With a crazy end to the 2015 year and losing my grandfather, I decided that life is short and every second you have on this earth you need to live it to the fullest. So at 12:01am on January 1st, 2016 I decided I was going to follow a dream of mine and starting training to audition for an NFL cheer team. I thought it was a long shot and I wasn't going to follow through on it, but I had 3 months to get in shape and learn to dance like a pro. I can honestly say that auditioning for an NFL cheer team was the best decisions I could have ever made. Here are five reasons why you should try it.
1. The People
During the proceeds of training for the auditions I met two wonderful dance instructors that prepped me to be performance ready. During the audition proceeds I made three great friends that helped me calm my nerves and danced along side of me throughout the tryouts. Meeting all the vets, the rookies, rookie candidates, and the coaches was a humbling experience. Everyone is super friendly and is willing to help at all times.
2. The Fitness
I gave myself two and half months to train for my first audition. In those two and half months, I ran everyday, did abs, lifted weights, danced for hours, and ate healthy. I lost 20 pounds during training and I was in the best physical shape of my life.
3. The Glam
As a girl who loves doing makeup and hair, the glam process that goes into auditioning is crazy, but also so much fun. Taking 2/3 hours to have your hair and makeup done by professionals, having a consultant look at you and tell you what you need to fix to have the style of the team, having the vets tease you're hair, or fix you're fake eyelash.
4. The Process
The audition process is crazy. You have lots of headshot taken, lots of paperwork to fill out, turn combos, and dances to learn. But once you get in front of those 12 judges in that small room, all your fears go away and the adrenaline hits and you put on a show.
5.The Memories
I would not change a thing about this year audition season. I was introduced to two of the most amazing programs this season with the Baltimore Ravens and the Minnesota Vikings. Each organization had amazing qualities within their staff and the veterans. I will always remember dancing under the lights of the football fields, the meetings, the intense training, my one on one with a pro bowl cheerleader, and all the traveling and sight seeing. This part in my life was unforgettable and I would recommend that everyone try to it .
Your dreams don't work unless you do, so work hard, dream big, and go out there and try your best .