UPA PRESIDENT

LISA kubinski SALINE

In 2010, Lisa celebrates 23 years as Founder and President of United Performing Association Inc. (UPA – est. 1987), a company she began while a student in college.

Her dance passion has led her to develop events specifically for studio dancers. The UPA Eclipse Cup Series launched in the Spring of 2010 with a Regional competition in Minneapolis & Internationally in the Bahamas on board Carnival Cruise Lines. Eclipse Cup Series future plans include multiple regional competitions, workshops, and a Nationals in June of 2011.

It all began 41 years ago when Lisa was three years old. Her mother enrolled her in studio dance, cheerleading programs, baton and gymnastics. A multiple award winner for group and solo dance performances, during her senior year she was crowned Miss Teen of Minnesota (out of 365 contestants), a scholastic and talent recognition program, where dance was her talent. Lisa was chosen as Osseo High School’s MVP Cheerleader and Captain, Homecoming Queen, a National Honor Society member and Outstanding Senior from her graduating class. In 1984 she made history when selected as one of the original 36 NFL Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders (chosen from 600 candidates). Lisa spent five years on the team and traveled to Sweden in 1989. During this time she was a college student and coach of the St. Cloud State University Cheerleaders. She led them to the NCA Collegiate Championship in 1988 where they finished sixth nationally. In 1990 she made history a second time with the National Hockey League. She developed the NHL’s first-ever professional cheer/dance team, the MN North Stars - Electric Stars. Lisa coached the Electric Stars for four years until the team was relocated to Dallas.

Now in their tenth years respectively, Lisa celebrates the UPA Easter Caribbean Competition/Showcase Cruise, UPA Thanksgiving Walt Disney World Performance Tour and her involvement with numerous Bowl Game half-time shows. She also collaborated on the 1992 Superbowl half-time show. Mrs. Saline developed one of the first training programs in the spirit industry; the UPA Judging Certification Program and adjudicates local to international competitions. She is the Founder of the UPA AmeriCup National Championship, UPA National Judges Association, UPA National Coaches Conference, and co-creator of the first UPA/ANP International Cheer/Dance Championship that ran for 15 years consecutively. UPA re-launched the Challenge Cup Series in 2009 in conjunction with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ironically this is the competition series that started it all back in 1987, the very first UPA event.

She is an icon in the dance & cheer industry traveling around the world teaching, speaking and training. Lisa has been honored with many awards over the years but her most cherished are being selected as one of the 25 Most Influential People In The Spirit Industry and inducted into the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders Hall Of Fame in 2009. Mrs. Saline is a published writer for: Inside Cheerleading, Cheer Coaches & Advisors, All-Star Cheer Magazine, American Cheerleader, Dance Spirit, Inmotion, The Cheering Review, Cheer Biz, Let’s Cheer, Kickline, and Sharing the Spirit. She recently published a commemorative book titled The First Twenty-Five Years of the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders.

In August of 2009, Lisa was voted by her peers in the spirit industry as the Vice-Chair of the Independent Event Producers (IEP). Playing a vital role as a founding member of the National Council for Spirit Safety & Education (NCSSE), Lisa continues to develop & promote safety education world-wide. She is a charter member of the National All-Star Coaches Congress (NACC), served as the Inaugural Chair for the Spirit Industry Trade Association (SITA) and serves on the USASF National Advisory Board. Lisa is actively involved on numerous committees within the Cheerleading & Dance Worlds Championships, SITA and the IEP. American Cheerleader Magazine has her on the Advisory Board as does the AAU Dance/Drill Association. She is also an Ambassador for the MVC Alumni Association.

Mrs. Saline graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in Speech Communications, Public Relations / Marketing, a Dance Minor and a brand new business... UPA! She is married to her high school sweetheart, Roger, and they have three children: Dylan John, Peyton Ruth Arianna, and Greyson Andrew.

Lisa’s advice to young individuals out there is to go for your dreams. Anything is possible. Just dream & believe!