Jacksonville Jaguars Cheerleading Tryouts

Want to be a part of the Jacksonville Jaguars ROAR, the cheerleading team for the pro football team in Jacksonville, Fla.? Here is what you need to know about tryouts for the Jacksonville Jaguars ROAR.

While 2008-09 season auditions have already passed for the Jaguars ROAR, these tips still apply for 2009-10. Be sure to regularly visit http://www.jaguars.com/cheerleaders/ for the latest information and audition brochures.

The 2008-09 Jacksonville Jaguars cheerleading audition registration forms and payment of a $50 registration fee was due by February 20, 2008, so it is recommended to check the Web site at the beginning of 2009 to determine deadlines for next season's tryouts.

Requirements for ladies wanting to audition are:

1. All applicants must be 18 years of age at the time of the first audition date.

2. All applicants must earn a high school diploma or equivalent (deadline for 2008-09 applicants was June 2008).

3. All applicants must have at least a part-time responsibility (employment, school and/or children).

4. All applicants selected must live within 60 miles of the stadium or be willing to relocate prior to a set deadline (deadline for 2008-09 applicants was May 1, 2008).

5. All applicants must attend one audition class prior to auditioning.

6. All applicants must return a completed registration form and return it with payment by the deadline (this year's fee was $50 and deadline was February 20, 2008).

7. Applicants must attach to the registration form a non-returnable photograph of themselves (many forms of photo are acceptable - be sure to check the Web site for specific instructions, as they may change from year to year)

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the style of dance for this team, and it sometimes helps to try contacting the manager or coach in advance. The Jaguars ROAR typically perform varying styles of jazz, hip-hop and lyrical.

Make sure you follow dress guidelines for all events and auditions. Appropriate dress for this season's auditions was a sleeveless sports bra, French-cut dance briefs (no thongs), non-shimmering and skin-tone hose, and jazz shoes or dance sneakers.

You should also bring your valid driver's license or passport for identification purposes.

It is important to note that in addition to being a strong dancer with the ability to memorize and perform high-energy routines, members of the Jaguars ROAR are also expected to attend various corporate, community and charitable events as a goodwill ambassador for the Jaguars organization.

Pro cheerleading squads originated with the Dallas Cowboys in 1971, thanks to then-owner Tex Schramm. Schramm wanted a team of attractive, model-like cheerleaders who could also dance similar to Broadway performers. Be sure to check out some Tryout Tips on www.dancecheer.net. You'll also find pointers to help you ace the in-person interview.

For more information, visit the Jacksonville Jaguars cheerleading program online at www.jaguars.com/cheerleaders or call the program directly at (904) 633-6203.