Hi there, Falcons fans! This week, I was lucky enough to sit down with three-year veteran and first-year captain Zorah B. I learned all about her time in performing arts schools, her weird quirk, and her big family. Read on to get to know her better:
Sara D.: This is your first year as captain. Two part question: What challenges have you had with it, and what's the best part?
Zorah B.: Well, to answer the first part of your question, the most challenging part of being captain is thinking on your feet. When you're on the field, excited about a play that just happened, with thousands of cheering fans, and a random song comes on, it can be very hard to think of a dance that you can call that will fit perfectly. To answer the second part, the best part about being captain is being someone my line can rely on. It's a good feeling when a rookie asks you a question because they respect you and value your opinion!
SD: You're a trained dancer. Tell me about your studio experience.
ZB: My mom put me in dance classes when I was three. At first, I hated it! Putting on those tights was my worst nightmare. After I got used to the tights, though, there was no stopping me. I started competitive dancing in third grade and after six years of competitive dancing, I went to a performing arts high school where I was a "dance major." I was in numerous musicals and dance concerts. It was a blast!
SD: Performing arts schools seem to be a big part of your life. I know you went to University of the Arts in Philadelphia — tell me about that experience.
ZB: Philadelphia is an amazing city! I majored in dance at the University of the Arts where every day for four years, I went to an 8 a.m. ballet classes. My teachers ranged from ballerinas from The Pennsylvania Ballet, The Hungarian National Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet. My days also consisted of modern and jazz dancing, even African dancing. My favorite classes, though, were stylized ones — Fosse and hip-hop. Although most of my classes consisted of dancing, I still had to take core classes — math, science and history.
SD: That's awesome — sounds like Fame! All right, switching gears. I know you're starting a new job — exciting! What will you be doing?
ZB: I was just hired as a sales coordinator at a media company. My main job is to communicate with cable systems and advertising agencies to ensure all cable spots are confirmed and running correctly.
SD: Awesome! Congrats! So, many fans would be happy to hear you're a Georgia girl born and raised. What is your favorite part of being a hometown girl?
ZB: Having a huge support system. My family and friends are very important to me, and it's nice to be surrounded by all of them.
SD: Speaking of, you're a part of a big family — what is that like?
ZB: Loud! Growing up my house was very loud. Having two younger sisters and a younger brother can get very hectic.
SD: What's something most people wouldn't know about?
ZB: My hands sweat all the time! It's embarrassing in the locker room when we hold hands and say our game-day prayer. I always apologize for my sweaty palms.
SD: Actually, this is true, I think we're always next to each other in prayer. OK, sweaty palms, pick a super-power: flying or invisibility.
ZB: I think it would be amazing to be able to be invisible whenever I wanted. Plus, I don't like heights, so flying is out.
SD: What's your favorite part of being an Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader?
ZB: Performing. I've been dancing for as long as I can remember and it is a great opportunity to continue my passion as an adult.
SD: What's your favorite gameday or locker room memory?
ZB: My favorite gameday memory was last year during the Falcons vs. Ravens game. After losing a fourth quarter lead, Roddy White hauled in a 33-yard touchdown pass from Matt Ryan with 20 seconds left in the game, resulting in a Falcons victory. I was right next to Roddy when he caught that pass and couldn't believe my eyes!
SD: I love that you know all the details of that. All right, last question. What's something most people would be surprised to learn about the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders?
ZB: I've actually been asked a lot of questions by people who are curious about professional cheerleaders and how we balance everything. Most people are surprised when they find out that every girl on the squad is required to have a full time job or be a full time student. Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders prides itself on having motivated, professional women making up its squad!
For more on hometown girl Zorah B., check out her bioor find her on Facebook! As always you can find me on Twitter and Facebook – feel free to ask me questions! Stay tuned for another AFC interview next week!
Cheers,
Sara D.
