How to Try-out as a Professional Cheerleader

Professional cheerleaders are talented athletes who support, most commonly, the NFL and NBA sports. These dancers entertain crowds with explosive, high-energy routines, serve as ambassadors for their team, and must possess a charismatic personality and the right “look.” Although most teams say that “dance experience is a plus but not required,” I will tell you, having danced for and thus auditioned for more than one professional team, any hopeful Pro-Cheerleader must possess a decent background in dance. Beyond that, there are some tricks of the trade that can help prepare you for the audition process.

Look the Part…Consistently!

Most judges and coaches are looking for a polished, flattering appearance. In my years of performing, competing, and auditioning as a dancer and professional cheerleader, I was taught that deep red lips with blue undertones will make teeth appear whiter and smiles brighter, and most professional squads opt for darker brown shades of eye color with thick, black lashes. False eyelashes are a must when auditioning and performing, but they can be tricky to apply.

Being physically fit is necessary to endure the long hours of practices, performances, and appearances that come with being a professional cheerleader.

Always wear your hair down; you need it for the “hair drama” that inevitably comes with professional cheerleading choreography!

What to Wear

Any pro-team audition I have been to required bikini bottoms or French-cut dance bottoms; no-shine dance tights (some squads, like the Jacksonville Jaguars ROAR, even use the same tights Hooters girls wear, which can be purchased in any Hooters restaurant); and sports bra or bikini top. Jazz shoes or dance sneakers are also required.

Most auditions span several days, and an important tip I learned during my first pro-team audition was to wear the exact same audition outfit throughout the process, including the mandatory clinics. This creates a lasting impression with the judges.

The Process

The first step to take is to register or request an audition packet then submit your preferred choice for the mandatory audition clinic date. When I first started out, I was unaware that there were three audition clinic dates to choose from, and not everyone gets their first choice. They are designated on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to get your packet in quickly.

Audition Clinics

Clinics may be the day of the audition or spread out over several days, and they are not optional. They are part of the audition, so remember you are on stage from the moment you step into the clinic. Candidates can expect to learn the tryout routine(s) they will be performing, required technique/skills, and information about the initial tryouts, the semi-finals, and the final rounds plus interviews. I, personally, was more nervous during the interview process than the auditions, since I had to interview with the owner of the NFL team.

How do you stand out in the crowd at the clinic? Arrive early; choose a spot up front — this shows confidence and a willingness to learn; practice full-out every single time! Most importantly, smile, smile, smile! Coaches and judges want to see your bubbly personality shine, not just during the routine.

Audition Day

DO eat something in the morning to get you through the long day ahead.

DON’T experiment with a new look; stick with the polished, consistent look you’ve been showing.

Arrive early, sign in, get your audition number, and go through your own warm-up. This is a long day, so keep your muscles warm, keep running through your routine and skills, and stay hydrated.

Finally, when your number is called to the floor, don’t panic! Smile, be yourself, and have fun. Professional Cheerleaders are energetic performers, so let that personality shine, and enjoy the moment! If you make a mistake, don’t sweat it, just smile bigger and keep going!

What to Pack in Your Audition Bag

Auditions last approximately eight to ten hours, so there are some essentials that are must-haves for your bag.

During my first audition, I found out the hard way that a roll of clear tape is a must-have for audition day. My little teal square of a number was so crumbly and degraded by the end of the day it was difficult to see. In later auditions, wrapping tape around my number prevented it from crumbling or ripping throughout the day and gave a thicker, more secure area for the tiny safety pins to grab onto.

Pack bottled water and a snack or two.

Pack extra tights and maybe an extra outfit and shoes; accidents and rips do happen!

Definitely bring a mirror, your makeup, and hair products, such as straight iron or curling iron and hair spray, for touch-ups throughout the day.

Bring photo id and any required paperwork with you. It may be a good idea to bring your insurance card, too, should an injury occur.

Finally, if you have the tryout routine music, bring it!

The Finalists

After the semi-finals, most teams hold professional interviews with the finalists mid-week. It is important to dress professionally and have some knowledge of the team and current events when interviewing. After the interview process (it usually takes a couple of days), there will be finalist auditions. Finalists are usually required to perform an individual talent and possibly a new required routine, taught earlier in the week. After that, there is nothing to do but cross those fingers and wait!


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