A Saintsational step

NEW ORLEANS – First there was a LSU Golden Girl in the family.
Now the Heinen family can add the New Orleans Saintsation to their photo wall.
Elizabeth, the 19-year- old daughter of Dr. Monty and Tiffani Heinen has been selected as a member of the 2014 New Orleans dance and cheer team.
Older sister Lauren, 21, was named a LSU Golden Girl in 2011.
Heinen said the auditions started with over 200 participants who on the first day performed two dances, spoke in front of the judges, and had a taped practice interview.
After a series of three cuts the first day, 90 moved on to the semifinals.
Heinen said the second day included other interviews and a “long” test on the NFL.
“We had to know about positions, teams, mascots, and information about the Saints history,” she said.
Heinen said after the next cut there were 50 still-hopeful candidates.
The finals were held at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, where Heinen had test shots taken and performed two more dances in front of the judges.
The next day a team of 36 was posted on the New Orleans Saints official web site.
“We cheer and dance at all preseason games, home games,” she said. “We go to appearances regularly and have the chance to go perform for troops.
“I really don't know how I got so lucky, but I'm so excited and thankful enough for this amazing opportunity.”
The 14 years of dance at Oliva Dodd Studio in Eunice, Heinen said helped prepare her for this next step.
“She really influenced us a lot,” Heinen said. “She wanted us to stay physically fit but it was also mental.
“She would tell us to go all out to reach our dreams,” Heinen said. “She wanted us to dream big.”
Being a captain of the St. Edmund cheerleader squad also helped shape her, the LSU student said.
“Those two combined really helped me to be the best dancer I could be.”
Heinen was first-runner-up for Miss Dance Texas in 2010.
She was also Miss Louisiana Teen USA in 2011.
Finding the time for college and cheering at Saints games won’t be a problem she said.
“I find when I have more on my plate I get a lot more stuff done,” she said.
“I was always busy in high school, especially the year I won Miss Louisiana Teen USA.
“All that seemed to help me mature,” Heinen said. “I will try and be organized - I will get it done day by day.”
“I’m extremely proud of her for all of the hard work she has put in,” Lauren said.
“She trained very hard for tryouts while maintaining a 4.0 and being in a sorority.
“I cannot wait to go and cheer on the Saints while supporting her in the Superdome,” the older sister said.
“Lauren has really been such an inspiration,” Elizabeth said. “She’s helped me greatly along the way and has always been so supportive in every endeavor that I decide to embark on.
“She is not only a beautiful dancer, but a beautiful person inside and out. I truly aspire to be like her, and I can’t thank her enough for all of the advice and support she has given me throughout the years.”
Elizabeth said her parents are awesome people and have been beside her every step of the way.
“They made sure everything was my decision and they supported me no matter what I decided,” she said. “They want me to follow my dream because no dream is too big.”
Heinen said with a laugh not to under estimate which younger sister will be the next to reach their dream.
“One never knows with us.” she said. “Each one of us has different talents and that is what is so cool about having seven sisters.
“We all love to dance but we have our favorite styles and that is the best part about it.
“I want to be a role model to my sisters,” she said.
Her life has had plenty of beautiful moments, but the death of her 13-year old cousin Allie Powell in 2012 has made a lasting impact on her young life.
“It definitely put things into perspective for me,” she said. “It made me realize that life is too short to worry about the little things.
“I need to focus on the bigger things and bounce back after being knocked down.
“She was a little ballerina so I know she is looking down on me and she is so happy right now.
“I want to enjoy the moment,” Heinen said of the Saintsations.
“I am getting to do what I love and I am so blessed.”