THE INTERVIEW

All professional cheerleading auditions include an interview, and preparation is vital in order for you to be successful during this phase. The mindset of “winging it” should never apply! Here are a few tips to help you in the pro cheerleading interview.

It’s important to remember that this meeting with the cheerleading director, choreographer, members of the front office and sometimes other judges is a JOB INTERVIEW! Your goal is to land the exciting job of a professional cheerleader. If you were interviewing with a Fortune 500 company or college graduate school board, you would come knowing facts about the company or that particular field of study and how to discuss the topics effectively. Pro cheerleading candidates must take the same approach with this interview and do their homework.

When preparing, you should begin with the obvious – know about the football team. Know their record, any and all marquis players, and the positions they play. Know the team’s history as well – have they won or played in Super Bowls, what year were they founded, how long have they played in their current stadium, and other facts you can find on the team website. Be familiar with names of coaches, offensive and defensive coordinators, and the owners.  In addition, you should be ready to discuss NFL current events and key figures. For example, in 2012, it is good to know about the New Orleans Saints bounty penalties, Peyton Manning relocating to Denver, the discontinuation of the Pro Bowl, and the NFL first round draft pick of Andrew Luck to the Indianapolis Colts.

But the interview will not JUST be about football! You should have a working knowledge of what is going on in the world, and be able to speak about current events without seeming offensive or aloof. Remember, it is not necessary to stress over every minor detail plaguing the world. However, it is of the utmost importance that you stay informed and can speak intelligently to that information.

Finally, be ready to answer the question “Why do you want to be a pro cheerleader?” There are many women vying for few positions, and you should leave the impression that you are the BEST CHOICE! Think truthfully about this question, because being a pro cheerleader is an important step, and one you should be ready to embrace.

Candidates who would like coaching through the interview process can inquire about Going Pro’s audition training services. Ladies across the United States are available to rehearse not only performance material but also communication practices like media and interview. Practice makes perfect!

ABOUT HILLARY

Going Pro Entertainment consultant Hillary Goff-Morabito resides near Washington, D.C. She is the former director of the NHL Nashville Predators Dancers. During her 5 years as an NFL Cheerleader in Miami, she was selected as the Pro Bowl Cheerleader and was featured in five NFL swimsuit calendars. Some of her television experience includes Scripps Network, Inside Edition, E! Entertainment Cheerleader Special, Monday Night Football, Fox’s Under The Helmet, Direct TV, NBC’s International Laureus World Sports Awards Show, HBO’s Inside The NFL, NFL Films Super Bowl Special, ESPN’s Maxim Beach Bash, and NFL’s Hottest Cheerleaders. Magazine covers include Boating, Just for Brides, Cigar Aficionado, and Sporting News. Hillary is a former recording artist of Oak Records and former member of the Nash-Vegas song and dance production, The Elle Review. Named Miss Broward County USA 2003, Hillary will be a judge at the 2012 Miss United States pageant and was a featured choreographer at the winter Going Pro Dance Convention in Northern Virginia.

Request a one-on-one consultation by phone or in person by contacting Going Pro Entertainment.

Read About the Event

The official website will soon be updated with details. 200 of the 400 tickets are SOLD! Don’t be left out. Click Here to Register

Amy Duhon, Dallas

Amy Burns Duhon, of Dallas, Texas, is a former NBA Houston Rockets Power Dancer. She danced with the Houston Rockets for four seasons and also assisted the dance director with coaching, instruction, auditions and with coordinating appearances. Amy represented the team when she performed at games, traveled for appearances, performed in music videos, commercials and televisions shows and appeared in the team calendar. Before her amazing experience with the NBA, Amy danced for the Houston Thunderbear Arena Football Team as a Lightning Bolts Dancer for three seasons, where she also assisted the director.

Amy’s love for dance began in Katy, Texas where she started dancing at three years old. She was a line member and the captain of James E. Taylor High School Pacesetters, a drill team that won many team and officer awards and Amy won numerous solo awards. Amy attended Stephen F. Austin State University as a communications major and she danced for the college dance team. After a near fatal car accident, Amy was forced to return home to Houston. Her injuries required years of rehabilitation which kept her away from dancing. Amy was determined to be the dancer she dreamed to be so when she was able and confident, she returned to the dance world. She gained a spot as a dancer for Planet Funk Dance Academy and quickly rose through the ranks. She became a principal dancer/performer and was also the Director of Training. At Planet Funk Dance Academy, Amy performed in a variety of shows, concert openings, music videos, commercials, stage productions and professional sports games. The team’s performances in the professional sports venue led her to audition for the Arena Football League and the NBA.

Amy has served as a judge for the Rockets Power Dancers

After Amy retired from performing for the NBA to start a family, she continued to choreograph, instruct, coach and judge auditions. Most recently, she judged several auditions for her former team the Houston Rockets Power Dancers. Amy currently lives in a suburb of Dallas, Texas with her husband and beautiful daughter, who is following in her mother’s footsteps and loves to dance.

Amy says, “I could not imagine life without expressing myself through dance. After my car accident, I feared that my dream of being a professional dancer was crushed. My determination, will-power, faith and passion made it possible for dance to continue as an important part of my life. I understand how to put my “all” into achieving a goal and I know how to reach that goal. When I heard my audition number called out at the NBA Houston Rockets Power Dancer Auditions as one of the dancers who made the squad, I was in shock. Me?  Yes, me!!! After all my blood, sweat and tears, I was living my dream!”

As a staff member with Going Pro Entertainment, Amy will consult future NBA dancers and NFL cheerleaders as well as choreograph and teach team camps. She is available for team consulting and motivational speaking as well.

“I cherish every moment I experienced as a Houston Rockets Power Dancer. It was an experience of a lifetime that I owe to my focused attitude. Now that I am a mother, my husband and I are teaching our little girl to have the same attitude. Everything is within her reach. As a Going Pro Entertainment consultant, my amazing journey makes me a unique coach and instructor. I have been a nervous and hopeful dancer, overcoming obstacles trying to shine among a sea of other hopeful dancers. I have also been a judge making selections for the squad, looking out into a sea of dancers trying to find those who stand out. I can help make this your year to SHINE.”

Anna Smith, Toronto

Going Pro welcomes 3-team NFL Cheerleader alumna Anna Stonestreet Smith, currently a resident of Hawaii preparing to relocate to Toronto, Canada in July 2012.

Anna cheered for the Redskins, Ravens and Seahawks

Anna has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in journalism.

Amy Borggaard, Boston

Residing near Boston, Massachusetts, Amy Borggaard was an NFL Cheerleader for the New England Patriots and an accomplished fitness competitor.

Amy performed at Superbowl XXXVI in New Orleans and achieved Line Captain Award for outstanding service her rookie year. Additionally, she held the title of Miss Fitness Rhode Island, and was awarded second runner up in a regional competition qualifying to compete nationally in the Fitness America Pageant. She has a multitude of experience including personal training, coaching, choreography, teaching dance and group fitness. She recently started her own fitness company, No Holds BARRED™. Amy continues to volunteer in the community with organizations such as Why Me? Sherry’s House and the UMass Cancer Walk.

Amy says, “I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to work with Going Pro Entertainment. Thinking back to my first audition and how little I knew about the process, I wish this type of support had been available to me.”

Amy is also available for team training, judging, choreography and events. “My background and passion for fitness will allow me to help cheerleaders and dancers grow to achieve their best!” 

Amy is one of nearly 30 Going Pro Entertainment pro cheer consultants located across the United States and Canada. Learn more about Amy’s services or find out who is available in your area by contacting Going Pro.

Bidders can win one of two autographed sports bra from Going Pro Entertainment staff. This includes a “Raiderettes” sports bra from Aubrey Aquino, alumni performer for the Oakland Raiders, Arizona Cardinals and Golden State Warriors and well known sports and entertainment reporter. Also available is an NFL-logo sports bra from Laura Eilers, alumni performer of the St. Louis Rams and Kansas City Chiefs and reigning Ms. United States 2011.

MZ & Emmers Sports Bra Auction was formed through a friendship between Women’s Professional Soccer star McCall Zerboni (MZ), 5 1/2 year-old Emma Bayer (Emmers) and her parents, Carey and David Bayer.  The auction is designed to raise awareness and funds in the fight against breast cancer through the empowerment of women’s athletics.  The 2011 auction raised $4,400, and the 2012 auction is currently raising nearly $10,000 and supporting three charities:  Keep A Breast Foundation, Susan G Komen for the Cure and Breast Cancer Survivors’ Network, Inc.  Visit the auction headquarters.

The “Squirrelettes” will be open to ages 5-17 and provide opportunities for game day performances on three summer 2012 dates: Friday June 1, Monday July 16 or Tuesday July 17, and Thursday, August 9. Participants will receive a performance t-shirt, rehearsal video, performance video, game ticket, and Squirrelette merchandise opportunities. Registration will begin in May. To register for the Squirrelettes Youth Cheerleading program, contact info@goingproentertainment.com.

An alumni cheerleader of the Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Rams, Eilers currently directs the city’s “Lady Raiders Dance Team” supporting the Richmond Raiders indoor professional football team. She has directed, choreographed and consulted with other local teams including the Virginia Destroyers UFL, the Portsmouth Cavaliers, University of Richmond and i9 Cheerleading.

Eilers is one of over 30 Going Pro representatives available in many major U.S. markets and Canada. Going Pro Entertainment is a smart option for many pro sports teams seeking to launch entertainment groups and special performances. Learn more about Going Pro’s team services or contact Going Pro.

See great tips by pro cheer consultants and highlights from events at the Going Pro YouTube Site. Soon we will release short choreography videos and more. If you have suggestions, please contact info@goingproentertainment.com. We can’t wait to bring more videos to our pro cheer community!

Check out this tip by pro cheer consultant Amy Campbell, alumni cheerleader of the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons, semi-pro dance team director and fitness competitor.

AUDITION PREP STRATEGY

Being prepared for the big audition is vital. Some hopefuls have been preparing their entire life, while others only a matter of months. Regardless of which category you fall into, a focused strategy is key if you want to become a professional cheerleader.

I am a firm believer in writing out a strategic outline on paper that will act as a road map to getting you closer to your goal. Post this outline on a mirror where you can see it regularly. In addition to strategies, post words, phrases, verses, and pictures of encouragement next to your outline. The outlined strategies should be worked on daily and refocused as your outlook changes. Personalizing your outlined strategies are going to be up to you! Some important components that might be included on your audition prep outline are:

• Attending official prep classes
• Exercise and stretch daily
• Take dance classes
• Brush up on current events for interview
• Order audition attire
• Practice public speaking
• Research key information about the team
• Eat a clean and healthy diet

As a Going Pro Entertainment consultant, I sit down with my candidates and help them outline these items, realize their motivations, then hold them accountable to their checklist. Accountability is key – if you are going to take the time to structure your goals, you absolutely must follow through, or you will never know if your dreams are in reach!

Learn more about Going Pro’s audition consulting here

View NFL, NBA and other organization audition dates

ABOUT HILLARY

Going Pro Entertainment consultant Hillary Goff-Morabito resides near Washington, D.C. She is the former director of the NHL Nashville Predators Dancers. During her 5 years as an NFL Cheerleader in Miami, she was selected as the Pro Bowl Cheerleader and was featured in five NFL swimsuit calendars. Some of her television experience includes Scripps Network, Inside Edition, E! Entertainment Cheerleader Special, Monday Night Football, Fox’s Under The Helmet, Direct TV, NBC’s International Laureus World Sports Awards Show, HBO’s Inside The NFL, NFL Films Super Bowl Special, ESPN’s Maxim Beach Bash, and NFL’s Hottest Cheerleaders. Magazine covers include Boating, Just for Brides, Cigar Aficionado, and Sporting News. Hillary is a former recording artist of Oak Records and former member of the Nash-Vegas song and dance production, The Elle Review. Named Miss Broward County USA 2003, Hillary will be a judge at the 2012 Miss United States pageant and was a featured choreographer at the winter Going Pro Dance Convention in Northern Virginia.

Request a one-on-one consultation by phone or in person by contacting Going Pro Entertainment.