Spotlight on AKD Junior Designer Mackenzie - Age 14

Blog #4: Following Mackenzie, Age 14, Michigan: Earlier this month, we introduced you to Mackenzie - our second AKD Junior Designer! Mackenzie has been working on her dream sketch that will be produced by Angela King Designs. As a dancer and gymnast, we knew Mackenzie's vision would be a fun performance outfit she can enjoy on stage in her home state of Michigan!

Mackenzie created a two-piece feminine dancer performance costume with layers of ruffles and petticoat. The top features a collar and a cinched chest. The skirt is designed to rest high on the body with just a bit of skin showing.

In response to Mackenzie's sketch, the AKD production office recommended a few black and purple fabric options. Not only does a designer get to select color but also fabrics - which can completely transform a costume!

Fabrics sent to Mackenzie included tricot (the standard AKD nylon/polyester blend fabric), metallic, crushed velvet, and tulle (a netted fabric). Some fabrics have extra sparkle to them with glitter or even sequins! Fabrics are light weight, heavy weight, sometimes more breathable, even transparent such as mesh or netting. When selecting fabrics, we advise our customers to consider several aspects such as how the fabric will react during movement, how it will appear to the audience under lights, the type of environment where it will be worn such as indoors versus outdoors, and how the performer would like the fabrics to feel.

Mackenzie selected her fabrics, submitted her sizes, and now waits to see the finished product! It won't be long.... we'll see you soon!

Follow our AKD Junior Designers

Visit the AKD Role Models Website

About the AKD Junior Designer Program: Our intentions in creating the AKD Role Models "Junior Designer" program are to promote design and creativity in our society's youth. We want to reach out to young designers and help them to realize their goals of becoming future fashion leaders. We hope that these Junior Designers will influence more children and teens to become young leaders and encourage them to follow their designing dreams.

Less Than 2 Weeks Remain to Submit Model Search Application

The atmosphere is intense at Angela King Designs offices preparing for the 2013 AKD Sports Model Search, collecting applications and photographs of ladies across the United States and Canada!

Who will become the 2013 Face of AKD Go Wild! Wear and join our National Top Ten? IT COULD BE YOU! Females age 18 or older who are currently or who have performed on a college, semipro or professional performance team are eligible. The application phase ends on Thursday, February 28! Visit the official website to enter, meet celebrity judges and view prizes.

Let's take a moment to feature the 2012 National Top Ten, ladies of all ages from coast to coast, including the WINNER Miss Toni Damico of the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders!

 
Enter the AKD Sports Model Search
Shop Go Wild! Wear
Learn More About Angela King Designs

Spotlight on Style Pro Laura Clark

LAURA EILERS CLARK
Phone: 1-877-97-GO-AKD x712
Email: Laura@gowildwear.com
Location: Washington, DC
Territory: National Sales Manager and Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia

Background:

• Top 15 Bleacher Report "2011 Most Buzzworthy NFL Cheerleaders"
• Ms. United States 2011-2012
• State Director for Miss United States - DC, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia (current)
• Director of "Lady Raiders" Dance Team, Indoor Pro Football (3 years)
• Executive Director/Founder Going Pro Entertainment, LLC (current)
• Creative Director/Choreographer Science Cheerleaders (current)
• Former Sales Representative for Eurotard International
• Kansas City Brigade Girls Assistant Director (1 year)
• St. Louis Rams Cheerleader (1 year)
• Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader (5 years) Team Captain (2 years)
• Kansas City Wizards Girl, MLS Soccer (1 year)
• Benedictine College (KS) Spirit Squad Coordinator
• UDA Head Instructor (4 years)
• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication and Competitive Dance Team, William Jewell College

ABOUT LAURA CLARK

Laura joined AKD in 2010 as the company's first National Sales Manager, an opportunity Laura describes as her "dream job" after years of performance experience in sports entertainment, sales and marketing. 

During her four years on the competitive team at William Jewell College, Laura also became a head instructor for Universal Dance Association. In the years to come, Laura performed as an MLS Kansas City Wizards Girl, a Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader and a St. Louis Rams Cheerleader. During her five seasons with the Chiefs, Laura choreographed field routines, served as captain, and visited seven countries with Armed Forces Entertainment. 

Having coached at the high school, collegiate, and semi-professional level, one of Laura's greatest achievements was building the PIFL "Lady Raiders" program. The organization was selected as the league's top dance team all three years Laura directed the program. During this time, Laura continued to develop Going Pro Entertainment, connecting pro dancers from coast to coast through events and consulting. 

Laura's love for the stage influenced her to run for Ms. Virginia. After capturing the state title, Laura won nationals in Las Vegas and served as 2011 Ms. United States. She enjoyed returning to Arrowhead Stadium for opening game ceremonies, leading the Science Cheerleaders and Pop Warner Cheerleaders to break a Guinness Book of World Records, and being named #15 on the Most Buzzworthy Cheerleaders. Today, Laura remains active as a three-state director for the Miss United States Organization, managing 15 titleholders for Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. 

Laura resides in Washington, DC with her newlywed husband. She continues to serve on the management team at Angela King Designs, including coordination of the annual Sports Model Search, management of social media marketing, development of product marketing and customer targeting.

View AKD Style Pro Directory 

Highlight on Our NBA Teams

Let us be the first to tell you that the NBA season is one of our favorite times of year here at Angela King Designs! Throughout the 2012-2013 season we have had the privilege of creating original looks for some of our returning teams and we've even had some first time customers join us as well. We always enjoy doing the traditionally famous looks for our cheerleaders because they epitomize the team image perfectly, but it’s even more fun to design outfits that are new and exciting! Here we look back at a few teams that received some new attire during the season:  

One of our new customers was the Milwaukee Bucks, which we had the opportunity to outfit for the first time. They went with a sporty-glam look when opting for our traditional shorts and crop halter in red sequin. It’s obvious that they sparkle in this set while representing their team with such energy and poise! View these and other uniform sets on the Go Wild! Wear page.  

 

One team that we always enjoy working with are the dazzling L.A. Clippers, who have been a devoted customer for years. Just recently we created a new signature outfit that they loved. We did a halter top with a twist, adding a keyhole in the front and for the bottom we did a V-panel short, both pieces embellished with Swarovski crystals. This is such a flattering look on their girls and they wear it so well!

 

Over on the East Coast, the Boston Celtics have had many creative and contemporary costumes made specifically for them this season. One of our most loved was this new black sequin outfit that has a bit of an edgy flare. They’re rocking this look in our "V" drop pant with emerald and black straps over the hip, and as for the top we did a matching bandeau with a wrap detail going across the chest and mid section. This outfit was used in one of their photo shoots, as seen below, and was clearly a favorite among the dancers, fans, and us as well!

 

 Last but not least, closer to home here in San Antonio we have the fabulous Spurs Silver Dancers in one of their classic looks: the collared halter top and fringe paneled chaps! This may not be a brand new look for them but these famous chaps are what give the girls a little bit of a Texas twist while maintaining glamour and femininity. This picture screams “Go Spurs Go!”

To see what we've done for other NBA teams visit the Angela King Designs website and go to our NBA portfolio. If you're wondering what we can do for YOU or your team, then just contact our home office or one of our sales reps so that we can help you today. As this season comes to an end, we would just like to say thank you to all of our wonderful customers who we have the opportunity to work with on a daily basis- we are very grateful for your business. Here's to next season!


Angela King Designs, Inc.

Spotlight on Style Pro Sandy Charboneau

SANDY CHARBONEAU
Phone: 1-877-974-6253, Ext. 716
Email: Sandy@gowildwear.com
Location: Tampa, Florida
Territory: Florida, International Territories

Background: 

• Owner & Founder, Pro Tour Productions 
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders Director 2000-2009
• Pro Bowl Cheerleader 1998
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleader 7 years
• NFL Enterprises
• Instructor at All Pro conventions
• Training at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre

ABOUT SANDY CHARBONEAU:

Dance and cheerleading has always been a part of Sandy's life. After having the opportunity to train at Alvin Ailey at a young age, Sandy entered pro cheerleading auditions and became a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleader. She immediately went on to become the team's director for nine seasons, outfitting the cheerleaders in one of the most popular Angela King Designs uniforms. As the Buccaneers director, Sandy developed a strong junior program and guided her cheerleaders to tour overseas to support the U.S. military.

During her time in the NFL, Sandy realized that her greatest passion was giving back to the U.S. military through performance. This led her to develop the flourishing company called ProTour Productions, dedicated to facilitating military tours in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Sandy's tours invite cheerleaders from different organizations as well as musical groups, comedians and professional athletes. Sandy also continues to consult other programs and choreograph for the annual All Pro 3 convention in Atlanta.

Sandy's recent customers include the Arizona Cardinals Junior Cheerleaders, the Tampa Bay Storm Cheerleaders, and the Houston Texans Cheerleaders. She also outfits her patriotic performances with AKD's "Patriot Collection" in red, white and blue designs.

View the Style Pro Directory

AKD Accepting Entries for 2013 Sports Model Search

 

Are you a model? An actress? Broadcaster?

  

Do you have experience on a college, semi-pro or professional cheer or dance team? 

 

ARE YOU READY TO BE DISCOVERED? 

 

Join us for the 2013 Angela King Designs Sports Model Search!

 

Be seen by sports and entertainment heavy-hitters including producers of Dancing With The Stars and Sunday Night Football!

 

Receive prizes and travel opportunities!

 

ENTER NOW

MEET THE CELEBRITY JUDGES

• Fred Gaudelli, Producer of "Sunday Night Football" and Super Bowls XLIII, XL, XXXVII and XLI, 10-time Emmy Award winner
• Steven Schillaci, Talent Producer of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," past Talent Producer for American Idol, Radio City Music Hall, Chelsea Lately, House of Blues
• Glenn Daniels, Casting Director in film, TV, and theater, launching film careers of Lisa Kudrow, Woody Harrelson and Ethan Hawke, Miss Universe Pageant Judge
• Sherlyn Roy, Oxygen Magazine and Swimwear Illustrated Cover Girl, IFBB Pro, Former 49ers NFL Cheerleader, Co-host of ESPN's American Muscle
• Ginger Mueller, Co-Owner & VP Sales, Mueller Sports Medicine - America's top sports medicine supply company, Former LA Rams and Raiders NFL Cheerleader

PRIZES AWARDED TO YOU AND YOUR TEAM!

• 2013 Sports Model Search Winner: will become an AKD Brand Ambassador and The Face of AKD's Go Wild! Wear 2013 campaigns. She will be flown to the AKD Headquarters in Texas for a photo shoot with the current Go Wild! Wear Models, all expenses paid. She will receive a $500.00 AKD gift certificate and an official AKD Sports Model Search Winner jewelry piece. The Winner's current or most recent dance or cheer team will receive an AKD workout outfit.
• National Top Ten: receive $150.00 AKD gift certificate, opportunity to represent AKD locally.
• Finalists: receive Official AKD Model Search Finalist tote bag.
• Semifinalists: receive Official AKD Model Search T-Shirt.

ENTER NOW

 

ABOUT THE CONTEST
In 2012, the AKD Sports Model Search welcomed over 200 entries and selected the winner as Toni Damico of the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders! Now it's YOUR turn!

Angela King Designs, Inc (AKD) and Go Wild! Wear are conducting a model search to find the newest addition to the Go Wild! Wear Models and the 2013 Face of AKD. Keeping true to our industry, all applicants must be a current or former collegiate, semi-pro, or pro-team cheerleader or dancer. Entries will be accepted through the month of February 2013.

 

What we are looking for:

• Photogenic person with great energy
• Dance and/or cheer background
• All body types, but must be able to wear a two-piece costume or uniform.
• Female, ages 18 - 45
• Good spokesperson, able to speak on camera
• Someone who loves dance/cheer and LOVES great costumes!

Contest Levels:

• General entry submission of two photographs and application.
• Semi-finalists chosen by online Facebook voting.
• Finalists selected by our celebrity judges.
• National Top 10 selected by our celebrity judges.
• 2013 AKD Sports Model Search Winner!

View contest details and submit your entry at www.akdsportsmodelsearch.com!

 

Meet the Go Wild! Girls on Facebook 

 

Shop Go Wild! Wear $99 Team uniform and practicewear sets, audition attire, boots and more

 

Spotlight on AKD Junior Designer Mackenzie - Age 14

Blog #4: Following Mackenzie, Age 14, Michigan: Mackenzie describes herself as outgoing, funny, nice and bubbly. She loves to play with makeup and come up with many different looks and products. She spends most of her time in dance and gymnastics, just learning how to flip this summer! She loves bright colors, especially pink, purple, turquoise, peachy red and aqua. (Then we are certain Mackenzie adored Julia's design unveiled earlier this month!)

We asked Mackenzie, "Why are you excited to be an AKD Junior Designer?" Mackenzie said, "I've always wanted to design and create costumes. I just started to sew this summer and love it!" Mackenzie won't need to sew anything during this process, but we know who to call when in case of emergency!

Our first step in welcoming Mackenzie to the AKD Junior Designer program was sending her the WELCOME PACKAGE! This included her Junior Designer T-shirt, some directions on getting started, and her very own electronic drawing pad, just like the one Angela uses when creating costume sketches for some of the most famous cheer and dance teams in the world!

Check back in the coming weeks as we unveil Mackenzie's sketches and follow her on her AKD Junior Designer journey.

Follow our AKD Junior Designers

Visit the AKD Role Models Website

About the AKD Junior Designer Program: Our intentions in creating the AKD Role Models "Junior Designer" program are to promote design and creativity in our society's youth. We want to reach out to young designers and help them to realize their goals of becoming future fashion leaders. We hope that these Junior Designers will influence more children and teens to become young leaders and encourage them to follow their designing dreams.

Spotlight on AKD Junior Designer Julia - Age 10 - The Creation!

Blog #3: Following Julia, Age 10, Italy: Since its launch in November, the Angela King Designs Role Models program has proven to be hugely successful with our present and future junior designers. Today we unveil the final outcome created by our first designer Julia! We are proud to release the first photos of Julia wearing her very own Angela King Designs creation! Julia's mom wrote, "Julia received her cheerleading costume on Friday. She was so excited to see her creation, and was so amazed too see how beautiful it turned out.  It fits her perfectly and she modeled it with so much pride. Thanks so much for everything, this has definitely been a wonderful experience, one she will never forget!"

Since Julia was selected as the first AKD Junior Designer, we knew she was very skilled at sketching her dream costume, showing no inhibitions about using color! Based on Julia's sketch, we sent her fabrics to choose from. We took her measurements, and within a matter of weeks, we were able to bring her design to life!

We also knew that Julia was very diligent about meeting our requested deadlines and patiently waiting for the process to unfold. What we didn't know .... was that she can do some amazing splits! No wonder she wanted to design a cheerleading uniform!  

Congratulations, Julia, on your first AKD creation. She is the first of our series of AKD Junior Designers. Next up this month is Mackenzie in Michigan! Mackenzie is 13 years old, describes herself as outgoing, funny, nice and bubbly. In just a matter of days we will tell you more about this young lady and take you through her first phase of the Junior Designer process. Visit www.akdrolemodels.com to learn more about the AKD Junior Designers selection process, browse famous junior performance wear designs such as the Arizona Cardinals Junior Cheerleaders and the Chicago Junior Luvabulls, and inquire about creating your team junior wear.

About the AKD Junior Designer Program: Our intentions in creating the AKD Role Models "Junior Designer" program are to promote design and creativity in our society's youth. We want to reach out to young designers and help them to realize their goals of becoming future fashion leaders. We hope that these Junior Designers will influence more children and teens to become young leaders and encourage them to follow their designing dreams.

Top 10 Moments of 2012 at AKD and Go Wild! Wear

Like many of you, Angela King Designs and Go Wild! Wear are thinking back to another year in the record books and the moments that made 2012 special. Here is our our top 10 moments of 2012...

10. Welcoming over 10,000 new Facebook fans! On a daily basis, our Facebook fans receive industry updates, glimpses behind the scenes, tips on attire trends and upkeep, and special offers. Be sure to join us on Facebook for all the action in 2013!

9. Expanding our college performance selection! Traditionally the chosen brand for professional cheerleading and dance, in 2012, AKD and Go Wild! Wear aimed to provide more options to our college customers. We have outfitted teams including USC, Rollins College, University of Memphis, Mizzou, Quinnipiac University, Kennesaw State University, Tennessee State University and many more. Our college customers love the variety of fabrics available and the quality of fit and durability.

8. Sending AKD representatives to Pro Action in Las Vegas! Style Pro Rani, also a current Arizona Cardinals Cheerleader, joined Go Wild! Girls Jessi, formerly of the San Antonio Spurs, and Toni, a current Denver Broncos Cheerleader. The girls learned entertaining routines from choreographers like John Peters and Marina Ortega while rocking Go Wild! Wear's latest collection of attire.

7. Outfitting ProTour Productions and the generous cheerleaders who support our U.S. troops! Produced by Style Pro Sandy Charboneau, ProTour Productions spent a second year dedicated to facilitating tours in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, bringing together cheerleaders from different organizations as well as musical groups, comedians and professional athletes. Additionally, AKD is proud to support the Wounded Warrior Project with proceeds purchased from the Patriot Collection. 

6. Cheering on the Science Cheerleaders on the Today Show. These ladies prove that performers are beautiful, intelligent and driven. As the outfitter of the Science Cheerleaders, Go Wild! Wear is worn by current and alumni professional cheerleaders across the United States who also work in or study science, technology, engineering or math. In October, the group was celebrated on national television for breaking down stereotypes and encouraging young girls to get psyched about education.

5. Launching the AKD Role Models Website and the Junior Designer Program! Soon we will showcase the costume created by our first Junior Designer Julia of Italy. The Role Models website features our top youth cheer and dance designs including the Arizona Cardinals, the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos, and provides more information on designing attire or applying to become an AKD Junior Designer.  
 
4. Welcoming Ashley Worrell and Rebecca Girard to our team of talented Style Pros! Ashley and Rebecca are just two of our talented team members who take pride in knowing our customers needs as former or current performers and directors. The AKD Style Pros have performed for teams including the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Pistons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, and have coached performance teams for the NFL, NBA, AFL, PIFL, SIFL, NLL, ABA, College and High School.

3. Setting industry trends like the AKD Boot Cuffs worn by the Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders and the Tampa Bay Storm Cheerleaders! While appearing at All Pro 3 this summer, the Arizona Cardinals new boot cuffs were all the rage and were even featured on Ultimatecheerleaders.com. These cuffs are an affordable way to spice up a team's wardrobe and provide a quick costume change. Each year, AKD strives to create new ways to "wow" fans through unique fabrics and styles worn by the most famous performance teams.   

2. Hosting the very first cheer and dance industry sports model search! We welcomed over 200 applicants from across the United States and Canada, narrowed down the selection to 30 finalists, a National Top Ten, and named the 2012 winner Toni Damico of the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders. Celebrity judges raved about the selection of ladies who entered, and sponsors provided incredible prizes during each round. Toni visited the AKD offices to be featured in our 2012 Go Wild! Wear photo shoot, and her team was outfitted in practice attire. 

.... and our top moment of 2012 is...

1. YOU! We know that each day is special because we create YOUR moments, YOUR team attire, YOUR audition wear. The moments you get to experience wearing Angela King Designs and Go Wild! Wear are far greater than we could ever imagine. We are so grateful for our customers and celebrate you each and every day.

Here's to a FABULOUS 2013 ... with the best moments yet to come.

Angela King Designs, Inc.

Spotlight on Style Pro Ashley Worrell

ASHLEY WORRELL 
Phone: 1-877-974-6253, Ext. 718
Email: Ashley@gowildwear.com
Location: St. Joseph, Missouri
Territory: Arkansas, Eastern Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, North Texas 
Recent Customers: Wichita Falls Nighthawks Cheerleaders, Missouri Western State University, University of Central Missouri 

Background: 

• Dallas Mavericks Dancer (1 year)
• San Antonio Spurs Silver Dancer (2 years)
• Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader (1 year)
• Kansas City Brigade Girls Dancer (3 years)
• Author, "Half-Time Highlights: A Guide to Dancing in the NBA/NFL" 
• Former Director and Choreographer for the Missouri Western State University Mystic Dance Team 
• Former Studio and Dancewear Retail Owner at Danceworks Conservatory in Kansas City, Missouri
• Missouri Western State University, Bachelor of Science in Sports Management, emphasis in Commercial/Private Business
• Consultant and Choreographer, Going Pro Entertainment
• Appearances in ProDance Choreography Videos (2002, 2003, 2007, 2010)

ABOUT ASHLEY:

AKD Style Pro Ashley Worrell has performed for three major league sports teams and one semipro sports team, directed at the collegiate level, owned a successful dance studio, and even wrote a book on the ins and outs of professional auditions. This experience allows Ashley to relate to her customers on several levels.   

"I wore AKD as a dancer for the San Antonio Spurs," said Ashley, "We got to wear all types of fabrics and styles during each game. Now, as a Style Pro, I enjoy being able to guide directors to select a costume or uniform that will compliment their routine or organization."

Ashley has outfitted teams including the Wichita Falls Nighthawks Cheerleaders (Texas), the Missouri Western State University Mystics Dance Team and the University of Central Missouri. "We understand that each team has a very different budget and overall style. The team's uniform can say 'glamorous and sophisticated,' 'sporty and fun,' or completely represent that team's brand or theme through creative design and logowork. We take pride in offering a variety of options to each performance group."

Outside of her position with AKD and Go Wild! Wear, Ashley plays a major role within her family business East Fork Lodge near St. Joseph, Missouri, while coaching the dance team for her nearby alma mater. She is raising daughter Jayden, age 4, who is a budding dancer and was even a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader for Halloween.

Ashley is one of a growing team of Style Pros located across the United States available to assist teams, companies and individuals with their attire selections. Outside of cheerleading and dance performers, clients have included restaurant staff, brand ambassadors, television and cinema casts, fitness competitors and more. 

View AKD Style Pro Directory