Ambush Tryouts 2025 | Memphis Spirit

2025-2026
Ambush Crew Tryouts

Make sure you read ALL of the information below! This information is for dancers auditioning for the Ambush Crew

AUDITION INFORMATION:

May 9, 10th, 11th

All dancers must attend all 3 days of the tryout. This includes recruited athletes.
Prior dance experience is REQUIRED. In addition to skills and 1 minute solo, applicants will also be required to perform routines in game day and hip-hop styles.
**All applicants (this includes recruited athletes) MUST register at the following links before the audition:
- Tryout fee: $75 new applicants
- Tryout fee: $50 for anyone who was a member of the 2025-26 squads.

The schedule below is tentative and is subject to change at discretion of the coach.
If you are undecided about trying out for the Pom Squad or the Ambush Crew you will check the “undecided” option in the application.

Click the link below to download BOTH of the consent to participate waivers, you will need this BEFORE you fill out the application.

IMPORTANT!

THE ONLINE APPLICATION MUST BE FILLED OUT BEFORE THE TRYOUT DATE.

YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WITH YOUR APPLICATION FORM

(so prepare these documents BEFORE filling it out):

Completed University of Memphis Spirit Squad online application (all applicants)
Proof of Admission to the University of Memphis (copy of acceptance letter OR University ID), (new applicants only)
University of Memphis consent to participate form (all applicants)
Copy of your insurance policy card (front and back) (all applicants)
Tryout Payment. See above for prices. Payment will be accepted when you fill out the application.. (Debit/Credit cards only)

FRIDAY, May 9th

Location: Student Recreation and SPORTS COMPLEX (620 Echles St Memphis, TN 38111)

Time: 4:00pm - 9:00pm

Attire:

Long or short sleeve shirt or Memphis colors (not too baggy or wrinkled. MUST BE PRESENTABLE)
Joggers or pants of any kind, no leggings
Sneakers must be worn for this portion, no jazz shoes/ turners
Hair - neat and secure slicked back low to mid ponytail
Hats are allowed
Hoodies/ Crew neck sweatshirts are allowed only if the hood is not distracting
When down or in a ponytail hair may not exceed the bra line in length. Hair length is restricted for safety purposes.
Recruited athletes: will not be required to participate on Friday but they will be required to attend and wear the required attire listed above for all dancers trying out.

Schedule:

4:00pm - 4:30pm : CHECKIN / WARMUP (dont forget your paperwork!)

4:30pm - 5:15pm : LEARN AMBUSH HIPHOP ROUTINE

5:30pm - 6:00pm : SHOW SKILLS

6:00pm - 7:00pm : LEARN HIPHOP ROUTINE

7:00pm - 9:00pm : MANDATORY OPEN PRACTICE / INTERVIEWS / SOLOS (all dancers - including recruits - will perform their solo at this open practice.)

Skills:

any breaking or acro skill you can do safely (ex. back tuck, handspring, any flipping skill, front flip, gainer, advanced stalls, windmills, flares, advanced floor work, 540). You will be required to demonstrate a minmum of 3 skills.

SATURDAY, May 10th

Part 1

Location: Student Recreation and SPORTS COMPLEX (620 Echles St Memphis, TN 38111)

Time: 10:00am - 1:30pm

Attire:

Loose fitting long sleeve shirt or jacket (preferably a Memphis shirt), no hoodies or sweatshirts
Loose fitting pants
Hair must be presentable and off your face, if at any time your hair is a distraction you will be asked to secure it
Sneakers must be worn for this portion, shoes must be presentable in appearance and safe for dancing and performing advanced skills
No wrinkled clothes
Makeup should be performance ready
Facial hair must be groomed or clean shaven
Recruited athletes: will not be required to participate on Part 1 of Saturday but they will be required to attend and wear the required attire listed above for all dancers trying out

Schedule:

9:30am : CHECK IN / DANCERS ARRIVE (arrive gameday ready!)

10:00am : WARMUP

10:10am - 11:10am : LEARN GAMEDAY

11:10am - 11:40am : REVIEW AMBUSH HIPHOP

11:40am - 11:45am : BREAK

11:45am - 12:15pm : REVIEW GROUP HIPHOP

12:15pm - 1:30pm : OPEN PRACTICE / INTERVIEWS / EAT

Interviews:

Interviews for returners and new applicants MAY take place throughout the day and during the mandatory open practice, dancers must prepare to be available all day in the event you are asked to interview.

Part 2

Location: Michael D. Rose Theater Lecture Hall (470 University, Memphis, TN 38111)

Time: 4:00pm - 8:00pm

Attire:

Solo portion - costume of your choice
Gameday and hiphop attire will be the same as previous day clinic attire requirement. (ONLY BLUE, BLACK, GREY, OR WHITE IS ALLOWED.)
Hair must be presentable and off your face, if at any time your hair is a distraction you will be asked to secure it
Sneakers must be worn for this portion, shoes must be presentable in appearance and safe for dancing and performing advanced skills.
No wrinkled clothes
Makeup should be performance ready.
Facial hair must be groomed or clean shaven.
Recruited athletes: you will perform your solo during this portion. Order of performance will be given after Saturday Part 1 is completed.

Finals Schedule (tentative to change)

3:15pm - DANCERS ARRIVE

3:30pm - DOORS OPEN

3:50pm - DANCERS LINE UP BACKSTAGE

4:00pm - FINALS BEGIN

Order of Finals:

Finals show will open with a freestyle of choice from everyone! Be prepared to perform 2-3 eight counts that showcase your personality, skills, and style!
Dancers will perform the group hiphop and ambush hiphop in groups
Each dancer will perform their 1 minute solo
(groups and solo order of performance will be announced on Saturday afternoon)

Team will be announced after finals on social media before midnight.

FOR SPECTATORS:

Auditions are OPEN to the public on Saturday.
Only spectators who pre-pay online will receive the spectator discount.
Click the link below to purchase your spectator tickets and get more information!

Sunday, May 11th

(2025-2026 team members only, no spectators)

Spirit Squad Meeting

Time: 9:00am - 11:00am
Attire: (Please wear black joggers (ambush) and black shorts (pom). T shirt is provided.
Location: Penny Hardaway Hall of Fame (570 Normal St, Memphis, TN 38152)
Agenda: Breakfast, contract review, team photos

Gameday practice with Cheer and Dance