If you fancy yourself capable of being a Mermaid or a Manatee, there is an audition in you near future.

The Florida Marlins team is holding auditions for spots on the Marlins Mermaids and Manatees dance teams on Jan. 18. Tryouts will be held at Florida International University's U.S. Century Bank Arena, located at 11310 SW 17th Street.

Anyone interested in joining Major League Baseball's first all-male dance squad -- the Marlins Manatees -- must attend tryouts at 12 p.m. And no worries about prior experience. Just make sure to wear Marlins attire, be at least 18 years old and be prepared to learn a choreographed routine.

The first?  Then who the heck were those...shall we say large gentlemen "dancing" at last year's games? 

To be a Mermaid requires much more than the ability of overeating and be willing to make a fool of yourself.  (As most of you know I don't live in South Florida, therefore I think I can make that statement with certainty that one the Manatees won't be knocking on my door to beat the crap out of me.  Hopefully.)

But back to the topic at hand, if you want to be a Mermaid there is a second level of auditions.

Judges will be tougher on potential Mermaids, who play at all 81 of the Marlins' home games. Sunday's audition starts at 8 a.m., and candidates should wear dance attire and shoes, be at least 18 years old and bring a resume and head shot.

Those chosen on Sunday will attend Mermaid boot camp before competing at a final audition at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino on January 30.

Good luck to all!