Glasgow Fort goes glam as Rockettes launch cheerleading talent search

Apr 22 2010 By Jordan Costello

Cheerleading squad start auditions for new dancers

IT'S try-out time for the Scottish Rockettes cheerleading squad and this year is expected to bring the usual tears and cheers that makes the X Factor look like the Sound of Music.

Every year, the Rockettes have their annual auditions where they invite dancers, gymnasts or just regular girls, aged 18 to 35, to audition for a place on the UK's top ProSports dance team.

Competition is fierce and if current members thought they were safe in the squad, they can think again. They also have to battle it out with new applicants to hold on to their place.

Both the current members and the new girls auditioning know it is make-or-break time as they strut their stuff in front of a celebrity panel, headed by dance team manager Carole Anne Deeney.

The first round of auditions on May 9 will attract up to 100 people and will take place at the Glasgow Fort. Entrants will be whittled down to 45 before a second try-out will decide who makes the cut.

Carole Anne admits the auditions and Rockette duties are no walk in the park but insists the benefits make all the hard work more than worthwhile.

She said: "If someone's got the right attitude, is willing to work hard and can quickly pick up the routine, they should come along.

"The panel should include someone from TV and we hope Des and Vanessa from Galaxy Radio will join us. There are five or six judges with each judge getting their own different category.

"There's a lot of pressure on the girls who have been here before trying to get back into the squad.

"We had a girl a few years back who got so nervous that she burst into tears - after she had been told she was in."

That girl was Claire Nimmo and the cheerleader revealed how much being a Rockette means to her.

Claire said: "It's part-time but it feels like a full-time job. When my name got called last,Iwasbeginning to thinkIwasn't going to make it and I just felt my lip trembling.

Then I got called and it was just a real sense of relief.

"I love being part of the Rockettes. My advice to someone hoping to make it in the Rockettes is be prepared for a lot of hard work."

Anna Robertson and Claire Ford have both had one year in the squad and explained their thoughts before trying to get back in again this year.

Anna said: "I tried last year and got in and I'm looking forward to trying to get my place back."

And Claire said: "For the previous year's rookies, it's about trying to make it as an established member. It has been amazing in the Rockettes."

Try-outs take place at DW Sports Fitness, Glasgow Fort, on Sunday, May 9, from 12.30pm.

To find out more visit: www.scottishrockettes.com or call: 334 4600.