By Kate Smith

Every year, hundreds of dancers around the country try out for professional dance teams. Aside from dancing for thousands of sports fans, there are many other reasons to audition for a team. Vikings.com lists several of the benefits of dancing on the Minnesota Vikings dance team. There are travel opportunities, charity events, TV/radio appearances, and community events throughout the season, and many of the professional teams offer similar opportunities for dance team members.

Anyone thinking of trying out for a professional dance team should focus on a few key areas to prepare for the audition, including technique and professionalism.

Start With Technique

The first area to focus on when preparing for the audition is technique. DanceCheer.NET offers some basic ideas about what good technique means:

1. Strengthening and conditioning of muscles

2. Execution of moves

3. Correct placement

4. Correct alignment and transferring of body weight

Switch leaps, toe touches, turns, and splits are basic moves to zero in on, according to former Indianapolis Colts cheerleader Megan Glaros. When practicing these or any other moves, DanceCheer.NET advises breaking the move down into smaller parts in order to perfect each part of the move. “You have to be very detail-oriented,” Marlins Mermaids dance team member Jamie Songer states.

According to Dance Spirit Magazine, practice should be done in front of a mirror in order to observe the placement of body parts. DanceCheer.NET states that in regards to technique, “Some of the most common mistakes are lifted or stiff shoulders, poor posture, stiff hands and arms, not pointing toes and improper alignment of the body parts.” To supplement technique work, Songer advises aspiring dancers to “Jog at least three times a week, do moderate weight training, and have a healthy nutrition plan.” Ascending Star Dance offers studio listings for those interested in finding a leaps/turns class or a ballet class to help with technique.

No Guarantees

Even if one is an amazing dancer, a spot on the team is not guaranteed. Both new dancers and veteran team members must audition each year. Aside from dancing ability, teams look for well-rounded dancers who present themselves in a professional manner. “You must present yourself well to others and do positive things, even during your personal time. You are a role model, and you have to act the part in every aspect of your life,” Songer states. Resumes should be as detailed as possible; Glaros advises to list not only dance experience, but work, school, and volunteer activities as well.

Also, if there is an interview, make sure to learn as much as possible about the sports team in case the interview includes questions about the team. If one’s opinion is asked for during the interview, it is important to be diplomatic, according to Tyler Apache Belles Gold Prep Classes. They also state that diction, posture, hand movements, and facial expressions are other important parts of an interview to consider. These are all areas to focus on aside from dancing.

Check Requirements

Finally, one should double check that all requirements are met for participation on the team. Dance Spirit Magazine advises to ask the director early on about information on requirements, dates, and times of the auditions.