Elana Horowitz, 32, grew up in a world of movement and rhythm. She started dancing at just two years old, falling in love with ballet early on. By the time she was a teenager, she had performed in the Chicago Joffrey Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker,” an experience she recalls as both magical and meaningful — even as a Jew.
“It was never a conflict for me, I love Christmas, well the hallmark piece of it,” Horowitz told Unpacked. “It was just a beautiful time to focus on family, food, and music — often written by Jews. I wouldn’t celebrate it at home, but I enjoy it commercially for sure.”
While she wasn’t a high school cheerleader in the traditional sense, Elana was part of Poms, a halftime dance team focused on “sassy jazz and technique-based performances.” In college, she joined a club dance team, where she watched two of her teammates become professional cheerleaders. That moment sparked an idea — what if she could too?
Raised in a sports-loving family, Horowitz’s loyalties were spread wide. Her mom was from Pittsburgh, so she had ties to the Steelers. Growing up in Chicago, she had a soft spot for the Bears and the Cubs. Then, after attending college in Maryland, she started rooting for the Baltimore Ravens. But when she got married, Horowitz and her husband combined teams, making the Philadelphia Eagles their family NFL team.
Read more: Philadelphia Eagles’ A. J. Dillon’s Jewish roots
The audition process
Making an NFL cheer squad is no easy feat. For the Eagles, the process begins with an open call, where hopefuls learn choreography, record a self-tape, and submit their audition. While the routine was provided, dancers were allowed to choose any song for their background music.
Horowitz, in true Jewish fashion, chose “Opa” by Israeli artist Omer Adam.
From over 300 submissions, only 100 advanced to the next round. Those dancers had just one day to learn a new routine and perform in small groups, with only 50 making it through to the interview stage.
Horowitz remembers the moment vividly — she was asked, “Why are you auditioning to be an Eagles cheerleader this year?”
Her response was immediate: “With the rise in antisemitism and a thriving Jewish community in Philly, why are there no Jewish cheerleaders on the team?” She saw the gap and felt a responsibility to fill it.
In the final round, each dancer had to choreograph a personal piece that showcased who they were. For Horowitz, there was no better way to represent herself than through a Jewish folk dance. She performed to “L’olam B’ekvot Hashemesh,” weaving in the traditions she and her mother had both cherished as dance specialists at Young Judaea and Camp Ramah.
“I wore blue and white as my audition costume,” she said. “I wanted my Judaism to be present in every step.”
Becoming an Eagles cheerleader
Horowitz found out she made the team while in the middle of teaching a high school math class (did you know all NFL cheerleaders also have full-time jobs?). Her husband texted her “ELANA” in all caps, and she immediately screamed.
“My Pre-Calc students freaked out with me, and I pushed their test back because I was so unfocused,” she said.
Even security came running to check on her. She ran around the school, celebrating with colleagues before finally reaching her family who had missed her first few calls.
From the moment she joined the squad, training began immediately. The learning curve was steep:: practice logistics, perfecting routines, making public appearances, and balancing it all with her full-time job. Despite the intensity, Horowitz has loved every moment.
Jewish pride on and off the field
Joining the team after Oct. 7, Elana has felt a deep responsibility to share her Jewish identity. While conversations about Israel haven’t come up organically, she has found ways to bring Jewish culture into the team.
On Rosh Hashanah, she brought apples and honey for everyone, leading a small blessing. During Hanukkah, she lit a menorah with her teammates, played dreidel, and explained the miracle of the holiday.
Her teammates, she said, have been nothing but supportive: “Anytime I bring up something Jewish, they’re so excited and obsessed with it.”
Horowitz’s connection to her Jewish identity runs deep. She attended Jewish day school through eighth grade, spent summers at Jewish camp, and was heavily involved in Hillel and Sigma Delta Tau (which was founded after Jewish women were discriminated against in other sororities) in college. She even maintains a kosher home.
“Judaism plays such a big role in my life,” she said. “It’s the community — the instant connection. It’s playing Jewish geography with someone and always trying to win at it, even if no one knows what it means to win at it.”
Her connection to Israel is just as strong.
“My sister making Aliyah was a really big deal.
“On October 7 it was Saturday and I typically don’t look at the news for my own peace on Shabbat. I didn’t know what was happening until my sister, who keeps Shabbat, texted me.” When she saw a message from her on Shabbat I knew something bad had happened.
“My brother-in-law was in and out of Gaza for IDF reserves duty. It was very surreal.”
When asked what her favorite Jewish wisdom or text is, Horowitz didn’t hesitate — it’s the music. She has different Jewish songs that she turns to during significant moments, including “Achenu” which helps her feel supported during moments of loneliness. Music plays a huge role in her life, and she specifically enjoys building intentional playlists — down to the order of the songs on each playlist.
Horowitz even shared her “Walking in the Sunshine” playlist with us. Listen to it next time you find yourself on a sunny stroll.
Lessons from NFL cheerleading
Cheering at the Super Bowl was a dream come true, but for Horowitz, the NFC Championship game at home in Philly was even more special: “The Super Bowl was amazing, but The Link, our home stadium, has a magic you can’t replicate.”
Balancing cheerleading with a full-time teaching job isn’t easy, but Horowitz has learned the power of relying on others.
“I’ve always been so independent, but I’ve realized it’s okay to ask for help. My teammates, my husband, my colleagues — they all want to support me,” she said.
As for advice to young Jewish dancers?
“If you love it, don’t let anyone stop you. I’m 32 and a rookie. I auditioned and didn’t make the Eagles my first time. But I knew I was good enough, so I kept going. Don’t let a ‘no’ stop you from a future ‘yes.’”
At the end of the day, Horowitz is more than just a cheerleader — she’s a proud Jewish woman breaking barriers, bringing her Jewish pride to the NFL stage.
Originally Published Mar 21, 2025 03:16AM EDT
