Raiderettes Dancing Ever so Gracefully in the Rain

By Larry Garcia-Raiderdrive-BASD 1-05-05
Photo by Doug Farrell

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Gene Kelly, a singer, dancer, actor and choreographer who sang the infamous song “Dancing in the Rain” in Paris on the Town, An American in Paris (1949-52) danced away with grace and smiled all the way through.

One elite group that represents the epitome of this profession is the Oakland Raiderettes, aptly called Football’s Fabulous Females. 

The Raiderettes did the same (danced in the rain) on Sunday, January 2, 2005.  No, they didn’t dance in Paris, but danced ever so gracefully drenched in the rain and smiled all the way through as Mother Nature filled the gray puffy clouds that showered the Net Works Coliseum in Oaktown filled with fans of Silver & Black.  It was cloudy, chilly and rainy; no disrespect to “Mother Nature”, but not even she can take the smile away from these lovely girls who gave it all as they danced in puddles that splashed in rhythm with “Football’s Fabulous Females”.

Karen Kovac (Raiderette Director- Choreographer) as Gene Kelley, is also a pretty good dancer and choreographer believe me, I witnessed it at the Raiderette tryouts and Karen was amazing. Karen makes sure her girls stay on top as the paramount in the NFL.  You could hear her, as she delivers the motto to the girls, “Smile girls, smile!”  Why are the Raiderettes “Footballs Fabulous Females?” Because of greatness that Al Davis brings to the organization, people like Mary Barnes and Al LoCasale who are now retired that passed the torch on to Karen Kovac that still burns with fire, passion and desire.  For the Raiderettes, it’s all “Commitment to Excellence”.

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