By Shelbi
After 15 years of competitive cheerleading, I am currently a Texas Star Dancer, which is a minor league team directed by former DCC Crystal Weir.
This team has helped my style, performance, and helped me grow as a person and after these past few years auditioning for both the Dallas Mavericks Dancers and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, I have learned many things about myself and the industry and would love to share my tips and advice with all of you.
GETTING THE LOOK
No matter what team you’re auditioning for, the first thing they look at is your appearance.
Luckily, I have had the help from former DCC Crystal Weir on what looks best from my hair, audition outfits, makeup, skin tone and more.
If you have a director or know a former DCC, either of them could be super helpful in giving you advice on what makes YOU look your best.
When preparing for auditions you always want to make sure your hair is freshly colored and cut, your makeup is natural and flattering and you are wearing something that compliments your body.
Classes to Take
Taking Prep Classes before auditions is a MUST. Going to different classes with teachers that have different styles will be so helpful in the audition process. Personally I am a strong and powerful dancer, but I am not the best technically and that’s okay. It’s really important that you expose yourself to different dance styles even if you are uncomfortable, because in the end this will only make you a better dancer.
I usually go to the Texas Star Dancer’s Prep Classes which focuses on kicks, technique, and a dance combo.
I also enjoy Stephanie DiBiase Wheat’s Prep Classes and the DCC prep classes hosted at Valley Ranch.
Each class is around $15 and is well worth it!
Also going to prep classes you do get to meet other girls that are auditioning and become friends. Knowing other girls at the audition can be a lot more comforting then not knowing anyone at all.
Audition Wear
My very first audition I thought you had to spend a lot of money to have a blinged-out outfit in order to stand out and get noticed. The truth is the girl that spent $350 on her outfit might be standing next to a girl that only spent $100 and look just as good.
You can purchase your outfit anywhere from Dallaswear, The Line Up, and even Electric Boutique.
I have put a stones on a lot of my outfit’s myself, which is a big money savor.
You can even take a pair of plain black hot pants ($35) and put stones on them and you’re ready to go. Another option you always have is borrowing an audition outfit from a friend who has tried out before. At the end of the day, it’s important to wear something that compliments your body.
Overcoming Adversity
After auditioning for the Dallas Mavericks Dancers when I was 18 and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders when I was 19 and 20 and being told ‘no’ to my dream, I learned a lot about myself. I think anyone auditioning for a professional team needs to be proud of themselves.
It takes a lot of courage, strength and hard work to put yourself out there to be judged, critiqued and to fail in front of others.
I’ve learned not to take it personally when being told no but to use the advice and experience to better yourself. It will only take some girls one try to make a team and others like myself… multiple. It’s very easy to let others opinions, and what other’s are doing get in your head. I think the most important thing you can do is stay positive and most importantly believe in yourself.
The only time you lose is when you give up and I hope you won’t give up until you make your DREAM.
