If being an NFL cheerleader is your dream, your chance to follow that dream comes each spring. The Baltimore Ravens hold an open tryout, usually in early March, for the Ravens cheerleading squad.
The organization offers prep clinics for a fee usually a month in advance of the audition date. The two divisions for the auditions are Co-Ed Stunt and All-Female Dance. Spectators are not permitted at tryouts.
Information for 2008 Ravens Cheerleader Tryouts
- Date: Saturday, March 1
Location: Merritt's Downtown Athletic Club
Cost: $30 before Feb. 27, 2008; $40 for walk-ins
Schedule:
Registration - 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Instruction - 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Tryouts - 12:45 p.m.
Callbacks are Sunday, March 2 at 11 a.m. Call backs are by invitation only.
Advance registration deadline is February 27, 2008. Mail completed applications to:
Baltimore Ravens Cheerleader Tryouts
1 Winning Drive
Owings Mills, MD 21117
On Sunday, March 2, Ravens will also hold tryouts for its Playmakers, a promotions team of women who don't perform at games but represent the Ravens at local events. Playmakers must be 21 before August 1. Call 443-277-3509 for more info.
About Becoming a Ravens Cheerleaders
Most Ravens cheerleaders perform for the glory of cheering in front of 70,000 fans and the media exposure as well as for the sheer love of cheerleading and dance.Raven Cheerleaders must love what they do, but most also must have another source of income to support themselves. According to a Baltimore Examiner article cheerleaders are paid about $100 per game. However, there are other opportunities to earn cash through other public appearances. The Ravens organization does provide uniforms and apparel.
How Do Tryouts Work?
Often as many as 200 potential cheerleaders audition for the squad. Less than a quarter of those are called back the next day. That group is then winnowed down to fill the number of positions available. The number of open slots varies from year to year.While the Ravens' prep clinics can give a candidate an edge because they are taught by Ravens staff, the routines for the auditions are taught only on the day of the tryout.
Applicants must present themselves as an all around good candidate. Judging is based on
- Physical talent
- Dance ability
- Personality
- Appearance
- Poise.
From the Ravens: "We are a precision based all female dance team with an emphasis on synchronization and game day performance. Cheerleaders, athletes, and technically trained dancers provide a unique balance to the team. The stunt team is comprised of males and females with knowledge and/or some experience in the sport of cheerleading. A good height-to-weight ratio athleticism, control, poise, and strength are some of the qualities sought after for the only full Co-ED stunt team existing in the NFL."
Who May Tryout?
Both men and women are welcome to audition. Females may tryout for both stunt and dance positions. Males may only audition for stunt positions.In 2008, applicants must be 18 years old by July 1, 2008. They must be able to attend all home games, practice two days a week from August to January and one day a week from April to June. Participants may not cheer for another professional or collegiate team concurrently.
What to Bring to Tryouts?
- Driver's license or birth certificate
- Drink and snack
- Fee (cash only for walk-ins)
- Two 5x7 professional pictures (headshot and full body shot in bikini or sports bra and shorts is recommended)
- Application
- Liability Release
- Publicity Release
What to Wear?
Female (Stunt and Dancers)- Sports bra and fitted shorts (choose something flattering to your body type)
- White tennis shoes
- Hair and makeup should be done in advance
- Plain white T-shirts (no tank tops or cut off T-shirts)
- Dark colored shorts
- White tennis shoes
- No ponytails, beards or mustaches
