Audition Process
The deadline for submitting applications for the 2026 Command Force Audition is March 2nd at 11:59pm. Please make sure you read the entire form and submit info accordingly. You must submit an application during the registration period to be considered for the new team. No exceptions!
Auditions will officially kick off with an Open Call "virtual" preliminary round. After the registration period closes, all Applicants will receive video choreography, music and submission instructions. Applicants are required to submit their videos by March 16th at 11:59pm to be considered for the next round. Video submissions will consist of an introduction and dance section. The "Introduction" is where you will share a little bit about yourself, your background, why you are auditioning, etc. This should be :30 seconds to a minute where you can share anything you would like the judges to know to get a better glimpse at the person you are and how you would represent the organization. The second part is where you will showcase :30 of freestyle as well as :30 seconds of Hip Hop choreography performed by the team. More details will be shared with applicants, including examples.
Notification emails for those advancing to semi-finals will be sent on March 25th. Semi-Finals will be VIRTUAL this season and they will receive video choreography, music and submission instructions.This round consists of showcasing your sideline style in Pom OR Beat Ya Feet as well as another hiphop section. Videos will be due by April 1st.
Finalists will be announced by April 10th and invited to join us for our IN PERSON Finalists bootcamp and Showcase. The final round consists of a virtual panel style interview, rehearsals, media shoot and a final showcase spanning from May 9th-13th.
All current Command Force veterans hoping to earn back their spot will join those invited to finals as they must re-audition every year.
Roles to be filled include technically trained dancers, and Beat Ya Feet entertainers, who will combine their talents and create performances that will energize Washington fans! Beat Ya Feet dancers are not required to have traditional dance training but it is encouraged. Auditions are free of charge and closed to the public. Walk-ups are not permitted – candidates must register in advance.
Judges will look for technique, showmanship, performance execution, ability to remain composed in a large-scale capacity, and professional business skills including public speaking. Judges will also observe how individuals work in a team setting. Additionally, auditions are designed to provide equal consideration for all the candidates.
In-Person Attendance is REQUIRED for finalists to be considered for the 2026 Team!
Requirements
Audition Requirements:
Online registration completed by deadline. (no walk ups accepted)
Videos submitted correctly as outlined in the instructions document by deadline.
Must be 18 years of age by June 1, 2026.
Must be a high school graduate or have a G.E.D by June 30th, 2026.
Must have a part-time or full-time job or be a college student.
Must have proof of identification and age (Driver's License or Birth Certificate)
Prior dance training and experience is required.
Job Requirements/Commitment:
Must be able to attend rehearsals at Northwest Stadium on Tuesday, Thursday, and some Wednesday evenings during the contracted period spanning from June-February.
This is a physically demanding occupation. Candidates should be in excellent athletic condition to be able to endure through the physical demands of the game day performances, including performing in inclement weather.
Must be available to start at the end of May/early June 2026.
Must be available for all Commanders home games, including preseason, playoff, and holiday games. Note: the NFL schedule is released in May and games can fall on holidays, weeknights and weekends.
Must be eligible to work in the United States. The Washington Commanders do not "sponsor" international candidates.
Must have reliable transportation.
If selected, you may not cheer/dance for any other professional or collegiate team.
A valid passport is highly recommended but not required.
Employment is part-time, less than 30 hours per week.
Members are paid for all game days, rehearsals, appearances, and events.
Media training sessions, photo shoots,and team bonding events are also required and scheduled in advance.
Each dancer should plan to be available for consideration to be booked on appearances throughout the year.
Although not required, we recommend candidates live within a reasonable driving distance of the DMV such that you are able to attend practices and games on a timely basis.
If offered the job, be prepared to commit to a full year contract.
Questions? Email: Commandforce@commanders.com
Audition Schedule
Feb 2: Auditions Registration Opens Online
March 2: Auditions Registration Closes at 11:59pm EST
March 3: Preliminary Audition Choreography sent via email to Registrants
March 16: Preliminary Audition Video Submission Deadline
March 25: Semi-Finalists Announced and semi round choreography and instructions sent via email
April 1: Semi-Finalists Video submissions due
April 10: Finalists notified via email
April 14: Virtual Coaches Q&A for finalists (optional*)
April 20-30: Virtual Interviews (Finalists will select a time/date)
May 9-10: Finalists bootcamp at Northwest Stadium (invite only)
May 12 -13: Final Audition Rehearsal & Show at The Howard theater in Washington DC
June 2: First Team Meeting (Mandatory)
The 2026 Command Force team will be announced mid May.
Applicants must be in attendance for all dates/rounds listed above that they are invited to, in order to be considered for the 2026 team. Please note that audition events are closed to the public at this time.
Attire
VIDEO Open Call/Preliminary Round: Two-piece dance outfit. (Example: a sports bra or crop top and shorts, leggings, joggers or cargo pants) If you choose to do shorts, skin-tone/matte tights are recommended. T-shirt and athletic shorts or pants are acceptable for males. Sneakers are encouraged.
VIDEO Semi-Finals: Same guidelines as above. We recommend wearing the same outfit from your prelim video for your semi finals videos.
Finalist Bootcamp (Saturday & Sunday 5/9 & 5/10: Same guidelines as above.You can wear the same outfit from videos or you can wear a new outfit. We recommend a different outfit for each day. More info to be shared with Finalists on what to expect for bootcamp.
Final Rehearsal/ Showcase (Tuesday, 5/12 and Wednesday 5/13): You will need an all black outfit of your choice for the rehearsal. For the final judging & showcase, Team issued attire will be provided for tops; finalists will be responsible for providing their own black or white sneakers. More info on what to expect will be shared with the 2026 Finalists.
Hair and Make-up: Please arrive 'camera ready' with full makeup and styled hair for ALL rounds of auditions. Command Force wears their hair down and fully styled on game day, and we recommend candidates wear their hair in a current hairstyle that compliments their features and doesn't hide their face. A burgundy or nude lip is recommended.
Jewelry and Tattoos: Although there are no audition requirements pertaining to tattoos and jewelry, note that if selected, all tattoos exposed must be in good taste or you will be asked to cover them. All jewelry must be removed, with the exception of earrings and engagement/wedding rings. This is for safety reasons.
Examples: Check out roster photos for hair and make up examples as well as last season's audition galleries below for attire inspo.
What To Expect If You Make The Team
WEEKLY PRACTICES: Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6:30 – 9:30 p.m.). Additional Practices will be held on Wednesday evenings mostly from June-September, when we bring choreographers in as needed. Advance notification of the calendar is provided to the team.
HOME GAMES: There will be a maximum of 10 home games, including preseason. In general, we do not perform at away games. Dancers must be available for ALL home games. The NFL schedule is released in May! Please note, games may fall on weeknights, weekends and holidays.
DANCE STYLE: Command Force dance style is primarily Hip Hop & Pom, followed by Street Jazz and/or Beat Ya Feet.
APPEARANCES: Members participate in fan-facing appearances, community outreach, and media, as assigned.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS: Opportunities to work with our junior cheerleaders, participate in national and international military base visits and tours, television appearances, game day broadcasts, and community appearances.
ATTENDANCE: If you are selected as a member of the Command Force, then you are expected to be present for practices, appearances, and performances.
PART-TIME ROLE: Employment as a Washington Commanders Dancer is a part-time position. Team members are paid for all their work, including rehearsals, game day, appearances, photoshoots, meetings, etc.
