The Winning Look...

Hello Girls!!! As we are now beginning to approach the official beginning to the audition season, Arena Dance Pros receives many questions; such as, "What do I wear to the prep classes? What do I wear to the pre-lims vs the finals?"etc,.

These are all great questions and ones that we address with each girl on an individual basis.  We decided to share some of them with you all before you head out to those exciting auditions...

This is your 2nd or 3rd time auditioning for the same team.  Whatever you do....whatever you do; please do NOT return in the same outfits that you wore that previous year.  Each year should be fresh.

Why?  Because you don't want to be associated with whatever the reason was the previous year that you didn't make it.  Coaches, Directors & Choreographers remember girls; believe it or not.  If you show up in the same outfit...it just screams ill-preparation and a "could care less" approach.

Not to mention wouldn't you rather go with a new state of mind, a new outlook & a new hot outfit??...

The website of your respective team is saying~~~~

Show up in a athletic apparel: sports bra, dance team shorts, jazz sneakers/sneakers.


This is not literal.  First of all, yes you HAVE to show your assets; face it...it's what sells and since you are game entertainment~~~~you must sell.

A sports bra does not indicate something out of Dicks Sporting Goods or in the workout section of Target in the color of gray, black or pink.   You have to be remembered at all times so it MUST stand out.  Whether it's blingy, shiny, with ruffles...etc, it must scream CUTE and I want to be noticed.  The dance team shorts are the basic black shorts and it's fine to bling those or buy the matching bottoms to the top!   We advise staying away from short skirts and you must wear tights and jazz sneakers!

What you wear to your prep classes MATTER!!! Because you are still being watched.  This, to us, is the best opportunity to show them what you got without the real pressure of audition day!  Sell yourself then! Make yourself noticed then!  The Head Coach may take notice to you and LIKE you and will watch you specifically on that big day!!! How could you give up that opportunity????

So please show up with something that will make you stand out!

A few things to consider:

Spray Tans (If you decide to do this make sure you stay consistent.  If you plan to go to the audition spray tanned; attend the prep & prelims the same way!  It's just as important as your outfit)

Change of Hair Color (take a look at the previous team and see what the trend is; go against it.  If they like you and you land a spot on the team, they will transform you into the girl that they ultimately want.)

Fingernails (Keep them modest.  No crazy colors; at least, until you get on the team and then they tell you protocol.  It's fine to have them done but keep them toned down.)

Jewelry (None. Enough said)

Makeup (Your face must be done for everything involving that team.  From the prep classes until you make the team.  Remember: you are an entertainer)

So for more tips...you need to hire us!!! :)   For our clients we help them pick that winning look for that day specifically so we can't give away too many of our tips!  

Arena Dance Pros

What does it take to make the team???

Audition season is upon us and there is so much excitement and nerves being thrown around!  Girls are making the decisions whether they wish to audition or not!  Wondering if they have what it takes to make the team...

What does it take to make the team?  This is an excellent question.  A question that even the average girl may ask when watching these dynamic young women on the sideline or center court.  Please excuse me when I say "average" because usually the not so average girl auditions for a dance/cheer team.  It is what it is. 

Let's take a look at the average girl:

*She's cute
*A bit conservative
*Enjoy coffee shops and Barnes & Nobles.
*Grew up playing the violin
*Is in Grad School
*Volunteers at the local shelter
*She's quiet
*Hasn't ever had a boyfriend or been to a lounge/club
*Drives a Lime colored Bug
*Everyone love her


Now let's take a look at the "not so average" girl:

*She loves to stay up late w/ her girls exchanging fashion tips
*She has spent years of dance studio training and her best friends are all from those studios
*She is in college or working a full-time job but at night doing promotions at a nightclub
*She is in a sorority or in the "popular" crowd
*She has been a serial dater or is in a VERY serious relationship
*She has as many "haters" as Kim Kardashian
*She is, in her own mind, considered a socialite

So I think you get the point.  Please don't get it twisted though; that "average girl" does come around ever so often wanting to be a part of that game entertainment to spice up her life a little.  And more often then not, she makes the team.  The "not so average girl" is the one who pretty much always shows up and in most cases----does not make the team. 

Which leads to me to: What DOES it take to make the team?

We have all watched, if you are reading this blog, that wonderful Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Reality series, "Making The Team."  So, for some of us, we have had an inside peek to one of the nation's most challenging audition processes.

For one, the girl auditioning must remember that every team, every choreographer, director and judging panel is different.  They do not all look for the same prototype.

So for number one!

1) Do your research!
Research that team.  We are living in an age that the internet HAS everything.  Go to youtube and search that team. Nine chances out of ten, there is performance footage.  Go to the team's website.  Learn the current team.  See pictures/video from last year's audition.  Never walk in blind.

2) Discipline!
It's a job! As oh so glamorous as it looks---and sometimes it can be but in actuality; it's work.   Get yourself on a routine.  A schedule.  Eating right.  Hitting the gym.  Practicing makeup and styling techniques.  Take extra dance classes.

3) Determination!
Most girls that make these teams are extremely goal-oriented and focused.  If you are all over the place mentally, emotionally or anything else; this is not for you.  Many of these girls have tried out more then a few times before they make their respective teams.  They don't give up!  Passion does not give up!

4) Patience!
The ability to wait....and wait...and wait some more.  What do I mean by this?  Those long grueling audition procedures, picking up those routines, finally getting to finals after a month to 2 month process and you still don't know what is going on.  You are finally at training camp and you COULD still be cut but won't know what is going on each time you show up!  It's a mental challenge.  Are you up for it?

5) Positivity!
Are you a team player? Do you have showmanship?  You better during this process!

6) The "IT" factor!
This is the most important element because this is all of the above PLUS the skill.  I don't even place skill on this list only because---Surprise, Surprise---skill is important but not the most deciding element.  You need to know HOW to dance but picking up a routine that was taught to you in 20 minutes with such perfection is not always the determining factor. 
This includes; appearance, presentation, execution of choreography, spirit, showmanship, determination, marketing ability!

So here you go girls---That is what it takes to make the team! Those 6 elements!!! Now you need to determine if you are up for that challenge.  This is only the audition; then there is getting on the team and maintaining that image and that discipline!

Yup, a girl's job is just never done, is it?

It's a fascinating, exciting time.  Make new friends and enjoy the process!

"If you Got It; Go Get It"

www.arenadancepros.com