PRO CHEER & DANCE
Professional Cheer & Dance
Professional cheer and dance teams perform alongside NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLS, and other pro sports franchises. It's the pinnacle of performance cheer — combining dance, athleticism, and entertainment at the highest level.
PRIMARY ROLE
Sideline performance + entertainment
LEAGUES
NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLS, NHL (select)
AUDITION SEASON
Typically spring (Feb–May)
REHEARSALS
Weekly — major time commitment
BACKGROUND
Most athletes come from all-star, school, college, or dance background
COMPETITION
Pro Cheer League, team showcases
NFL CHEERLEADERS & DANCE TEAMS
About NFL Cheerleading
Approximately 26 of 32 NFL teams have official cheerleading or dance teams. Each franchise independently manages its team — auditions, training, uniforms, appearances. There's no central NFL governing body for cheerleading; each team sets its own standards.
NFL cheerleaders perform at all home games, team events, charity appearances, and some away games. Many also travel for international series games. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and LA Rams Rams Cheer are among the most well-known programs globally.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Most recognized NFL cheer brand worldwide. Own reality series (Netflix).
Los Angeles Rams Cheer
Known for high-level tumbling and athleticism.
Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders
One of the largest squads in the NFL.
Find Your Team
Search "[team name] cheerleaders auditions" for any NFL franchise.
NBA, WNBA & MLS TEAMS
NBA Dance Teams
All 30 NBA franchises have official dance/cheer squads. Known for strong dance technique and choreography. Auditions typically in spring. Performances at all home games plus community events.
Examples: LA Lakers Girls, Chicago Bulls Luvabulls, Miami HEAT Dancers
WNBA Teams
WNBA franchises have smaller spirit squads or none at all — varies by market. Growing recognition for athletes who want to be in professional women's basketball environments.
Examples: Varies by franchise
MLS Spirit Squads
Major League Soccer teams have varying levels of organized spirit/dance programs. Often tied to supporter culture and gameday atmosphere more than competition.
Examples: Varies by club — some use supporter groups in place of formal cheer
PATHWAY TO PRO CHEER
How Athletes Get There
1
Build your background
Most pro cheer athletes come from all-star, school, college, or competitive dance backgrounds. Strong tumbling, stunting, and dance technique all help.
2
Watch audition announcements
Teams typically announce auditions in Feb–May. Follow team social accounts and bookmark audition pages. Some teams require pre-registration.
3
Attend open auditions
Most teams run multi-round auditions: preliminary call, finalist call, final selection. Judges evaluate dance ability, appearance, interview, and overall presentation.
4
Training camp
Selected candidates go through a training/camp period where additional cuts may occur before the final roster is named.
Also see: College Cheer · All-Star Tier · Competition Finder