The Pro Cheerleading Podcast
The podcast for all things pro cheer, advocacy in our industry, and the insider from Mhkeeba Pate on "The Truth Behind the Poms.”
There is a reason The Pro Cheerleading Podcast is the first to be featured under the People & Places tab on our site and it is because she has been such a light and inspiration to dancers in our industry amongst some of negative events since 2018.
Professional dance team eliminations.
About
This podcast holds a special space in our community, not only providing the opportunity for people to hear more about the true lifestyles of professional dancers and cheerleaders, but to provide/advocate as a voice to our profession. (Which is what this website is all about in the first place.. so it only makes sense that we’re a little obsessed with her!)
As many of us know, in recent times, we are witnessing NBA dance teams and NFL cheerleading teams either being completely cut from their organizations - without any notice - or eliminated/entirely “re-branded.”
This is not to say her podcast doesn’t offer more regarding insight and knowledge to professional dancers, as she shares a lot behind our lifestyles (game days, auditions, coaching perspectives, training, etc.), but a lot of her following looks to her with this specific topic.
Mhkeeba shares her story and insiders on all things Pro Cheerleading Podcast.
As professional dancers ourselves, we can tell you that first hand - it hurts. To see something that you have loved and admired being replaced like it isn’t a professional sport in itself. We are the first to say that we LOVE our male dancers in this industry (that is not to get lost here) but to completely disregard the empowering and inspiring teams of women and legacy that has molded so many young girls, is a whole other thing. Making it seem as though what we do is not valid, impressive, or top caliber by being dominantly female. In a world where men dominate professional sports, it is truly magical to have the ability to strive for the top as female dancers and leave our legacy under the lights.
But, that is where Mhkeeba stepped up and gave us something to lean on when we all questioned (and still do) if this was valid for them to do or will our team be next? I go as far as to say some of us question: “Is what we are doing not valid or relevant the way it was?” or “Was this dream I worked so hard towards only a replaceable “phase” of the professional sports world?” and so on.
Without the opportunities to make it to the professional level in dance, I wonder: who would I be today and where would my life have taken me?
To not have had these empowering women to look up to as a young girl, to not have a passion that I have been able to continue on, and to not have developed the skills that come with fighting for an ultimate dream.. where would I be? Where would you be? Where will other young dancers be without just the opportunity to continue on after their high school or collegiate careers?
To hear my number called when I finally made my dream team – essentially 10 years in the making – is a feeling you will never be able to describe or replicate. A life you have put the time in to and never gave up on is undefinable. Something that everyone deserves to experience in their lifetimes. It is something to be eternally grateful for and something that should be there for others to experience down the line.
These teams make us who we are. No matter where that dream begins, it latches onto to us. We spend years and years pushing to earn a spot on the professional stage – one that is highlighting and reflects an accomplished platform.
It is just as Mhkeeba talks about after the elimination of the Washington Football Cheerleaders. We understand that everything evolves and grows, there is nothing wrong with that. But to just end something without any regard for the platform or legacy.. that everything it was and stood for in the past wasn’t something worth celebrating. It’s just heartbreaking.
Mhkeeba, her podcast, and her platform have made an impact on so many dancers (probably more than she knows!) Not only giving us a voice, but taking action. Drafting up well-written letters to the front office executives and explaining things with an intelligent perspective, utilizing her background in law. All around finding ways we can stand up for the truth of NFL cheerleading, NBA dancing, and every other dancer/cheerleader feeling like they don’t really have a voice.
A few things you will find on The Pro Cheerleading Podcast:
The truth behind our poms - what it really is to be a professional dancer/cheerleader
Insiders on our lifestyles (makeup, appearance, pay, contracts, etc.)
Contradicting of all the negative media promoted just for a quick read.
Interviews with pro cheer businesses, former pro cheerleaders, former pro dancers, coaches, and more.)
Audition stories and tips
Game day stories and tips
Industry unionization
And of course - her advocacy and voice regarding treatment of NFL cheerleaders and NBA dancers
The Podcast
“Pro Cheerleading Podcast: The Truth Behind the Poms is the only podcast that gives you a raw and unfiltered perspective of what it's really like to be a professional cheerleader. Hosted by Mhkeeba Pate, a former attorney and NFL Cheerleader for five seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, this groundbreaking podcast finally gives pro cheerleaders a voice on issues facing the pro cheerleading community.
Whether you're currently on a professional team, an alumni or really curious about the audition process to become a pro cheerleader, this podcast shares all the inside scoop and hot topics in the pro cheerleading industry with in-depth interviews of dance team directors, choreographers, current and former pro cheerleaders.”
“Every Wednesday, Mhkeeba reveals the untold truths from inside the cheerleader locker room and helps build a sense of community among professional cheerleaders from various sports teams, alumni and aspiring pro cheerleaders.”
Instagram: procheerleadingpodcast
Thank you for all you do to provide and advocacy to our industry Mhkeeba! Keep doing what you do best!
-The Sideline Secrets
