Suffolk News-Herald

It may be a blast to be a National Football League cheerleader, especially when you’re dancing for the team of which you’ve been a fan of since birth. But according to Washington Redskins cheerer Christine (a lifelong fan of the DC team), what fans see at a game is a small part of a cheerleader’s life.

&uot;Games are maybe 20 percent of cheering,&uot; she said Saturday, signing an autograph at the Grand Re-opening of the Burger King at 1461 N. Main Street (security issues prohibit cheerleaders from using their full names at promotional appearances). &uot;The rest of it is making appearances at places like businesses and other promotional events.&uot; Now in her third year of cheering for the ‘Skins, Christine knows how tough a life it is to lead.

&uot;We have tryouts in April, and we start practicing twice a week right after that,&uot; she said. &uot;We do several promotions, charity events, and a bunch of grand openings like this.&uot; Not just in America, either; several &uot;Redskinettes&uot; are entertaining troops in the Middle East, and Christine will be heading to the Balkans in late June.

But there’s no substitute for the crowds at Fed Ex Field, says Sooin, a five-year member of the team. &uot;I feel like I have the best seat in the house,&uot; she said. &uot;It’s great if you love performing, stay in shape, and keep a good attitude. My first game was my best experience, because I couldn’t believe how many people there were.&uot; Both cheerleaders called middle linebacker LaVar Arrington – commonly known as one of the most popular players in the league – the nicest Redskin.

&uot;They’re definitely going all the way next year,&uot; Sooin said.

Suffolkians will get another chance to meet some Redskins cheerleaders; a new pair will be visiting the Main Street Burger King next Saturday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.