CSU Monterey Bay Athletics

Audition Information Page



Don’t miss your opportunity to be apart of The CSUMB Otter Dance Team! Build lifelong friendships while perfecting your performance technique. Join the best performance team in the NCAA Division II that produced two NFL Professional Cheerleaders!

What to expect:

Auditions will take place in two sequences. In the first round, hopefuls will be asked to demonstrate technique with an across the floor section. Everyone will then learn a short and fun audition dance, and perform it in groups of two or three. Scores will be added with 50% weight on technique and 50% on performance. Those who are chosen to continue on to round two will learn the end of the audition piece and take part in a short informal interview. Again, scores will be based on 50% from the performance, and 50% from the interview.

What to wear:

We prefer hopefuls wear clothing that fit close to the body so that correct technique is clearly visible. We recommend bringing layers, as there will be waiting time in between rounds. Please practice dancing and stretching in your chosen outfit prior to auditions to ensure comfort. Examples are jazz pants, capris, tank tops, sports tanks, etc. While it is not mandatory, we recommend wearing hair down and styled. We also recommend wearing flattering make-up that would be similar to what you would wear to a performance.

What to bring:

-Audition Application, Liability Release, and Emergency Form. You may choose to bring your own photo. Please attach a print out of your fall school schedule.

-Plenty of water, snacks, and a lunch. Prepare for auditions to go all day. You will need sufficient nutrition throughout the day to fuel your performance.

-Layers of clothing. It may get cold in the gym in between rounds, so bring a sweater and baggy sweats to keep your muscles warm.

-Shoes with non-marking soles that allow you to turn on a gym floor. Examples are jazz or ballet shoes, or sneakers, or even smooth soled tennis shoes.

How to prepare:

-Practice!!

While experience is not required, it is strongly preferred that dancers have a background with ballet or jazz technique, and have taken at least one hip-hop class. There’s nothing wrong with practicing in your room! Please see our list of technique.

-Fill out the Application and Emergency Form prior to auditions to speed up registration.

Be sure not to leave any blanks! We will take a picture of you, however, you are welcome to submit a picture of your own instead.

-Brush up on your current events and CSUMB Athletics knowledge.

It has always been important to us that our members are aware of current events and familiar with the basic rules, and key players of games we support. We will also have a crash course at orientation to fill in any gaps.

List of Technique:
We will ask you to demonstrate the following at auditions. If you have mastered these, you will most likely be able to perform the other jumps and turns that will be taught the day of auditions. Not sure what these are? Visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_ballet for definitions.

Required:
Double Pirouette
Leaps
Axel Turns
High Kicks
Chaînés Turn
Fouette (A la seconde)
Pique turns

We cannot wait to meet all of you!

-Megan McNicholas and Erica Lewis
Otter Dance Team Captains and Performance Coordinators