet barre, and Pilates. Marissa experimented with these different fitness genres and developed the signature trademarked and patent pending WKS methodology, incorporating cardio, strength training, and Pilates into one dynamic workout! She’s been featured as a fitness expert in major publications such as Men's Health, Popsugar, and Cooking Light Magazine!  Marissa was also named one of Charlotte Agenda's “Top 10 Small Business Owners” in 2019. She has gone live on Instagram via Shape Magazine and Hollywood Life, showcasing the unique WKS workout with Sports Illustrated model, Olivia Culpo. The WKS curated methodology is used by the Carolina Panthers’ TopCats, Miss USA, Miss Universe, and other prominent influencers and athletes to maintain peak performance. As the CEO of WKS, Marissa works with the management team to make corporate decisions, evaluates operational protocol, and navigates the strategic direction of the company.

    WKS is also a sponsor for the Topcats, so make sure to stop by and take a class to get in tip top shape for auditions!

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    You can follow Marissa @westkeptsecret and @mrswestisinthebuilding

    Visit https://westkeptsecret.co/ to book a class!


    1 hr 44 min
  • #151: Ohavia Phillips discusses confidence, the art of emceeing, dance background and being your authentic self

    A Brooklyn native thriving in Charlotte, Ohavia Phillips is a dynamic force in sports, media, and entertainment. As an electrifying emcee, in-arena host for The Charlotte Hornets, and award-winning entrepreneur, Ohavia lights up stages, arenas, and events with unmatched energy and impact.

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    From emceeing marquee events like the Jumpman Invitational, UNCF’s Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon, and the Ally Tipoff, to hosting the Queen City Awards and Black Girls in Media celebrations, Ohavia’s reach spans industries and audiences. She has been invited to presidential campaign rallies, partnered with esteemed organizations like the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and consistently commands the mic at the most influential and inspiring events.

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    Ohavia’s media journey is equally impressive. She has been featured across every medium—from radio to television, news, and podcasting. Her magnetic presence and storytelling prowess have landed her collaborations with St. John Knits, Lexus, NPR, Power 98, V101.9, and more. As the founder of The cOHllab, a business highlight program showcasing thriving businesses from the Carolinas and beyond, Ohavia has carved a unique space to amplify voices, create powerful narratives, and inspire communities through her media endeavors.

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    Her accolades speak volumes: named one of the 50 Most Dynamic Women in the Charlotte Region, featured on Business North Carolina’s Power List, and recipient of the Andre Leon Talley Icon Award. Ohavia’s commitment to excellence in media and community impact has earned her numerous honors, including the Career Mastered Top Entrepreneurial Woman to Watch and Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award.

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    Ohavia’s interviews have spotlighted prominent figures like Dell Curry, Muggsy Bogues, Stacey Abrams, Dr. Eric “ET” Thomas, J. Alphonse Nicholson (P-Valley), to name a few, solidifying her reputation as a skilled conversationalist and safe-space creator. She has also featured athletes, music icons, artists, and award-winning business owners in her conversations. Her authenticity online continues to shine, earning her a spot as one of Meta’s top creators.

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    In everything she does—from fashion to sports and beyond—Ohavia lives her mantra of “leading with love and impact.” With dreams of establishing a multimedia empire through positivity and connection, Ohavia Phillips is not just living the dream; she’s redefining what it means to create meaningful change in media, entertainment, and beyond.

    #DijeLoQueDije

    Find Ohavia on @OHAVIAPHILLIPS on all platforms

    1 hr 13 min
  • #150: Haley Marie McClain Hill talks military, pro cheer and Shark Tank TV experience

    Our guest today, Haley Marie McClain Hill has done it all. She's been an NFL cheerleader for two teams while serving in the military and now runs her clothing line, Torch Warrior Wear. Not to mention she's a 2x author and has also been on the hit TV show, Shark Tank!

    We dive into all of this and more in this episode and get to learn about Haley on a micro level.

    You can find Haley at the following:

    @torchwarriorwear

    @iam_haleymarie

    Her books are Light the Torch and Your Itty Bitty Guide to the NFL Cheerleading World.

    Here's the Diary of a CEO episode on how to speak and notice body language with Vanessa Van Edwards

    1 hr 15 min
  • #149: 2025 NFL pro dance team prep classes and audition dates

    All NFL pro dance teams and links to their websites:


    1. Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders 

    2. Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders 

    3. Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders 

    4. Carolina Panthers TopCats

    5. Cincinnati Bengals

    6. Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders 

    7. Denver Broncos Cheerleaders

    8. Detroit Lions Cheerleaders 

    9. Houston Texans Cheerleaders

    10. Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders

    11. Jacksonville Roar

    12. Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders

    13. Las Vegas Raiderettes

    14. Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders 

    15. Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders 

    16. Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders

    17. New England Patriots Cheerleaders

    18. New Orleans Saints Cheer Krewe 

    19. Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders

    20. San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush 

    21. Seattle Seahawks Dancers 

    22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders

    23. Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders

    24. Washington Command Force

    31 min
  • #146: How to have the audacity mindset during audition season

    Girl, just do it. In 2025, I want you to practice having the audacity to do anything that's put on your heart and stop overthinking it. Want to try out for a team, have the audacity to do it, want to ask for more chicken in the Chipotle line, have the audacity to ask for it, and want to say "No" with no explanation, have the audacity to say it.

    We can always be better people towards others when we show up for ourselves first. Be bold, fearless and unafriad to take risks. This practice will only help you during audition season.

    Sign up for my February in-person class here where we dance and cover a topic that's pro cheer related to help you during auditions: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1131311375779?aff=oddtdtcreator

    17 min
  • #145: Former NFL & NBA dancer Dasja Johnson talks fearlessness, confidence and Love Island USA experience

    This episode was probably one of the most fun I have had on this podcast!

    Dasja Johnson takes us through her pro cheer and dance journey in the NBA and NFL, but also takes us through her experience on the popular reality show, Love Island USA.

    She has an infectious energy like no one else. Make sure you follow her on the following platforms:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dasjamercedes/

    Facebook: Dasja Johnson


    Here are the takeaways from this episode:

    1. If you are wrong, be confident and wrong 

    2. Learn choreography by being repetitive. Whenever you have down time during your day, find time to review the dance material

    3. You have to have a good foundation for pro dance. If you sweat a lot, Estee Lauder double wear is what Dasja swears by

    4. Use Mac studio fix for powder - great for people who sweat a lot

    5. Get in front of a mirror to learn how to pose and act like you are the only one there

    6. Don’t be afraid of trying something just because you don’t know what the outcome will be. Learn how you can be fearless


    7. 1 hr 21 min

    About The PROformance Review podcast (formerly The ImPerfect Cheerleader)

    From the publisher's feed

    The PROformance Review (formerly The ImPerfect Cheerleader) is a performance-driven podcast that explores what it really takes to succeed at a high level in entertainment, sports, and beyond. We keep…