ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL 2018-2019 Tiger Dance Team April 10-11, 2018 - Clinic April 12, 2018 - Auditions AHS Cafeteria 4:30pm 6:30pm $30.00 Tryout Fee
General Information Thank you for your interest in wanting to join our nationally ranked competitive Dance Team. The following information will answer questions regarding the AHS Dance program. It is essential both parents and students read this packet and fully understand the commitment and expectations required to be a Tiger Dance member. Any questions or concerns should be directed to sponsor, Haley Brown by email (haley.brown@acsk-12.org). Tryout Fee: A $30 fee is required to cover the costs associated with the impartial judges and additional coaches used during the tryout process. This fee is non-refundable. Tryout Packet: The forms included in the tryout packet must be completed and submitted at the start of clinic on Tuesday, April 10, 2018. Clinic and Tryout: Clinic sessions are CLOSED. Only judges and coaches are allowed. This allows focus for dancers and gives the coaches an opportunity to give 100% attention to the dancers. Tryout Details: Dancers are scored on the skills listed in this packet, but possessing a said skill does not guarantee a position on the team. Likewise, not possessing a skill does not guarantee that a position on the team will not be awarded. The participants are asked to perform skills both independently, with partners and in a group format. Criteria include dance technique, skill level, poise, and performance. Questions may also be posed regarding academics, time commitments, dedication, and overall interest in being a member of the team. Academic performance is considered, as well as past experience with teamwork and coaches. Clinic Attire: As an instrument to see how potential members will dance together, a simple dress code has been implemented. No midriffs, low necklines, jewelry, or clothing with inappropriate slogans or baggy clothing. Shorts must cover backside and booty shorts are permitted with tights underneath. Dance shoes or athletic shoes must be worn at all times. No clothing with AHS Pom in any form maybe worn Hair must be pulled back and out of dancer s face. Cell phones are not allowed during the clinic and audition blocks. Audition Results: Each dancer will receive an identifying number during the clinic. Results by identifying numbers will be posted outside door of the entrance to the former ACS District offices. 2018-2019 Tiger Dance Team Meeting: The first squad meeting with dancers and coaches is scheduled for Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 2:30pm for high schoolers and 4:30pm middle schoolers. A representative from Varsity Spirit Fashion will be present to measure the new team members for uniforms. Returning members will also have the opportunity to order replacement items that might be needed. Down payments or payment arrangements with Varsity Spirit will be required, so at least one parent representative will be need to be present. Payments are to be made directly to Varsity Spirit Fashion NOT to AHS or the AHS Dance Team Booster Club. 2018-2019 Tiger Pom Parent Meeting: The AHS Dance Team Booster Club will have a meeting for the families of the 2018-2019 team on Tuesday,, April 17, 2018 at 6pm. The booster club s meetings are held in Room 403 of Arlington High School. The purpose of the first meeting is to elect officers for the season, receive first payment of season, and explain the program to new and returning parents. Physical Requirement: A current sports physical must be completed and dated after May 1, 2018. TSSAA rules require a current physical on file for participation in any high school sport.
Financial Commitment The total estimated costs associated for the 2018-2019) dance season are approximately $5000.00*. This figure is an estimate based on an average of the last two competitive seasons. It is important to understand the dance team is a 10- month sports program versus the other sports that may only operate three to four months. The overall program costs include: All performance and competition uniforms (shoes, warm-ups, camp and national clothes)** Four-day resident camp held at Mississippi State University from June 10 th to June 13th, 2018 Coaching, Pom and Hip-hop Choreographers, technique coaching, and competition entry fees. All out of town lodging, meals, and travel expenses for the team and coaching staff. Some out-of-pocket vendor expenses, not included in the monthly tuition Miscellaneous expenses including but not limited to: Uniform decorations and accessories Professional music editing and mixing Team functions Socks, tights, and performance items Props for competitions Scheduled Payments: April 17, 2018 A payment of $375.00 for the first month s tuition is due. This will cover May coaching fees and registration for summer camp. April 17, 2018 A separate payment of $30 per family is required for annual registration fee for the booster club. This covers all annual expenses incurred by the booster club and must be paid prior to voting for board positions. Financial Statements: A statement of the dancer s account will be given monthly. The statement reflects any credits or debits made. The statements are passed out in booster club meetings or mailed to the dancer s parents by the booster club treasurer. Monthly Payments: An estimated monthly payment of $375 is due by the 2nd of each month between May 2018 and March 2019. It is imperative that this amount be paid monthly, no matter the actual cost of monthly expenses. Credit in your individual account allows the Dance Program to purchase items needed for the program in a timely manner. ***Payment amounts are in the process of being finalized and will be confirmed once the new board has been selected. Payment amounts and dates are subject to change!*** Failure to pay monthly payments on time will result in the dancer being placed on alternate status. The financial obligation to the team is not to be taken lightly. Late fees will be assessed per Dance Team Booster Club Bylaws. Late payments leave vendors, coaches, suppliers, and others unpaid and discredit the reputation of the Dance Team. Coaching Fees: Coaching fees are assessed as a flat rate fee on a monthly basis as opposed to per dancer or practice. Technique coaches are assessed on a per practice basis.
Financial Commitment continued Fundraisers: Fundraising is certainly an option to relieve some of the financial burden felt by some families. Booster Club Members are responsible for the organization and execution of fundraisers. Fundraisers arranged by coaches or sponsor will be divided equally among team members in good financial standing. Fundraisers that are considered individual fundraisers or that are created and managed by parents instead of the coaches and sponsor will not have a coach and/or sponsor portion taken from them. Ideally, every dancer s family will be involved in various fundraisers throughout the year. If a dancer and/or her family are habitually not participating in fundraisers, she/they will not receive any of the credit from the fundraiser. Important Financial Disclaimer: In the event that a dancer voluntarily quits the team or is removed on the grounds of her grades/conduct, the dancer and her family will be held responsible for all outstanding debts owed to the team. In no way will the coaches, sponsor, or financial committee allow a girl who quits the team or who is removed from the team to financially penalize other members and their families. If a girl is dismissed from the team for negative reasons, as detailed in the Dance Team Constitution and Bylaws, any balance that would otherwise be refunded to the dancer will become team funds. If a girl voluntarily quits in good standing (for example, an injury), all efforts will be made to return any funds still accessible to the family, as long as returning those funds does not negatively affect the remaining members. *The estimated total above does NOT include credits earned through fundraising. **A new dancer to the program should understand there will be initial fees for purchase of her game day and uniforms currently being used by team. Please complete the following section, DETACH, and return to Mrs.Brown. The Estimated Cost Agreement should be kept for your records. I have read the Financial Commitment for the 2018-2019 AHS Dance Team season and understand that I will be promptly responsible for all expenses incurred during that time. Athlete s Name: Date: Parent /Guardian Signature:
Placement Requirements Each perspective dancer will be evaluated on skill requirements, grades, one choreographed routine, personal interviews, coach s reviews, and teacher evaluations. Points will be deducted from a dancer s score for poor academic and conduct grades as follows: Two (2) points for each F / U One (1) point for each D / N. Below is a list of the technical requirements for admittance into the Tiger Dance Program: Basic Dance Requirements: Double pirouette Splits (right, left, and middle) Toe touch C jump Leg holds (right and left) High kicks (right and left) Kip-ups/head springs Ability to perform dance motions Learn, adapt, & perform choreography Advanced Dance Requirements: High/clean toe touch with pointed feet Triple (or greater) pirouette Decent splits (right, left, and middle) 3 successive à la secondes & double pirouette out Changing spot à la secondes Chainé turn into 2nd leap C jump with pointed toes & arched back Strong, tight dance motions Learn, adapt, & perform choreography rapidly Bonus Points can be earned for the successful completion of any of the advanced level elements. The judging sheets reflect levels of difficulty for bonus technical elements as follows: Beginner: Piqué turns Hurdler jumps Double toe touch Intermediate: Combos with two or more beginner to-intermediate skills Changing spot piqué turns 2 à la secondes and land or single pirouette out Firebird jump Advanced: Leg Holds Turns 4 or more à la secondes and an element out Double chainé into 2nd leap Changing spot à la secondes / combination turns Combinations of intermediate to advanced elements Quad or greater pirouette turn Tryouts will be closed to everyone except the judges, sponsor, and coaches.
Clinic & Audition Application Full Name: Date of Birth: Current Grade: Athlete s School Email: Home Address: City: State: TN Zip Code: Home Phone: Mother s Name : Mother s Cell : Mother s Email : Dancer s Cell Phone: Father s Name: Father s Cell: Father s Email: Former Dance Experience: List any sports you have participated in during the last 2 years: How do you view your role as a future AHS Tiger Dance Member? What do you expect to gain from being a member of AHS Tiger Dance?
Student Agreement Dancer - please print your name and then initial beside each item. I, (print name), am interested in being on the Dance Team at Arlington High School. If I am chosen, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations set forth in the AHS Dance Team Constitution. I further agree to abide by the rules of Arlington High School, as well as the Arlington High School Dance Team Booster Club, Arlington Community Schools, and by all federal, state, and local laws as they apply to me. I agree to cooperate with and follow the instructions of the sponsor(s) and coaches at all times. I understand that the sponsor(s) and coaches will act in a manner that promotes my safety at all times but recognize that there are still risks involved in participating in this sport. If I sustain injury while practicing or performing with the Dance Team, I understand that it is my responsibility to obtain medical examination before continuing on with practices and performances. (In the event of an emergency, the sponsor(s) and/or coaches will arrange for emergency treatment.) I understand that I am a constant representative of Arlington High School and the Arlington Community Schools and that my behavior will be that of a lady at all times, in and out of uniform, as well as on all forms of social media. I accept responsibility for my actions and understand that there are consequences for inappropriate behavior, which could include removal from the team. I understand that the Dance Team is a yearlong commitment beginning with tryouts in April and carrying through until Nationals in February and Awards banquet the following March. While the Dance Team sponsor(s) and coaches will not prohibit me from participating in other school activities, clubs, or organizations, they will expect me to take responsibility for scheduling those events around Dance Team events and practices, especially during the months in which we compete. Any legitimate scheduling conflicts with practices or games must be made known to the sponsor(s) and coaches at least two weeks prior to the event and must be approved by the sponsor(s) and coaches. I understand that, at any time, my coach/sponsor may place me on alternate status if I am unable to follow the conditions of participation detailed within this packet, as well as any necessary conditions established by the coaches and/or sponsor(s) in the future. I further understand that I will compete with all dancers at camp but that, after camp, I could be placed on alternate status if I am unable to consistently perform the required elements and material in each/either routine. I also understand that if I am placed on alternate status, I will still be required to attend practices, games, performances, and competitions in uniform and serve as a positive example of the program, school, and community. Athlete s Name: Date : Athlete s Signature:
Team Commitment Athlete & Family Agreement Performances: Attendance at all football games and school-scheduled events are mandatory. Football season begins in August and concludes in October or November (based on playoff standings). Competition season begins in October and concludes in February.. Fundraising: Team fundraising is used to help offset team expenses for competition travel and other team functions. All team members are expected to participate in the fundraising events. Transportation: Dance team members or parents will provide their own transportation to all home team events and local and in state performances. Air Travel to UDA Competition is included in the dance program budget. Communication: Communication is essential for a successful program. The main objective is for the season to be prosperous. Proper chain of communication rules should always be followed. Dancers are to communicate directly with the coaching staff in a respectful and clear fashion. The main method of communication between parents, sponsor, booster club, and coaching staff is email. Please provide a current email address to the sponsor and booster club secretary. Email communications regarding team progress, upcoming events, and general information will be bi-monthly sent either by the sponsor or booster club secretary. If a parent has a question, the first and best resource is the team sponsor or any executive board member of the parent booster club. The concern will be addressed immediately. The coaching staff is also available to answer any questions or concerns. However, it is important to remember practices are closed, as the coaches want to give 100% of their time to the dancers. They will be unavailable to meet with any parents immediately before, during, or after practice. If you would like to schedule a time with coach, please email and set a time that is convenient for both parties. Academic Eligibility: Dance Team members must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA according to TSSAA rules. Dancers who fall below a 2.5 GPA will be placed on academic probation and be required to submit weekly progress reports from their current teachers to the sponsor in an attempt to help monitor and improve academic standing. AHS Tiger Dance holds a higher academic expectation for their members. Athletes are not allowed to have unexcused absences or failing grades. If a dancer is falling behind in a subject, it is her responsibility to consult her teacher(s) for academic assistance. It is required to email or provide a copy of grades for each nine-week period of the season. Code of Ethics: Once an individual is a member of the AHS Dance Program, a code of ethics is provided to both the dancer and family. A merit/demerit system is in place for disciplinary guidance. This system will be explained in detail by the coaches and sponsor(s) at the first practice. We hold our members to a high standard of behavior in the classroom, while representing our school and community at events, and also outside of the school and/or competition setting. Dancers are representatives of our team, school, and community, and we expect them to reflect that pride.
By signing this agreement, I understand the contents of this packet including the following regarding the Arlington High School Tiger Dance Team: Teams are 100% judge, sponsor, and coach selected. If a dancer does not make the team, she may not have possessed the skills needed to participate this season. She is highly encouraged to keep working and return the following year. Grades, teacher recommendations, and judges evaluations are all selection factors. Attendance at tryout clinics is crucial in enabling my dancer a fair opportunity to try out for the team. All perspective dance team members are expected to conduct themselves with respect for the coaching staff at all times during the tryout process. Failure to do so will result in immediate dismissal and disqualification. All parties understand the cell phone policy during clinic and auditions is to help the dancer focus and to minimize interruptions during the tryout process. In the event of an emergency, the coach or sponsor will ensure you are notified. I understand the responsibilities and expectations should I be selected for the 2018-2019 AHS Tiger Dance Program. Athlete s Name: Date : Athlete s Signature: I understand my/our responsibilities and the dance program s expectations should (Athlete s name) be selected for the 2018-2019 AHS Tiger Dance Program. I understand the financial, emotional, and parental support I must commit to (Athlete s name) if she chosen for the 2018-2019 AHS Tiger Dance Team. Parent/Guardian Name: Date : Parent/Guardian Signature:
Release to Participate We understand that the sponsor(s) and coaches will act in a manner that promotes my/my dancer s safety at all times but recognize that there are still risks involved in participating in this sport. Students with a history of health-related concerns must supply pertinent information to coaching staff prior to participation in tryouts and should not engage in any activity that is aggregative for the condition. Parent/Guardian: By signing this release, I acknowledge the potential for injury inherent in engaging in strenuous activities. I attest that (Athlete s name) is in good physical condition and can fully participate in all activities associated with dance team tryouts and agree to disclose any existing health related concerns to coaching staff. Special instructions for medical conditions are listed below. If my dancer sustains injury while practicing or performing with the Dance Team, I understand that it is my responsibility to obtain a medical examination before continuing on with practices and performances. In the event of an emergency, I authorize the sponsor(s) and/or coaches to arrange for emergency treatment or attention without liability to Arlington High School or Arlington Community Schools and release Arlington High School from any and all liability, suits, or other responsibility for injuries or illness incurred while at or resulting from the program. Participant: I have read and fully understand the above statement. Athlete s Name: Insurance Name: Policy Number: Physician Name: Physician Office Number: Parent/Guardian Name: Date : Parent/Guardian Signature: Special instructions for medical conditions (as applicable):
Application Checklist For your AHS Dance Team tryouts application to be accepted, the following items must be completed and turned in at the start of clinic on Tuesday, April 10, 2018. Please organize your completed application in the following order: Completed Clinic and Audition Application Copy of most recent report card (PowerSchool printout is accepted, must show all quarters) Signed Release to Participate Copy of Student Insurance Card (front & back) Signed Student Agreement Signed Team Commitment Signed Financial Agreement $30 cash or check in a sealed and labeled envelope. Checks need to be made payable to AHS.