Local athletes compete for spot on Ticats Dance and Cheer Team

We may be getting hit with a blast of winter weather right now, but that hasn’t cooled down the first day of auditions for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Dance and Cheer Team.

Pre-season starts Saturday, May 23rd, against the Toronto Argonauts, but the work starts today.

For some of these athletes, it’s a dream come true just to be a part of the audition. They need a strong dance background, but coaches are looking for character both on and off the field.

The Ticats Dance and Cheer Team was re-branded in 2019 with its current name, but they have alumni dating back as far as 1979.

Many changes over the years, but one thing remains the same — each candidate needs to be at the top of their game.

“There are two major aspects to this role. One is our danceability and performing on the sidelines or centre field on game days, and also being a brand ambassador for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats,” says Katie, who has been with the team for 10 seasons.

Each candidate was challenged to learn game day choreography and given a chance to perform it minutes later. Judges were also looking beyond their performance.

“We are looking for candidates that can engage with others. We see today how they engage with others in the audition room, how they interact with our judging panel, and see if they have that confidence.”

“The girls are so welcoming. They are all there to really support you, encourage you,” said Jada.

Jada is a rookie this year, dreaming of the chance to be a part of this elite group since she started dancing at a young age. She’s been to the Ticats Dance and Cheer Team drop-in classes and jumped at the opportunity to continue doing what she loves, but on a much bigger stage.

“A big part of it is continuing to do what I love alongside the most wonderful and talented women.”

Those who keep coming back as a judge or coach have the same underlying factor to a successful candidate — confidence.

There are 60 athletes auditioning for a spot on the Ticats Dance and Cheer Team. Now at the end of it all, they are competing for 14 spots, and a decision will be made later in March.

No spot is guaranteed. Each year, veterans of the team are expected to re-audition along with the rookies. But the advantage is that they know the role and how to perform it.

“We do a lot outside our game day experience. We are also community ambassadors.”

Sophie is in year three re-auditioning for her spot, and the best part for her? Working with the junior Ticats Dance and Cheer Team, giving back to the next generation.

“It’s so special to me every single year you get to make new connections with the different kids out in the community, you see them come out to the different events”.

The selection process will take place over the next three weeks, with some events being invite-only, to determine who will make the roster.

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