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April 20, 2020

Ottawa REDBLACKS Chearleading and Dance Team Virtual Auditions

Toronto Argonauts vs Ottawa REDBLACKS July 31, 2016 PHOTO: Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photography

The Ottawa REDBLACKS Cheer and Dance teams are holding virtual auditions for our 2020 Cheer & Dance teams. 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 TEAM
The Ottawa REDBLACKS Cheerleading & Dance Team is a volunteer group of women and men that love to perform and have fun. The team 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, attend weekly virtual practices, and then transition to team practices when allowed & safe.

In the past we have participated in the Grey Cup Cheer Extravaganza and participate in team fundraisers. They are also encouraged to partake in community, charity & corporate events.

TEAM REQUIREMENTS
Must be at least 18 years of age by June 30th, 2020.
Must be a high school graduate
If selected, must have reliable means of transportation to games and practices.
You must be able to attend all practices, rehearsals and other related activities.

2020 CHEER & DANCE TEAM AUDITIONS
Auditions for our team will take place virtually.
Submissions Due: May 1st, 2020
Semi Finalists Announced: May 4th, 2020
Virtual Interviews May 4-8th, 2020
LIVE ZOOM Audition: May 9th, 2020
Team Announced: May 10th, 2020
1st Team ZOOM Meeting: May 11th

REGISTRATION – All CANDIDATES MUST PRE-REGISTER!
Please complete our online registration form which includes your professional and cheerleading/dance resume, 3 references, a cover letter outlining why you would like to join the team and a head shot.

TEAM SELECTION: Up to 16 cheerleaders and 14 dancers will be selected by Spring CDT to perform at home games during the 2020 season. The cheer and dance season will start with a meeting immediately following auditions on Monday May 11th at 7:00pm via ZOOM.

Practices and game obligations will be communicated as soon as we know more from the CFL and OSEG however, voluntary appearances at community events and some paid appearance opportunities may continue during the winter months.

NEW FOR 2020 AUDITIONS
-Semi Final Selection
-Virtual Audition
-LIVE Q&A with all final candidates
-Video material evaluation

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.

Are there any height and weight requirements?
You should be comfortable in cheerleading apparel and/or dancewear. We DO NOT have specific height and weight requirements.

Are there any age requirements?
You must be at least 18 by June 30th, 2020.

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 the date of preliminary auditions.

What should I wear for my audition?
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:
Athletic t-shirt and shorts.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME AN OTTAWA REDBLACKS CHEER OR DANCE TEAM MEMBER?
Cheer or Dance ability
Enthusiasm
Poise
Showmanship
Energy
Outgoing personality
Availability to represent the cheer/dance team 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 your natural beauty.

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?
Please complete the online registration form. If you have any questions please contact us at cheer@ottawaredblacks.com You must use an e-mail address for communication.

What is the audition process?
Auditions are a multi-step process beginning with application, preliminary audition and final talent audition. We also complete virtual interviews and conduct a social media background check.

If I do not advance to finals will my application be kept on file?
No. You must re-apply with a new application each year.

If I am not selected as a candidate may I call the Ottawa REDBLACKS office or Spring: Cheer, Dance & Tumbling to receive my judge’s comments?

No. Spring CDT does not provide judge’s comments to those who audition and the REDBLACKS do not receive judge’s comments.

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?
Weekly practices
Annual Cheerleading & Dance Camp
Occasional team & league functions
Performances
Virtual Events & Promotions

Rules & Regulations
Uniform
Basic Uniform 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. Given the unique environment we are in, practices will be run virtually until it is deemed safe to do otherwise.

Once the season begins, there will be a set schedule of rehearsals
All rehearsals are scheduled in the evenings

We recognize that many of you will still have obligations 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.

CANDIDATES WHO DO NOT FEEL THEY CAN ATTEND ALL REHEARSALS SHOULD NOT AUDITION FOR OUR TEAMS.

HEALTH AND APPERANCE
Cheerleaders and dancers must maintain a high level of physical fitness.
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.

GENERAL
Cheerleaders must be at home games three hours prior to kick-off.
All Cheerleaders participate in all home games, home playoff games and/or the Grey Cup. These requirements may be adjusted in the 2020 season.

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