Over the years, the tryout process for NFL cheerleaders and NBA dancers has become increasingly competitive and can feel very intimidating, even to the vet! The key is to be prepared, do your research and be confident!
To help, we've compiled a list of tips for your pro cheer audition outfit, pulled from the many years we've been outfitting pro cheerleaders and dancers! From choosing a style to paying attention to the little details - we want you to help you be 110% confident!
Make sure you are clear about audition apparel criteria. This will vary depending on the team. Some teams require special attire such as briefs, not shorts. Or pants and a crop. It's common for teams to specify the color of the attire to be worn (typically team colors.) Be sure to:
Just like a job interview, first impressions are important. Your goal is to be noticed for properly representing the team. Make sure you are an attraction, not a distraction! Get a feel for your team of choice by:
At the end of the day, you want the judges and coaches to say "I couldn't tell if she was a rookie or a vet!"
You want to dress the part, but also let your personality shine through! The style possibilities are endless! Create your own look by simply changing fabrics or mixing and matching tops and bottoms. Navigate the choices by styling true to yourself.
If you order an outfit ‘as is’ (the same style and color combination as seen online) you run the risk of seeing your outfit on someone else. So get creative! Simple color changes or rhinestones can transform any style.
You can pick the cutest style of top and bottom, but if the fabric selections aren't quite right, even the most flattering garments will fail. Here are some suggestion for what works best:
Proper fit is essential. If your garment does not fit properly, the focus will be on your flaws and not your flattering features. No one wants their skills to be ignored because a bra is peaking out!
Research the required footwear for your team, or bring options. Many teams require tan jazz shoes. However, if they do let you choose your own, avoid dark or heavy footwear. It will look heavy and will distract from your form. A few flattering shoe choices include:
Pro cheerleaders usually wear tights for performance, but they not always required for auditions. So wear whatever feels comfortable for you! One rule of thumb though: only wear tights that match your skin tone. No colors that are too dark or too light like white or black.
Peavy is a well respected brand of tights, used by a lot of pro teams. They come in a variety of skin tones, and are low rise. Nude fishnets are another fun option!
Here's a little secret: most pro cheerleaders wear a bra underneath their cute bra tops. It'll give you a little extra lift if you need it! But be sure to select the proper bra: no lines, supportive, and stays hidden in place beneath your outfit.
Pin your bra to your top to ensure your bra straps or band doesn't show. Even the clear straps! Clear means clear, not invisible. We also know of a lot of ladies that pin their tights so they don't peek out too!
Here's another little secret: take a peek at our models in the pro section of the store, and most of them are wearing Bravo pads. They're that secret accessory that will enhance your figure and fill out your tryout top.
Sparkle is popular for one very good reason: it's eye catching! It can also completely transform your outfit, and make a simple style more interesting. A few ways to add sparkle:
Avoid anything distracting or that will get in your way while dancing though! Avoid a lot of jewelry or things that will move around.
For many NFL and NBA dance teams there are multiple rounds of auditions, and many dancers like to wear different looks for each. Don't worry about this breaking your budget though! Consult your other tryout friends or alumni, and borrow a top or organize an outfit swap. Save your special outfit for semi-finals or finals!
If you do make it to finals, you might need additional outfits! Some teams have swimsuit or little black dress rounds.
Do a “trial run” in your full outfit, hair, and makeup to ensure you are fully prepared, feeling your best, and everything stays in place. It'll give you time to see if those straps are falling down or shorts are riding up so you can get a fix in place! You don't want your outfit to be a distraction for the judges or you.
And most importantly, our best tip is CONFIDENCE. The more prepared you feel, the more confident you will feel at opens! Be proud of yourself for all you did to prep. Just showing up and putting yourself out there is impressive.
Have more audition tips to share? Let us know in the comments below!