PRELIMINARY ROUND
SATURDAY, MAY 3RD, 2025

Candidates will arrive between 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM and will go through the check-in line, get their headshot taken, and stretch and warm up on their own.

Beginning at 5:00 PM, Candidates will learn (2) technique combos that will include jumps, leaps, kicks, turns, and dance choreography. Candidates will perform these technique combos in small groups for the judges.

Candidates selected to move onto the semifinal round are announced after the preliminary round.

SEMIFINAL ROUND
SATURDAY, MAY 3RD, 2025

Time TBA after preliminary round. Candidates selected to move into the semifinal round will learn a jazz routine (eight to ten 8-counts). Candidates will perform the routine in small groups for the judges.

Candidates selected to move onto the final round are announced after the semifinal round.

FINAL ROUND
MONDAY, MAY 5TH, 2025

Formal job interviews will be conducted throughout the day starting at 9:00 AM. Interview times will be provided via email on Sunday, May 4.

The final dance round will begin at 5:30 PM.

Candidates will learn a new game day sideline (four 8-counts) using poms. Candidates will perform the jazz routine, the game day sideline, and technique combos in small groups for the judges

FINAL LOOK
MONDAY, MAY 12TH, 2025
Evening - Exact time TBD

Candidates selected for this round will be notified via email during the week of May 5th if they have advanced to the final look. This round is designed to evaluate candidates in a team setting, and previously learned audition choreography will be set into formations to mimic gameday routines and sideline groupings.

AUDITION ATTIRE
PRELIMS & SEMI-FINALS

Fitted, supportive athletic tops, dance shorts, and tights (optional) are recommended. Lions branded colors are not required for audition attire in these rounds. Dance sneakers highly recommended. DLC wear dance sneakers when performing.

FINALS DANCE PORTION
Fitted, supportive athletic tops, dance shorts, and tights (optional) are recommended. Lions branded colors are highly recommended and preferred.

INTERVIEW ATTIRE
Business Professional

HAIR & MAKEUP

Please arrive 'camera ready' with full makeup and styled hair. DLC wears their hair down and fully styled on game day, and we recommend candidates wear their hair in a current hairstyle that compliments their features and doesn't hide their face.

JEWELRY & TATTOOS

Although there are no audition requirements pertaining to tattoos and jewelry, note that if selected to be a Detroit Lions Cheerleader, all tattoos covered and jewelry must be removed, with the exception of earrings.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Candidates must be age 21 by July 1, 2025 - No exceptions
• Must bring proof of identification and age (Driver's License or Birth Certificate)
• A valid passport is highly recommended. Please note, passports are not considered valid for international travel within 6 months of the expiration date.
• Must be a high school graduate or have a G.E.D. Additional consideration will be given to professionals and/or students pursuing an advanced degree.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States. The Detroit Lions do not "sponsor" international candidates.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• If you make the team, you may not be employed by or perform for any other professional or college dance or cheerleading team or be employed by a talent agency.
• Detroit Lions Cheerleader will be required to sign a confidentiality, likeness, and non-disparagement agreement and a noncompete agreement.
• This is a physically demanding occupation. Candidates should be in excellent athletic condition to be able to endure through the physical demands of the game day performances.

SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Detroit Lions Cheerleaders are technically trained performers who dance using a variety of different dance styles.
• We recommend candidates have the ability to do a variety of leaps, jumps, and kicks, and double or triple pirouettes.
• Cheer or gymnastics training is a plus, though not required.
• Successful applicants will be motivated self-starters who have effective communication skills and are poised and well-spoken.
• You must be able to work with others in a team environment and demonstrate an ability to take direction and learn choreographed routines quickly.

TIME COMMITMENT

• Detroit Lions cheerleaders practice on Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting in June until the end of football season. Additional practices could be added as needed.
• The cheerleaders are required to be at every home football game, including pre- season and playoffs.
• Out-of-town travel to road games is not required, but may be requested for any watch party events or post-season games.
• Pre-season training sessions, business seminars, photo shoots, etc. are also required and scheduled in advance.
• Each cheerleader should plan to be available for consideration to be booked on appearances throughout the year.
• We recommend candidates live within a reasonable driving distance of Detroit, Michigan such that you are able to attend practices and games on a timely basis.
• Being a cheerleader is a part-time role, and most cheerleaders hold other part time or full-time jobs and/or attend college.
• Detroit Lions Cheerleaders are paid hourly for all practices, games, and events.
• If offered the job, be prepared to commit to a full year contract.

• Research and gain knowledge about the organization, the brand, and the history.
• Train like an athlete. The job as a professional dancer requires extreme confidence, athleticism, strength, and endurance.
• Set expectations. Hundreds of candidates apply each year for a limited number of spots. Auditions are challenging and sometimes it takes candidates more than one try to reach the finals and/or make a professional team depending on how long they have been training and preparing.
• Judges will be looking for showmanship, mastered level of dance technique, elevated confidence, performance quality, public speaking ability, and professionalism.
• Attend DLC specific pre-audition clinics and master classes to learn as much as possible. Attendance at these classes and clinics are NOT required to be considered at the audition.
• Click here for more information regarding the Audition Prep Clinic and the Master Classes offered.