Step1
Find out when tryouts will be held; ask what the physical requirements will be (Tumbling? Jumps? Stunts?) and what the academic requirements are (Is there a minimum GPA requirement? What year are you eligible? Do you need teacher recommendations?)
Step2
Start stretching out and working on your jumps and basic cheer motions. (If you're trying out for dance team, start practicing high kicks, grande jetes, and turns). Don't over do it, you won't be able to tryout if you have an injury!
Take is slow and get your muscles used to stretching (see my stretching article for some good stretching exercises).
Step3
Talk to past and present cheerleaders (or dance team members). Ask what tryouts were like last year.
Step4
Make sure your parents approve and your grades are high enough, most teams require a minimum 2.0 GPA. Also make sure you meet all of the other requirements.
Step5
If there are forms that need to be signed prior to the clinics, have them completed far in advance.
Step6
Everything you can do (as far as your school work) prior to the week of tryouts, should be done. If there are projects due during the week of the tryout/clinic, try to have them completed ahead of time. Study for all of your tests the weekend before, also, (if possible) do all homework you can for the week. Remember, school work comes first!
Step7
Now let's talk about the cheer/dance clinics:
Clinics:
Wear stretchy clothes, most teams forbid any clothing that indicates past cheerleading or dance experience. If this is the case, be sure to heed the warning, you wouldn't want to be thrown out on a technicality.
Step8
Fix yourself up; pull your hair out of your face, if you're allowed to wear makeup don't go overboard, just a little blush and lipstick will do. (You don't want mascara running down your face and your base sweating off!) Yes, the judges will look at your overall appearance.
Step9
Smile! Be friendly and outgoing. Help others out. You will be judged from the minute you walk into the clinic until the final announcement of new team members. Do NOT be disrespectful to captains/coaches/other potential team members. Keep your attitude in check- the girl next to you may be catty or rude, but let it go! Don't risk having points deducted for not being a team-player.
Step10
Ask questions. If you don't understand a part of the routine, be sure to ask BEFORE tryouts!
Step11
LISTEN up! The first clinic is the most crucial. You will probably be told exactly how the clinic/tryouts will work, what is expected of you, how you should dress, what is acceptable, and if there is any paperwork that you need to turn in.
Step12
Ok, so let's talk about TRYOUT DAY! Don't panic! Fix yourself up: make sure your hair is pulled out of your face, and you have a little lipstick and blush (if you want). Don't go overboard on the makeup. Wear stretchy clothes that meet the judges guidelines.
Step13
Get there early, stretch out, go over the routine with another person. If you are unclear on ANY part, this is your last chance to ask someone
Step14
Be enthusiastic and encouraging to other people who are trying out
Step15
Do your best. If you mess up, keep going. Judges understand that you are nervous, if you REALLY mess up, they will probably give you a chance to calm down and ask you to try again after everyone is finished. Just KEEP going, even if you mess up. Don't laugh, don't tell your neighbor, just KEEP GOING. Do NOT stop in the middle and start crying. Mistakes happen on the field, on the court, in competition, it's not making the mistake, it's how you HANDLE your mistake they will be particularly interested in.
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