After their cheerleaders had been known as the "SwashBuclers" since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were introduced in the NFL in 1976, the Bucs adopted a new name for their dance team in March of 1999: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders.
Over the past two seasons, in accordance with the Buccaneers' introduction of their new logo, colors and state-of-the-art stadium, the cheerleader's have received an unprecedented number of national requests for profile interviews, photographs and civic appearances. Because of the increase in popularity the organization decided to make changes on the sidelines to parallel those made on the field.
Many people around the country are not familiar with pirate and nautical terms and do not know what a "SwashBucler" is. Since the cheerleaders have built such a strong reputation for their game-day performances and for their work in the Tampa Bay community over the past few years, the Buccaneers changed the squad's name in hopes that people around the country would associate the cheerleaders with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization.
THE TEAM
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders take pride in the modern, cutting edge image they portray. In addition to Wood's choreography, a variety of choreographers are utilized to keep the sidelines fresh. Exciting dance routines, dynamic pre-game shows, incredible kick lines, outstanding personalities and breathtakingly beautiful women are among the many reasons the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders are regarded by fans as one of the NFL's elite cheerleading teams.
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The squad is comprised of athletes, businesswomen, mothers and full-time students. While not working at their jobs, rehearsing, or performing at a Buccaneers home game, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders stay busy volunteering a considerable amount of time to various community organizations. The squad makes approximately 300 community appearances every year for both non-profit organizations and corporate events. Cheerleading assistant and former cheerleader Sandy Charboneau is responsible for the scheduling of all community appearances.
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In addition to their volunteer work in the Bay area community, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders make regular appearances all over the United States, serving as ambassadors for the Buccaneer organization. The team made its first international debut in the summer of 1999 when a member was selected to be one of six NFL cheerleaders to spend 10 days in Japan with "The NFL on Tour." While in Japan, she taught cheer and dance clinics to cheerleaders participating in Japan's summer professional football league. Since then the team has performed in locations outside of the Bay Area including: Asia, Germany, Egypt, Canada, California, Hawaii and Texas.
THE AUDITION
Hundreds of women audition every March for a chance to become one of the next Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders. Current squad members must also re-audition each year. Because Wood has experienced the grueling audition process herself, her goal is to make tryouts a fun, yet challenging, experience for all candidates.
For some women, the audition process begins with pre-audition classes. Pre-audition classes are held the week prior to auditions and are optional, informational choreography classes meant to give candidates as much information about the cheerleading program as possible before they try out for the team.
Many women do not realize the time commitment, hard work, dedication, and regulations involved in being a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleader. The pre-audition classes allow Wood to explain exactly what women are getting into before they proceed to try out for the squad. Wood also uses the classes to teach basic dance choreography so candidates can get a feel for the dance style and pace at which routines will be taught the day of auditions. The actual audition routine is not taught during pre-audition classes, however, class members do receive a CD of the audition music.
Days after pre-audition classes, preliminary auditions begin. The first day includes two elimination rounds during which candidates are judged on such criteria as showmanship, appearance, dance ability, high kicks and splits. Up to 100 candidates are chosen to advance to semifinal auditions the following day.
Fifty finalists are selected from the 100 semifinalists to advance to interviews and training camp. Each finalist must attend a 30-minute personal interview with Wood. Interviews are weighed with as much importance as dance ability, and top candidates are those with friendly, ambitious, outgoing and giving personalities. Wood looks for genuine woman with real lives, realistic goals and dedication to be the best.
In addition to the interviews, candidates attend a four night training camp. At the conclusion of the strenuous camp, up to 36 squad members are chosen to be the new Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders.
The women selected to represent the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Organization will be committed to excellence and accept whole-heartedly the challenges that come along with the position. Members will embrace the long and exhausting rehearsals, strength and endurance conditioning, and a handbook of rules and regulations which will become part of their life as they continue to carry on the standard expected of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleader. Finally, she will wear the uniform with pride as a part of an elite group of women who are being given an experience of a lifetime.
Wood's advice to any young woman interested in auditioning for an NFL cheerleading position is:
"You had a life before you auditioned for the team and you will still have a life after you audition for the team. Either way, you are in control of it and the outcome is what you make of it. Never let a panel of judges or someone else's opinions of you determine your self worth. NFL Cheerleading is a wonderful hobby and cherished experience by the few women who achieve the opportunity. I believe God has a plan for us all and your map may not include frequent trips to cheerleading rehearsals and football games. But whatever your map does include, travel safely and enjoy your own unique journeys!"
THE UNIFORM
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleader's have worn various styles of uniforms over the past 25 years. From skirts to hot pants, white go-go boots to sneakers (and back to white boots again), orange and white to now red, black, white and pewter, the uniform has had its share of colors and styles. One thing that has stayed consistent is the pirate look of puffy white sleeves.
Since the inception of the new stadium fans everywhere have recognized the new look of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders. The black Buccaneer style boots, a red skirt and top with sweetheart neckline, sheer white sleeves with red bows at the wrist, and an additional pair of black pants have taken subtle changes since the unveiling in 1998.
In 1998 an A-line skirt with slit on left leg, red and white top with red ties, a black and pewter border and closed back, minimal rhinestones on the sleeves, and black boots with no heel. Pom-pons were 8-inch red and silver wide strand metallic. The uniform was appropriate for stunting which was still performed by the squad's female and male members.
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In 1999 rhinestones were added to all the red ties on the uniform top, sleeves, skirt and pants. The cut and style remained the same. The black boots were still worn with no heel. Pom-pons were 10-inch black and silver wide strands with thin strands of red sparkle.
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In 2000 rhinestones were added to all borders and replaced the former red ties of the top, skirt and pants. The back was cutwith a red band at the top/backside of the neckline and rhinestones down the sides. Additional rhinestones were added to the sleeves for extra sparkle and shine under the Florida sunlight. The most dramatic change was the trademarked jagged edged skirt with buccaneer's logo. Finally, a heel was added to the boot, as the squad became solely a dance team with no stunting. Pom-pons were 8-inch red, black and silver wide metallic strands.
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In 2001 the Buccaneers Cheeerleaders added a complete new uniform to their wardrobe. Hot pant (shorts) with a puffy short sleeve (off the shoulder) top and straight black boots brought a fresh new look to the field while still maintaing the image fans have come to adore.
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