Annette Perry – From Sideline Distraction To Fitness Attraction!

Alumni Cheerleaders Correspondent, Amy Campbell (former Cincinnati Bengals/Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader), interviewed member Annette Perry (former New England Patriots Cheerleader) for our “Sideline Distraction to Fitness Attraction” feature.

What professional dance/cheer team were you a member? I cheered for the New England Patriots in 2002.

How many years/seasons were you a member? I cheered for 1 year.

When did you begin competing in Fitness? Why? I have always been active my whole life.  I began dancing at 3 years old and have really never stopped.  In high school and college I cheered for football, basketball and the competition team.  At the end of my sophomore year in college, I made the Patriots Cheerleading Squad.  When I was finished cheering, I knew there had to be something else out there for me.  Performing is a passion for me, and I have always loved to hit the gym hard.  Fitness was the perfect fit.  I went to see a show and it was love at first sight.

How many years have you been competing in Fitness?  I have been competing for 4 years now.  Wow does time fly!

How is competing similar to your experience as a dancer/cheerleader? How is it different? The rush I used to get when running onto the field to perform for half time is the same rush I get when I walk onto that stage.  There is nothing else like it, and I love every second of it!  It is different in the sense that when you are cheering for a professional team, you are dancing with a group of girls.  In fitness, it is not a team sport.  You have to go onstage alone for your routine and for the physique round.  I will never forget when I stepped on stage for the first time, I was so nervous.  I was used to having a team of girls with me!!  However, I have gotten used to it and I actually get really excited to walk on stage and perform my fitness routine.

How do you think your experience as a professional dancer/cheerleader prepared you to be a Fitness competitor? I have always been a performer, but when I became a cheerleader I really learned the meaning of performance.  I got the opportunity to dance for 10′s of thousands of fans.  I got to make people smile, and cheer, and get excited.  I take that with me onto the stage and my job is to make everyone in that audience as excited to see my routine as I am to do it.  I promise to bring one heck of a show every time I compete and after 4 years people know they are going to get that!

What is your favorite Fitness trick/move? I love, love, love to fly through the air!! My favorite tricks are shushunovas!

How did you decide on the theme for your Fitness routine? My theme this year is “bollywood”.  We got the idea from Slum Dog Millionaire.  I was so touched by the movie that I wanted to pay tribute to the children of Mumbai and my routine is the tribute.

What one tip would you give pro dancers/cheerleaders who are thinking about competing in Fitness?  I would tell them to go for it!   I have made some of my best friends through competing, had the most amazing memories, traveled all over the country, and have pushed myself to places I have never thought possible.  Competing has made me a better person and I am thankful every day I have had the opportunity to experience all that I have.  I think everyone should be able to experience the same. Take the chance! It is an absolute ball!

Annette Perry
Ms. Bikini Universe Short Class Champion 2009
Ms. Fitness Atlantic Champion 2009
NPC Jay Cutler Classic Bikini Champion 2009

Photo by Gordon J Smith

Photo by Gordon J Smith

Photo by Gordon J Smith