Tryouts for the Harvard Cheerleading Team take place in September during the week before the first day of classes. Freshman will be on campus for Orientation activities, however any upperclassman (including returning members) who wish to join the cheerleading team will need to return to campus for these tryout dates.

Tryouts for the 2008-2009 Crimson Cheerleading Team are tentatively scheduled for

Tuesday September 9, 2008 and Wednesday September 10, 2008 from 6:00-8:00

Practice will begin on the Thursday immediately following tryouts as the first football game is usually that Saturday

Tryout Format

Tryouts for Harvard Cheerleading are held in a "clinic" format. The first day will be a clinic in which the tryout material is taught and the last day will consist of more review and then the actual tryout. Attendance at each clinic day is required as you only have those two days to learn and demonstrate the material taught.

Tryout Requirements

WOMEN: Required elements for women are a cheer, fight song, two advanced jumps (a toe touch and a jump of your choice), two stunts, and tumbling (optional). An Extension full down will be taught during tryouts and is a required minimum stunt. You can chose whatever second stunt you wish to perform. We want to see the best two stunts you can do. If you have never done partner stunting before, we will work with you to learn something. We are looking for potential as well as current skill level.

Tumbling is not a requirement right now, but it will be in the coming years. If you have tumbling, it will positively effect your tryout score, but if you do not, you will not be penalized. If you currently do not have tumbling, you are urged to get in the gym and try to master at least a back handspring.

MEN: Men will be asked to stunt and perform any tumbling you may have. You will be asked to perform one co-ed stunt and one "all-girl" stunt. If you have no experience cheering, please don't let that deter you from trying out. We can teach you everything from the beginning. Most college guys initially have zero experience! Guys are a truly invaluable asset to any team, therefore we urge you come down and give it a shot even if you don't have any past experience!

For more information, come see us at the Freshman Activities Fair or at the Upperclassman Activities Fair. Dates for these two fairs are during Freshman week in September. We will also be at the Pre-Frosh weekend activities fair.

If you have any questions about tryouts, please email cheer@hcs.harvard.edu.