The Minnesota Vikings are looking for talented, dedicated and passionate individuals to join the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders Dancers for the upcoming season! The MVC Dancers play an important role in supporting the team at home games, engaging the fans and supporting various community outreach and charitable events associated with the Vikings. Physical fitness, dance knowledge, being "on stage" at all times and willingness to work as a team player are all important aspects of this role.
REQUIREMENTS
Q: What are the requirements to be a MVC Dancer?
A: You must be a high school graduate as of June 2018.
Q: Do you consider being an MVC Dancer a full time job?
A: No, this is a part-time job.
Q: Are there any age requirements?
A: You must be 18 years of age by August 1st, 2018.
Q: Are there any height or weight requirements?
A: No. We require that cheerleaders must be in good health and can meet the demands of the MVC uniform. There are no specific height or weight requirements for tryouts.
AUDITION SPECIFICS
Q: If I am currently a high school senior, but will not graduate until June of this year, can I still audition?
A: Yes, if you meet the age requirements.
Q: Are you required to have any cheer or dance experience to audition?
A: No, it is not required, though most dance candidates typically have some performance experience.
Q: Will I keep the same audition number throughout the process?
A: No. We will adjust numbers for each phase of competition.
Q: Do I have to be 18 to attend the audition prep classes?
A: No. You must have a parent/guardian to sign your release/waiver, if you are under 18 years of age, although the prep classes will be closed to the public. Minimum age is 16 years of age for the prep classes.
Q: How many people audition each year?
A: The number of applicants varies from season to season. We usually host about 150 women at Open Auditions. Do not worry about numbers though! Be confident and go for it! We want to see YOU this year at tryouts! Attending the prep classes will help you feel more confident!
Q: What should I wear to Open Auditions?
A: Don't worry too much about your attire – just show up! But, if you want to plan ahead, you should know that required attire for training camp is a crop top and hot pants or trunks in Vikings colors. You could consider wearing this same option at Open Auditions. The Line Up, our official costume sponsor, offers specialized dance attire in Vikings colors and in many one of a kind options on their online store - www.thelineup.net. Dance shoes and skin tone tights (non-shimmer) are suggested, but not required. Wear what makes you feel confident! It just needs to be form fitting. Any color attire is fine for Open Auditions. Come dressed to perform. There are no changing rooms available for use. Bring a warm up jacket/pants to wear in between audition segments to keep warm.
Q: What should I bring with me to Open Auditions?
A: Bring a water bottle and a lunch/snack for the long day. You will also need a non-returnable recent photograph of yourself to be used for identification, a dance/performance resume, the non-refundable application processing fee of $25 and a photo ID. You may wish to bring some personal items such as make-up and extra nylons – just in case. It could be, and hopefully will be, a long day for you!
Q: Will you have any of the supplies for auditions at your workshop?
A: Yes. We will plan to have some minimal items available such as; tights, earrings, tryout apparel and more for purchase during the prep classes. First come, first serve.
Q: If I do not advance to the final auditions or training camp will my application be kept on file?
A: No. Each person must re-apply and audition from year to year. Also, no photos will be returned, so don't use a photo you cannot "part" with.
Q: If I am not selected as a training camp finalist, or if I am not selected for the team, may I call the MVC office to receive the judge's comments/scores?
A: No. The judge's sheets are not kept on file and comments about your audition are not available. The judge's decision is final and confidential. Thank you for understanding. The waiver you sign will acknowledge this and release rights to any feedback.
Q: How can I best prepare to audition if I want to become a MVC Dancer?
A: Dance!!! Call your local dance studio and take class. Attend our optional prep classes, led by the MVC coaching staff and alumni MVC, to learn more about the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders style. Work on your flexibility. Take workout classes or do workout videos. (These help build stamina and increase your speed for learning choreography.) Be confident! Visit www.vikings.com and get caught up on the Vikings team information and activities. Follow the team on their social media platforms to stay connected with the MVC.
Q: How many spots will be available on the team?
A: The number of team members varies from year to year. All returning veteran team members must still go through the audition process – except for the very first round at Open Auditions. Our Pro Bowl representative or incoming team captains may be waived from the audition process. This varies from year to year.
Q: Is it ok to audition if I have a tattoo or body piercing?
A: Yes, however we do require them to be covered or removed during public appearances/games during the season though.
Q: How do I get to the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center, the team training facility?
A: 668 O'Neill Drive, Eagan, MN 55121
**Pull into the employee parking lot off of O'Neill Drive. This will be on the left hand side. Then follow the sidewalk to the main entrance door. Security will be there to escort you into the building.
Q: Are the Prep Classes required to audition?
A: No. The prep classes are optional, but if you are available and can make it we suggest you attend to feel most prepared. We provide excellent preparation details for the upcoming audition. Evaluations from past participants reveal they feel much more confident when they attend. Material is taught by the MVC coaches, staff, alumni and sponsors.
Q: Are all portions of the audition process required?
A: Yes. Your attendance is mandatory for fair scoring and consideration. Following selection at Open Auditions, the mandatory sessions will include all training camp dates, an interview, the team test and final auditions.
Q: What should I expect during the Open Auditions?
A: Arrive on time for registration, turn in your dance/performance resume, fill out an application, turn in your recent photo and application fee, sign a release/waiver agreement, have your photo ID checked and be assigned an audition number. There will be a group stretch. You may be asked to perform a warm-up of skills across the floor. You will learn the first routine and then be assigned an audition group of approximately 4 or 5 woman. You will be allowed a short time to practice in your small group and then you will begin performing for the judges in your small groups. There will be a multi-step elimination process. This same format is basically repeated until the judges are able to narrow the candidates down. If you can tumble, you will be given an opportunity to demonstrate this during the second round of auditions, but this is optional. Plan to stay ALL day! Those selected to move onto the training camp will be announced at the end of the day. Open Auditions, Interviews, Team knowledge test and Training Camp are closed to the public. Training Camp candidates will rehearse and be interviewed and take a team test, with a possible round of elimination taking place later in Training Camp. Reminder to pack a water bottle, warm up clothes, snacks, makeup and brush for touch ups, etc. as it can be a long and exciting day!
Q: What will the judges look for at Open Auditions?
A: "The Whole Package"
- Personal Appearance (physical fitness level, poise, confidence, polished presentation, etc.)
- Dance Ability (flexibility, versatile performer, crowd-pleasing, grace, style, strength, routine confidence, technique, etc.)
- Showmanship (smile, eye contact, projection of positive support for the team, positive body language, posture, etc.)
- Personality (bright, outgoing, enthusiastic, professional, mature, responsible, a "team player", a strong desire to support the Vikings and the MVC, willing to accept and show improvements on constructive criticism, availability in schedule to meet team demands, etc.)
- Enthusiasm (energy, hardworking, goal oriented, improvement focused, driven, exciting to be around, etc.)
- Confidence!
*The judges will be looking for potential, not necessarily perfection!!!!!
Q: How should I wear my hair to auditions?
A: We are proud to be sponsored by Spalon Montage. You might consider making an appointment for a consultation with one of their trained experts before auditions. They can make suggestions on how to style and wear your hair and/or make-up. Their staff helps to make the MVC beautiful! Spalon has locations around the metro area to serve you. Search online for the one closest to you at www.spalon.com. We are looking for a hair style that is complimentary, has NFL glamour and can "dance" well. If selected to the team, we will work to "establish your look" with the professionals!
Q: How should I wear my make-up for auditions?
A: Color Science Mineral Cosmetics is our choice for make-up. These products stay on flawlessly, even when you start to sweat. The colors are beautiful and great for your skin. You can find these products online, at Expressions MD and at other fine retailers. Visit www.expressionsmd.com to get more details. The main thing is to wear your make-up in a manner that is flattering to your natural features, makes you feel confident and will stay in place for the long day at Open Auditions. More tips will be offered at our Prep Classes.
TIPS
Q: Are there any beauty "secrets" I should know about?
A: We visit Expressions MD Medical Spa throughout the season for products and services that help keep the team looking amazing. They offer everything from micro-dermabrasion facials, laser peels, chemical peels, facials and waxing. They carry only the best in skin care products. They also are offering the most advanced options in other medical spa treatments. Visit their website at www.expressionsmd.com or call to make an appointment. Make-up and a smile always look best on a face with great skin!
Q: Who do the team members use to get their healthy glow?
A: Palm Beach Tan is our preferred partner for all of our tanning needs. Offering the latest and greatest in spray tan options and equipment for tanning beds. Choose your level of spray tan, the type of tanning that works best for your skin or allow one of their trained professionals to develop a plan for you. Visit www.palmbeachtan.com for locations.
Q: Does my head shot turned in at Open Auditions need to meet any requirements?
A: This does not need to be a professional photo. It will be used for identifying applicants quickly for the judges during deliberations. You can make a professional photo shoot appointment if that will make you feel most confident to turn in your best image. The goal of the photo should be that it looks like YOU now... and is large enough that we can see you clearly. Remember, you will not get this photo back.