Ever dreamed of dancing for your favorite sports team? You’ll need more than dance ability and a cheery personality—but if you’ve got what it takes, you’re in for a fun job with lots of perks. Follow these tips to go pro.

Debbie Apalucci, director of the Sixers Dancers for the Philadelphia 76ers, says that dancing is only 50 percent of a dance team member’s job. Besides performing at all home games, they often appear at corporate and charity events in the community. “We look for good dancers who speak intelligently and are not afraid to appear in front of media or a crowd,” says Apalucci.

Vandana Patel, dance team coordinator and choreographer of the Cavalier Girls in Cleveland, adds, “They’re a group of entertainers who perform on more than one level. They’re spirit leaders.”

So what do prospective members need to have? Lots of energy, a good technical dance background, time management skills, a good work ethic, a positive attitude, the ability to take corrections and work closely with other team members, diligence, a sense of humor and the ability to speak in front of a crowd or cameras, such as at a press conference or event.

If you’re interested in a particular dance team, look into what style they focus on so you know what classes you should take to prepare for the audition. Get to know the team’s desired look and what other styles they might tackle, such as character or Latin. Also check team websites for any other prerequisites, such as age and scheduling requirements (like how many practices you’ll need to attend per week).

Take advantage of any pre-audition workshops teams offer. These sessions are good opportunities to ask questions, learn choreographed routines, pick up hair and makeup tips and get your face seen. “You can build a relationship with the director and organization,” says Patel, who compares these workshops to a “cheat sheet before the test.” Even if you don’t have the best audition, you may be remembered for the passion and commitment you demonstrated at the workshops.

And, of course, prepare yourself physically: “About a month before the audition I was at the gym every day, preparing my body and my mind and working on my stamina,” says Amanda C., a member of the Cavalier Girls. (The team withholds its members’ last names in order to protect the girls’ privacy.) In some cases you may need to reaudition each year, even if you’re already on the team, so make sure to work on your weaknesses during the off-season.

Audition dates vary, but most NBA and NFL teams hold tryouts during the summer. Most auditions take place over the course of a few days, with the preliminaries followed by finalist interviews and auditions. Sometimes you’ll need to pre-register, so find out if you should send a resumé, photo and audition fee beforehand. Teams will occasionally allow walk-up applicants, but those dancers should arrive early.

It’s important to look and dress the part. Most dance teams will ask auditioners to wear performance hair and makeup, a two-piece form-fitting outfit (like a sports bra with dance trunks or hot pants), flesh-colored tights, and dance or athletic shoes with non-marking soles. Mandatory attire “helps to standardize and minimize the possibility of an unfair advantage based on individual style,” Patel explains.

During an all-day audition, expect to warm yourself up and learn and perform an across-the-floor combination in small groups. After an initial cut, those left will learn a few more sequences, each followed by another cut. The finalists who remain go on to the interview process, perform a short solo, learn more team choreography and attend training classes, where directors focus on the girls more individually and pay attention to how they interact with others.

Dance team members are typically paid for rehearsals (usually two to three a week) and all 40-plus home games, where they perform in front of thousands of fans. Dancers also get the benefits of sponsorships, so perks may include makeovers (including hair, make-up and teeth whitening); dance clothing and shoes; gym memberships and access to athletic trainers and nutritionists; and tanning salon visits.

Still, a dance team job is generally not enough to pay the bills. It’s a part-time gig, so it’s good to have other goals, be it an academic career or another part- or full-time job.

“If it’s your dream to be on a professional dance team, then pursue it!” Amanda says. “Practice, work hard and know that there’s always room for improvement.”

Dance teams usually have 16 to 18 members at a time, so don’t be too bummed if you don’t make the cut right away. “Many dancers don’t get a spot on the team the first time they audition,” Apalucci says. “Learn from the process, make the necessary improvements in auditioning and dance skills and always try out a second time!”