Saturday, February 2, 2013

Dancing for “America’s Team”

Audition season for professional dance teams is right around the corner and women eager to land a spot on one of the teams are training hard. But what does it actually take to make a professional dance team? Although some may believe that anyone who can shake a pair of flashy pom-poms or perform a technical dance move would be considered an eligible contestant, many people would be surprised to know that the dance portion of an audition is a very small part of the process.

I have had the opportunity to dance for two semi-professional football teams and a semi- professional hockey team. But, in April, I plan to take on my biggest audition ever when I try out for the only hip hop dance team in the NFL – the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blues Dancers (DCR&B). Known for their high energy and fast choreography, the DCR&B team will be showcased along with a percussion troop and drum-line in the west end-zone of the stadium. The Rhythm and Blues Dancers will be expected to interact with fans throughout the game and add to the overall game day experience Cowboy Stadium.
Although I have a strong dance background, it is difficult to say if I have what it takes when auditioning for the DCR&B team. Girls auditioning for DCR&B are expected to be in great shape, pick up new choreography quickly, and be able to fully commit to a busy year-round schedule. Also, as an ambassador of the Dallas Cowboys, all girls are expected to either be a full-time student or hold a full-time job as well as participate in community service events.  The time commitment for members of the DCR&B team is quite demanding especially for those with families or a busy work schedule.

It is interesting to note that every professional dance team has a unique set of audition standards. For the DCR&B, I will be expected to have the “Dallas look” while being able to learn and perfect new choreography in front of a panel of judges.  While other team auditions may require potential team members to know details about win/ loss records, history of the organization, names of the players, and the coaches’ backgrounds. With audition standards varying from team to team, it is difficult to imagine what will be expected of me during my first professional tryout.

Although it makes me nervous not knowing what to fully expect going into this audition, I feel that it’s my time to make the jump from semi-professional to a professional dance team. I am fortunate to have the opportunity keep pursuing my dream of dancing professionally and believe that I have what it takes to represent the blue and silver. GO COWBOYS!

7 comments:

  1. I truly believe this is your year Amber to take your dancing career to the next level. Keep up the great work!!

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    2. Thank you for your support Rickey, I am really hoping this year will allow for me to take my career to the next level. I am keeping my eyes on the prize, and making my dream of dancing for the Dallas Cowboys my main focus as I prepare for auditions in April.
      Go Cowboys!


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  2. I just want to say that I am very excited for you and I know you will do great and kill the audition. Before you wrote your blog I had never heard of the DCR&B, I had only heard of the DCC. Every year when the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading tryouts are on CMT I get sucked into watching the marathon. Plus one of my friends I went to high school with is on the team so I like to see how many times I see her in the show. But I think it is a great thing, I know it can be tough at times, but it is nice to see more people going after their dreams. If your dream isn’t a little scary then it probably isn’t big enough. Good luck and I would definitely like to hear how the tryouts went.

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words Elizabeth, chasing my dreams is very important to me, even if it is scary at times. But I feel that if I am going to try at something, I have to give it my all!
      It is time to buckle down and jump in to training full force. Fingers crossed!

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  3. good luck!!! i know you can do it!
    -nick

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  4. Good luck! Keep us informed...would love to come and watch you dance/cheer at a Dallas Cowboys game. You have my vote!!!

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