When you think of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on a Sunday, the first thing that probably hits you is the noise. It’s deafening. Then there’s the gold. The New Orleans Saints have built a culture around that black and gold aesthetic, and right at the center of that visual energy is the New Orleans Saints cheerleader team, officially known as the Saintsations.
But here’s the thing. Most people just see the pom-poms and the synchronized kicks during a timeout. They don’t see the grueling 5:00 AM rehearsals or the fact that these athletes are often balancing full-time careers as nurses, teachers, and business owners while maintaining a professional-grade fitness level. It's a grind. Honestly, it's one of the most misunderstood roles in professional sports.
The Evolution of the Saintsations
The team wasn't always the "Saintsations." Back in the late 1960s, they were the Louisiannes. It was a different era, obviously. The style was more rooted in traditional dance team aesthetics of the time. By 1987, the name shifted to the Saintsations, and that's when the brand really exploded.
They aren't just there to fill space during a TV timeout. They are brand ambassadors. If you've ever been to a charity gala in Metairie or a youth football camp in the Northshore, you've probably seen a New Orleans Saints cheerleader representing the organization. They do hundreds of appearances a year. Many of these aren't even paid in the way people assume; it’s about community outreach and maintaining the "Who Dat" spirit outside the stadium walls.
Auditions: The Reality Check
Getting on this team is brutal. Every spring, hundreds of dancers show up with the hope of snagging one of the roughly 30 to 35 spots. It isn't just a "can you dance?" situation. There’s a rigorous interview process. The judges want to know if you can handle a mic. Can you speak to a CEO? Can you comfort a kid at a hospital visit?
The physical demand is another story. You have to have the cardio of a soccer player. Imagine dancing full-out for three hours in 90-degree Louisiana humidity during an early September home game. It’s exhausting. The team practices multiple nights a week, often for four hours at a time, after they’ve already worked a full day at their "real" jobs.
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More Than Just Gameday
A lot of folks think being a New Orleans Saints cheerleader is a seasonal gig. It's not. It's a year-round commitment. Even in the offseason, the training doesn't stop. They have to stay "camera-ready" because the swimsuit calendar shoots and promotional events happen when the players are off vacationing in Cabo.
Interestingly, the Saintsations have been pioneers in a few ways. They were one of the first squads to really embrace the idea of the "professional woman" as the core identity of the team. We're talking about women with Master's degrees and PhDs. One former member was a literal rocket scientist. Another was a lawyer. This isn't a hobby for people who have nothing else going on; it’s a high-level pursuit for high achievers.
The 2018 Controversy and Industry Change
You can't talk about the Saintsations without mentioning Bailey Davis. In 2018, the team made national headlines for all the wrong reasons. Davis was fired over an Instagram post, which sparked a massive conversation about the restrictive rules cheerleaders face compared to the players. It led to a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
This was a turning point. Not just for New Orleans, but for the entire NFL.
It forced the league to look at its "fraternization" rules and how they treated female staff. While the fallout was messy, it led to a slow but necessary modernization of how the New Orleans Saints cheerleader program operates. Rules about social media and interactions with players became more transparent, though many would argue there’s still a long way to go regarding pay equity.
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What It Actually Pays
Let's be real: nobody is getting rich being an NFL cheerleader. For a long time, the pay was essentially sub-minimum wage when you factored in the hours of practice. However, lawsuits across the league—including those involving the Raiders and Buccaneers—pushed teams to start paying hourly wages for rehearsals.
In New Orleans, the pay structure is now more aligned with state labor laws, but it's still "supplemental income" at best. Most members do it for the platform. It’s a resume builder. It opens doors in the New Orleans dance community and beyond. If you want to open a dance studio or get into local media, having "Saintsation" on your bio is like gold. Pure, 24-karat gold.
The Technical Skillset
The choreography is intense. It’s a mix of jazz, hip-hop, and high-kick pom. If you watch closely during a game, they aren't just doing "cheerleading." They are performing complex, synchronized routines that require elite spatial awareness.
They have to learn dozens of different routines. Why? Because you can't do the same dance every time the Saints score a touchdown. The fans would get bored. The music changes. The vibe changes. If the Saints are down by 20, the energy has to be different than if they’re clinching the NFC South.
The Uniform: A Symbol of the City
The uniform itself has gone through dozens of iterations. It usually incorporates that iconic fleur-de-lis. It’s designed to be athletic but glamorous. But wearing it is a responsibility. When you put on that uniform, you aren't just "Sarah from Uptown" anymore. You are the New Orleans Saints. That carries a weight in a city where the team is basically a religion.
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Why the Fans Care
New Orleans is a town that loves a parade. We love a spectacle. The New Orleans Saints cheerleader squad fits perfectly into that cultural fabric. They are part of the pre-game "Second Line" vibe. They are part of the ritual.
I've seen fans wait in line for an hour just to get a signed poster from the team. It’s not just about the dancing; it’s about the connection to the team. In a city that has been through a lot—hurricanes, economic shifts, heartbreaking playoff losses (looking at you, 2018 No-Call)—the Saintsations represent a kind of consistent, joyful resilience.
Actionable Insights for Aspiring Dancers
If you’re looking to join the ranks of the New Orleans Saints cheerleader squad, or if you're just a fan who wants to support them, here is the reality of what it takes and how it works:
- Audit Your Technique: If your background is strictly competitive cheer (stunting/tumbling), you need to pivot. The Saintsations are a dance-heavy squad. Take pro-style jazz and hip-hop classes at local studios like Millennium Dance Complex or similar high-intensity environments.
- Public Speaking Matters: Start practicing your "elevator pitch." During auditions, you will be interviewed by a panel of judges. They care as much about your ability to articulate your career goals as they do about your double pirouette.
- Fitness Longevity: Don't just do "cardio." You need explosive strength. Focus on HIIT workouts and core stability. Dancing on turf or the hard sidelines for four hours requires massive joint stability to avoid ACL and meniscus injuries.
- Follow the Official Channels: Audition cycles usually start in March or April. Keep a close eye on the official New Orleans Saints website. They often host "prep clinics" which are essential. If you don't go to the clinics, you're at a massive disadvantage because that’s where you learn the "style" the directors are looking for.
- Support the Foundation: The Saintsations often participate in the Saints Gulf Coast Renewal initiatives. Supporting these events is the best way to see the team in action and understand their impact on the community beyond the football field.
The role of a New Orleans Saints cheerleader is evolving. It’s moving away from the "decoration" era and into an era of athletic brand ambassadors. It’s a tough, high-stakes job that requires a thick skin and a massive heart for the city of New Orleans. Whether you're watching them from the nosebleeds or the sidelines, remember that those routines are the result of hundreds of hours of unpaid labor, sweat, and a genuine love for the Black and Gold.