Learning with Jessica
2007-08-29 15:00:00
Learning with Jessica
On the field, they dance and entertain the great fans of the Montreal Alouettes. Off the field, the Alouettes cheerleaders live fun and exciting lives. Get a little insight with our regular feature: Mademoiselle Alouette!
By Guillaume Tremblay-St-Gelais,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Mademoiselle Alouette : Jessica
At 20 years old and now in her second year, Jessica is one of the younger girls on the squad.
“I love being with the other girls and having a great time. I often get a funny reaction from people when they hear that, yes, we’re a group of 30 women, but no, we never fight! We’re not just friends, we’re family,” she said.
It was in 2006 that her friends suggested she take her love of dance and turn it into something special by trying out for the Alouettes’ cheerleading team.
“I’ve been dancing since I was three years old and over the course of the last few years, I had gotten to know some of the girls. They recommended I try out last season and I loved the idea of getting to perform in front of over 20,000 people,” she said. “Not only was I ecstatic to have made the team, but it’s been an even greater experience than I could have imagined!”
Jessica’s other passion is for teaching. She is currently in her third year of a teaching degree with a focus on secondary-level French. She has also worked as a dance teacher and councillor at day camps in the past, which only further expanded her love of kids, dance and teaching.
“My only hesitation was whether to choose the high school or primary level. I ended up choosing the subject instead of the level: French. I think it’s very important that we use the language properly here in Quebec, whether it be in school or in everyday life. That’s why I chose to be a French teacher.”
On top of being a cheerleader and a student, Jessica also gives dance classes on the South Shore and dances with High Fidelity, a local show band.
“There’s are two singers, some musicians and four dancers and we perform to songs from the 70s through to today. We do a lot of disco and recent pop hits. It’s a lot of fun,” she said.
All in all, between teaching and dancing, Jessica leads a pretty full life. But what about her future with the Alouettes’ cheerleading team?
“As long as I can handle it I’ll keep coming back. This is just so much fun, I’d love to do it for many years to come!”
By Guillaume Tremblay-St-Gelais,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Mademoiselle Alouette : Jessica
At 20 years old and now in her second year, Jessica is one of the younger girls on the squad.
“I love being with the other girls and having a great time. I often get a funny reaction from people when they hear that, yes, we’re a group of 30 women, but no, we never fight! We’re not just friends, we’re family,” she said.
It was in 2006 that her friends suggested she take her love of dance and turn it into something special by trying out for the Alouettes’ cheerleading team.
“I’ve been dancing since I was three years old and over the course of the last few years, I had gotten to know some of the girls. They recommended I try out last season and I loved the idea of getting to perform in front of over 20,000 people,” she said. “Not only was I ecstatic to have made the team, but it’s been an even greater experience than I could have imagined!”
Jessica’s other passion is for teaching. She is currently in her third year of a teaching degree with a focus on secondary-level French. She has also worked as a dance teacher and councillor at day camps in the past, which only further expanded her love of kids, dance and teaching.
“My only hesitation was whether to choose the high school or primary level. I ended up choosing the subject instead of the level: French. I think it’s very important that we use the language properly here in Quebec, whether it be in school or in everyday life. That’s why I chose to be a French teacher.”
On top of being a cheerleader and a student, Jessica also gives dance classes on the South Shore and dances with High Fidelity, a local show band.
“There’s are two singers, some musicians and four dancers and we perform to songs from the 70s through to today. We do a lot of disco and recent pop hits. It’s a lot of fun,” she said.
All in all, between teaching and dancing, Jessica leads a pretty full life. But what about her future with the Alouettes’ cheerleading team?
“As long as I can handle it I’ll keep coming back. This is just so much fun, I’d love to do it for many years to come!”