Essential Pro Cheer Skills to Practice for NFL Dance Auditions
Image credit: Chiefs Cheer
NFL cheerleading auditions are highly competitive, requiring more than just talent and enthusiasm. Aspiring professional cheerleaders must master a combination of dance techniques, flexibility, endurance, and showmanship to stand out from the crowd. To prepare for the big day, here are essential pro cheer skills to practice for NFL dance auditions.
1. Mastering Dance Techniques
NFL cheerleaders must be proficient in various dance styles, including jazz, hip-hop, and pom. To prepare, focus on perfecting sharp, precise movements, clean lines, and strong arm motions. Learning choreography quickly is crucial, as auditions often involve rapid routine changes. Practicing across different dance styles will help improve adaptability and execution.
Read more: The Importance of Training in Different Dance Styles
2. Flexibility and Stretching
Flexibility is a fundamental component of NFL cheerleading, as routines frequently involve high kicks, splits, and jumps. Incorporate daily stretching routines to increase flexibility in the legs, back, and shoulders. Yoga and dynamic stretching exercises can also help prevent injuries and enhance overall performance.
3. Strong and Clean Turns
Multiple types of turns, such as pirouettes, fouettés, and chainé turns, are commonly used in pro cheer routines. To perfect these movements, focus on spotting techniques, core control, and balance. Practicing turns regularly will help with consistency and precision during auditions.
4. Powerful Leaps and Jumps
Image credit: Chiefs Cheer
NFL cheerleaders need strong jumps and high-energy movements. Work on toe touches, straddle jumps, and pike jumps to improve height and form. Strength training exercises, such as squats and plyometrics, can build the necessary power in the legs for explosive jumps.
5. Stamina and Endurance Training
Cheerleading routines require exceptional endurance, as performances often last several minutes at high intensity. Engage in cardiovascular workouts like running, cycling, or HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) to build stamina. Practicing routines in full without stopping can also condition the body for long performances.
6. Engaging Facial Expressions and Showmanship
Beyond technique, showmanship is key in NFL dance auditions. Judges look for candidates who exude confidence, charisma, and energy. Practice smiling naturally while dancing and use expressive eyes and body language to convey enthusiasm. Recording practice performances can help refine facial expressions and stage presence.
7. Precision in Pom Movements
Pom routines emphasize sharp, synchronized arm movements and formations. Practicing pom drills with weighted wristbands can strengthen arm control and improve motion execution. Focus on hitting each movement cleanly to create a visually appealing performance.
8. Public Speaking and Interview Skills
Image credit: Chiefs Cheer
Many NFL cheerleading teams require candidates to participate in interviews or public speaking segments. Practicing clear, confident communication and preparing answers to common interview questions will ensure a polished presentation.
Conclusion
Securing a spot on an NFL cheerleading team requires rigorous preparation and dedication. By mastering essential dance techniques, improving flexibility, building endurance, enhancing showmanship, and refining interview skills, candidates can increase their chances of success. With consistent practice and determination, aspiring cheerleaders can confidently take on the audition process and shine on the field.
Need a Great Workout Routine for Your Pro Cheer Audition Prep?
Pro cheerleaders stay fit, flexible, and strong so they can give their best performance in the arena. However, achieving that wow-worthy, toned physique doesn’t happen overnight. You need to arm yourself with the right daily workouts.
Thinking of becoming a pro cheerleader?
We are offering you our fun, FREE (for a LIMITED time) POM FIT™ INTRO CLASS that teaches you beginner-friendly cardio moves.
To take your cheerleading fitness to the next level, we also have POM FIT™: GAMEDAY1™ - a series of challenging full-body cardio classes that include a body stretch class, kick stretch class, abdominal workout class, and more.
Join a POM FIT™ class below:
POM FIT™ INTRO CLASS (Free for a LIMITED time)
POM FIT™: GAMEDAY1™ (USD 27.00)
