WRC History
History • How It Began • Directors • Choreographers • Administrators
Also visit WRCAA HistoryThe date—September 30, 1962, closing in on one o'clock on this sunny afternoon.
The place—D.C. Stadium in the Nation's Capital
The Event— The world famous Washington Redskins Marching Band has gathered in formation by the stadium's south goalpost, signaling the start of the pregame show that will precede the NFL match between the Washington Redskins and the St. Louis Cardinals.
This day is different, however. Throughout the 50,000 seat stadium there is a palpable air of expectancy. The reason is the long awaited debut of the newest members of the Redskin show staff -- 30 talented young women who would, hereafter, be known as the Redskinettes.
As the drumbeats set the pace and the music began, out marched the very first squad of Redskinettes, arrayed in abbreviated Indian costumes, black braids, and beaded headbands. Marching down the field in formation with the band, the Redskinettes immediately captivated the fans. And, when that special rhythmic drumbeat began and THAT SONG (guaranteed to stir the blood of every true Redskins fan) started to play "Hail to the Redskins," the stadium exploded. Clearly, this new look was here to stay.
How it Began....
In 1961, two young women from Northern Virginia, Donna Bierlein and Betty (Albright) Johnson approached the club's owner, George Preston Marshall, with an idea whose time had come: the Washington Redskins football team needed cheerleaders. Mr. Marshall sent these women to see Joel Margolis, who had recently joined the organization as producer of the Redskin show staff. After a series of meetings between Margolis, Bierlein, and Albright, the concept was presented to Mr. Marshall who gave his approval.With this decision in hand, Margolis set out to work. One of his first moves was to offer the position of Redskinettes Director to Doris Snyder, the head majorette/choreographer of the Baltimore Colts show staff for the past 15 years. Upon acceptance of her new position, Ms. Snyder made the first of many important decisions, which would shape the future of the Redskinettes. The appointment of Ann Bittenbender and Mary Lu Bucci as Assistant Directors.
A high-powered team was in place. Now the hard work was to begin. Contacts were made with the women throughout the Washington metropolitan Area as potential candidates for the Redskinettes squad.
April 1962, all candidates had been auditioned and selected, and after endless hours of rehearsals conducted by Snyder, Bittenbender and Bucci, the Redskinettes were ready to say "Hello" to the fans of Washington.
The original Redskinettes uniform was commissioned by Doris Snyder, who worked closely with the New York firm that submitted the winning design. Ms. Snyder spent many long hours and made numerous trips to New York City to oversee this work, even to the extent of examining the beading that was done by hand on each costume and to assure that the work proceeded on schedule.
After many fittings and refittings, the uniforms were ready for the grand entrance on September 30, 1962. And so it began, and continues today, the announcement that has become the hallmark of every home pregame show.
"Ladies and gentlemen, presenting the world famous Redskins Marching Band and the equally famous Redskinettes."Story written by: Rosemary Webb (62-73)
- Stephanie Jojokian 2009 - Current
- Melanie Treanor Coburn 2003-2011
- Tiffany Bacon 2009-Present
