ESPRIT POMPON SEASON INFORMATION Updated 1/2/14

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1 History and Expectations ESPRIT POMPON SEASON INFORMATION Updated 1/2/14 ESPRIT is an independent competition dance team, and as such, our team s mission, philosophy, code of conduct, and performance standards are centered on setting appropriate goals in preparation for each competition and achieving those goals. Esprit focuses on: preparing for 8-10 high-caliber dance competitions; outstanding sportsmanship; and civic activities and volunteer projects that reflect positively on our community and neighboring communities. Our program is run very similar to the best dance teams in the Midwest. It s about passion for dance, passion for performance, and passion for working closely with a group of girls who have the same goals as you. It s about tradition and a long history of success. Since 1990, Esprit has earned a reputation for excellence both on and off the performance floor. We are very proud of Esprit s reputation and continue to look for dancers who are determined to uphold our standards and traditions. Esprit can take good dancers and make them great. Esprit also welcomes girls with no experience at all, and develops them into dancers that are able to push past their own limitations. This team is about inspiration, determination, friendship and teamwork. But most of all, it s about a sense of identity, belonging, and family, that is uniquely special to Esprit. Esprit believes in the value of teamwork and the value of focusing intently on something that you re passionate about. Esprit believes that you will always grow as a dancer and as an individual through team-related activities. Each dancer is important and respected and each dancer is encouraged to contribute to the well being of the entire team at all times. Finally, Esprit believes in being involved in positive characterbuilding activities that allows our team to shine. At tryouts, we look for dancers who demonstrate good potential. We look for dancers who can serve as positive role models in our communities and who are passionate about dancing. We look for team players who aren t afraid of hard work and like to have fun in the process of striving for excellence! Esprit participates in all Badgerette competitions, camps, workshops and related events for the best pompon squads in the Midwest. We also participate in the Homestead Classic; Lakefront Classic; and other new and exciting competitions as our schedule allows from season to season. Being a member of Esprit is an important commitment! Members are responsible for being at all practices and making contributions at each. All members are expected to practice routines at home daily. Esprit s program is designed to help all members gain confidence, grow closer together as a squad, feel proud and excited about the results we achieve at each performance venue and have fun in that process. Esprit also prides itself on demonstrating good sportsmanship at each performance venue. Esprit does not simply compete for trophies or places. As representatives of the entire community of Wauwatosa and our surrounding communities, Esprit performs and competes because we love to show our audiences and judges routines that we re proud of and routines they will enjoy watching us perform. Most Celebrated Accomplishments. In 2010 and 2011, Esprit was honored to be among Badgerette's "Best in the Midwest" after placing 7th overall at the 2010 and 2011 Badgerette Midwest Invitational competition in Schaumburg, IL, earning an opportunity to perform in Disney World in Orlando, Florida! Esprit's 2011 distinction resulted in another opportunity to travel to Disney World with the TOP 15 teams in honor of Badgerette's 15th Anniversary show at the Beauty and the Beat THEATER OF THE STARS in addition to shows at Epcot and marching down the Magic Kingdom's Main Street in the magical "Dreams Come True" Parade. Esprit has proudly earned Class A championship titles over the years, and we enjoy working hard to maintain that standard of excellence. ESPRIT has also earned numerous sportsmanship awards throughout its 23 years of existence, including the honorary Betsy Carr Sportsmanship Award in 2007 and Spring/Summer Practice Schedule Due to our camp and competition schedule, the majority of our training is done during the spring & summer. The skills we learn and perfect at the beginning of the season are the ones we build upon during the school year in new competition routines. April/May practices per week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, 6-8:30 Washington + Saturday mornings Tosa West HS, until school ends in June. 1

2 June/July/August practices per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Tosa East HS, 6-8:30pm + 1 Saturday morning OUTSIDE per Hart Park. Daily practices between camp & Midwest [see below for dates] as determined by coach). Fall/Winter Practice Schedule September, October, November, December, January, February - 2 practices per week, (Tuesdays & Washington + 1 morning Tosa West HS per week EVENT SCHEDULE - IMPORTANT DATES! Camps/Competitions * indicates Mandatory Event *Badgerette Camp (Mandatory/Resident) Date/Location yet to be determined: July 7, 8, 9, 10, Carroll College, Waukesha, WI; OR July 14, 15, 16, 17, St. Norbert College - De Pere, WI *Badgerette State Fair Competition, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014, Wisconsin State Fair, West Allis, WI * Badgerette Midwest Grand Championships August 14-16, 2014, Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center, Schaumburg, IL * Badgerette Six Flags Great America Pom Spooktacular Oct 5, 2014, Gurnee, IL *Homestead Dance Classic November t/b/a, 2014 (typically 2nd Saturday in November), Homestead High School *Badger State Championship December 7, 2014, Madison, WI *Lakefront Dance Classic January t/b/d, 2015 South Milwaukee, WI *Badgerette Spirit Invitational March t/b/d, 2015 (typically last Sunday in February or first Sunday in March) Location to be announced. (It is possible, that we may participate in additional competitions, with appropriate notice, and those dates would be added as appropriate.) Community Events Washington Elementary School High Interest Day - April, 2014 *MS Walk, Sunday, May t/b/d, 2014, Summerfest Grounds (typically first Sunday in May) * 4 th of July AM Parade Plus Performance, Friday, July 4th, 2014, Wauwatosa, WI Firefly Art Fair - August, 2014 (typically first full weekend Saturday in August) Esprit Petite Classes - Fall/Winter, Spring/Summer, dates t/b/a *TosaFest (Saturday following Labor Day), September 6th, 2014, Village of Wauwatosa *Kicking for a Cure - Sunday, September, 2014, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Lakefront Fees (approx only - based on fees).) Activity Fees (Spring/Summer) $75 Uniform Purchase Fee (every other season [2013] $175-$200) Metallic Poms - $48 (per season) Badgerette Camp (Resident) - $310 Midwest Invitational - $42 Midwest Hotel fee - $75 Midwest Food fee - $50 2

3 Activity Fees (Fall/Winter $75) Private Dance Technique Class Fees ($2.50 per class) Badgerette Private Coaching Session Fees ($9.00 per session) Great America Admission/Competition - $33 (2 team routines) Homestead Classic Competition ($12 + add l $16 fees for solo/x-tra Div.) Badgerette State Pom Showdown ($12) Badgerette Spirit Invitational - $20.00 Disney Tour (ONLY if Midwest) - $800 land package; $375 air package. Dance Pants (Sue Lane) - $30 Sleeveless black tank leo (Sue Lane) - $15 Dance Booties (Sue Lane) - $36 Tights (Sue Lane) - $25.60 Camp Look-alikes ($75) Funk Outfit/Shoes ($50) Kickline Uniform Shell ($45) Fundraising Fees may be FUNDRAISED through a variety of ways i.e., car washes, coffee sale; kringle sale; pasta sale; candy bar sale; soccer concessions sale; ad campaign, etc.) Fees can be offset substantially by your fundraising. Any fees not earned through fundraising are then out-of-pocket. 3

4 Esprit Poms/Dance Team Guidelines The following guidelines have been established and are expected to be practiced in fairness to, and for the well-being of the entire squad: Honor Code: All Esprit dancers agree to follow these rules of conduct: 1. Speak the truth. 2. Respect your parents, instructors, teammates, coaches, leadership team, fellow competitors and spectators. 3. Always speak considerately to and about your teammates. 4. Never dishonor your teammates by dishonoring yourself. 5. Appropriate use of all social media is expected by all members. Members will not post, text or tweet anything that would NOT be vocalized or shared face-to-face with the other person. When in doubt - DON'T. 6. Follow the general rules and expectations defined below. 7. Fess up if you mess up, accept the appropriate consequences, apologize when necessary, and move forward. 8. Stay true to your morals and values that have been instilled by your families. 9. NO smoking, drinking, drugs, or bullying. Inappropriate behaviors not only reflect negatively on the individual, but can also affect the image and morale of the entire team. Dancers that are in violation of our Honor Code will be issued a warning, suspended, and/or removed from the team for dishonorable actions, as determined by the coach. General Expectations: 1. Commitment. Practice plans are developed to yield productivity at each practice. Productivity can only be achieved with good attendance. When squad members accept their invitation to join the squad after tryouts, members and their families receive the practice/event schedule, and are expected to make Esprit practices and events a priority for the season. This level of commitment does not come without some sacrifice on the part of each dancer, family and coach. The commitments made by each of us must be the same in order to appropriately prepare our team to be their best for each event. 2. Conduct and Sportsmanship. All members are expected to demonstrate proper conduct and good sportsmanship while at practice, while in uniform and during all squad functions. Inability to follow directions; inability to focus; inappropriate language, attire, or behaviors are unacceptable. Dancers must exercise time management skills to complete homework on time and attend practice. Medical appointments should be scheduled at a time that does not conflict with practices and/or competitions. Cell Phones and Social Media. The use of cell phones during practices, competitions, or organized team events is strictly prohibited unless in an emergency situation. All cell phones must be put on silent, or turned off, and must be kept in dancers bags. Water and bathroom breaks at practice are not cell phone breaks. Social texting is not allowed during practice time, or while participating at competitions, camp, workshops or other squad events. Inappropriate photos, text, video or content that do not reflect the dance team or any member of the team in a positive light, found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vine, etc. will not be tolerated and disciplinary action will be taken. If any member receives, or is the subject of a questionable text, tweet, Facebook message, Snapchat, Instagram or Vine, they should print it or bring proof of it to the attention of the team's coach immediately. Dancers will use discretion when discussing matters concerning the dance team with other members of the squad, and especially non-members. This includes postings of any sort on the internet. 4

5 3. Grades: Grades are Priority. If a member's family feels that a grade point average becomes unacceptable, at the discretion of the family and after communication with the coach, a member may be temporarily suspended from team practices, competitions, and team-related events until member sufficiently raises grade point average back to an acceptable level, as determined by member's parents, and as communicated between coach and parents. 4. Drugs, Tobacco, Alcohol. Esprit Poms/Dance Team is a drug, tobacco and alcohol free program. A violation of this guideline will result in Disciplinary Suspension (see item 9 below) for 1/4 of the competition season once the appropriate factfinding process has been completed, and in accordance with School District policies. During the Disciplinary Suspension, the member will attend practice; stretch and warm up with the team; and learn all choreography as taught, on the sidelines. During a Disciplinary Suspension, suspended members may not participate in any team bonding or social activities planned outside of practice time. Any subsequent Disciplinary Warning or Suspension will result in immediate dismissal from the team. 5. Punctuality. All members are expected to arrive on time and leave at the designated ending time of each practice and/or event as defined in practice schedules and/or competition information distributed in advance. If a member becomes ill at practice or there is an unavoidable family emergency, she will be excused from practice at that time. (Please note that captains and/or other members of the squad are NOT responsible for reporting any tardiness for you.) 6. Attendance. Each squad member is expected to attend all scheduled practices. Members must notify the squad advisor and/or leave a message in advance of any absence. Failure to report an absence from practice will be recorded as an "unexcused" absence. (Please note that captains and/or other members of the squad are NOT responsible for reporting any absences for you.) Excused Unplanned Absences. Excused absences include: illness; injury; school-related function required for a grade; or unavoidable family emergency. Unexcused Absences. Absences for any other reason, other than those listed above, will be recorded as "unexcused." After an unexcused absence, a member will meet with the advisor to discuss attendance, consequence, and a plan of action to improve attendance, as appropriate. If you have an unexcused absence prior to a performance it is up to the coach s discretion whether or not you will be allowed to perform. 7. Planned Absence with Advance Notice. A family vacation, family reunion, mandatory retreat, mission trip, ACT testing, SAT testing, honors inductions, concerts for a grade, college visit (juniors & seniors only), and religious commitment dates should be made known to the advisor as soon as families become aware of the conflict or at least 1-2 weeks in advance of the conflict with a written and signed note or from a parent. These planned absences will then be recorded as "excused." Team members may participate in other school sports and activities as long as any conflicts with dance team practices or events can be minimized and agreed to by the coach. 8. Mandatory Practice Weeks. One week before a designated performance or competition, all members must attend all regularly scheduled practices. Failure to attend all practices one week before a performance and/or competition (with the exception of illness or unavoidable family emergency) will result in a conference with the coach, appropriate consequences such as extra running, apologies to the team, and a plan of action to make things right with the team as set up by the dancer and coach, or the dancer may be required to sit for the upcoming performance, at the discretion of the advisor. If you have an unexcused absence prior to a performance it is up to the coach s discretion whether or not you will be allowed to perform. All members are expected to perform in all scheduled events during the season, unless, there is a medical excuse from a physician. Only the advisor can make a determination on whether someone is in or out of any routine. 5

6 9. Make-up Practice Time. If a dancer misses a practice for any reason, it is their responsibility to learn the new material or what was missed before the next scheduled practice on their own time, by contacting a captain or teammate for help. Time, during practice, will not be given to bring absent team members up to speed. 10. Disciplinary Warning & Disciplinary Suspension. At the discretion of the advisor, a member will be subject to Disciplinary Warning or Disciplinary Suspension for failure to observe these guidelines. When there is a rule violation, a dancer will be given a Disciplinary Warning by the coach. Disciplinary Warnings will result in a conference with the coach, appropriate consequences such as extra running, apologies to the team, and a plan of action to make things right with the team as set up by the dancer and coach. A Disciplinary Suspension will result in the dancer being removed from the routine and upcoming event. During the Disciplinary Suspension, the member will attend practice; stretch and warm up with the team; and learn all choreography as taught, on the sidelines. A member will be dismissed from the squad if there are two Disciplinary Suspensions. 11. Uniforms and Poms. All custom-order uniforms and poms are purchased by and remain the property of the squad members including personal items such as bundies, leo's, tights, dance shoes, camp look-alikes, funk outfits, etc. 12. Fundraisers. Esprit will conduct periodic fundraisers for the purchase of squad uniforms & equipment, and/or to help defray squad activity expenses. Participation in all fundraisers is encouraged as planned by advisor or parent initiated fundraising committees. Members who are unable to, or elect not to, participate in a fundraiser(s), are expected to pay designated fees out-of-pocket by the designated due dates. 13. Payments and Payment Deadlines. All fees for competition registrations, camp, clothing orders, photos, and any other fess associated with the team's activities, are the responsibility of each dancer and family to hand in by the designated dates established by coach in conjunction with the Recreation Department procedures. Payments should be placed in an envelope with the dancer's name clearly written on the envelope, with the correct identification of the payment enclosed (Ex., "Susie Jones/$10/ Great America Photo"). Payment Deadlines are established to insure that the team is registered and orders are placed by the dates established by the competition organizers in order to avoid "late" fees. Families should communicate with coach, privately, if there are extenuating circumstances that prevent them from meeting established payment deadlines. A dancer may be sidelined for failure to meet payment deadlines at the discretion of the coach on a case-by-case basis. 14. Tryouts. Esprit will conduct Spring open tryouts, and, when necessary, private auditions once the season has started. All returning members and potential candidates will take part in spring tryouts. New candidates will also meet with the advisor for a tryout interview. All participants will learn a short audition routine. Tryout participants who show appropriate potential will make up the new squad at the discretion of the advisor. There is no minimum and no maximum. Esprit Poms/Dance Team is committed to developing a respected and well-skilled pom pon/dance team in the performance arena and seeks individuals committed to that same goal. We understand that this undertaking requires an enormous amount of practice time, energy and dedication and therefore much consideration must be given, by all current and prospective members and their families, to this endeavor. Esprit Poms/Dance Team is also committed to community services and participates in approximately 5 volunteer projects as a team during the year. [See Event Schedule above.] 6

7 RESPONSIBLILITY OF PARENTS Parents of dancers have a responsibility to the program by virtue of the fact that their child is a member of the dance team. Parents should serve as a support group to assist the entire squad to accomplish its purpose. Specific activities of support include, but are not limited to, the following: 1) Enforcing all standards and policies to their full extent. 2) Volunteering your service to the coach/squad. 3) Providing required fees, apparel and accessories on time. 4) Making payments on time for all fees, dance apparel, accessories, etc., unless otherwise arranged with coach. 5) Assisting in the responsibility for your child s attendance and punctuality to meetings, practices, and other events. 6) Practice good sportsmanship standards as a spectator and parent I have read and fully understand the Esprit Guidelines this day of, Member's (or Candidate's) Signature Parent Signature 7

8 Application for Esprit Poms/Dance Team Membership I am interested in becoming a member of the Esprit Poms/Dance Team. If selected, I understand that our season runs from now until February/March of next year. I have read all guidelines associated with the program and have shared all information with my family and understand the time and financial obligations of the team. Name: Address: Telephone #: Birthday: School: Grade Point Average: In case of emergency, please notify:. Emergency Telephone #: Allergies: Physical Limitations: Current Prescribed Medications: Have you ever tried out for or been a member of Esprit or any other poms/dance team before? No Yes (if yes, for what team(s) and when?) Coaches Name(s) for referral: Did you complete all obligations on this team and leave under favorable conditions at the end of the season? Yes No If no, please explain on back of this sheet. Explain why you are interested in becoming a member of ESPRIT POMS/DANCE TEAM and describe your goals and what you expect to gain as a member of this squad. (Use the back of this sheet, if necessary.) Applicant s Signature: Date: team. After reading Esprit s guidelines, I give my daughter permission to try out for a position on the Esprit Poms/Dance Date: Parent/Legal Guardian's Signature 8

9 TRY OUT INFORMATION SHEET Please also see detailed information attached. Please read all information carefully. Esprit Tryouts are intended to be a low stress event. For that reason they are conducted in a practicelike environment during which the level of each candidate s skills and talents, and their ability to work with current and prospective team members will be evaluated. A short interview with the candidate will be conducted during the sessions. Attendance by candidates at all tryout sessions is required; however, any individual who cannot attend any tryout session must notify the coach in advance with any conflict so an alternate personal tryout date can then be scheduled. Dates: *Tuesday, April 22 6:00pm - 8:00pm Washington Elementary (Information Distributed + Learning) *Wednesday, April 23 6:00pm - 8:00pm Washington (Learning Session) *Thursday, April 24 6:00pm - 8:00pm Washington (Learning Session) *Saturday, April 26 9am-Noon Tosa West HS (Final Auditions & Team Selection) * You are strongly encouraged to attend all sessions prior to final tryouts. Conflicts should be reported to advisor immediately. All tryout candidates are evaluated on routine memory, technique, attendance, attitude, interview, and overall presentation during tryout week. Final Tryouts will occur on SATURDAY, APRIL 26th. TRY OUT REQUIREMENTS: 1 C+ average on report cards. 2. Tryout application completed, signed and returned on time 3. Interview with Coach/advisor prior to final tryouts 4. Required tryout routine (taught to you) - 2 in a group 5. Required 32 count kick routine (taught to you) 6. Splits (as far as you can go) - both ways, toe touch; & single pirouette 7. Appearance; showmanship; energy & smile 8. Attitude/cooperation/focus throughout tryouts 9. Following all directions 10. If you were a member of any other team, you should include this information on your tryout application and state the reasons why you are no longer a member of that team and whether or not you left that team in good standing (i.e., completed the season; demonstrated good attitude and behavior including respect for coaches and leadership throughout your membership; returned all team equipment and uniform parts as directed; and had no outstanding fees or payments, etc.). 10. You will try out in groups of two. All students will be required to wear black athletic shorts or capris, black tops, tennis shoes or dance sneakers WITH socks, or dance booties (no baggy clothing please). Hair must be neat and pulled back; and performance make-up applied. 9

10 WHAT YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES ARE IF YOU MAKE THE TEAM: 1. To attend practices as scheduled for 2.5 hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and a 4 hour practice on Saturday mornings until school is out. Thereafter, summer practice 3-4 times per week, (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday evenings, plus Saturday mornings until school starts in September. 2. To attend all mandatory practices prior to camp & scheduled competitions: 3. To participate in fund raisers, and all other activities scheduled for the squad, decided upon with squad and parental input and with reasonable notice. 4. To take care of your uniforms and poms. Purchase of new uniforms occurs every other season. This will be discussed after the team has finally been selected. You are responsible for keeping all uniform parts in good condition and clean and return any borrowed uniform parts promptly to advisor by designated date. 5. To attend resident summer pompon camp - date/location yet to be determined for team by coach. Possible dates: Carroll College, Waukesha, WI - July 8, 9, 10, & 11th or St. Norbert College, De Pere, WI, July 14, 15, 16, 17th, Entire team will attend one camp session. Cost - $310. If qualifying at camp, attend Badgerette's Midwest Invitational in Schaumburg, IL on August 14-16, To purchase: Competition uniform $175 - $200 (2013 = new uniform year) Pompoms $48.00 Camp Look-alikes $75.00 Tights $25.60 (Sue Lane) Dance Booties $36 (Sue Lane) Black tank leo $15.00 (Sue Lane) Black Dance Pants $30 (Sue Lane) Team Backpack $30 Team Jacket $t/b/a Funk or kickline outfit/shoes $t/b/d White socks $6.00 Fund raising events are scheduled to help defray some of these costs. See Seasonal Information sheet. Our season runs from now until the first week of March of This is a very long commitment. Please take this into consideration before trying out. We expect all selected squad members to remain on the squad for the entire season. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank You. Pat 10