Welcome To Badgerette Pom Pon

*8/23/2010 updated
2010 NewYork City Dance Starz Tours & 2011 Hollywood Dance Adventure Tours

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We are pleased to announce...
2010 NYC Dance Starz Tour~ Nov. 12-15
2011 Hollywood Dance
Adventure Tour ~ March 10-14

2010 NYC DANCE STARZ TOUR INVITES ARE OUT! ALL deposits are DUE by August 31st for inclusion. We have secured a fantastic land package price and flight (out of Milw., WI). Enjoy this incredible NYC experience brought to you only by Badgerette! Call 888-617-POMS if you have further questions.

2011 HOLLYWOOD DANCE ADVENTURE TOUR INVITES ARE COMING! WE HOPE TO HAVE ALL FLIGHTS SECURED BY WED., 8/25. Thank you for your patience while we secure you the BEST package price for our Badgerette dancers! You will receive updates through email and regualr mail.

THANK YOU FOR AN AMAZING TOUR!
The 1st Badgerette California Tour was amazing! Thank you to the great dancers and chaperones who joined us. Your positive energy, excitement and efforts were wonderful. We were lucky to have wonderful weather, a packed weekend and lots of laughs. The sunshine, parks, pool, shopping, and beach weall we could have hoped for and more! It was a pleasure having you join us and we can't wait to see your pictures. Please email your favorite memories to us for sharing ASAP! Have a great Spring & we miss you:)
~ Anne Caskey, Betsy Carr, Holly Keskey & Jenny Murphy

MEET THE DANCERS & CHAPERONES:
Lauren Tetzke - Germantown HS, WI
Lauren Kramer - Germantown HS, WI
Hayley Tyvoll - Germantown HS, WI
Emma Werner - Germantown HS, WI
Aubrey Fisher - Madison Memorial HS, WI
Thuy Dan Tran - Madison Memorial HS, WI
Lily Morrison-Phillips - Madison Memorial HS, WI
Kirsten Lee - Madison Memorial HS, WI
Megan Radke - Madison Memorial HS, WI
Lauren Revello - Madison Memorial HS, WI
Jenna Lee Helgestad - Cambridge HS, WI
Alexandra Olson - Wauwatosa Esprit Seniors, WI
Tamara Crouch - chaperone
Ember Harr - Pius XI HS, WI
Leanne Ballering - Pius XI HS, WI
Kourtney Jennings - Washington Park HS, WI
Bryan Jennings - chaperone
Taryn MacInnis - Sault Area HS, MI
Dezria MacInnis - chaperone
Dawn Bishop - chaperone
Hayley Smith - Washington Park HS, WI
Anita Smith - chaperone
Janae Long - St.Catherine's HS, WI
Gina Carron - Pius XI HS, WI
Angie Cianciolo, Wauwatosa Esprit Seniors, WI
Corinne Werner - Madison Memorial HS, WI
Brianna Prescott - Pius XI HS, WI
Rachel Bzdawka - Cudahy HS, WI
Jackie Bzdawka- chaperone
Alyssa Kram - Muskego HS, WI
TiAnne Kram - chaperone
Ciara Kram - chaperone
Krysta McLaughlin - Madison Memorial HS, WI
Karyn Crivello - chaperone
Anne Caskey - Director
Betsy Carr - Director
Holly Keskey - Staff
Jenny Murphy - Staff
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2010 NYC DANCE STARZ TOUR will be November 12-15, 2010

The 2009 NYC DANCE STARZ tour was AMAZING! We could not have asked for a better group to join us for this jam-packed event. From the tour and shopping; to the shows, dance classes and weather... it was just so perfect! Thank you to the wonderful dancers and parents who joined us in making it such a wonderful weekend. Stay tuned as more pictures and notes are posted here. A special thank you to our fantastic guide, Gil and the parents who came ... you added so much to make the tour wonderful for all! We appreciate your participation and excitement in making the experience one we will never forget.
Thank you for joining us, it was a blast! ~ Anne, Alli, Teresa, Izzy & Candace

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My Lovely Ladies~ I cant even begin to think of a favorite memory for this weekend trip to New York. I have never been surrounded by such friendly girls and their mothers. Seeing all the sights and learning about the history was amazing. There were moments that words can not explain how grateful I am to have experienced. New York is a city full of many wonders and thanks to you I had the pleasure of enjoying them all :) Granted we did get lost a few times. . . but the hustle and bustle made it entirely worth it. The musicals themselves took my breath away. To see that these people did that every night for a living just caused that much more inspiration to myself and I'm sure the fellow girls with me. The time I spent in New York dancing and learning about it will never be forgotten, along with the girls. It seemed that being in such a wonderful atmosphere and awe filled place brought us all closer together instantly. There was never a moment in which I felt uncomfortable and I really can not express my gratitude towards all of you. To pick a favorite moment is more than impossible because everything about this trip was my favorite moment. I wouldn't trade any of it for the world. . . even our trip to mars :) With all of my love and gratitude...
~ Cortney Pelzek, Oak Creek HS, WI

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This is going to be impossible for me. I honestly don't think I can even narrow it down to 5 favorite moments! I loveeedd the entire New York trip. First of all, I loved all the girls! I was so nervous going alone but all the girls were so sweet. I had new friends before I even left Milwaukee. I also absolutely loved Wicked and West Side Story. I was quoting GA-linda all weekend long and then tried to when I got back to Milwaukee...but people just stared at me. I guess that will just have to be a Dance Starz inside joke. I loved the dance classes as well. I was sooo far out of my comfort zone; the jazz funk and hip hop classes were both like nothing I have ever done before. It was unbelievable to watch these choreographers and some of the people in the classes! They were amazing. I loved the bus tour with Gil! He was hilarious, especially having all the vendors swarm our bus. He had so much information and I felt like we saw everything! I honestly could just keep writing forever. I had the most amazing time last weekend. I never wanted it to end. Thank you Anne, and all the chaperones, and all the girls!
~ Tori Mayo, Nathan Hale HS- West Allis, WI

Anne & Badgies~ Before I say anything about the trip, I just want to thank you so very much for this incredible experience. It's definitely one I will never forget. How am I suppose to pick a favorite moment? That's impossible... I LOVED IT ALL! :) I have soo many pictures, its unreal. The musicals and site seeing were amazing! I still can't get over how big NYC is! Shopping was of course a favorite. How could someone not love Chinatown? The dance classes at the Broadway Center were a blast! And of course making new friendships that you know wouldn't be lost no matter how many miles away we all are from each other. I loved getting to know the girls. So, as you can see, I really can't say just one favorite. Lastly, I want to thank Badgerette for everything it has done. It's an amazing company that I truly do admire with my heart. Thank you once again for the amazing trip! :)
~ Catey Frost, Oshkosh West HS, WI

Traveling to New York City with the Badgettes will always be one of our all time favorite mother-daughter moments! Our sincere thanks. You did a fantastic job of giving us all the true experiences of New York. From St Patricks Cathedral to Rockefeller Center, Time Square to Broadway, Ground Zero to Chinatown (who didn't come back with purse story!), Broadway dance to contemporary, memories of this trip will always make us smile. Badgerette has helped Kim grow in skill, leadership and self confidence. Kim has had several goals that she has been able to accomplish with the guidance of Badgerette...Becoming a member of the Oak Creek PomSquad, visiting New York City, visiting a professional dance studio...so what does she do now....SHE’S GOING TO DISNEY!!!! Another item on her list of lifetime goals to achieve. We are looking forward to our time with the Badgerttes in February. See you then!
~ Patty and Kim Sobolik, Oak Creek High School, WI

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Thank you for yet another wonderful trip to NYC! Everything ran smoothly and I really enjoyed interacting with everyone. My favorites were: Wicked - need I say more?, WestSide Story - amazing dancing, Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity, Tap Classes, and spending time with Rachel and Kaity. Looking forward to seeing all of you soon.
~ Allison Stray, Cudahy HS Coach, WI

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Hi Anne and Badgies! First of all, I would like to thank you for such an amazing experience in New York with the Dance Starz! I had such an amazing time... It was a trip I will truly never forget! As a young pom girl I dreamed of going on this trip, and it was everything I imagined it would be!

Some of my favorite memories were the Broadway plays, shopping in China town, and just walking through Times Square! I absolutely loved both Wicked and West Side Story. I'm a huge fan of musicals and I definitely enjoyed seeing them on Broadway. I also loved shopping in China town and learning how to bargain :). Going to buy purses was a little crazy, with the hidden doors and secret rooms! I thought Times Square was awesome during the day... and then I saw it at night with all the lights! I felt like a kid in a toy store the whole time. I just kept taking pictures!

Finally, I loved meeting all the girls who came along on the tour! I enjoyed spending time with my roommates and getting to know them. It was an awesome group of girls and I can't wait to see them again at competitions throughout the year! Thanks again for the wonderful memories!
~ Lauren Tetzke, Germantown HS, WI

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Anne,Teresa, Alli and Izzy~ Thank you so much for the awesome experience this past weekend. I was thrilled when Cortney got the invite. I have to say that I was not prepared for such an adventure. Gil was amazing as our guide. Every time he mentioned something about the city I wanted to make sure I went there! The girls and the parents that went were all so nice and friendly. It was nice to talk to parents about all of our experiences and share a common enthusiasm for dance/poms. Bubba Gumps was so much fun and the trip to Mars was definitely different. It always amazes me how organized and well run the trips and competitions are that Badgerette runs. This trip was no exception. Thank Tom when you see him. Cortney and I loved all the theater and dance history of the city. The musicals that we saw were amazing. We both came out of Wicked with tears in our eyes. The whole experience was invigorating and very moving. To see Ground Zero and remember what our country went thru and how we pulled together gave me goose bumps. Giving the girls the chance to take Broadway dance classes was an experience that I know Cortney will never forget. Don't worry if we get invited again next year, I will bring the map, so you can relax. :) I really appreciate the opportunity that you and the Badgerette organization give the girls and the time and effort you put into this for them. It was also nice to meet your husband and parents. Thank you all again!
~ Christal Pelzek, Oak Creek pom mom, WI *******************************************************************
When I look back on my years in high school, I know that my trips to New York will always be in my memory. I would like to sincerely thank you for giving me this opportunity as well as providing the best experience possible on both of my trips. Its not everyday that you get to hang out in New York with your mom, your best friend, your pom coach, and many other amazing girls that are passionate about the same thing you are. Even though many of the plans were the same for both trips, the experience was still completely different. There was a drastic change in number of attendants this year compared to last year and this really allowed me to get to know every girl that was onthe trip. I loved shopping, sight seeing, and the atmosphere of the big city. Wicked is now my favorite musical and West Side Story had amazing, inspiring dance numbers. My favorite part, however, was the dance classes. I learned a lot of new techniques in jazz and had a blast in hip hop. This trip was FULL of great memories that I know I will carry with me forever.
~ Rachel Bzdawka, Cudahy HS, WI

Loren, Tim, and I want to thank you for an awesome trip to New York. What an incredible experience. We appreciate how much time goes into planning a trip that is filled with so many activities. The sightseeing was great, the hotel location couldn't have been better, and the shows were spectacular. Loren said she tried to hold back her tears in Billy Elliot, but just couldn't. She loved the dance classes and said that it wasn't at all what she was expecting. And then there was the shopping-doesn't everyone need to experience buying a purse on Canal Street?

Our family loves to travel and Tim and I have always tried to create lasting memories, the ones that families talk about forever. Thanks so much for creating a wonderful lasting memory of our trip to New York. You are appreciated,
Cora Kramer ~ Germantown HS pom mom, WI

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What an amazing and awesome trip we had with you, Holly, Andrea, Candace, Michelle and" The Man"-Gil! What a wonderful opportunity for our daughters to be a part of a great group of girls and parents to share such cherished memories and once in a lifetime opportunities to enjoy together. Emily was so excited to take part with an awesome group of girls with the Broadway Dancers. Her love of dance had been enhanced by the NYC Broadway experience! WE appreciated all your hard work with your staff in organizing and making it possible to take advantage of all the great excitement of New York! We enjoyed every moment of every day! Even Canal Street, I felt a little naughty that day.... That was an experience in itself! The Billy Elliot Play and Grease were magnificent! !!!!!!!!!!!
The tour on the double- decker bus with our host was very interesting. He was a golden book of knowledge! You can tell that he loves the City of New York immensely! I cannot say enough good things about the whole experience! And, to be able to enjoy the experience with my daughter was priceless. We had an amazing time with EVERYONE! I was very impressed with your professionalism, knowledge and sense of venture which made the trip all the more exciting! I want to thank you and tell you how much we appreciate your kindness and the wonderful opportunity you have given Emily and allowing me to share it with her.

PLEASE send a BIG thank you to GIL! He's the greatest! He made sure that we had the best time ever in his hometown too! He left us all with a loving impression of a great city!
With sincere gratitude to you and your great staff of wonderful ladies!
Thank you! Emily and Mary Feiten ~ Muskego HS, WI

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Anne and the Badgerette Staff,

Amber and I both wanted to thank all of you for such a FANTASTIC opportunity. NYC was so much more than we had anticipated, not only was the city awesome, the trip was so well organized and the time spent with the Badgerette staff, Gil and of course everyone else is something that will never be forgotten. It was amazing to see how the girls and parents from all over bonded with each other and forgot all about being competitors. Thank you again for this wonderful experience. You guys are "THE BEST"! Amber and Kim Peplinski - Oak Creek

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My sister Anita forwarded your email you sent to all in attendance for the NY trip and I just wanted to send you a "thank you" for making me a part. From getting a shirt and pen (with my name on!) to being mentioned in your email. For you to put together a gathering of this size and keeping it completely orgainized has got to take a lot of time and effort! I sure hope the girls appreciated and know how much work this is. They not only went to a different city but one of the biggest and noted in the country. I sure did! I could not have put this together they way you did.
Thank you again. Really enjoyed myself.
Kathy Zimmer "proud aunt" of Becca Anuszewski ~ Oak Creek, WI

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This past weekend was one of the most enjoying weekends I have ever had. I had a blast. I'm so glad I got the chance to become friends with girls that I probably would have never met. This was a great experience that I will always remember.
Thanks, Sam Magyar ~ Oak Creek, WI

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I just wanted to Thank You for giving the Carly the opportunity to go to New York once again this year. It sounds like you all had a great time. I laughed when she told me her stories of seeing her “First NY Squirrel in Central Park” and when you gave the microphone to the Mayor of Strawberry Fields! She loved watching the performance of Billy Elliot, meeting new pom/dance friends, shopping for purses, and taking classes with Derek Mitchell, Chio, Jamie Jackson and Eric Negron at Broadway Dance Center. The classes challenged her dancing abilities and she learned some new skills and moves. What an amazing opportunity for these girls to get the chance to take dance classes from such outstanding performers & choreographers. This most definitely was a highlight of her trip.
Diane Scanlon (Carly Sigear's mom) ~ Eau Claire North, WI

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Dear Anne and Badgerette Staff,
First off, thank you all so much for dedicating your time to help girls like me, be able to experience things that would not be offered to us anywhere but through Badgerette. This was my first trip to New York City, and will be a weekend to remember! I got to know my pom girls, Karyn, and to some of the other girls on the tour so much better. All we talk about is how much we miss being in the Big Apple. Nevertheless, I had the time of my life! Both Billy Elliot and Grease were truly fantastic shows that definitely deserved a spot on the agenda. The dance classes definitely pushed me, but they were the best classes I have ever taken period, and the fun Gill-guided tours of the city were also something I will undoubtedly never forget! This tour was bigger, better than I could have ever imagined! I was sad, however, to leave, as I just started to get to know some of the girls on the tour. They were all very welcoming, and fun to be around. I can’t wait until the All Starz Tour, and to re-meet some of the amazing people that were on the Dance Starz Tour. I wish I could have gotten the chance to talk to you more, but I have a feeling we will be keeping in touch as the season progresses. Again, thank you all so much! Being a part of Badgerette has defiantly made my high school career so much more meaningful.
Love, Bridget Mucha ~ Pius XI Varsity, WI

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Dear Anne and the Badgerette Staff,
I just wanted to commend you for the truly wonderful experience we shared in New York. I was a little anxious about going but everything was so smooth and organized and FUN! Billy Elliot and Grease were fantastic, the bus tour was a wild ride (especially if you sat on the top deck in the front, taxi cabs are crazy!) and informative and the shopping on Canal St. was an experience I'll not soon forget! A huge THANK YOU to Gil, our tour guide, for his New York knowledge and patience with our group. (I just wish we could have kept pace with his fast walking!)

The biggest surprise was watching the girls (and parents too) getting to know each other and laughing and sharing. These girls are competitors and yet all were kind to each other, it was wonderful to see. It really says a lot for these girls and for Badgerette for encouraging friendships as well as teaching technique and good sportsmanship to our dancers. I'm so glad that Muskego Dance Team got involved with Badgerette for Kelly's Senior year, we're all taking special memories with us always.

Linda Ilk~ Pom parent, Muskego High School Dance Team, WI

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Just a quick note to thank you so much for the opportunity to go with Sophie and Ebony on the New York Dance Starz trip. It was outstanding. The trip was planned so well, down to the last detail and it really showed. Not just the cute place we stayed at but also the people you had there for us. Gill and the Tour Guide on our bus trip were both unbelievable, you can really tell how much they love their city and it really made all of us feel closer to the city, the history and the people.

Of course you and your Staff were always on top of everyone and everything, it’s a joy to be around you and the Badgerettes. You could definitely see all of their passions in everything they do. They are such wonderful role models to all the girls; it’s very rare to have living examples of what you can do right in front of you.

I know at the girls’ age, they have a lot of people telling them what is possible after High School, but you showed them what’s out there and that is worth so much more. And if the Dance Studio didn’t get to them, “Billy Elliot” sure did. I’ve never seen anything so powerful as that show. I think we all found a bit of ourselves in Billy.

Sincerely, Jill Jarapko (a grateful Pom Mom) ~ Washington Park HS, Racine, WI

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The New York trip was better than I could have ever imagined! I had the most wonderful time touring the city, and getting a taste of the life a dancer in NYC lives. I had such a great time learning from Derek Mitchell and experiencing the Broadway Dance Center. Billy Elliot left me in complete awe, that only the rest of the members on the trip can understand. I cannot even begin to describe the feeling I had after seeing that young boy dance. Being without any parents there I was able to bond with my coach and the two other girls on my team. We cannot stop talking about the fun times we had that we like to call our "New York Moments." Every girl on the trip was so kind and open to creating new friendships I completely forgot they are the girls I compete against year round. I met people that I would never have gotten the opportunity to meet and we were able to exchange numbers so we can stay in touch! My school and squad are so proud that we were chosen to be apart of this trip which makes me even more grateful. Poms is such a big part of my high school career, and I'm so blessed to be able to leave my senior year knowing that i've recieved so much from Badgerette. Thank you for this amazing opportunity and a fantastic four days!

Love, Kenzie Ganter ~ Pius XI High School, Milwaukee

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What a great time we had!! What a crazy and interesting city. There was alot to do and it was great! The meals, the shows the siteseeing!! All great!! We really liked Gil. It was really fun to experience after hearing it talked about from other families for so many years.

What I have to say is about the girls that went (the parents too) but especially the girls; I am the type of parent that wants my daughters freinds to come over and not act wierd or immature or intimidated, just be yourself. These girls can hold conversations, tell you personal things and just plain talk to you and it was a THRILL!!. All of the parents of these girls should feel proud that their daughters showed so much character. It's hard to explain, but girls I didn't even know (yet) would just walk next to you and start talking to you about anything. I saw my daughter doing it too, so I hope that parents feel the same about her ...and then all of the parents were so nice too.

And then Anne you and your staff. You must feel proud to have such helpful and caring staff working for you. I have known this for years but really saw it come true in respect to having to "take care of" such a large group. I can cry with each letter I type. Everything is the last for me this year and this was one of the great ways to have Becca's season be ending. We fortunately have the great Florida trip to see her at and I will cry when I write to thank you for that too.

Ok I will stop now. Thank you again.
Love, Anita & Becca Anuszewski and Auntie Kathy ~ Oak Creek, WI

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Jessie and I just wanted to thank you so much for the wonderful time we had in New York! The trip was organized so well and everything went so smoothly. We were able to pack so much into a relatively short time – shopping in Times Square and on Canal St., the dinners and the musicals, a carriage ride in Central Park, and the bus tour. Our walking guide, Gil, was an absolute delight – so knowledgeable and so much fun! Whenever Jessie and I watch the Today Show from now on, I’m sure we’ll both smile, remembering Gil at the taping, shouting out, “Meredith, we love you!”

Jessie LOVED the dance classes and I’m so happy that she was able to have that experience. I’m sure it will be something that she’ll always remember. I was so glad that you included a stop by the Dakota and a visit to Strawberry Fields in Central Park during the bus tour. I’m a huge Beatles fan and being able to see those places really meant a lot to me!

The girls and parents from the other teams as well as the Badgerette staff were all so friendly and it was a true pleasure to travel with them. Jessie and I really appreciate all the time and effort you put into planning this trip. We had an absolutely fantastic time!

Thanks again,
Mary and Jessie Fecteau ~ Germantown High School, WI

************************2007 BADGERETTE DANCE STARZ
Dance Starz in Battery Park by the Statue of Liberty

The NYC Broadway Dance Center's "Hip Hop Queen" Chio and our Dance Starz.

Our private dance class with Heather Purcell, one of the lead dancers in "A Chorus Line"

2006 BIG APPLE DANCE STARZ TOUR

After our private class with Chio

Outside Broadway Dance Center

2005-2006 BIG APPLE DANCE STARZ TOUR

*8/23/2010 updated 2010 NewYork City Dance Starz Tours & 2011 Hollywood Dance Adventure Tours

*8/23/2010 updated
2010 NewYork City Dance Starz Tours & 2011 Hollywood Dance Adventure Tours