Cheerleader FAQ

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Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of final auditions.
• Must be a high school graduate or have a G.E.D.
• Must have a part-time or full-time job or be a college student (Yes, a mother is considered a full-time job!)

Complete the application and bring it to auditions on Sunday, April 19, 2009 with a $25.00 (cash or money order) non-refundable application fee, a non-returnable photo and a resume (optional).  Photos do not have to be professional quality- any type is acceptable.  This is used for identification purposes only, so please be sure that the photo is current.
DO NOT MAIL APPLICATIONS TO THE ATLANTA FALCONS OFFICES!

• Preliminaries: a two-piece leotard (bra top and dance trunks). If you do not have this, a one-piece leotard with matte flesh color tights, white socks and tennis shoes- No dance pants, please!
• Interview: The interview is business/professional dress.
• Finals: a two-piece “leotard”/work-out outfit, skin tone color tights, white socks and white tennis shoes (if possible). Shapes Dance and Aerobic Wear (770-396-1078) is the dance wear provider for the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders.

Common Questions and Answers
What are your height and weight requirements?
None, however, you must be physically fit.  We do not have any minimum or maximum limits -- the 2008 squad ranged in height from 4’9” to 5’10”! 

What is the age limit?
There is no age maximum; however, you must be at least 18 years of age by June 1, 2008.  Last year’s team ranged in age between 19-31 years.

What do the judges look for at auditions?
The judges are looking at appearance, showmanship, dance/cheer ability, and a fit  shape.

How should I fix my hair and make-up?
Make-up should be glamorous but not too heavy!  A hairstyle that is up-to-date and compliments your features should be worn.  Jamison Shaw Hairdressers is the Hair Salon for The Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders- they are fabulous!!!  You can book an appointment by calling 404-262-3777 today!
 

Would you prefer a professional or dance/cheer resume for auditions?
If you have them, both would be terrific. Please note that the resume is optional. This does not need to be professionally done. The purpose of the resume is to provide additional information for the interview process.

What do you use the photograph for that you request at auditions?  Should I go and get a professional head shot taken?
We strictly use the requested photograph for recognizing who you are at auditions. Please do not go out and get a professional photo for this purpose. These photos will not be returned to you!  Just select a nice snapshot where you look as you do today!  If you already have a head shot – this would be fine to use!
 

How long will preliminaries last?
Preliminaries and semi-finals will be held on the same day (plan on staying all day).  If you make it to the finals there will be a mandatory 15 minute interview scheduled for either Monday, April 20,2009  or Tuesday, April 21,2009

Do I need to prepare or choreograph any material for my audition?
No.  All material will be taught to you the day of the audition. There will be at least two cuts for the preliminary audition. This will be comprised of several 8-counts of a dance routine.

When and where are Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader Practices?
Last season the Cheerleaders practiced on Tuesday and Thursday  evenings from 7:15-10 p.m. at Midtown Athletic Club at Windy Hill and had some practices at The Georgia Dome.  You can expect practices to range from 2-3 times per week somewhere in the Greater Atlanta vicinity for the 2009 season. 

Do the Cheerleaders travel to away games?
No. The Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders do not travel to regular-season away games.  They are required, however, to cheer at all 10 home games (2 pre-season and 8 regular season games).

What is the salary for an Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader?
The cheerleaders get paid a nominal fee for each of the 10 home games they perform.  There are also opportunities for paid appearances throughout the season. It is required for the cheerleaders to have a full-time job or be a full-time student because being an Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader is not a full-time paying job.

What is The Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader Show Troupe?
The Show Troupe is comprised of 12-15 members of the Falcons Cheerleading Squad who audition for spots on this traveling troupe. The troupe performs a one-hour costumed variety show.  There are additional required rehearsals for this special group. The troupe performed overseas for the US Troops in North Africa/Middle East for 10 days over the Thanksgiving holiday in 2002, departed for Cuba/Puerto Rico in 2003,  traveled December 2005 to Kosovo and Bosnia, 2006 toured the Pacific (Japan, Okinawa, Hawaii and Guam) and February 2008 to Italy, Portugal, Greece and Eygpyt.
 

Do the current cheerleaders have to audition again?
Yes. Each cheerleader must audition every year. The cheerleaders do not have to audition at the preliminary auditions but must compete in the finals.   The panel of judges cannot tell who has cheered and who has not at this final audition. The current cheerleaders have an interview portion as well and do not know the material taught at the final audition.

Besides attending audition prep classes, what else can I do to better prepare for auditions?
First off, staying fit is a key element as being an Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader requires high athletic demands.  The Audition Prep Classes are a terrific way to really understand the audition process as well as to help show what types of moves will be incorporated in auditions.  Another great opportunity to brush up on dance and technical moves is to take additional dance classes. We are proud to announce a partnership with Gotta Dance located in Atlanta, GA. The phone number for Gotta Dance is 404-352-0420.  Fitness is also an important component.  Quick Fitness Solutions staff are our squad’s personal trainers.  For more information regarding their services contact Marc or Akil at 404-808-4785 or www.qfs.usa.com

Are there any Optional Elements at Auditions?
There are no optional elements for Falcons Cheerleaders auditions.

Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader
Program Overview

Rules and Regulations

• The official uniform and practice wear is provided.
• Cheerleaders are responsible for maintaining the uniform, poms, warm-ups, shoes/boots, and practice wear.  The cheerleader must pay for any items lost or damaged.
• All Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader property must be turned in on or before the 2009 Final Auditions.

Rehearsals

• Twice a week; extra rehearsals added as needed.
• Anyone missing a rehearsal prior to a home game will not be allowed to perform at that game.
• Anyone missing one game is subject to dismissal from the squad under the discretion of the coordinator.
• If you cannot attend rehearsals or all games, please do not consider auditioning.

Compensation

• Cheerleaders are paid $75.00 per home game.
• Rehearsals are not paid.
• Paid appearances and performances are available at the discretion of the coordinator.

Other Requirements

• Each cheerleader is required to meet a minimum of charity, sponsor and Falcons appearances throughout the season.