Hawkes Bay Kelt Capital Magpies show how it's done. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today
Calling all cheerleaders: Can you swing it, shake it and move it to make it?
A new Sky TV reality series begins filming this weekend as wannabe cheerleaders audition for a spot on the Vodafone Cheerleaders' squad.
The team will support the Vodafone Warriors throughout the league season
next year, as well as perform at promotional events and functions.
Auditions will be judged by team manager Rachel Holley, Sky presenter Stephen McIvor and former broadcaster Stacey Daniels.
"We're really going to be looking for a whole package," said Holley. "It's not just about dance technique and being perfect. We want to see X-factor shine.
"Someone who loves to perform and oozes happiness, passion and excitement for dance."
A former 91FM cheerleader, Holley said the three judges had all their bases covered.
"Stephen has the league perspective, I have dance perspective and Stacey will have the X-factor perspective."
The auditions will form the first episode of a six-part reality series, which will screen on Sky 1 in March next year.
In addition to showing off their dance skills and technique, participants will be interviewed by the judges to find out "what drives them", said Holley.
Although auditions are restricted to those 18 years and older, Holley said age was not a major factor.
"It's all about attitude and the way a person presents themselves."
Cameras will be rolling throughout the auditions but Holley said the number one focus of the day would be finding the best talent possible for the cheerleading team.
The TV series will follow the cheerleaders throughout their initial training, until their first public performance at the Warriors' opening game in March.
Holley said the team would represent "the new age of cheerleading".
"We want to get into the community with the Warriors, into schools... We want every little girl to want to grow up to be a Vodafone cheerleader."
Dancers and cheerleaders keen to partake in the programme can register for auditions from 9.30am on Saturday, at the Vodafone building on Viaduct Avenue in Auckland.
Call backs will take place from 10am on Sunday. Spectators and supporters are not allowed to attend the auditions and will not be granted access into the Vodafone building.
