PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY POM SQUAD 2014-2015 A UDITION INFORMATION PACKET
TABLE OF CONTENTS Audition Expectations...2 Audition Process...3 Frequently Asked Questions...4 Personal Skills Sheet...5 Audition Application...6 Audition Check List...7 1
AUDITION EXPECTATIONS All candidates MUST be medically cleared to participate on the Pom Squad if selected. Please complete all required medical forms as well as an athletic physical by a medical doctor. Please refer to Pom Squad medical forms for details (TBA, upon selection). Candidacy for a position on the 2014-15 Pepperdine Pom Squad is contingent upon: o Remaining a full-time student in good academic and disciplinary standing o An overall grade point average of at least 2.5 from the date of auditions through the end of the athletic season Incoming freshmen and transfer students must be accepted to Pepperdine University before the first day of auditions All those interested in participating in the 2014-2015 season must attend Pom Squad Auditions on Sunday, November 9 th from 12pm to 4pm in the Firestone Fieldhouse Please bring with you a completed audition application packet, completed medical forms, and a copy of your class schedule Audition Attire: o Fitted Black Shorts o Fitted Black Tank o Tan/Black Jazz Shoes o Hair in ponytail/bun; bangs pulled back o No embellishments on tops or bottoms o No jewelry (rhinestone or studded earrings okay) o Full performance make up Required season dates may include: o Pom Squad Retreat and August Intensive (August 29 th and 30 th ) o 3 Weekly Practices (Tues 8:30-10:30pm, Wed/Thurs 8-10pm) o Orange and Blue Madness (October 17 th ) o Mini Waves Camp (February TBA) o Weekly Basketball games (Thursdays and Saturdays, times vary) o November Intensive (November 16 th 8am-12pm or 3pm-7pm) o January Intensive (TBA) o WCC Championships (March 5-10, 2015) o Select Post Season Appearances (TBA) 2
AUDITION PROCESS November 9 th, 2014 Location: Firestone Fieldhouse (Times are approximate) 11:45am Check-in, Take photos Audition number/label will be provided (place sticker where visible) Welcome and introductions Group stretch Auditions will begin promptly at 12:15pm 12:15pm 1:15pm 1:30pm 3:00pm 4:00pm Dance skills evaluation (will include across the floors and Fight Song) Deliberation and first round of eliminations (if needed) Remaining dancers learn try out routines (one hip-hop piece, one jazz piece) Audition/Performances in designated groups After each group has performed, last minute questions will be answered Results will be posted in gym foyer (those who make it go into gym). Immediately following quick meeting with final team members Each applicant will be evaluated on the following: 1. Skill Evaluation Right Triple Pirouette (minimum) Left Double Pirouette (minimum) Turns in Second Leap Progression which includes: grand jete, switch leap, leap in second, and a tilt Flexibility Skill (examples include: leg hold, leg hold turn, needle, scorpion, etc.) 2. Tryout Routine: Collegiate Image Technique and Execution Performance Ability Overall Impression Memory 3
PEPPERDINE POM SQUAD FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS When is my tryout packet due? All tryout packets are due at the time of your audition on November 9th, 2014. When and where are auditions? The audition will be held on Sunday, November 9 th in the Firestone Fieldhouse (located on main campus). Check in is at 11:45am, followed by a group stretch, and then we will begin promptly at 12:15pm. The audition process will conclude by 4:00pm. Please bring a snack with you as there will not be a designated lunch break. Do you offer scholarships or out of state tuition waivers? We do not offer scholarships or out of state tuition waivers, however we do pay and provide for the following items: Uniforms, shoes, poms, warm ups, select practice gear, team backpacks, and travel expenses to WCC Championships in Las Vegas. What are practices like? The pom squad practices three days a week in the evenings for 2-3 hours. Outside of practice, pom squad members follow a prescribed workout schedule and are encouraged to utilize the student fitness/weight centers to maintain a high level of stamina and cardio ability. Does the program compete at nationals? The program does not currently compete nationally. The team is focused on game day events, working with the University, and supporting Pepperdine Athletics. Is there a height and weight requirement? No, we do not have a height and weight requirement; however a strong, physical, healthy, and appropriate physique shall be maintained throughout the year. Are the tryouts opened to the public? No; all aspects of the audition process will be closed to the public. If I cannot attend the tryout, can I submit a video? Video auditions are not accepted at this time. All qualified and interested dancers must participate in the audition process at the designated time and location. Who judges the tryouts? The evaluation panel will consist of the Pom Squad Coach, alumni, and area experts. All decisions regarding the 2014-2015 pom squad will be determined by the head coach. All decisions are final. How many people audition? The number of applicants varies from year to year. How many females make the team? We do not have a maximum number of participants which means we have the ability to increase/decrease the number of dancers based on University needs as well as the needs of the team. The pom squad has historically consisted of anywhere between 8-17 members. As technique and uniformity are important components to maintaining a successful team, members chosen should have a good foundation and understanding of technical dance terms from which to build. 4
PEPPERDINE POM SQUAD PERSONAL SKILLS SHEET Audition Number NAME YEAR (2014-2015 school year) Do you have any dance/cheer experience? Please Circle: Yes No If Yes, How many years? What programs? Have you ever competed as a dancer/cheerleader? Please Circle: Yes No If Yes, How many years? What programs? What is your strongest style of dance? What dance skills are you most proud of? What is/are the most advanced dance skill(s) you can demonstrate? Do you take any dance technique classes? Where and for how many hours per week? What is your favorite type of dance? Why? Why do you want to be a part of the Pepperdine Pom Squad? Besides dancing, or athletic skills, what qualities or skills could you add to the Pepperdine Pom Squad? 5
PEPPERDINE POM SQUAD AUDITION APPLICATION Audition Number Name: Date of Birth: CWID: Year: Pepperdine University Cumulative GPA: Major/Minor: Student Organizations/Clubs: Campus Box: Cell Phone: ( ) Email: Parents Names: Home Address: State: Zip Code: High School: Emergency Contact: (Name) (Phone) P LEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS Are you a returning Pom Squad Member? Please list previous cheer/dance experience: Have you been under the care of a physician within the last year? If so, please explain: How did you hear about auditions? I understand that: E LIGIBILITY RULES Candidacy for a position on the Pepperdine University Pom Squad is contingent upon being enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student, maintaining an overall grade point average of at least 2.5 starting from the date of auditions and throughout the duration of the athletics season. Eligibility checks will be conducted on all candidates. I am responsible for material provided during the candidate informational meetings, program expectations, and requirements provided on the website. I understand, accept, and am willing to comply with the selection procedures as outlined by the Pom Squad Coach. Signature Date 6
PEPPERDINE POM SQUAD AUDITION CHECK LIST I have read through and understand Audition Expectations I have read through and understand the Audition Process I have read through and understand Frequently Asked Questions I will bring to auditions the following, stapled as one packet: Completed Personal Skills Sheet Completed Audition Application Form Copy of my class schedule Completed Medical Forms (TBA if selected for the team): Pre-Participation Health History Form Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation Signed by a Physician Body Composition Results (ONLY if physical is completed at the Pepperdine Student Health Center (see page 9 for details) Sickle-Cell Waiver or Test Results (test may be waived, but form must be submitted) EKG report (to be included with your packet) Font and Back Copy of Insurance Card (to be included with your packet) 7