UCLA Cheerleaders

UCLA Cheerleaders enjoy a position on an elite squad, in a PAC-10 school, and this means lots of exposure on a national stage. Technically known as the UCLA Spirit squad, these cheerleaders compose four separate groups: the cheerleading squad, the dance squad, the yell crew and the mascots.

The UCLA Cheerleaders Squad

The UCLA Cheerleading squad is made up of male and female couples. The cheerleaders must be able to:

• Tumble: Cheerleaders try out by showing off a few tumbling skills.
• Jump: Cheerleaders have to be able to perform a variety of cheerleading jumps.
• Dance: Although there is a dance squad, UCLA cheerleaders do perform with the Bruins marching band. Female squad members will dance and need to memorize multiple routines. Male members do arm motions to the music. It’s important that the cheerleaders can keep a beat.
• Stunt: Squad members must be able to perform a variety of cheerleading stunts.

The UCLA Dance Squad

The UCLA dance squad usually consists of nine females. However, males are also welcome to audition. Regardless, the nine best dancers out of the audition trials will secure a spot on the dance squad. Dance squad members must be able to learn 50 or more dance routines, be able to work with pom pons and be familiar with cheerleading arm motions, but they do not tumble or do stunts. While prior dance experience isn’t necessary, the UCLA Bruin dancers describe themselves as an ‘elite’ dance squad and demand solid dancing skills at try outs.

Mascots

Mascots are considered an important part of the complete UCLA squad. Each year, six candidates are chosen to fulfill three Josie Bruin roles and three Joe Bruin roles. Out of all the positions on the squad, Mascots must be able to improvise and really be able to bring out their Joe or Josie character. Mascots also have to dance to various routines in their costumes, so dancing is part of the audition process.

Yell Crew

Somewhat unique to collegiate level cheerleading is the UCLA Yell Crew. The Yell crew has the job of getting the crowd excited and yelling at games. While cheerleading and dancing has taken on a new life form of performing arts and athleticism, the yell crew harks back to the roots of cheerleading.

The crew is made up of four to ten individuals who must possess a good understanding of various sports as well as have excellent vocal skills. People have to be able to understand you when you’re yelling.

What It’s Like to Be a Cheerleader at UCLA

Like most cheerleaders, UCLA cheerleaders have to work very hard. They are required to maintain a 2.5 grade point average. However, in addition to that, they are also are required to attend practices, personal training sessions, cheerleading boot camp, and perform at all home games and several away games. Since UCLA is a PAC-10 school, traveling can take up a substantial amount of time. The entire squad (including the mascots and yell leaders) participate in collegiate level competitions every year). Also, because of UCLA’s notoriety, the UCLA Spirit Squad spends a fairly substantial amount of time making public appearances representing the University at charitable events and other venues.

Tips for Trying Out

If you’re still up for being a UCLA cheerleader, take a cue from some of these pointers to do your absolute best at the audition.

• If you’ve had cheerleading experience, go ahead and try out for all the positions on the squad. It increases your chances of getting on the squad in some capacity. It also gives you the opportunity to work out with the squad and improve skills needed to perhaps try out again next year!

• Your first impression counts! Remember that by trying out to be a UCLA cheerleader you’re asking the University for an opportunity to represent them. It is in their best interest to pick the candidates that best match how they want to be represented. Look at how current cheerleaders where their hair. Make sure that you look your absolute best for try out day.

• If you’re trying out to be a mascot, your personality must shine through. That doesn’t mean be fake and “big”, it means really make an effort to show the panel of judges that you would be the best Josie/Joe Bruin ever.

• Sports knowledge is very helpful. While sports knowledge is required to try out for a yell leader, even cheerleaders and the dance team should know at least something about how the sports work. Do a little research and find out some well known facts about UCLA and their recent sports history.

• Be prepared for questions. Take the time to think about the question, “Why do you want to be a cheerleader at UCLA?” You can almost be sure that will be one of the questions you are asked in your interview.

Being a Collegiate Level Cheerleader

Being a cheerleader at UCLA will no doubt take a substantial amount of time and effort. However, the perks and rewards for being on a nationally recognized team are well worth all the hard work. For more information on the UCLA Spirit Squad, you can check out their website or fill out their contact form.

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