Editor’s note: Its audition season and Satin Stitches, a long time sponsor of UltimateCheerleaders.com, has published an article regarding selecting the perfect audition outfit for your body shape. They have graciously agreed to let us share their information with our readers.
With audition and pro apparel, as with any type of clothing, you want to consider what your best features are. No matter if you have a ‘perfect figure’ in someone else’s eyes, you may feel like you could look better ‘only if….’ you could slim down your hips, or had a skinnier waist or had longer legs or a bigger bust line etc. etc.
In preparing for your upcoming audition, you have been following an intense exercise workout regiment, you have been eating right, you have been getting plenty of sleep, you have been trying to stay stress free, you have been taking good care of your skin, hair, and nails and so on and so forth.
Your body is as ready as it will ever be. But still, you may look in the mirror and still see your body ‘flaws’. What you now need is the perfect audition outfit to maximize your best features. What should you look for?
As a fashion/costume designer, I have spent decades creating flattering costumes by creating focal points on costumes, to draw you audience’s eye to your best features. Your best feature SHOULD be your excited and happy face. The most flattering costumes will have upper bodice features to draw attention to your face.
Beyond this all-important focal point, secondary focal points can be employed. If you have a fabulous bust line, by all means emphasize your bust line with a bust line flattering bra-top. But don’t wear a too-low cut top that will make your audience uncomfortable. Stay tasteful. Yes, you want to look sexy. But you don’t want to cross the line into the risqué realm.
If you have a smaller bust line, then interesting bust line details such as multi-color banding, ruching and rhinestoning can add appeal.
Fit is always the most important aspect of any garment. A plain, well-fitting garment will look better than an ill-fitting designer garment.
The current trend of boy-cut legs on shorts and leotards does not flatter a short leg. The higher cut the leg line of a brief or short – the longer your leg will appear. Diagonal lines anywhere on your outfit is generally more flattering than horizontal lines. Only very slim hips can look great in shorts or skirts with all horizontal lines. That’s why the ‘V’-waistband is always a good choice.
Also, watch where the leg line hits across your derriere. Again, keep it modest, yet sexy. Different cuts of shorts and briefs can enhance or distract from your look.
Know what your measurements are – your current measurements…not what you would like to be or what they used to be. All companies provide suggested measurements for the best fit for their outfits. At Satin Stitches we have measurement charts and also a chart to show how to take your measurements. We even have a downloadable video to give you even more information on correctly taking your measurements. You want to order your correct size: you don’t want a baggy, loose short or a skirt that is too tight across your hips.
You should be able to order your audition tops and bottoms in different sizes, if needed. If you are pear-shaped, you can order a smaller top and a larger bottom and apple-shaped dancers can order a larger top and a smaller bottom.
At Satin Stitches, we also offer 3 options for bra-cup sizes. Our standard cup size will accommodate a B/C cup. Our Full cup size will accommodate a D/DD cup and our Fuller cup size will accommodate larger than a DD cup size.
Our slim-fitting skirts will work best on hips that are the measurement listed on our charts or slightly smaller. Our skirts with more hemline fullness will accommodate larger hips. Our shorts will stretch at the leg line to accommodate larger hips and/or thighs because there is no restrictive elastic. Our basic V-short and Low V-waist briefs fit a slim to regular hip line the best.
Do you have fabulous shoulders? – Then emphasize your shoulders with a halter cut bra-top or our off-the-shoulder sleeved tops – these focal points will draw your attention to your shoulders.
- Great shoulders: C1008, C2025 are perfect, as well as any of the halter styled tops.
- Great cleavage: C1009, C2023, C2026, C2020, C1005, C2019, C1002, C2018, C2019, C2000, C2012, C2007, C2005, C2002, C2003
- Average or small cleavage: C2020, C1005, C4000, C2027, C1006, C2022, C2008, C2026, C2015, C2011, C2006
- Slim hips: F1008, K5000, K5003, K5002, K5001, K2008, K1000, K4000, K2005, K2003, F1001
- Fuller hips: S6001, S3000, S6000, S6002, F1008, K1000, K2006
- Shorter legs: F1008, K4000, K2008, K2005, K2000, K2003
The Baltimore Ravens hosted their 2018 Preliminary Auditions on March 3rd and they have posted some images from their proceedings. Click here to view the gallery.
Mark your calendar! Auditions for the 2018-19 squad will be held Sunday, July 8th at the UCLA Health Training Center.
DATE: Sunday, July 8, 2018
TIME: Registration starts 9:00 AM sharp
WHERE: UCLA Health Training Center – 2275 E. Mariposa Ave., El Segundo, CA 90245
REQUIREMENTS
Must be 18 years of age
8 years dance experience recommended
Bring photo and resume (headshot preferred)
Only dance or athletic shoes with non-marking bottom allowed
Must dress in briefs & crop top or leotard – with flesh colored tights
Closed auditions, no guests or spectators allowed
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Jessica Elliott
(310) 341-1074
The Oakland Raiders are searching for enthusiastic and talented candidates for their renowned public relations and entertainment team – The Raiderettes. You must pre-register by Friday, March 30, 2018 by 5 p.m. PST, to participate in the auditions, which will take place on April 7 at the Raiders Alameda Facility.
Dates, Times & Location
- Preliminary Audition: Saturday, April 7, 2018
- Location: The Raiders Facility, Alameda, California
- Check-in will begin at 8:00AM, immediately followed by a photo period.
- Candidates will participate in a brief interview and a dance combination will be taught.
- Recommended attire for preliminaries is athletic attire, appropriate workout outfit, or dance attire.
- Candidates moving on to Semi-Finals will be announced at approximately 2:30PM
- Auditions are closed to the general public.
- Semi-Finals: Saturday, April 7, 2018 will begin at approximately 3:00PM
- Location: The Raiders Facility, Alameda, California
- Semifinalists are advised to stay on-site at the facility between Preliminaries and Semi-Finals.
- Candidates will be taught choreography, building upon the combination from the preliminary round.
- Finalists will be announced at approximately 6:00PM.
For more information and to register, call 510-864-5000 or visit www.Raiders.com/RaideretteAuditions
Auditions Schedule
All of the preliminary auditions will be held at FedExField.
Saturday, April 7th
| 8:00 a.m. | Registration Begins |
| 8:45 a.m. | Welcome (everyone must be checked in by this time) |
| 9:00 a.m. | Preliminary auditions, introductions and free-style section in Groups of 4 |
| 1:00 p.m. | Preliminary auditions end |
| 1:30 p.m. | Quarter-finalists are announced |
| 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. | Break |
| 2:00 p.m. | Dancing in groups of 4 for judges |
| 4:30 p.m. | End of auditions |
| 5:00 p.m. | Those advancing to Sunday’s semi-finals are announced |
Sunday, April 8th
| 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Semi-Final Rehearsal (several rounds of cuts will be made during this time) |
Monday, April 9th
| 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | Swimwear photoshoot and rehearsal |
Tuesday, April 10th – Friday, April 13th
| 6:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | Finalists’ rehearsals and interviews |
Sunday, April 15, 2018
FINAL AUDITIONS!
Location: The Fillmore Silver Spring
8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Doors open 3 pm and Audition Show starts 4 pm
The Final Auditions will be OPEN to the public. The 2018 Washington Redskins Cheerleaders will be announced at the completion of the final auditions. Tickets will be available for purchase online at Redskins Cheerleaders webpage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum qualifications to be a Washington Redskins Cheerleader?
- Must be at least 18 by April 7, 2018.
- Hold a full/part-time job, or attend school full time, or have a family
- Have a High School Diploma or G.E.D.
- Ladies from all over the country audition each year. If you are chosen to be a Washington Redskins Cheerleader, you must relocate to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
What will the judges focus on?
- Showmanship
- Dance Technique
- Personal Appearance/Figure
- Personality
- Communication Skills
- Energy
- Kick Technique
- Photogenic Round for Finalists
What is the photogenic round?
Because the model aspect of the squad has grown, we have added a round to judge this ability. Each Finalist will go through a photo shoot! She will be judged on comfort level in front of the camera and the final shots will be given a score.
What should I wear to auditions?
- A crop top (sports bra, stomach must show) and dance trunks/briefs (recommended) or short biker shorts. If you wish to order a costume, you may do so from www.thelineup.net. Keep in mind the judges need to be able to picture what you would look like in the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders uniform. Your outfit can be any color and any style.
- Sample audition attire will be shown during the prep classes and will be offered for purchase during the A Leg Up Series.
- Flesh-colored pantyhose, dance tights or you may be bare legged.
- Dance Sneaker, or Jazz shoes.
What do I need to bring to the auditions?
- Bring a lunch or snack and a water bottle.
- Extra audition outfit and tights. Just incase anything happens.
- If you have not attended a Prep Class, please bring $50 cash, money order, or credit card for the registration fee.
- If you have attended prep classes, there is NO FEE to audition.
