Louie Conn
Louie Conn | |
|---|---|
| Born | Bettendorf, Iowa, U.S. |
| Education | Iowa State University |
| Occupations | Cheerleader Dancer |
| Career | |
| Current group | Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders |
Louie Conn is an American dancer and professional cheerleader. In 2025, he made the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders.
Early life and education
[edit]Conn is from Bettendorf, Iowa.[1] He began his dance training at age 8, taking classes at Kim's School of Dance and Tumbling before joining a competition dance team at age 11.[2] Conn graduated from Pleasant Valley High School, where he was the first male member of the Platinum dance team.[2] He was bullied and targeted with homophobic slurs by classmates for being a dancer.[2]
He attended Iowa State University, where he was a member of the Iowa State Cyclones dance team.[3][1]
Career
[edit]In August 2025, Conn made the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders, the official NFL cheerleading squad for the Minnesota Vikings, alongside fellow male cheerleader Blaize Shiek.[4] The team faced criticism from Alabama Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville, Fox News host Will Cain, and Conservative activist Jack Brewer for the inclusion of male dancers.[4][5] The Vikings released a statement supporting Conn.[4]
Personal life
[edit]See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 "2022-23 Spirit Squad Roster". Iowa State Cyclones. Iowa State University. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- 1 2 3 Brewer, Kelly (November 17, 2020). "Breaking boundaries: Life as a male dancer". The Spartan Shield. Bettendorf, Iowa: Pleasant Valley High School. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- 1 2 Robson, Graham (August 18, 2025). "Louie Conn and Blaize Shiek make history as first openly gay cheerleaders for Minnesota Vikings". Scene Magazine. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- 1 2 3 "Minnesota Vikings cheerleader Louie Conn leads the crowd during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Aug. 16, 2025". Yahoo News. August 21, 2025. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- ↑ Yen, Laura. "Outrage over a male Vikings cheerleader makes for a heartsick mom. Who is Louie Conn? "He's got more bravery in his little finger than most people," his mother says". Minnesota Star Tribune. Minneapolis, Minnesota. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- 21st-century American dancers
- 21st-century American LGBTQ people
- American gay entertainers
- American gay sportsmen
- American LGBTQ dancers
- American male dancers
- Dancers from Iowa
- Gay dancers
- Iowa State Cyclones dancers
- LGBTQ people from Iowa
- Minnesota Vikings personnel
- NFL cheerleaders
- American cheerleaders
- People from Bettendorf, Iowa
- Living people