So, you’ve made a big #SceneGirl decision, and you’re officially going to tryout to be a Miami Dolphins Cheerleader. Being that we have had a lot of you reach out to LLScene for last minute tryout tips, we thought we would lay it all out for you in today’s blog post. Whether you're personally trying out, or know someone who is, today’s post will give you the opportunity to hear it all from a five-year veteran, Dolphin fan favorite, and LLScene’s very own, Lilly Robbins.
Prep classes are offered to all girls trying out months before auditions. Most of you that have reached out to us have been going to the prep classes, which is great. You already have an advantage over girls who haven’t attended the classes. Week after week, you’re introduced to new routines that are taught at the same pace they’re going to be taught on audition day.
Crop/half top or sports bra with trunks (dance style boy shorts)
Nude/flesh colored tights or panty hose
Dance shoes (sneakers, jazz shoes, character shoes, etc.)
No dance pants, warm-ups or shorts.
Lilly suggests a top color that you feel the best in, and one that best compliments you. Make sure it’s something you’re comfortable moving around, and dancing in! Have a dress rehearsal the night before in your bedroom. Move around, dance, kick, and do what you have to do to ensure that all of your beautiful lady parts are intact. That was always something Lilly had to be fully prepared for - her top half!
The judges will rate you on poise, smile, personality, energy, figure, and dance ability. Go in with the mindset that you’re already an NFL Cheerleader and everything else will come naturally.
It’s always best to wear your hair how it naturally is. If it looks better straight, wear it straight. You want to be able to dance and show off your personality without your hair covering your beautiful face, but you don’t want to wear your hair up either. (Insider tip: YouTube videos of difference cheerleader performances, you will start to see a pattern on how we’re able to wear our hair down, but keep it out of our face at the same time. It’s all about the hair flip). Makeup is important, especially on those hot game days. Audition day is a long day, so you’ll want to be in full hair and full make up. This will give the judges and directors a first look into how your skin and hair does under the pressure of heat, sweat, and stress - because you know that game days come with all of the above. Lipstick is important, and just like your hair, stick to what is natural for you, and what you feel the best in. (Insider tip: Invest in a really good primer. Our favorite is Smashbox's Photo Finish Primer).
Again, prep classes are a huge advantage, if you are able to attend this Friday, you will have the opportunity to see first hand what to expect Saturday.
Tips to Calming Down
Breathing is the best thing you can do when you’re trying to relax. It can be very nerve racking in front of the judges, directors, veterans, and other candidates, but it will be a good practice for when you are at games in front of 75,000 fans. (Insider tip: Breath in through the nose, and out through the mouth. It’s a small movement that won't draw too much attention, and it’s very effective).
Tips on Memorization
Lilly’s first year trying out they had taught the kickline the week before auditions at the final prep class. This was a HUGE advantage, she was able to concentrate more on the routine taught at auditions because she already had the kick line down. This year, they are offering prep classes the night before, which is an even bigger advantage! You’re literally learning one of the most important routines the night before, opposed to learning it 10 minutes before you have to perform in front of the judges. Not only will you have the advantage of learning the kickline the night before, but you will also have the opportunity to meet MCD veterans, and receive last minute advice. We HIGHLY recommend canceling any friday night plans to be at that prep class!
What to Pack
Make sure to pack a lot of water, and snacks. Anything that is going to keep you hydrated and energized during auditions. EAT! We can’t stress how important it is to eat throughout the day. Year after year, girls forget to eat, and become light headed and sick. You have worked so hard to get to this point, don’t let something as easy as eating hold you back from your future as an MDC. Bring makeup for touch ups and/or curling irons, straighteners, styling products...etc. You will have access to mirrors and outlets. We would also recommend packing an extra outfit - one that is the exact replica of your original. When was the last time you wore tights? You’re guaranteed to get a run in them if you’re not careful. Why is it important to pack an exact replica of your outfit? Even though you’re designated a certain number, the judges will recognize you based on your appearance, you don't want to throw them off, especially if they like you!
Preliminary & Semi-Final Auditions will be held at the Doctor’s Hospital Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University on Saturday, April 25, 2015
Registration begins promptly at 8:30am. Competition begins at 10:00am.
Between 9:00 am and 10:00 am contestants learn audition choreography that will immediately be performed at 10:00am. (This choreography will also be taught on Friday, April 24th, at prep class.)
Applicants have the opportunity to register until Friday, April 24 at 5:00pm.
To pre-register for auditions, please CLICK HERE
Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 8:30am (times are approximate) – Registration doors open – pre-registered applicants will be allowed in first. All contestants must have an application, bio sheet and photo at the registration table. Applications can be filled out online by registering and those pre-registered will be the first to enter.
9:00am – 10:00am – Contestants learn audition choreography. This choreography will also be taught on Friday, April 24, at prep class.
10:00am – Contestants will perform a :30 freestyle routine, followed by audition choreography learned in groups of five. After all contestants have auditioned the judges will retire to make their decisions.
11:00am - *All contestants who received a “Free Pass” at the Prep Classes must arrive by 11am to register for the Semi-Final Phase.
12:00pm - Call backs for the Semi-Final Phase will be posted outside the admittance gate. Those selected will re-enter the Facility at this time. Semi-Final contestants must bring their Preliminary contestant number or their “Free Pass” to re-register for the Semi-Final Phase.
After registration is complete, the Cheerleader Choreographer will refresh the choreography learned earlier and teach the kick line. Immediately following, contestants will perform the dance combination and kick line in groups of five. Upon completion of the dance section, the judges will retire to make decisions and return shortly for the announcement of those selected to advance to the next phase.
Those selected will stay for a brief meeting to discuss the final phases of the audition process: Interviews, Clinics and Performance (only for candidates selected at Semi-Finals).
Monday or Tuesday, April 27 or 28th at the Doctor’s Hospital Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University.
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm – You will sign up for a specific interview time slot on one of the above dates.
Tuesday, April 28 – 6:30pm – 10:00pm – Clinic 1 (location TBD)
Wednesday, April 29 – 6:30pm – 10:00pm – Clinic 2 (location TBD)
Thursday, April 30 – 6:30pm – 10:00pm – Clinic 3 (location TBD)
Sunday, May 3, 2015 – 10:00 am- 3:00 pm
3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
Open to the Public – the final phase of the auditions will take place in a public location in front of an audience.
The best advice we can give is to show off your wonderful personalities to the judges the entire day. Never stop smiling, because they’re always watching. Come prepared, confident, and ready to show them that you’re going to be the perfect addition to the best cheerleading squad in the NFL.
Hope these tips give you a positive peace of mind leading up to Saturday. Lilly will be at auditions, so make sure to say hello if you see her! Good luck #SceneGirls!
