How to Join the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleading Organization
The Baltimore Ravens cheerleading squad operates as both a performance group and a competitive organization within the NFL's entertainment structure. This guide covers how to audition, what the role actually involves, timing and logistics specific to the Baltimore area, and how the Ravens cheer program compares to similar opportunities in the region.
The Ravens Cheer Program Structure
The official cheerleading squad for the Baltimore Ravens performs at M&T Bank Stadium in Downtown Baltimore during home games and makes public appearances throughout the city, including events in Canton, Federal Hill, and Inner Harbor neighborhoods. Unlike some NFL squads that treat cheerleading as a part-time seasonal role, the Ravens organization maintains a competitive audition process and expects members to commit to the full NFL schedule plus additional promotional events.
The squad typically numbers between 30 and 40 active members, though this figure fluctuates based on injuries and departures. Members wear the standard Ravens colors (purple, black, and white) and learn choreography that reflects both the team's brand and contemporary dance trends used across the league.
Audition Timing and Entry Requirements
Auditions for the Ravens cheer squad occur once annually, typically in spring (April or May), with the goal of having the roster finalized before training camp in late July. This timeline means interested candidates should begin preparing in January or February to allow adequate training time.
The organization requires candidates to be at least 18 years old, have a valid government ID, and pass a background check. There is no upper age limit, though the average member is between 21 and 32. Previous dance experience is expected but does not need to be in a specific style; the Ravens teach their own choreography during training camp, so adaptability matters more than specialization in jazz, hip-hop, or ballet.
The audition itself consists of a group combination (taught on the spot), typically lasting two to three minutes, followed by a solo section where candidates can showcase their own style or a prepared routine of 30 to 60 seconds. The entire process takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes per person. The organization does not publish a specific audition fee, but comparable NFL squads (Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers) charge between $25 and $50 for the audition event itself.
Time Commitment and Compensation
Once selected, Ravens cheerleaders commit to roughly 200 hours per year, distributed as follows:
Eight home games at M&T Bank Stadium (September through December, with occasional January playoff games) require attendance from three to four hours before game time for hair, makeup, and final choreography runs. Cheerleaders typically arrive by early afternoon for an evening game.
Weekly rehearsals during the season run 4 to 6 hours on weekday evenings, usually Tuesday through Thursday, held in facilities within or near the M&T Bank Stadium complex.
Off-season appearances include holiday parades (particularly the Thanksgiving Day parade in Downtown Baltimore), youth camps, charity galas, and Ravens team events. These add 20 to 40 hours between January and July.
Compensation is structured as a flat stipend rather than hourly pay. For NFL squads, this typically ranges from $100 to $500 per game, plus lump sums for season-long participation. The Ravens organization does not publicize exact figures, but based on league patterns and comparable Baltimore-area sports employment, annual earnings sit between $2,500 and $5,000 for a full-season member. This is not a primary income source.
Practical Differences from Dance Team Alternatives
Baltimore has other performance opportunities that compete for the same pool of candidates. The Baltimore Orioles do not maintain an official cheerleading squad but host dance teams for select promotional events through external agencies; these roles are temporary and project-based. The University of Maryland and UMBC both maintain competitive cheer and dance programs, but those are student-athlete roles with different eligibility (enrollment required) and compensation (tuition benefits rather than cash).
The Ravens cheer squad is the only professional NFL cheerleading role in the greater Baltimore region. Philadelphia (Eagles Cheerleaders), Pittsburgh (Steelers Cheerleaders), and Washington (Commanders Cheerleaders) offer similar positions but require relocation. If you live in Baltimore and want NFL-level professional cheerleading, the Ravens organization is the sole option.
Physical and Professional Standards
Members are expected to maintain fitness sufficient to perform high-energy choreography for 2.5 to 3 hours per game, including stunts, jumps, and sustained movement. There are no official weight or body composition requirements published by the organization, but the visual aesthetic of the squad emphasizes athletic build and proportional symmetry.
Off the field, members represent the organization at public events and on social media. The Ravens organization has standards for professional conduct, and violations of team policies have resulted in dismissals in the past. Background checks screen for criminal history, and any public social media profiles may be reviewed during the application process.
Application Timeline and Next Steps
To pursue Ravens cheerleading, set a calendar reminder for early February to monitor the official Baltimore Ravens website and social media channels for audition announcements. Prepare conditioning and learn a solo routine by March. Auditions are announced typically 6 to 8 weeks in advance, giving you time to request the audition date and location. First-round callbacks (if used) occur within one week. Final roster selections are announced by late May.
If selected, you will attend a mandatory training camp in July before the season begins. If not selected, most candidates are encouraged to audition again the following year.
