My friend and I are rising USC freshmen and have been taking dance classes since we were little. We’re curious about auditioning for the USC Song Girls squad. We had a few questions, and it would be great if anyone could help us out with any of them!
Besides 3 hr practices every day, how intense is the time commitment? Does every girl go to every game, and do they have time for any other commitments? Do you spend the summer practicing?
What height/weight is needed to make the team (there are technically no official requirements, but they won’t accept just anyone)? Is long hair a must?
A friend at USC said that Song Girls have to keep their social media private during football season as a way to keep them safe. Is this true?
Do you think that the Spirit Leaders are sometimes overlooked bc everyone watches the Song Girls?
How many girls try out each year for the Song Girls?
Don’t hesitate to reach out to someone like the coach as @wwward suggested. It seems high schools students can be nervous about asking questions, whether it be admissions, a club president, or in this case, a coach. But they love to hear from interested parties!
Hi there! My daughter was on Song and I’m happy to answer your questions.
Besides 3 hr practices every day, how intense is the time commitment? Does every girl go to every game, and do they have time for any other commitments? Do you spend the summer practicing?
VERY intense. Song Girls do every home football game and usually 3-4 away games. Friday is the jock rally, and Saturday they have rehearsal with the band on the field at 8am, then a call time 2 hours before the game for the pregame stuff, and the aftergame show. Travel on away weekends can be a nightmare because you’re on late, indirect flights or long bus rides, so it can take forever to get back. During the summer they need to 7 local events - usually alumni events or other hired things - and they have to be back at school two weeks early for boot camp. Spring is a little different now that they aren’t doing basketball, which actually lightens the load tremendously that semester. Last spring they did volleyball, baseball and some other sports, on top of 15 hours a week of practice. It’s grueling. Most of the girls are in sororities but you don’t have much time for anything else. My daughter tried working as a TA a few hours a week but it was tough.
What height/weight is needed to make the team (there are technically no official requirements, but they won’t accept just anyone)? Is long hair a must?
I don't think there is, but obviously the girls are all very fit. Practices are physically intense with running, planks, and other physical conditioning on top of running dances over and over. You must have a strong dance background and be able to pick up choreography VERY quickly. They learn 40-50 routines a year from multiple choreographers, many from Kaufman. Most of the Song Girls were elite level competitive dancers in high school - that's what my daughter's background was.
A friend at USC said that Song Girls have to keep their social media private during football season as a way to keep them safe. Is this true?
No.
Do you think that the Spirit Leaders are sometimes overlooked bc everyone watches the Song Girls?
I don't understand this question. The Song Girls do a lot more than the Spirit Leaders and are generally more entertainers, so of course they'll be watched more. That said, if you want to be on the field but aren't a dancer, go for Spirit! They're especially great at basketball games.
How many girls try out each year for the Song Girls?
I think it was 70-80 the year she tried out, and there were only 4 open spots that year. Song Girls have to audition every year.
If you are a dancer and don't make Song you can also try out for the Trojan Dance Force. They're more hip hop and only perform at basketball, but they have some ok dancers.
maybe next year.