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 2009-2010 Crimson Cheerleading Team are confirmed for

Thursday September 3, 2009 from 6:00-8:00 and Friday September 4, 2008 from 5:00-6:30 at Gordon Indoor Track

There is a mandatory Safety clinic on Saturday September 5, 2009 followed by a Team BBQ. Regular Practices on Wednesday Evenings from 7-9:30 and Thursday Evenings from 6:00-8:30 will commence the following week.

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. Gentlemen: Please SHAVE before attending tryouts. It is required and expected from those who are selected for the program to not grow facial hair (or keep it extremely groomed) during the course of the year. Ladies: Please look “game ready” at tryouts. This includes a clean, collegiate appearance with appropriate make-up, and hair neatly pulled away from the face with a bow. No jewelry, chewing gum, or nail polish. Finger nails should be cut to an appropriate length.

All candidates should wear appropriate Harvard apparel including T-shirt or tank, Cheer Shorts or Skirts (guys should wear gym shorts) and sneakers to tryouts. No blue jeans and no jazz pants for ladies.

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). A Liberty pop cradle 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!

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

Team Commitments

Team members are requried to attend two mandatory practices per week: Wednesday evenings 7:00-9:30 and Thursday evening 6:00-8:30. Additionally there will be one captain-run strength training/material practice scheduled once the team is selected. This practice may be replaced by a tumbling practice at an off-site location. Team members are requried to attend all scheduled games, competitions, and charity appearances. A full calendar of events will be provided at the start of the season. Additionally, squad members will be required to return to campus Tuesday January 19, 2010 for winter-session practices and will be required to stay on campus through Wednesday March 17, 2010 of Spring Break for Nationals training.