What Judges Look For at NBA Dance Team Tryouts
Image credit: Warriors Dance Team
Auditioning for an NBA dance team is a dream for many dancers—but it’s also one of the most competitive and intense tryouts in the professional dance world. Unlike traditional dance auditions, NBA team tryouts demand not only technical excellence but also performance power, fitness, personality, and team spirit. Understanding what judges look for can make the difference between blending into the crowd and earning a coveted spot on the roster.
1. Technique and Precision
At the core of every NBA dance team is a foundation of solid technique. Judges expect dancers to have a strong grasp of turns, leaps, high kicks, and sharp arm movements. Clean lines, pointed toes, and overall body control are musts. Since routines are high-energy and synchronized, precision is non-negotiable. Even small missteps can stand out during group choreography.
2. Performance Quality
NBA dancers are entertainers. Judges want to see candidates who can light up a stadium with their energy and charisma. This means confident eye contact, genuine expressions, and the ability to stay "on" for long stretches. Dancers should exude confidence and connect with the audience—even if it’s just the judges in the room. Judges ask themselves, "Would this person engage a crowd of 20,000 fans?"
3. Appearance and Fitness
Image credit: Miami HEAT Dancers
Fitness is a huge component—not for aesthetics alone, but for stamina and injury prevention. Dancers need to maintain a high level of physical conditioning to handle long practices, game nights, and public appearances. Judges also evaluate grooming and presentation. Hair, makeup, and outfit should reflect a polished, professional image that aligns with the team brand. Many teams have uniform guidelines, so fitting that image is essential.
Read more: What 'Overall Appearance' Entails for Pro Cheer Auditions
4. Style Versatility
NBA choreography often blends jazz, hip-hop, and pom with elements of commercial and street styles. Judges want dancers who can adapt quickly and execute a variety of genres convincingly. Candidates who can switch from hard-hitting hip-hop to elegant jazz in the same routine demonstrate range—a huge plus.
Read more: What Does It Mean to Be an Experienced, Versatile Dancer?
5. Learning Speed and Memory
With limited time during tryouts, judges also assess how quickly dancers can learn and retain choreography. Being a fast learner shows that you can keep up with the fast-paced demands of the season. Forgetting counts, turning in the wrong direction, or freezing mid-routine can hurt your chances, no matter how talented you are.
6. Team Player Mentality
Image credit: Miami HEAT Dancers
NBA dancers aren’t just individual performers—they’re brand ambassadors and teammates. Judges want to see people who are supportive, approachable, and positive. The ability to work well in a group, take feedback constructively, and lift others up is often just as important as dance ability.
Read more: Pro Cheer Advice: How to Be a Great Team Player
7. Interview and Personality
Many NBA teams include a panel interview or solo introduction as part of the tryout process. Judges want dancers who can speak well, represent the team in the community, and show maturity and professionalism. A strong personality—warm, engaging, and authentic—can make a lasting impression.
Final Thoughts
Making an NBA dance team is about more than perfecting choreography. It’s about bringing the total package—talent, fitness, charisma, professionalism, and team spirit. Dancers who understand these expectations and come prepared to deliver on all fronts will stand out in the spotlight—and possibly earn that life-changing call back.
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