Sideline Prep Presents: Coaches Corner w/ Director of Coaching, Lee-Ann

 A note from Sideline Prep's Director of Coaching, Lee-Ann...

" As a performer in the entertainment industry, it is so important to "stay ready, so you don't have to get ready. "

"... Especially in this unpredictable world of auditions that are ever evolving and changing to cater to times. This year has been a testament of that, am I right?! Many have had to learn how to audition virtually, but also many audition processes continue to amp up their requirements and the talent they are seeking continues to change as well. Plus... it can be a nail biting waiting game for teams to announce their audition schedule. In the past, we could predict when auditions would be based on when they were held the previous year. Not now. The "regular" schedule is no longer regular... which means you have to always be ready.

The playing field has changed. For example, in the pro cheer world, more and more teams are going co-ed, and some have changed their signature styles entirely to cater more to a "hype squad" rather than the typical cheerleaders we are used to seeing. Whatever it is, it's time to bring your A-game, because being prepared will set you apart from the rest in the audition world. Here are a few tips on prepping for auditions:

1. If you want to be a professional athlete, you must train like one! That means creating consistent routines and practices that are going to get to your goals naturally. Create the "athlete lifestyle" for yourself by allotting yourself the time with time blocking to make sure you stay on track. Have a consistent training schedule that includes fitness, dance technique, taking classes, and target time to improve specific areas will yield the results you need. Yes, our program is designed to help you create this lifestyle, but it's up to you to show up everyday and be consistent.

2. Know the team! This may have single-handedly helped me nail the NBA Washington Wizards Dance Team auditions. I went to every single prep class they offered, in which I also took the time to introduce myself to the coaches. I went to multiple games, just to watch and observe what they did. I talked to current teammates to get a grasp of the lifestyle, the schedule, and their experiences so I can see how it would fit into my life. You gotta do your research, and put yourself into those boots/sneakers like you're going to be on that team. This will go a long way and judges can who has done their due diligence to make the team.

3. Above all, HAVE FUN! These organizations hire dancers to entertain the crowd, and at the end of the day, that is what your goal should be. Light up that room, show off your talent, shine bright bright bright! The best way to do that is go into the audition with a simple intention-- to have fun. That is exactly the mindset I had when auditioning for my team. I did not expect in a million years to make it my first year. Three-hundred girls showed up that year, and I remember looking around thinking there was no way that I would be picked to make that team of 20. I thought I would just learn about the audition process and try again. So I decided, I am going to have fun today. And because I didn't feel stressed out, I truly believe that had a huge impact on me making the team. So honey, into your audition with the pure intention of having a great time and showing people how fun you are! You got this!

It is my pleasure every day to be in the position to help Lovelies reach their dreams and achieve their goals. What I love most about being able to help Lovelies make teams is seeing the organic transformations. I've seen Lovelies with low-confidence, little dance training, and "I can't do this" mindsets end this program having become glowing superstars, inside and out. This program is not just about training to be a pro cheerleader, its about training to be a positive leader in the community and setting the bar so high for yourself where you can reach any goal you go for! I look forward to helping you make your dreams come true! It's time to get prepared to take on the world, Lovely! :) "

Want more information on the Pro Cheer Coaching Program the Lee-Ann is talking about? If so, click HERE!

Heart to Heart Video Series: Episode 35 - Taylor Hulitt, Former Disney Princess + Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue Dancer

Taylor is a graduate of The University of North Texas with a BBA in Marketing.  She has had several years of dance experience from teaching, to professional cheerleading, to industry work with major corporations. She was a Dallas Desperados Dancers and Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue Dancers alumni.  With both teams, she attended appearances all over the country. She was the only rookie on the team chosen to perform on the hit television show America's Got Talent, Good Morning Texas, and DFW Sports Beat. She has also done industry work with Pepsi, Party City, DIFFA, and Rascal Flatts. She is former cast member at Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line. There she danced in several shows, commercials, parades and brought several world famous Disney characters to life. Follow Taylor on Instagram @taylortot88

Heart to Heart: Meet Alyssa Nolfi

Since last July, I have had the pleasure of working with Alyssa Nolfi for dance audition prep through Sideline Prep . She was enthusiastic about working on & improving her overall dance technique to prepare for auditions for the local Philadelphia dance teams. If there’s one thing about this girl from Philly, she loves her Philly sports teams! Rooting for the Eagles & the 76ers has all been a part of her upbringing. She is passionate about dancing & her goal to become a professional dancer as well. Alyssa shares, “I love the aspect of not only living in one of the many major cities in the world, which I feel like best suits me & my lifestyle, but also the fact that I am so close to many other major cities including New York, which has plenty of opportunities available in areas that I am interested and have a background in, such as dance, modeling and fashion.”

Recently, Alyssa came to me with another big goal she is working to achieve. She dreams of becoming a dance major at the University of the Arts & continuing to work on her craft. The dance program at the University of the Arts is a top-rated program with “one of the most diverse undergraduate dance populations in the country”. Students attending the university are able to learn from some of the finest dance professionals in the game & gain experience through the rigorous curriculum that includes dance training classes, choreography development, and performance experiences.

The process of becoming a dance major, like at many other schools, requires an applicant to perform an audition piece. Having been a dance major at the University of Maryland, I am pleased to be able to offer my advice & support through her journey. We have been working together on the audition piece, as its most important to me that it reflects her strengths and overall movement style on the dance floor. Choreographing dances is one of my favorite things to do on my own, however, with an audition piece, it specifically requires finding a sense of ownership from the dancer & collaborating to reach that. My goal is for the dancer to feel confident when dancing this piece, to showcase their talent & abilities, & for the dancer to feel as though the movement translates well into their body where they can make it their own. Working together has been a great a part of this process. Its not just about practicing the movement, its about embodying it & performing it on a larger scale.

Alyssa states, “Dancing has always been one of my biggest passions since I was a little girl & started classes. It has remained that way ever since. It also is a big stress reliever for me & helps with my anxiety when I am having an off or bad day. I can just go into a studio & dance. It helps me feel better. I love that dance, not only allows me to express myself in a creative, artistic & unique way, but also that it allows me to showcase my passion & talent.”

As a dance teacher & choreographer, I am always elated to hear when dance becomes a healer. It is not just about the physical activity, but the holistic wellness that it promotes. I find myself feeling the benefits of this when teaching as well. Alyssa has also expressed that dance auditions have been a challenge to her mentally, as it can be difficult to retain & stay focused when placed on the spot. Many dancers can relate to this sense of “blacking out” or not remembering what you are doing in the moment, some say its the adrenaline rush, but it also can happen to just about anyone when placed on the spot, whether its giving a presentation to a group or just being the center of attention at an event. Addressing that this exists within, identifying the anxiety trigger, & working on deepening concentration through mindfulness & meditation practice is also a part of her process that we continue to work on together so that she feels more comfortable at auditions. She actually just landed a job with All Around Entertainment, an entertainment company based in the Northeast, which is a great accomplishment & really shows her progress toward her dance dreams!

Alyssa will audition for the University of the Arts dance program in August, & I am looking forward to rooting her on every step of the way. The journey is always most important, & she has committed to “trusting the process” & staying on the path toward success through hard work & dedication. Best wishes to Alyssa!

xoxo,

Lee-Ann