What I Wish I Knew Before: 7 Audition Mistakes to Avoid

Most pro cheer teams have now assembled their 2021 rosters. If the squad you’re auditioning for hasn’t started the selection process yet, you’ll need this list to increase your chances of making the team. There’s still time. Don’t wait until the audition rounds end to find out what your mistakes are. Read on so you can avoid the common errors made at auditions that affect your success.

1. Not preparing ahead of time

There are hundreds of women you have to go against at every NFL or NBA pro cheering squad auditions. You must show the judges that you’re one of the best. But if you only prepare for a month before the auditions, you’ll have slim chances of making the team.

I would recommend that you prepare 6 to 9 months ahead. This is enough time to build your confidence, learn showmanship, makeup application, get fit, and prepare your audition attire. There is no such thing as being over-prepared when it comes to pro cheer auditions. The more time you spend to be ready, the more audition rounds you’ll ace.

2. Not asking for help

Nobody is a know-it-all. You’ll need all the assistance you can get if you want to succeed. Don’t hesitate to ask friends, family members, or other people who are experts in dancing, beauty, and fitness. Even if asking around makes you feel inadequate, you must convince yourself that there’s nothing wrong with doing so.

3. Not researching

If you have nobody to ask for help during your audition prep, turn to online resources. Aside from PRO CHEER LIFE™, there are other websites that provide insights regarding which dance styles can help you score better during auditions. While you’re surfing the web, look for tips regarding fitness, beauty, dance apparel, motivation, and personal development as well.

4. Being overconfident

A lot of auditionees become overconfident when it comes to auditions, especially those who have extensive experience in dancing and cheerleading. I too have been one of these overconfident people. You need to remind yourself that pro cheerleading is a totally different field.

Don’t be close-minded about the dance techniques, style, and stunt routines you already know. Be open to learning new ones as well.

5. Having only one piece of audition attire

Any audition apparel can be damaged during the big day. It might be due to it being old or just a stroke of bad luck. That’s why you should have an extra piece in your bag. I remember back then that an auditionee tore her hosiery during her performance.

She lost all her confidence and couldn’t show her best. While we both didn’t make the team during that day, the experience became a constant reminder to me that I should have extras during the auditions. Since then, I always have two pairs of audition necessities from extension eyelashes down to jazz shoes in my bag.

6. Not practicing your solo routine

Even if you’re a talented dancer or have high kinesthetic intelligence and only require little time to master a given choreography, you’re still prone to screwing up on the big day. It’s part of us being human. As much as possible, don’t gamble your chances. Make time to practice your solo performance daily until you’re confident enough to dance without error.

7. Not taking prep clinics and dance classes

Each NFL and NBA pro cheer team have their own criteria of what they’re looking for in auditionees. Some are even similar. By taking the prep clinics of your dream squad, you’ll help mold yourself into being a candidate that would be perfect for the organization.

As I said, pro cheerleading is different from its high school or college counterparts. You have different stunts and dance styles to perform. If you can afford it, search online for dance classes, instructors, or mentors that specialized in NFL and NBA cheering.

If you didn’t make it to the final roster of your dream squad, never lose hope. Try again next year. But remember your shortcomings. List them down as a lesson for the next season.

Here are more blog posts to help you in your journey before, during, and beyond the auditions:

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