Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Pinard.
Hi Kristen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Kristen Pinard, but my friends and family call me KP and I am the Marketing Director for SFL Hospitality Group. My educational background includes a bachelor’s in media communications with a minor in both business and entrepreneurship, but my biggest passion has always been dance. In my free time I am also a captain of the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders and a dance instructor and choreographer at Artistry Dance Academy in Cooper City, Florida.
I began dancing at the age of three and fell in love with it ever since. Growing up, I knew I wanted dance to be a part of my life forever. It was my biggest passion. I attended performing arts magnet schools from elementary through high school in Jacksonville, Florida. I was laser-focused on dance training and enjoyed my time studying the arts. It wasn’t until I went on to attend my dream school, Florida State University, and joined the FSU Golden Girls Dance Team that I realized what I had been missing out on when it came to school spirit with sports.
That’s when my newest passion came to fruition – dancing at sporting events! Nothing made me happier than the feeling of a supportive and spirited crowd on game day. I was truly living my dream until college graduation snuck up on me. I didn’t want that team atmosphere to end. I made it my mission to continue fulfilling my passion and began to pursue an interest in dancing for the NFL. I was looking for a team that I felt would challenge me both physically and professionally.
My initial interest in the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders was after having the chance to meet a few of the girls. I was inspired by these women who were community advocates, intelligent full-time professionals, athletic, hardworking, dedicated, and talented. I wanted nothing more than to be just like them. I began studying the ins and outs of what it took to earn my spot on the team.
Fast forward through many kick lines and intensive training camps and here I am today, proud to be a fourth-year veteran and second-year captain on the team. Looking at where I am today, it’s crazy to reflect on how full circle the journey has become. My biggest goal today is to inspire young women to chase their dreams. One of my favorite parts about my role on the Dolphins is teaching at Junior Cheer Clinics. Nothing makes me smile more than experiencing the excitement of future generations. My mission is to strive to be the same role model I had seen in the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like most professional careers, there are challenges along the way. At times, women can be overlooked or underappreciated. A lot goes into being an NFL cheerleader. A lot more than what meets the eye. I’ve even found myself making the mistake of underestimating the difficulties of the job.
Making our job seem effortless requires dedication and countless hours of hard work behind the scenes. It’s the behind-the-scenes effort that helps build the stamina needed to dance four hours straight in the Miami heat and all the while wearing boots – something not just anyone can do.
Although there are mental and physical struggles, I have the support of my teammates to lean on when I need it most. Knowing I’m never alone helps me get through the hard times and challenges I face. We have a unique work environment and experiencing all the ups and downs together is the most crucial part. I truly consider my teammates my family.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
During my time with Dolphins, I’ve discovered another deep-rooted passion for giving back. The Miami Dolphins organization offers amazing opportunities to connect with our South Florida community, which have created some of the most rewarding memories that I hold closest to my heart. I’ve been blessed to have had the opportunity to travel all over the world and visit military bases in Egypt, Jordan, Abu Dhabi, and Hawaii with the Dolphins.
Bringing a piece of home back to our servicemen and women in uniform was the greatest honor to say the least. I truly got to know their stories and witness their sacrifice on a personal level. I left feeling so fulfilled from these rewarding opportunities and came home with a greater appreciation for our U.S. military.
The work I am most proud of with the Dolphins is my involvement and leadership with Dolphins Challenge Cancer, the NFL’s largest fundraising event where 100% of the proceeds support cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami.
I led our team as fundraising captain to raise over $120,000 over the past two years, putting the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders on the fundraising map! My biggest motivation has been to prove that our team is a true community advocate and can make a huge impact by helping save more lives. This year, I cycled in the 100-mile ride around South Florida for the cause.
My efforts are inspired by the survivors, the supporters, the diagnosed, the doctors, the researchers, those who have lost their lives, and those who continue to fight. It’s about understanding the cancer fight is much bigger than me. The part that I love most about this cause is seeing all of South Florida come together as a community to make a positive difference.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Covid-19 has taught me to not take life for granted and to spend more time focusing on the relationships in my life that matter most. I feel recharged by engaging with people in person and like connecting with individuals by hearing their stories. With the Covid-19 crisis, I found it fascinating that we had to find new creative ways to engage with one another.
With Dolphins, we began shooting dance content at Miami staples around town, promoted small local businesses, led specialized zoom training, and were able to connect with fans from all over the world by enhancing our online presence. I now utilize the communication techniques we picked up during the pandemic to inspire women on my personal social media platforms to be their true authentic selves.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KPINDACUT/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kpindacut
Image Credits
Miami Dolphins
