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Ascension Eagles appeared on ITV’s famous “An Audience with TAKE THAT” on Saturday 2nd December.  For the first time in its history, the ITV1 show was screened live for a viewing audience of ten million.

Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Jason Orange and Howard Donald performed a selection of their greatest hits plus some exclusive tracks from their new album, and took questions from their celebrity packed audience.

While it was a major event for the TAKE THAT stars, it was also a full weekend for Newham’s Ascension Eagles Cheerleaders (AEC).  After Friday night rehearsals at London TV Center, the Eagles were up early Saturday to compete at Future Cheer Winter Wonderland Championships at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.  Ninety-two Eagles competed in four different divisions, and won four first place titles.  In addition, the talented AEC teams won the top two Grand Champion trophies for achieving the highest Pee Wee, Youth and Junior overall score (AEC Cheer Extreme), as well as the highest overall Senior score (AEC Senior Coed).

“After the Senior Coed team competed, they literally exited the competition arena, collected their bags and ran to catch the train to Waterloo,” said AEC coach and choreographer Angela Brown.  “Thankfully, all the connections were spot on, and they arrived at London TV Center just in time to take the stage for the final rehearsal, which they executed perfectly.”

The Eagles then had a two hour wait before the live show, which gave them a chance to relax in their dressing room and to get food from the celebrity-packed canteen. 

“Our dressing room was in the same corridor as Take That’s, and the other dancers and band members,” said Britain’s top male cheerleader, Patrick Asante, 20, Plaistow.  “They kept walking past our room, and saying hello.  They were so friendly and polite.  I was really impressed.”

When the live show started, Ascension Eagles were escorted just outside the studio to watch the performances on the large-screen televisions.  Three minutes before their number, they were whisked into the studio to wait in the wings.

“As Take That performed SHINE from their new album, the Eagles danced onto the stage, much to the delight of the celebrity-packed audience,” said AEC Director Shara Brice. “When their acrobatic stunts went up, the crowd gasped in surprise.  It was amazing to see so much power-packed into the stage for this number.  At the end, the cheerleaders built our trademark ‘Big A’ pyramid, which they had to hold until the programme went into the commercial break.  Like true professionals, Ascension Eagles held their stunt.  TAKE THAT turned around applauded them and got the audience to give them another round of support.  It was absolutely incredible, truly a highlight in our 11 year career together.”

The Eagles were elated as they exited the studio, and waited by the large-screens to watch the rest of the programme, and to celebrate their spectacular performance.

“The enthusiasm from the crowd gave me an adrenaline rush, and gave me the courage to go out and do my stuff and perform to the best of my ability,” reflected Janice A.Davis, 15, Plaistow.

“The highlight of my night was actually being on the stage and being able to perform for all the celebrities in the audience and the millions of people at home,” added Chelsey Dezso, 15, Custom House.

“It was such a privilege to perform with such world-known artists,” said Leonie Linton, 17, Custom House.  “I wanted an encore so we could go back and do it again.”

Tovonya Raybe, 17, Beckton, agreed, “To work with such a high-profile group was amazing!  And then to get applause from TAKE THAT – well that’s hard to top.”

However, Steven Brown, 20, Custom House felt he could top that.  “One of the best bits for me was being personally thanked by LuLu, when she took time to stop and speak to me.  She was very genuine.  I will never forget that.” 

Lucy Boswell, 14, Canning Town, said, “My highlight was finding out we’d swept the board and won all our divisions at competition.  This gave me the enthusiasm to go on the floor and show people what cheerleaders are really like.  Throw away those stereotypes and realize we have a lot of skill.  It was a great evening and the best experience of my life.  I’d love to do it again.”

Mel Brown, 18, Custom House, agreed, “Performing alongside TAKE THAT was one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I feel so privileged to have been given such an opportunity.  It’s brilliant for cheerleading to become more recognized nationally and I hope to be able to do something this incredible again. Oh, and Gary Barlow winked at me!”

“This is one of those things that you grow up and tell your grandchildren about.  I really enjoyed it,” said Rachel Ward, 15, Custom House.

Natalie Baptiste, 24, Stratford, summed it up by saying, “It was amazing performing with and for celebrities.  It is every performers’ dream, and I lived that dream.  But the greatest thing is that I lived that dream with my AEC family.  We will remember this forever.”

Take That’s choreographer Kim Gavin had two rehearsals with the Eagles to get them ready for this special performance.  When the show finished, Kim paid a special visit to the Eagles dressing room to let them know what he thought.  Addressing the AEC team, he said, “Ascension Eagles you were great.  I cannot praise you enough.  You made the number.  The crowd gasped – they loved you.  Thank you for coming and shining tonight.  You are true professionals.”

Anna France, AEC’s Leadership & Lifeskills Coordinator said, “The professionalism of the whole AEC team was outstanding.  To compete at a major competition and then to go straight to such a high profile performance – having the same amount of energy and enthusiasm – is all credit to this amazing group of young people.  On a day like today it makes me incredibly proud to say that I work with Britain’s best cheerleaders.”

Take That have donated a signed copy of their “Ultimate Tour” DVD to the Ascension Eagles to use in their text “CHEER” to 84424 & win prize give-away.  Everyone who texts will be making £1.50 donation (mobile charges vary) and will have their number entered to win the signed DVD, or flights to Edinburgh or a signed West Ham ball, among other prizes.  Prize draw will take place in mid-January.

Ascension Eagles are working hard to raise the money needed for them to accept their bid to represent England at the Cheerleading World Championships in April.  London City Airport and The Royals Business Park have each pledged £1000.  Additional support is needed to help the Eagles accept this coveted invitation to compete on the World stage.  Please show your support by texting!  For more information, please contact director@ascensioneagles.com or visit www.ascensioneagles.com