PRELIMINARY ROUND
SUNDAY, APRIL 26TH, 2026

Candidates will arrive between 11:30a-12:30a, go through the check-in line, get their headshot taken, and stretch on their own.

Beginning at 1:00 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
SUNDAY, APRIL 26TH, 2026

Time TBA after preliminary round. Candidates selected to move on to the semifinal round will learn a dance routine (12-14 eight counts). Candidates will perform the routine in small groups for the judges.

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

FINAL ROUND
SATURDAY, MAY 2ND, 2026

VIDEO MATERIAL: Candidates selected to move on to the final round will receive new routine choreography via email. This audition choreography must be learned by the morning of the final round. 

SOLO PREPARATION: Candidates selected to move on to the final round will be required to prepare a 1 minute solo to a song of their choosing. Style options for this solo are jazz, pom, lyrical, or hip hop. *No costumes! Candidates will stay in audition attire for solos. Can wear pants or use poms if style requires it.*

Candidates will arrive in the morning and spend the first half of the day in formal interviews, filming with our production team, and rehearsing audition material.

In the afternoon, candidates will perform their solos for the judges.

In the evening, candidates will perform all audition material in small groups for the judges.

Candidates selected to move on to the final look will be notified via email between May 2nd and May 3rd.

FINAL LOOK
MONDAY, MAY 4TH, 2026
Evening - Exact time TBD

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 and dance shorts. 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 and dance shorts. 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

All tattoos must be covered, and all jewelry removed with the exception of engagement and wedding rings.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Candidates must be age 21 by July 1, 2026 - No exceptions
• Must bring proof of identification and age (Driver's License or Birth Certificate)
• A valid passport will be required if you are selected for employement. 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, or promo group.
• 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 shape 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. Acro skills such as aerials or rubber bands are a plus.
• 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 May 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 Clinics
• Click here for more information regarding Master Classes