CHEER AND DANCE TEAM AUDITIONS
After 8 stellar seasons the Ottawa REDBLACKS Cheer and Dance teams are now preparing for an even bigger and better year nine! If you have a background in cheerleading, dance or gymnastics and would love to cheer or dance on the REDBLACKS this season, we would LOVE to have you on our team!
After 8 stellar seasons the Ottawa REDBLACKS Cheer and Dance teams are now preparing for an even bigger and better year nine! If you have a background in cheerleading, dance or gymnastics and would love to cheer or dance on the REDBLACKS this season, we would LOVE to have you on our team!
ABOUT THE CHEER AND DANCE TEAM
The Ottawa REDBLACKS Cheerleading & Dance Team are a volunteer group which is organized and managed by Spring: Cheer, Dance & Tumbling under the leadership of Lisa Aucoin. Team members will cheer/dance at all home football games. In addition to games, they are required to attend weekly practices from April-November, participate in cheer/dance team training weekend, attend Grey Cup Cheer Extravaganza (optional this season), take part in community, charity & corporate events, and participate in team fundraisers and team/league events.
2022 CHEER & DANCE TEAM AUDITIONS. SAVE THE DATES!
We have put together a combination of both virtual & live audition events. We will be adhering to all Ottawa Public Health Guidelines and may need to adapt our audition plans as we approach the live portion of our process.
✓ FEBRUARY 3rd
Team Information Session
Thursday February 3 at 9pm EST Via Zoom.
✓ FEBRUARY 7, 14, 21, 28
Train Online with Us!
Every Monday in February via Instagram LIVE on the @redblackscheer account! On February 7, 14, 21, 28 at 8pm we will release a chant and a sideline for those interested in auditioning to learn. This is a great way to learn new material and practice before the LIVE prep clinics!
✓ MARCH 1st
Registration
Formal Registration goes LIVE March 1st (on website via google form) & will accept registrants from March 1st-March 13th.
✓ MARCH 7, 14 & 21
Live Prep Clinics
We will conduct live prep clinics on March 7, 14, & 21 (optional but strongly recommended). This is an opportunity to train with other candidates, learn from our REDBLACKS Cheer Coaching Staff and learn more about our program! Prep Clinics take place from 9pm-11pm - Location: TBC.
✓ MARCH 14 - 25
Interviews
Interviews (conducted in small groups) will take place via ZOOM March 14-25th. All candidates will schedule an interview slot that suits their schedule best.
✓ MARCH 26 & 27
Live Auditions
Auditions will take place from 9am-noon for cheer and 2pm-5pm for dance on March 26 and 27 - Location: TBC.
ABOUT THE CHEER AND DANCE TEAM
The Ottawa REDBLACKS Cheerleading & Dance Team are a volunteer group which is organized and managed by Spring: Cheer, Dance & Tumbling under the leadership of Lisa Aucoin. Team members will cheer/dance at all home football games. In addition to games, they are required to attend weekly practices from April-November, participate in cheer/dance team training weekend, attend Grey Cup Cheer Extravaganza (optional this season), take part in community, charity & corporate events, and participate in team fundraisers and team/league events.
TEAM REQUIREMENTS
✓ Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of the REDBLACKS’ 1st home pre-season game, May 27, 2022.
✓ Must be a high school graduate.
✓ Travel and transportation ability is super important, that's why, if selected, it is necessary to have reliable means of transportation. Your participation on all meetings and events is essential for your success.
✓ You must be able to attend all practices, rehearsals and other related activities.
✓ All candidates must be eligible for membership with Cheer Canada. Successful team candidates will be required to provide a completed background check.
✓ We require that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
2022 CHEER & DANCE TEAM AUDITIONS. SAVE THE DATES!
We have put together a combination of both virtual & live audition events. We will be adhering to all Ottawa Public Health Guidelines and may need to adapt our audition plans as we approach the live portion of our process.
FEBRUARY 3rd
Team Information Session
Thursday February 3 at 9pm EST Via Zoom.
FEBRUARY 7, 14, 21, 28
Train Online with Us!
Every Monday in February via Instagram LIVE on the @redblackscheer account! On February 7, 14, 21, 28 at 8pm we will release a chant and a sideline for those interested in auditioning to learn. This is a great way to learn new material and practice before the LIVE prep clinics!
MARCH 1st
Registration
Formal Registration goes LIVE March 1st (on website via google form) & will accept registrants from March 1st-March 13th.
MARCH 7, 14 & 21
Live Prep Clinics
We will conduct live prep clinics on March 7, 14, & 21 (optional but strongly recommended). This is an opportunity to train with other candidates, learn from our REDBLACKS Cheer Coaching Staff and learn more about our program! Prep Clinics take place from 9pm-11pm - Location: TBC.
MARCH 14 - 25
Interviews
Interviews (conducted in small groups) will take place via ZOOM March 14-25th. All candidates will schedule an interview slot that suits their schedule best.
MARCH 26 & 27
Live Auditions
Auditions will take place from 9am-noon for cheer and 2pm-5pm for dance on March 26 and 27 - Location: TBC.
REGISTRATION
REGISTRATION
The registration is closed for 2022. Stay tuned for our next editions!
Here is what you will need for your registration:
✓ Your professional and cheerleading/dance resume.
✓ A cover letter outlining why you would like to be selected as a member of the Ottawa REDBLACKS Cheer & Dance Team.
✓ A Printed Headshot (bring to the audition).
✓ $25.00 Registration Fee (non-refundable).
✓ Your audition fee must be paid via our electronic software program. This must be done before your arrival on Saturday, March 26. Cash payments are not accepted.
TEAM SELECTION
TEAM SELECTION
Up to 16 cheerleaders and 14 dancers will be selected by Spring CDT to perform at Ottawa REDBLACKS home games during the 2022 season.
The cheer and dance season will start with a meeting immediately following auditions with our team meeting on Monday, April 4th.
Practices and game schedules will end at the end of November – however, voluntary appearances at community events and some paid appearance opportunities will continue during the winter months.
Team Meetings! After selection, the team will meet on April 4th and 11th from 9pm to 11pm. More information will follow! Location: TBC.
CHECK OUT THE INFORMATION BELOW BEFORE APPLYING
Access Here Rules & Regulations, F.A.Q. & Other Audition Information >>
CHECK OUT THE INFORMATION BELOW BEFORE APPLYING
Access Here Rules & Regulations, F.A.Q. & Other Audition Information >>
RULES & REGULATIONS
General
Cheerleaders must be at home games three hours prior to kick-off.
All Cheerleaders participate in all Ottawa REDBLACKS home games and any home playoff games
and/or the Grey Cup.
Uniform
Basic Uniform & apparel is provided.
Cheerleaders are responsible for maintaining the uniform.
All uniforms and other Spring CDT property must be turned in before the
next season’s final auditions.
A full listing of team items will be distributed after auditions.
Rehearsals
There are weekly rehearsals before the season begins. You are
expected to attend all rehearsals.
Once the season begins, there will be a set schedule of rehearsals.
All rehearsals are scheduled in the evenings.
Any cheerleader or dancer missing a rehearsal prior to a game or show will not be able to perform at that game or show.
We recognize that many of you will still have commitments to current cheerleading and dance teams
throughout the remainder of the season. For that reason, we will work with everyone to put together a
training schedule that will allow you to meet your obligations to our REDBLACKS program and
your existing competitive clubs/teams.
Health and Appearance
The Ottawa REDBLACKS Cheer and Dance team performance requirements are frequently strenuous.
Therefore, cheerleaders and dancers must maintain a high level of physical fitness appropriate to these requirements.
Performance and condition will be evaluated in an ongoing manner to help team members meet the training level required for the activity.
Smoking is not allowed while in uniform or during Cheerleader or Dancer functions.
With the exception of small stud earrings, no jewelry is to be worn with the uniform.
No piece of the uniform or other team property may be worn or used in any location
unless specifically approved by Spring CDT or a REDBLACKS representative who coordinates appearances.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is being an Ottawa REDBLACKS Cheerleader or Dancer a full-time job?
No. It’s not a job at all. It’s a club of volunteers who love to cheer or dance and entertain
large, appreciative crowds.
Most cheerleaders/dancers hold part-time or full-time jobs and/or attend university or college.
Are there any height and weight requirements?
There are no specific height and/or weight requirements.
Are there any age requirements?
You must be at least 18 by the time of our first pre-season game. No exceptions!
If I am currently in my final year of high school (senior) but will not graduate until June,
can I still audition and be selected?
Yes, if you meet the minimum age requirements of 18 by our 1st pre-season game.
What should I wear to auditions?
Female athletes should wear:
• 2-piece attire: Top: Dance/Athletic Bra Top Bottom: Spandex Shorts or leggings (No Tank Tops)
• Any type of cheer or dance shoes
Male athletes should wear:
• Golf shirt or polo with Khaki shorts.
Athletes are encouraged to wear non-logo clothing that is similar to the existing cheer and dance team uniform.
What does it take to become an Ottawa REDBLACKS Cheer or Dance Team member?
• Cheer or Danceability
• Enthusiasm
• Poise
• Showmanship
• Personal Appearance
• Personality
• Energy
• Ability to work as a team
• Strong time management skills
• Availability to represent the cheer/dance team and Ottawa REDBLACKS at community events and/or
paid sponsor events as coordinated directly by the REDBLACKS.
OTHER AUDITION INFORMATION
How should I wear my make-up?
Shades that complement you.
How should I wear my hair?
In a current hairstyle that complements your features. Make sure your hair does not hide your face.
How do I register for auditions?
On March 1st please use the registration link on our website. If you have any questions
please contact us at cheer@ottawaredblacks.com. You must use an e-mail address for communication.
What do I need to bring to preliminaries?
• Driver’s license or passport for identification (This is required, no exceptions)
• Extra attire just in case!
• Water bottle
• Lunch and snacks (it will be a long day)
• Personal items: make-up, curling iron, etc.
• Audition Fee of $25.00 (you will pay this with the link you are sent once you register)
What is the audition process?
Auditions are a multi-step process beginning with Application, Preliminary Audition
and Final Talent Auditions. We also complete virtual interviews and conduct a
social media background check.
Here is a brief overview:
• Preliminary Dance Audition: Candidates will learn a choreographed routine from our coaching staff.
• Preliminary Cheer Audition: Candidates will learn a stunt sequence, jump sequence, short dance
(female only), and train tumbling passes.
• Final Dance Audition: Candidates will perform the dance in groups of 5 in front of our judging panel.
• Final Cheer Audition: Candidates will perform their stunt sequence, jumps sequence,
tumbling passes and then dance (females only) in front of our judging panel.
If I do not advance to finals will my application be kept on file?
No. You must re-apply with a new application, non-returnable photo
and application processing fee each year.
If I am not selected as a training camp candidate may I call the Ottawa REDBLACKS
office or Spring: Cheer, Dance & Tumbling to receive
my judge’s comments?
No. The REDBLACKS contract Spring CDT to provide cheer and dance team services and have
no direct affiliation with any cheer/dance team member unless they request
a community or paid appearance. Spring CDT does not provide judge’s comments
to those who audition.
When do rehearsals begin?
Rehearsals will begin shortly after the audition process. More information to follow.
What type of time commitment is required if chosen for the teams?
Total commitment is required!
• Weekly practices
• Personal Appearances (Charity & Paid)
• Annual Cheerleading & Dance Camp
• Some Team and League functions.
• Cheer and Dance Camps for Children
• Performances
May I try out if I have a tattoo?
Yes, you may try it out if you have a tattoo. Our policy is that visible tattoos are prohibited. Team members with tattoos will be required to cover them using make-up.
Can my family watch auditions?
At this time auditions are closed to the public for public health and safety reasons.
Video Tryout: Can I submit a video for the audition?
In very limited circumstances we MAY accept a VIDEO tryout for those who
are unable to attend our onsite auditions. If you are interested in this option
please email cheer@ottawaredblacks.com