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!