As the team waited patiently for Gemma to get changed into the Scorpion's uniform, Dixie waited outside the changing room ready to laugh at Gemma who was glad she had worn her sports bra!! She was shy at first but soon got into the spirit of things and while Dixie recorded the whole thing, Gemma tried everything from the splits (which she did brilliantly by the way) to a back bend (which she did with enthusiasm and a little help from the wall!!). She also learned to do toe-touches and joined in with the gymnastics.

After she was properly warmed up, Pat (our manager) instructed the team to show her the winning Senior routine which we performed at UKCA. Both Dixie and Gemma gasped as the tumblers tumbled and the Scorpions performed their best stunts. Then it was time for Gemma to join in again. Nicola B, Sarah and Hannah showed Gemma a prep and cradle and then she had a go at basing herself. - she did very well for her first ever stunt and even managed to base an extension which she was very proud of!! Next it was time for Gemma to learn a cheer.  Nicola B showed her the first few moves of our Co-ed cheer and with the encouragement of the team she did the first few moves perfectly - it was just a shame there wasn't enough time for her to learn the whole thing.

At the end, Dixie made sure we all had our say on Gemma's performance as he went round the whole team and asked us each out name and our opinion on how Gemma did. Of course we were all happy to say she did an awesome job and just as happy for the whole team to be on air!! At the end of the training session, Pat made Gemma an honorary member of the Scorpions and presented her with a medal and her very own Scorpion's t-shirt which she promised to wear with pride.

The RockFM team were ready to leave but not before some pictures of the whole team with Gemma were taken (and not forgetting Dixie trying to do the splits and nearly ripping his pants!).  The whole thing was aired this morning (16th June) at 8.20am when positive comments were made about the team and all the best bits from the night's training were aired including Gemma swearing loudly as she saw the stunts and the tumbles which obviously impressed her.

Overall the event was very positive and a chance to get the team noticed. Who knows - maybe in the near future the Blackpool Scorpions will be cheerleading at one of RockFM's events! Well done again to Gemma and Dixie too, who we tried to make join in but who sadly refused. Thanks to Pat as well who got a special mention on air for being so nice!! awwww GOOD JOB SCORPIONS!!!!

Oh and Gemma - want to join the Scorpions??  

By Marie Salvatore.

16 June 2004