Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum qualifications to be a Washington Redskins Cheerleader?
- Must be at least 18 by April 1, 2017.
- Hold a full/part-time job, or attend school full time, or have a family
- Have a High School Diploma or G.E.D.
- Ladies from all over the country audition each year. If you are chosen to be a Washington Redskins Cheerleader, you must relocate to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Are there any height and weight requirements?
You should look well proportioned and be physically fit; but we have no set limits. We DO NOT have a minimum or maximum height/weight requirement.
Will I make the squad if I have a tattoo or facial/body piercings?
If tattoo is visible in the uniform or practice wear, you must have it covered with make up at all times. Facial and Body piercings must be removed when in uniform or practice wear.
Is there an age limit?
You must be at least 18 by April 1, 2017. There is NO maximum age limit. Ages of recent cheerleaders have ranged from 18 to 35.
How should I wear my hair and make-up?
Your hairstyle should compliment your features. Make-up should have colors that compliment you! Think glamorous. You may want to contact the hair salon for the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders, www.robertandrew.com to ask for advice on the perfect hairstyle for you.
Can my family watch any part of the auditions or Prep Classes?
No, the prep classes, A Leg Up Series, and the first rounds of auditions are closed to the public. However, the final auditions are open to the public.
Do I have to take the prep classes
No, however it is highly recommended that you take as many preperatory classes and seminars as possible. This is where you will learn all of our various dances and styles even from our captains, leaders on the team and cheerleader director.
Can I take the prep classes even if I am not going to audition?
Yes, these are among the best adult dance classes offered in the area. If you miss dancing and want to take the classes to improve your dance technique then these classes are for you. You can sign up for Prep Classes and the Leg Up Series here.
Do I have to attend all days of the auditions?
YES, you must start the first night and should plan on staying during the entire audition week. The first cut will not happen until late Saturday.
Is the squad more dance-oriented than cheerleading and stunting?
Dance! We have our own style of dance with emphasis on Jazz and Hip Hop.
Who are the Redskins Cheerleaders Ambassadors and how can I become one?
The Ambassadors are a non-dancing group of 12-24 women who appear at FedExField during Redskins home games and make appearances throughout the Metro area. These women will be selected from those at the auditions and could be anyone with great public relations skills. The Ambassadors have mandatory monthly meetings and must attend all home Redskins games.
Do I have to come to the Auditions if I only want to be an Ambassador?
Yes, you will need to go through the first few rounds. Please indicate that you only want to be considered to be a Redskins Cheerleaders Ambassador on the Application. If you DO NOT dance and would like to only be considered for an ambassador position, please indicate that on your application and you will be only judged for that position.
What are you looking for when selecting the Redskins Cheerleaders Ambassadors?
- Appearance
- Speaking ability
- Personality
If I am selected as an Ambassador and want to still become a Redskins Cheerleader, can I audition next year?
Absolutely! This is a great way for you to learn what it takes to become a Cheerleader for the Redskins and learn the important people skills in order to achieve this goal. You will also be working closely with Redskins and Cheerleader Staff on gamedays.
When, where and how much do the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders rehearse?
- Anywhere from 2-5 times per week.
- Full squad rehearsals are primarily held on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:30 pm until 10:30 pm. Saturday and/or Sunday rehearsals may be in the morning or afternoon and will be scheduled several times throughout the year.
- If you become a member of the Redskins Cheerleaders Variety Show, rehearsals for this will be in addition to regular schedule.
- All rehearsal will be held at FedExField in the Cheerleader Studio. A few rehearsals throughout the year will be held at Redskin Park in Ashburn, VA.
- All rehearsals are mandatory.
What will the judges focus on?
- Showmanship
- Dance Technique
- Personal Appearance/Figure
- Personality
- Communication Skills
- Energy
- Kick Technique
- Photogenic Round for Finalists
What is the photogenic round?
Because the model aspect of the squad has grown, we have added a round to judge this ability. Each Finalist will go through a photo shoot! She will be judged on comfort level in front of the camera and the final shots will be given a score.
Do I have to make up my own routine?
No, for the first round of auditions you will be required to free-style dance and we recommend you not pre-choreograph this. This will take place to a one minute upbeat piece of top 40 style music. This is a way for the judges to see your natural movement and your choreography is not judged. For all other rounds, you will be taught all the choreography you will dance. Free-style will be worked on during the prep classes.
How much of a time commitment is being a Washington Redskins Cheerleader?
- In addition to attending every rehearsal and game, the Redskins Cheerleaders participate in several hundred appearances a year all over the world. Each cheerleader should plan on making at least 20 appearances during her year.
- The time spent a week at rehearsals, games and appearances can range from 12 to 20 hours (not including variety show members)
- Being a Washington Redskins Cheerleader is a huge commitment. However, many of the past cheerleaders have held demanding careers such as attorneys, nurses, school teachers and computer specialists. We have a large amount of under graduate and graduate college students and even several law students. Yes, several of the cheerleaders have children and families to manage, in addition to carrying a full-time job.
- At the prep classes you will be able to meet several of the current squad members and ask them how they manage their time.
Do I have to pay for the uniform?
No, all uniforms, practice attire, warm-ups, earrings, shoes, boots, and poms are supplied to each cheerleader. You are responsible for the care of the uniforms and attire supplied to you.
What should I wear to auditions?
- A crop top (sports bra, stomach must show) and dance trunks/briefs (recommended) or short biker shorts. If you wish to order a costume, you may do so from www.thelineup.net. Keep in mind the judges need to be able to picture what you would look like in the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders uniform. Your outfit can be any color and any style.
- Sample audition attire will be shown during the prep classes and will be offered for purchase during the A Leg Up Series.
- Flesh-colored pantyhose, dance tights or you may be bare legged.
- Dance Sneaker, or Jazz shoes.
Are all the Prep classes different and can I audition if I do not attend any of the classes?
- The Prep Classes are designed to offer different choreography each day. However, all the technical material is the same.
- You may still audition if you do not attend any of the Prep Classes. The Prep Classes are optional, but strongly recommended. Even if you have danced your entire life you will still learn important information about the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders.
- You can sign up for Prep Classes and the Leg Up Series here.
What do I need to bring to the auditions?
- Bring a lunch or snack and a water bottle.
- Extra audition outfit and tights. Just incase anything happens.
- If you have not attended a Prep Class, please bring $50 cash, money order, or credit card for the registration fee.
- If you have attended prep classes, there is NO FEE to audition.
If I make the squad, do I have to be in the Calendar?
Yes, all Cheerleaders are required to attend the Calendar Shoot, which will be held in an exotic location. The trip is 8 days/7 nights and includes airfare, hotel and all meals.
What can I do to get ready several months before auditions when prep classes aren't offered?
- Exercise and start eating healthy! You will need to be physically fit.
- Stretch out after every workout.
- Take dance classes that will teach you jazz technique.
What is the best way for me to find out if I have what it takes to be a Redskins Cheerleader?
Attend at least one prep class EARLY! Many people wait until the last week when you don't have to time to prepare.