From Demonettes dancer to NFL Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader, Kiara Harper has faced it all. Bismarck High School’s alum has gone from ordinary to extraordinary. Harper shares her journey from high school competition to cheering on over 60,000 fans.
Harper set her life up for success by using the resources she had available. After Harper graduated from BHS in 2017, she attended North Dakota State University where she would continue her passion for dance. Today she is a fourth-season cheerleader for the Minnesota Vikings.
“After graduating from NDSU, my last semester there I had to do an internship,” Harper said. “So that’s why I went to Minneapolis because it was COVID here and I was supposed to go to Texas.”
During her internship, Harper tried out for the Vikings cheerleading team, mostly because she was looking for connections with the other girls.
Harper wouldn’t be able to do this if it wasn’t for her passion for dancing, and the roadblocks that set her up for the future.
“Most rewarding is being able to come back and feel everyone be proud of me,” Harper said. “I was never the out-there person, like a homecoming queen. I wasn’t anyone big, but now knowing that people do support me is nice.
Her journey starting from small-town roots to being an NFL cheerleader has not only been a personal achievement, but an easy way to give back to the community. Harper has participated in multiple community events such as junior cheer camps and an alumni dance, both of which consisted of making personal connections with other dancers younger than her.
“Having those other opportunities to connect with other dancers’ kind of makes the season fly by,” Harper said.
With all the cheering and community events, Harper still finds time to work other jobs, take care of her dog Banx and explore the city of Minneapolis. However, her busiest days are game days.
For a noon game day, Harper starts early at 3:30 a.m. to get ready. She goes through her morning routine which consists of doing her hair, makeup, packing and making sure her dog is where he needs to be for the day. By 6 a.m. she is ready in the U.S. Bank stadium to do her small group rehearsals at 6:30 a.m. and a full practice from 7 to 10:30. Afterward she changes into her pre-game outfit and makes appearances leading up to the game. With kickoff at noon the cheerleaders switch every quarter to keep the fans cheering.
“If you really want it, you’ll go and get it,” Harper said. No matter the stress provided by her busy schedule Harper perseveres.
Harper’s career has taught her how to stay preserved through the difficult schedules and roadblocks.
“Just put yourself out there and do it,” Harper said. “There’s nothing wrong with failing.”
As Harper walks down the lengthy halls of BHS, she is reminded of her roots, forcing her to reflect on past memories. She remembers many experiences from the Demonettes and how different being on the Vikings is.
“It’s different from Demonettes because we don’t compete,” Harper said. “Once you’re on the team, like, that’s your team, and the only competition you have to do is against the away fans.”
Harper hopes to continue her career in dancing and progress into a stronger position.
“I’m planning to continue with the Vikings. If other doors open, I’m more than open to at least putting myself out there,” Harper continues, “hopefully one day I become a captain for the Vikings. I think that’d be really rewarding for me since I was captain of the Demonettes for two years and captain of NDSU for two years as well.”