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General FAQs

What is the Command Force?

The Washington Commanders entertainment team known as the "Command Force", is one of the league's most diverse squads, composed of dancers, gymnasts and Beat Ya Feet performers. Our team of 40+ individuals aim to bring to life the rich culture of D.C.'s iconic dance scene through high-energy, industry hip hop-based choreography while also showcasing traditional pom style routines often seen in the NFL. 

Command Force members perform at all Commanders home games! They also attend appearances in the community as ambassadors of the brand and act as role models. Washington dancers have traveled worldwide as representatives at various events and military appreciation tours over the years. During the 2023 football season alone, members of our squad had the opportunity to travel to Poland, Japan, Korea, Cuba, Curaçao, Greenland, Bahamas and Honduras to represent the Commanders. Being a member of the team provides the opportunity to perform at the professional level on the biggest stage and engage with the greatest fans in the NFL!

What style of dance does the Command Force perform?

Command Force seeks to change the way entertainment traditionally looks in the professional sports industry by constantly "mixing it up". Performances range across dance genres but typically you will see high energy hip hop, street funk, pom and beat ya feet. Our style is a fresh approach that currently isn't typical in the NFL. Washington DC's dance scene, specifically hip-hop, is one of the best in the world and our team aims to bring that rich culture to spectators at every home game so fans of all ages can move and groove along with us in their seats!

What is the time commitment if you make the team?

Being a member of the Force is a significant time commitment but is an experience you will never forget. You can expect the following:

  • Practices are Tuesdays, Thursdays and every other Wednesday from 6:30-9:30pm in our studio at Commanders Field from May to January. 
  • Performing at all home games.
  • Members will represent the team in the community year-round at a variety of events that include media exposure.
  • There may be opportunities to travel abroad. During the 2023 football season alone, members of our squad had the opportunity to travel to Poland, Japan, Korea, Cuba, Curaçao, Greenland, Bahamas and Honduras to represent the Commanders
What are the minimum qualifications to audition?
  • Online registration completed (no walk ups accepted)
  • Must be 18 years of age by May 7, 2024
  • Must be a high school graduate or have a G.E.D by June 30th, 202.
  • Must have a part-time or full-time job or be a college student
  • Must sign release form in registration confirmation
  • Must be available throughout the year for practices, which average 2-3 times per week in the evenings
  • Must be physically fit to endure running/dancing on the field, including performing in inclement weather.
  • Must be available for all Commanders home games, including preseason, and playoff games
Are Command Force members paid?

Yes, Members are paid for all practices, games and appearances.

Where can I see more of the Command Force?

You can follow us on **Instagram** and **tiktok**!

Can I request the Command Force for my upcoming event?

Yes! For an appearance fee, the Command Force is available to attend and/or perform at events around the DMV. Submit an appearance request here and a member of the entertainment department will reach out to discuss rates and next steps.

Does the Command Force have youth dance opportunities?

Yes! The Junior Force is our youth dance program (ages 5-17) and they perform with us throughout the season. We also host a summer dance camp every July! Additionally, you can book a Command Force clinic/class at your studio or school. All youth dance opportunities info can be found here.

Does the Command Force travel to away games?

No, the Command Force does not travel to regular-season away games. They are required to perform at all home games (pre-season and regular season games). However, members are often invited to attend the Super Bowl and various exhibition games the team may play in.

Audition FAQs

Didn't see an answer to your question?

Submit your questions directly here and we will do our best to answer!

Is there a virtual audition option?

No, at this time we require in person auditions for those interested in auditioning for the Command Force.

How can I register for auditions and is there a cost to apply?

Audition registration will open on March 1st and close at midnight on April 12th!. There is no fee to audition for the Command Force. Follow our social accounts to be notified of details as they become available.

When and where are Auditions?

Auditions will be held April 13th-16th at Commanders Stadium:

  • Friday, March 1 - Auditions Registration Opens
  • Saturday, April 13 10am - Open Call/Preliminary Round
  • Sunday, April 14 10am - Semi-Finals
  • Monday, April 15 6:30pm - Finalists Interviews & Rehearsal
  • Tuesday, April 16 6:30pm - Final Audition

The 2024-2025 team will be determined and announced at a later date, most likely at the end of April. To be considered, you must attend ALL rounds you are invited to. More info here.

What do I wear for Auditions?

Dress to impress but in moveable, hip, athletic wear and sneakers. Full glam is encouraged to allow us to envision you in the Command Force uniform. We recommend having a few clothing options for the week in the event you advance to finals. 

  • Open Call/Semi-finals (Saturday 4/13 & Sunday 4/14): Athletic/industry wear. A crop top or sports bra with joggers, leggings or shorts are acceptable for females. T-shirt and athletic bottoms are acceptable for males. Sneakers are encouraged for all. 
  • Finalists Business Interview & Rehearsal (Monday April 15): We encourage business casual/semi-professional for the interview portion. You will change into black dance wear of your choice for rehearsal. More info on what to expect will be shared with the 2024 Finalists.
  • Final Performance (Tuesday, April 16): Team issued attire will be provided for tops; finalists will be responsible for providing their own black bottoms and sneakers.
Is there an interview round?

Yes - those who are selected as finalists will advance to an in person, panel style interview to allow the judges a chance to get to know you better on Monday, April 15th.

How can I be notified about Audition updates?

Sign up here to be notified as soon as audition info and updates are released.

Do I have to attend all audition dates to be considered?

Yes - To be considered, you must attend ALL rounds you are invited to including Monday and Tuesday nights if you are picked as a finalist.

How can I prepare myself for auditions?

We recommend all candidates no matter if you are a Gymnasts or Beat ya Feet dancer to take industry style hip-hop and street funk classes in order to sharpen their skillset as all members of the team must be able to perform together as one unit for our pregame routine. Check out classes at our partner dance studio, Cerdafied

For dancers auditioning, we recommend you attend our prep classes and workshop to prepare for auditions. These optional classes will allow participants to meet members of the current team, learn about our unique dance style, and gain insider information directly from coaches in preparation for auditions. More information and how to register can be found here.

For gymnasts auditioning, we encourage you to participate in open gyms. At a minimum, you should be prepared to show a standing back tuck and a running pass to tuck at auditions on grass/turf. As noted above, all members of the Command Force dance together in most routines. We encourage gymnasts planning to audition to attend our prep classes in order to sharpen their dance skill sets.

For Beat Ya Feet dancers, we recommend you attend our Beat Ya Feet prep class on Thursday, March 21st from 6:30-8:30pm at FedExField led by current Command Force BYF leaders. 

We advise all participants wanting to audition to focus on their fitness and mental health as it is a long season if offered the job.

Do I need to submit a headshot or resume?

Yes and no!  No need to bring a physical photo or resume with you to auditions. When you complete your audition registration form online, you will be asked to upload a headshot and fill in your background and experience. There is no need to have a professional headshot. Think social media profile pic. A simple selfie will do. This photo will be used internally only to identify you during open call.  Additionally, We will take a polaroid of our semifinalists on Sunday morning to use for the remainder of the audition process.

Do the current Command Force members have to audition again?

Yes, each Command Force member must re-audition every year to be considered for the new team. The previous season's members are not required to attend open call but will join during the semifinal round. They are not provided finalists audition material in advance.

What do the judges look for at auditions?

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

Roles to be filled include dancers, gymnasts, and beat ya feet entertainers, who will combine their talents and create performances that will amaze Washington fans!!

If I am chosen for the 2024-2025 team, when do I officially start?

The 2024-2025 team will officially kick off the season on May 7th at 6:30pm with our first team meeting. Rookies will begin rehearsal on Thursday, May 9th. Practices are Tuesdays, Thursdays and every other Wednesday from 6:30-9:30pm in our studio at FedExField from May to January.  NOTE: If offered the job, be prepared to commit to a full-year contract.

What are the requirements to audition?
  • Online registration completed (no walk ups accepted)
  • Must be 18 years of age by May 7, 2024
  • Must be a high school graduate or have a G.E.D by June 30th, 202.
  • Must have a part-time or full-time job or be a college student
  • Must sign release form in registration confirmation
  • Must be available throughout the year for practices, which average 2-3 times per week in the evenings
  • Must be physically fit to endure running/dancing on the field, including performing in inclement weather.
  • Must be available for all Commanders home games, including preseason, and playoff games
What passes are required at auditions if I am a gymnast?

What passes are required at auditions if I am a gymnast?

For semi-finals:

            •           standing tuck

            •           roundoff multiple handspring to tuck/layout/full

            •           pass of choice

 For finals:

            •           2 or 3 backhand spring to layout or full

            •           Round off handspring layout/full

            •           Pass of choice

These would be the minimum for tumbling. However, if you have higher skills than what is listed, you are encouraged to throw it!

Prep Class FAQs

Didn't see an answer to your question?

Submit your questions directly here and we will do our best to answer!

How can I register?

You can register and pay here.

What can I expect during prep classes?

Each Prep Class will include:

  • Dynamic warm-up 
  • Learning and performing sideline routine
  • Learning and performing a hip hop routine
  • Meeting members from the current team
  • Q&A session with Command Force Coaches and Director
What do I wear and bring for prep class?

We recommend you dress in athletic wear and sneakers. Pack water and snacks. Masks are optional. Whatever makes you feel comfortable.

Can I take Prep Classes even if I am not going to audition?

Yes, Prep Classes are designed to help improve dance technique, stay in shape, and have fun dancing alongside current Command Force dancers.

Do I have to attend prep classes to audition for the team?

Attending prep classes and/or the Workshop is not a requirement to audition for the team. These classes are simply to prepare you for the audition process and most importantly, the job ahead if you are chosen for the team. Learning our style and about our program directly from our coaching staff and members of the team is invaluable and the best way to prepare for the team. 

NOTE: Attendance during our prep series does not guarantee that candidates will make the team.

Is there a perk for attending all prep classes and the workshop?

Yes and No! While there is no financial discount or perk to attending all classes, there is the benefit of knowledge and comfortability. By attending all classes, you are not only putting yourself in the best position to feel prepared for the audition process but gaining a better understanding of what it would feel like to be on the team if offered a spot.

Is there a cost to attend prep classes?

Yes - all pricing can be here. 

When and where are prep classes?

All classes will be from 6:30-8:30pm at FedExField:

Date

Style

Thursday, February 22nd

Hip Hop & Pom

Thursday, March 7th

Hip Hop & Pom 

Thursday, March 21st

Beat Ya Feet

What are prep classes?

Prep classes are an amazing opportunity to experience what it may be like if you are selected as a member of the team. These 2 hour sessions are held in our dance studio at Commanders Field and allow participants to meet members of the current team, learn our dance and sideline style, and gain insider information directly from coaches in effort to best prepare you for auditions. A new routine will be taught at each class. These classes are different from our audition workshop. More info can be found here.