x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

The Locker Room

Want to know what happens in the locker room and beyond in the Pro Sports Dance Space? Amira Mourad the founder of The Cultivate Code and former NBA dancer and coach is giving you the inside scoop on what it takes to actually make it onto a pro dance team. And spoiler alert - it’s so much more than dance.

sports performing arts

All Episodes

29:24

Commanders Auditions: Hip Hop in the NFL, inside...

The Locker Room ·

2026/02/12

On today's episode, Amira interviews Christie Horan, Head Coach of the Washington Commanders Command Force.Christie breaks down their unique hip hop-focused style, the Beat Your Feet dance tradition, their two-round virtual audition process, and what makes the Command Force one of the most diverse teams in the NFL. Connect with Amira: Sign Up For The Masterclass: 3 Secrets To Audition Success Apply to Sideline Ready: http://cultivatecode.co/apply Instagram: @thecultivatecode Commanders

en

56:41

Inside Bengals Cheerleader Auditions: What Director...

The Locker Room ·

2026/02/05

On today's episode, Amira interviews Charlotte Simons, Director of the Cincinnati Ben-Gals, who is going into her 32nd season. Charlotte breaks down what she really looks for beyond dance talent, the biggest mistakes dancers make at auditions, and the new changes to the Ben-Gals audition process this season.Connect with Amira: Sign Up For The Masterclass: 3 Secrets To Audition Success Apply to Sideline Ready: http://cultivatecode.co/apply Instagram: @thecultivatecode Connect with the

en

22:27

Ask Me Anything: Interview Tips, Building Confidence,...

The Locker Room ·

2026/01/22

I asked you on Instagram what questions you have, and I'm running through everything you wanted to know.Whether you're preparing for your first audition or you've made it to finals multiple times, this episode covers the real questions dancers are asking about what it takes to make a professional dance team. Connect with Amira: Sign Up For The Masterclass: 3 Secrets To Audition Success Apply to Sideline Ready: TCC Program Applicaiton Instagram: @thecultivatecode Episode 43: Your 3 month

en

15:49

Your NFL Cheerleader Audition Training Schedule

The Locker Room ·

2026/01/18

NFL cheerleader auditions are starting next month in February. Some teams like the Colts have their virtual submission on February 10th, which means you have less than a month to get in gear. Most teams will announce auditions in the next few weeks with dates between March and May, which gives you about three to four months to prepare. In this episode, we're breaking down exactly what I would do if I were auditioning for an NFL dance team this season. Links mentioned in this

en

13:53

5 Qualities Judges Look for Outside of Dance Ability

The Locker Room ·

2026/01/12

You can be the best technical dancer in the room and still not make the team. Why? Because judges aren't just evaluating your dance ability. They're looking for qualities that show them you can handle being on a professional team. In this episode, we're breaking down the five non-dance qualities judges and coaches are looking for at every round of auditions: being coachable, professional awareness, emotional regulation, consistency and reliability, and being proactive and resourceful. If

en

12:15

You Can Execute the Routine, But Can You Last Through...

The Locker Room ·

2026/01/03

You can nail the routine in practice. But can you perform it full out after an hour of auditions when the judges are actually watching you? In this episode, we're breaking down why sidelines kill everyone in our program, what sidelines actually are and why they're so demanding, and how to build the stamina and strength you need to execute at 150% when it matters most. If you've ever felt like you run out of gas during auditions or can't maintain your performance quality throughout the day,

en

13:41

The Missing Link: Why Judges Want to Be Entertained

The Locker Room ·

2025/12/26

Listen to me when I tell you this, and I say it in love: your dancing is boring.Actually, you're not boring. Your dancing isn't boring. Your performance is what's not captivating. In this episode, we're breaking down the difference between being a good dancer and being an entertainer, why presence is the difference maker between "she's good" and "I need her on my team," and the three elements of performance that judges are actually looking for at auditions. If you've made it to semifinals

en

13:52

You're Interviewing for a Job, Not Just to Be a Dancer

The Locker Room ·

2025/12/18

You could be the most technically trained dancer in the room and still not make it past semifinals. Why? Because professional dance teams aren't just hiring dancers. They're hiring entertainers, brand ambassadors, and team members who can represent an organization in front of thousands of people.In this episode, we're breaking down why you need to stop thinking of auditions as a dance competition and start treating them like a job interview. You'll learn what judges are actually looking

en

16:34

Rejection Is Data, Not Your Identity

The Locker Room ·

2025/12/11

In this episode, we're breaking down the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, why some dancers use rejection as fuel while others never come back, and how the way you talk to yourself after a mistake might be the only thing standing between you and your roster spot. If you're tired of being stuck in the finals plateau and ready to shift how you think, respond, and show up, this episode is for you.Ready to shift your mindset and bridge the gap from finals to making it

en

16:04

30 Seconds to Stand Out: How to Introduce Yourself...

The Locker Room ·

2025/12/04

In this episode, we're breaking down why your introduction matters more than you think, the three critical mistakes dancers make (lack of projection, generic details, and nervous fidgeting), and exactly how to craft an intro that makes judges remember you. Whether it's a virtual submission, a semifinal introduction, or showing up at finals, you'll learn how to stop blending in and start showcasing who you really are.In this episode, we cover: Why your intro is your first impression to

en

13:44

The “No” That Changed My NBA Dance Career

The Locker Room ·

2025/11/13

In this episode, I share the story of the year I didn’t make the Phoenix Suns dance team, and why that “no” became the best thing that could have ever happened to me.I walk you through what really happens behind the scenes of a pro dance audition, the parts no one prepares you for, and how that season of rejection led me to the Golden State Warriors, where I danced for seven seasons and eventually became an assistant coach. If you’ve ever:• made it to finals but didn’t hear your name•

en

20:36

From Finals to Making the Team: How to Turn 'No' into...

The Locker Room ·

2025/10/30

In this episode, we discuss the critical steps and mindset shifts needed to go from being a finalist to making the pro dance team of your dreams. Learn the subtle differences between 'good' and 'great' dancers during semi-finals and finals, and understand the importance of preparation, coachability, and showing up as a professional. Discover actionable tips on improving technique, mindset, performance, and personal branding.Apply for one of our

en

49:57

From Studio to Court: Insights with Sacramento Kings...

The Locker Room ·

2025/10/24

In this episode of the Locker Room podcast, Amira welcomes Sarah Schneeweis, the current manager of performance teams and head coach of the Kings Dancers for the Sacramento Kings. Sarah shares her extensive dance background, from starting as a young dancer in Long Beach, California, to owning Hype Dance Studio and working with various dance teams and organizations. She delves into the nuances between studio training and professional dance teams, offering advice on auditions, team chemistry,

en

19:40

The Secret to Faster Growth as an Aspiring Pro Dancer

The Locker Room ·

2025/07/24

Are you working hard but not seeing the results you want at auditions?In this episode, Amira breaks down why direct feedback from a coach is the fastest way to grow,and how it helps you avoid wasting time, repeating mistakes, or reinforcing habits that are holding you back. You’ll learn: What deliberate practice really means (and how it differs from just “putting in the reps”) Why small misalignments in your performance can send you way off course (yes, we’re talking about the

en

10:22

How to Clean Up Your Social Media Before Pro Dance...

The Locker Room ·

2025/07/10

Is Your Social Media Holding You Back from Making the Team? Episode Description: Your social media is more than just a highlight reel, it’s part of your audition. In this episode, Amira shares what every aspiring pro dancer needs to know about showing up online. From common mistakes to smart strategies, you'll learn how to clean up your feed, align with the team’s brand, and make your profiles work for you, not against you. Whether you're auditioning this season or planning ahead, this is

en

12:09

Ask Me Anything!

The Locker Room ·

2025/05/31

🎙️ The Locker Room PodcastEpisode Title: Ask Me Anything: Auditions, Performance Tips & Rookie MistakesHost: Amira Mourad (@thecultivatecode) Episode Summary:In this special Ask Me Anything episode, Amira answers your most pressing questions about pro dance auditions, performance tips, and what it really takes to make it onto a professional team. Whether you're auditioning for the first time or looking to elevate your prep, this episode is packed with real talk, practical advice, and

en

22:24

How to Nail Your Facials for Pro Dance Auditions

The Locker Room ·

2025/04/25

Description:In this episode of The Locker Room, we’re diving deep into one of the most common challenges dancers face...facials. Whether you're preparing for an NFL or NBA dance team audition, or just working to bring more expression and intention to your performances, we’re breaking down exactly what facials are, why they matter, and how to master them.I’m sharing real feedback we’ve given dancers in our programs and at mock auditions, plus team-specific expectations (hint: not all teams

en

11:23

Your Mindset Shift That Could Change Everything

The Locker Room ·

2025/04/11

In this episode of The Locker Room, host Amira Mourad shares a powerful story from her early days auditioning for the Phoenix Suns dance team. What looked like a rejection turned out to be a pivotal moment, and a lesson in mindset that shaped her journey.Amira breaks down the Be-Do-Have model, a framework that flips the script on traditional goal setting. This episode is your reminder that to have what you want, you need to start by being the version of yourself who already has

en

19:23

Mock Auditions Recap: Feedback & Key Takeaways

The Locker Room ·

2025/04/03

In this episode of The Locker Room Podcast, we’re breaking down everything from our recent Mock Auditions,the feedback and key takeaways for dancers preparing for their dream teams.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to go through an audition dress rehearsalor want to sharpen your skills before the real thing, this episode is a must-listen! Follow us on Instagram: @amiramourad_+ @thecultivatecode Join our Unleash Your Inner Pro Program Join our waitlist for Mock Auditions

en

42:49

Navigating Pro Auditions and Pro Cheer Prep with...

The Locker Room ·

2025/03/27

🎙 Title: Navigating Pro Auditions and Pro Cheer Prep with Oscar Hernandez📢 Description:In this episode of The Locker Room, Amira and Oscar dive deep into the world of Pro Dance auditions and professional cheer preparation. Oscar shares his insider knowledge on what it takes to shine during auditions and on the sidelines. Whether you're prepping for auditions or just curious about the pro cheer world, this episode is packed with valuable tips and inspiring stories! 🔗 Resources &

en

46 results

Similar Podcasts

Keeping Karlsson Fantasy Hockey Podcast

Elan Dubrofsky and Brian Kom

Daily Fantasy Sports by Ship It Nation

Ship It Nation

Fantasy Football Today

CBS Sports, Fantasy Football, FFT, NFL,...

Bring The Pain

Heat00veride

ESPN SportsCenter Update

ESPN