Walnut Hills Dance Team "It takes an athlete to dance, but an artist to be a dancer" Shanna LaFleur Letter from the Dance Team Head Coach, Allison McElfresh It is a wonderful privilege to provide Walnut Hills High School an exciting season of fun, spirit, and performance of dance. This season the dance team will not only perform at half-time shows but will enter the competition with the ECC. We are getting "challenged" this season with changes that will be fun, creative, and dynamic to the latest songs and dance moves of the time. I will be engaging in skills of different genres of dance using fitness, health, and technique to develop goals of a successful competition in 2017. Until then, "Let's Get challenged" and dance again! The dance team tryouts is for ALL students (7-12 th grades) who carry potential of challenged skills, clean technique, and passion. Practices for the 2016-2017 season start this summer with possibilities of off campus training on a secure dance floor, mirrors, and a barre. We will have three fundraisers, a youth camp, and a special intensive training summer camp for the dance team. Pom uniforms are introduced, two guest choreographers, showcases with other dance teams, attitude of gratitude projects and the spirit of sisterhood is upcoming to continue the best high school dance experience. I have planned a full active season and we start early this year to accomplish higher aspiring goals. Yours and Health, Allison McElfresh
Purpose and Mission Provide dancers an educational experience through fun, integrity, and technique. Team members will develop a strategy of success that forms personal goals, commitment, and supportive values for their community. Requirements 7 th -12 th grades It is very important that all the material in the packet is read and completed and brought with you on the day of tryouts. A sports physical must be turned in. The OHSAA Preparticipation Physical Form can be found on the Walnut Hills Athletics website. Again, please review the Walnut Hills Athletics website. 1. Valid OHSAA Pre-participation Physical Form 2. Online registration 3. Everything you need to know and do document 4. Overall qualification for ELIGIBILITY in Walnut Hills High School Athletics Conduct INFORMATION HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS 2016-2017 Walnut Hills High School is a member of the Eastern Cincinnati Conference and the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) and has agreed to abide by adopted policies and procedures. A student's presence on an athletic squad draws the focus of public attention to him/her as a representative of Walnut Hills High School. Remember, interscholastic athletics exists for its educational value. For spectators, while winning may be important, the prime objective is to appreciate the educational and athletic development of student-athletes. Spectators and participants are all guests at this educational experience. They have the responsibility to uphold the ideals of good manners and sportsmanship at all times. We recognize that game officials do their best to make quick, fair and unbiased decisions and expect fans and participants to respect the judgment of contest officials and abide by the rules of the contest and display positive behavior. Every competitor is worthy of respect and should be treated with courtesy. Attendance at Walnut athletic events is encouraged. Attending students, parents and fans are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times by sitting in the appropriate designated areas, showing respect to visiting schools and fans and displaying courtesy to officials/school personnel at all times whether at home or away. Athletics will require fundraising in order for students to participate. Contributions, financial or by service are expected. All parents of student athletes are expected to volunteer to support the events. Web Page: http://www.walnuthillseagles.com/sports/. If you have any questions or concerns regarding participation on a team, please contact Tom Donnelly in the Athletic Department at 363-8602or donnelt@cps-k12.org. Learning/Teaching Routines
All students are expected to be attentive and cooperative in all aspects of stretch and strengthen, ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, dramatic performance, and choreography. Repeated disruptions in dance time will result in discipline actions adhered from both dance staff and athletic department. Both positive constructive criticism and suggestions are welcomed through polite manners at the right time and place. Every individual practice and performance must be taken home and reviewed before the next meeting. Steps missed must be learned within one day of them. All performances require a rehearsal and choreography is only finalized through the head coach. PRACTICE is ACHIEVEMENT All dance team meet ups including practices are mandatory. If needed of an absence, a FORMAL WRITTEN EXCUSE MUST BE PROVIDED 48 hours before every instance of coming together (practice, performances, etc.). More than two absences will be discussed between parents and head coach for potential dismissal of the dance team. No call no shows will be contacted and privately discussed between parents and head coach. Additional rehearsals could be scheduled and early notice will be offered. This is especially offered for those who need the extra practice. Early dismissal MUST BE COMMUNICATED TO THE HEAD COACH ASAP a member becomes notified. Dancers are to be dressed according to the activity they are practicing. SOPHISTACATED DANCE ATTIRE. Dance shoes extremely a must. Parent Organization PARENTS PLAY A SUPPORTIVE, LOVING, POSITIVE, ESSENTIAL ROLE in our lives. An open door policy is welcomed and in return supported through car pools, seeking knowledge, publicity, fundraising, hospitality, and volunteering. Approximately two welcome parent meetings will be offered in the season to seek knowledge for success. TRYOUTS 7-12 graders TRYOUTS: May 14, 2016 1pm to 3pm Location: Jr. High gymnasium TRYOUTS CHECK LIST 1. Application 2. Sports Physical sheet 3. Strategy of Success. THESE ARE REQUIRED THIS SEASON TO MAKE THE TEAM: a. FUN: The body language (smile, posture, positive eyes, etc.) targeted in tryout performance. This revels how the learner "loves" to dance and "strives" to be on a team representing their school. b. Integrity: Each individual learner demonstrates consistency, quality, and honesty of their individual character based on the exposure from the teaching tools demonstrated and offered in the dance clinic.
c. Technique: Technique never changes. Both non dancers and dancers have the potential to learn technique provided from a certified professional. The ability to treat details of movement can be achieved from passion and integrity. *Please note that tryouts will be judged by certified and trained professional dancers. If you are unable to make the scheduled tryout date please contact Coach Allison asap to discuss your options. There may be individual tryouts scheduled if there is no way you can make the currently scheduled tryouts. COMMON QUESTIONS: 1. How many dances will I learn at tryouts? 1 (Jazz, Hip Hop, ) there are three dance genres with three elements: Contemporary Jazz/ FUN, Hip Hop/ Integrity, and Technique. There will be three to four warm up songs the judges will observe. 2. What are the skills I need to know? Technique is a critical element in dance. Each element of technique can be improved. a. Body Alignment/porte de bras b. Kicks/ battements c. Turns/pirouette variety d. Leaps, jetes, jumps e. Flexibility f. Consistency of balance and strength 1. Who are the judges? There will be three Cincinnati natives who are certified and highly skilled, talented professionals existing in all three performing arts categories. 2. Will my coach be there at tryouts? Yes 3. What do I wear? Tryouts= GYM attire (yoga paints, gym shoes etc. Dress NICE.) 4. Where do I find all the forms I need for tryouts? ONLINE under Athletics on www.walunuthills.com 5. Where can I get dance shoes? www.cincinnatidancewear.com/www.dianasdancewear/ or LA dance wear. 6. What is the Strategy of Success? It is the three expectations the judges will be assessing for to develop a successful and fun dance team that will represent Walnut Hills High School. The Head Coach will use FUN, integrity, and technique to give the gift of dance and develop healthy longevity all season long
WHHS Dance Team Application Candidate Name: Date of Birth: / / GPA: Grade Level: Address: City/State/Zip: Cell Phone Number: Do you receive texts? Circle YES or NO Student's e-mail: Mother's Name: Cell #: Father's Name: Cell #: Parent e-mail: List Any Qualifications & Years Participated (Previous dance teams and/or active experiences) List other teams, clubs, activities or programs you plan to participate in during the 2016-2017 Academic Year: Fill in the rest of the sentence: You are here today because...?
What does team commitment mean to you? What is your favorite dance movie or show? How do you feel when you are dancing? How did you hear about the dance team? I am ready to try out for the Walnut Hills Dance Program for the 2016-2017 season and accept the decision for placement or non-placement in the Walnut Hills Dance Program. I understand that ALL Walnut Hills dance practices, games, rallies, competitions, and performances must take precedence over any and all non-academic related activities. Candidate's Signature & Date Parent's Signature & Date Students who make the Dance Team are subject to the school's Pay to Participate requirement of $70.