Murrieta Mesa Rams Dance Team 2018 2019 Information & Audition Application Due: May 14 th Please read packet carefully and thoroughly.
MURRIETA MESA RAMS DANCE TEAM WANTED: TEAM DANCERS * GREAT ATTITUDES * HARD WORKERS DIVAS, DRAMA QUEENS/KINGS need not apply!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHEN: WHERE: TIME: 5/14 ~ Clinic ~ Required, learn jazz dance audition combination-paperwork DUE! 5/15 ~ Clinic ~ Required, learn hip hop dance audition combination 5/16~ Clinic ~ Required, rehearsal technique day 5/17 Audition ~ 3:45 dismissal: Closed to all spectators 5/22 - Parent/dancer meeting ~ Mandatory for all members of the new 2018-2019 dance team selected at the May 17 th audition. 6:00-8:00pm Mesa Dance Room (yes, it does take this long to go over the dance team program snacks will be provided) MMHS DANCE ROOM 3:45 5:30 each day WHAT TO WEAR: Everybody wears ALL BLACK for clinics and audition (no exceptions) Dancewear must follow MESA dress code. No short shorts; buttocks, cleavage, breast, belly, bra and underwear cannot show. Hair secured neatly out of face, no buns, no jewelry NO GUM WHAT TO BRING: *Completed audition application including current picture *Copy of 12 week progress report or equivalent from non MVUSD School *Jazz shoes and athletic shoes (have both) * Water AUDITION REQUIREMENTS: 1) Meet the 2.0+ GPA requirement. Dancer must have a 2.0+ GPA to audition & must maintain a 2.0+ GPA on progress reports and semester report card to be eligible to perform during the 2018-19 school year. 2) Audition application is complete and turned in by the May 14 th clinic. 3) Learn the required jazz, hip hop, & technique audition combinations at the clinics on May 14 th & 15 th. 4) Attend the May 16 th clinic rehearsal day 5) To be considered for a position on the dance team, the candidate must perform the clinic audition choreography pieces in front of the judges at the May 17 th audition. Dance team is a rigorous, athletic, and physically demanding performance group. Be prepared for this type of dancing at the audition. Make sure you are healthy enough to participate. Modifications will not be given. This is an audition; you need to be able to demonstrate what will be expected of any dance team member during the dance year.
Dear Dance Team Applicant & Parents: Thank you for your interest in the Murrieta Mesa dance team program. Mesa dance team is a performance/entertainment group that performs at rallies, assemblies, and sporting events. This is our primary purpose. The team will be chosen through an audition process and will practice for the dance year (August-April). The size of the team will be determined by the audition process and will be comprised of highly skilled, well rounded dancers, with advanced/elite dance skills. All potential team members must already be officially enrolled in Murrieta Mesa High School by May 14 th, 2018. The audition in May will be the only audition for the 2018-2019 dance team. Private auditions will not be held. All applicants will be evaluated by the same panel of judges to ensure a fair audition process. Things to consider before you proceed with the audition: You must be officially enrolled in MMHS by the first clinic day; May 14 th. Will be verified with MMHS guidance tech. Dance team is a yearlong commitment. The coach will expect you at every rehearsal and performance. Dance team will not have part time members. Participating on a competitive dance team is challenging due to conflicting time commitments, but doable. You cannot be in two places at the same time; physically impossible. Good time management skills are a critical component to being a successful dance team member. By auditioning and being selected for the team, you are choosing the MESA dance team as your priority over another team, group, job, outside commitment, etc. All members of the team will be placed into the advanced dance class at Mesa as part of their 7 period school schedule for the 2018-2019 school year (fills VPA, 2 nd year of PE, or elective course credit requirement). Freshman who make the dance team will still be required to take the state mandated Fitness gram fitness assessments. Incoming freshman not selected for the dance team will take PE 9 their freshman year. Advanced dance, dance II or dance I are not options for incoming freshman not on the varsity team. Current 9 th, 10 th, & 11 th graders auditioning for team but not selected will be appropriately placed in a dance class if the student desires. Team practices afterschool Mondays & Thursdays from 3:10 5:30 beginning in August when school begins along with extra June & August rehearsal days prior to the start of school. Certain practices throughout the dance year will be extended until 6:30 when guest choreographers are hired to work with the team, or extra practice time is needed. Games and performances will be on any night of the week and all dancers will be expected to be in attendance performing with the team. School behavior and attendance records will be part of the application/audition/selection process. Points will be deducted from applicants score per guidelines on application page. Team seeks members with exemplary behavior and attendance records. Included in this packet is dance team program information, the application, an overview of the dance team 2.0+ GPA performance policy, voluntary participant waiver, medical authorization form, consent to participate form, and dance team acceptance/permission agreement form. These items must be signed by both student and parent along with a copy of the most recent 12 week progress report or equivalent if applicant is coming from a non MVUSD school. There is information regarding the time commitment necessary to be a successful Mesa dance team member, uniforms, summer dance camp, rehearsals and team requirements. RETURN THE COMPLETED APPLICATION TO MRS. CHIDESTER ON OR BEFORE MONDAY, MAY 14 th OR YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO AUDITION ON MAY 17 th - NO EXCEPTIONS. The audition will be held Thursday, May 17 th @ 3:45 in the Impact Center Gym. All applicants should be prepared to stay until we dismiss everybody. *Auditions are closed to all spectators and parents. *Each dancer will be evaluated by the same panel of judges. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the audition begins. You will need to stretch and warm up on your own. The list of those making the team will be posted by audition number on Friday, May 18 th after 4:00 pm on Mrs. Chidester s welcome page on her website. Parents, please discuss with your son/daughter the psychological repercussions your child might have if he/she is not selected as a member of the dance team. Unfortunately not everyone trying out will make it -- no one is guaranteed a spot on dance team. Your student s personal feeling of satisfaction and increased involvement on the school campus will bring many rewards as being a member of the dance team is considered a leadership position on campus. Please discuss the impact this leadership position will have, and the changes that will occur in your son/daughter s life should they make the team. This involvement carries with it a great deal of responsibility. Your student will be expected to attend afterschool practices, games, pep rallies, evening events, be an exemplary student in the classroom, on the campus, and contribute to the positive culture at our school. Being a member of the Murrieta Mesa dance team requires a great deal of time, effort, a lot of hard work and personal sacrifice; but it gives back fun, excitement, self-confidence, friendships, incredible personal rewards, and many other positives in a young person s life. Dance team is an extracurricular activity; not a requirement. If a parent and/or dancer cannot/do not agree with the information in this packet, along with the high expectations required of dance team members, then the dancer SHOULD NOT go through with the audition. Thank you for your interest in the Mesa Rams dance team program. Mrs. Chidester
Dance Team Uniform Information Below is the information regarding uniforms for the 2018-2019 school year. The Mesa dance team is a school sponsored team and no student will be denied the opportunity to participate in the MMHS dance team program based upon the student s purchase of a uniform. The team uniform will remain the same as the 2017-2018 school year. All returning team members can use the 2017-2018 uniform. New team members may elect to purchase their own custom fit uniform and keep it as a high school memory. Team members not purchasing a custom fit uniform will have a comparable performance uniform available to check out under a contract to return in the same condition as it was at checkout. New team members can also ask to borrow, or purchase a used uniform from a former team member. Team members purchasing their own custom fit uniform will be paying for the uniform in full on the day the uniform is fit and ordered, unless other arrangements are made with the Varsity uniform vendor. In order to ensure delivery for the first home football game performance in August, there will be one order date, June 6 th. The Varsity uniform representative will be at Mesa June 6 th @ 3:00 for custom uniform fittings and to take payments. Murrieta Mesa High School and its employees are not involved in the purchase and do not receive any commission from the sale. Below is the approximate cost for the dance team uniform and accessories. Exact prices will be given at parent meeting in May. Female Custom Fit Team Performance Top & Skirt w/attached briefs $250.00 ~ Paid directly to Varsity uniform representative at June 6 th fitting 3:00pm Male Custom Fit Performance Top - $124.00 ~ Paid directly to Varsity uniform representative at June 6 th fitting 3:00pm Male/Female Performance Jazz Pant $58.00 ~ Paid directly to Varsity uniform representative at June 6 th fitting 3:00pm Team Jazz Performance Shoes - Tan color jazz shoe, Bloch brand. Purchased at Strictly Workout in Temecula. Team Athletic Performance Shoes $55.00 ~ Adidas white dance sneaker ~ Paid to Mesa Bookkeeper Team Tights (Females) Diva brand hosiery. Purchased online at divahosiery.com. Follow instructions on website for sizing and color selection. Custom Warm up (optional~ Jacket only purchase recommended) - $120.00 Paid directly to Varsity uniform representative at June 6 th fitting 3:00pm. Includes all lettering and individual name monogram. Custom Duffle Bag (optional, good to have) $48.00 Paid directly to Varsity uniform representative at June 6 th fitting 3:00pm. Includes all printing. Time Commitment SUMMER o Rehearsals: June 18 th & 19 th ~ 9:00am 1:00 pm Murrieta Mesa: Mandatory-Returners 8:00am o Dance Team Plus Camp: July 30 August 2, with the United Spirit Association Dance Program @ Knott s Berry Farm Resort Hotel, Buena Park (parent drivers will be needed to help with transportation both ways) o Returning veteran dance team members meeting: August 6 th @ 8:00 am before rehearsal. o Rehearsals: August 6 th, 7 th, 8 th, & 9 th ~ 9:00am 1:00 pm @ Murrieta Mesa: MANDATORY o Rehearsal: August 13 th 2:45 6:00pm @ Murrieta Mesa: MANDATORY o Rehearsal: August 14 th - 2:45 6:00pm @ Murrieta Mesa: MANDATORY FALL o All Monday & Thursday afterschool practices 3:10 5:30 (possibly extended to 6:30), advanced dance class rehearsals, and Pride period rehearsals when there is a home game with a scheduled performance. o Home Varsity Football games - pregame & halftime performances at select home games o Stay for all home football games in their entirety sitting in the student Beast section. o Beast Talent Show o Fall Pep Rally o Thursday Night Rally o Red Ribbon Pep Rallies @ Mesa feeder elementary schools. Takes place during the school day. WINTER o All Monday & Thursday afterschool practices 3:10 5:30 (possibly extended to 6:30), advanced dance class rehearsals, and Pride period rehearsals when there is a home game with a scheduled performance. o Preseason varsity boys/girls basketball tournament games at Mesa (TBD) o Winter Pep rally o Home league varsity boys and girls basketball games halftime performances at home games 2018-2019 basketball season, dates given out at May parent meeting. o Stay for both girl and boy s home Varsity basketball games in their entirety sitting in the student Beast section. SPRING o All Monday & Thursday afterschool practices 3:10 5:30 (possibly extended to 6:30), advanced dance class rehearsals, and Pride period rehearsals when there is a scheduled performance. o 8 th grade pep rally/open House We Are MESA (March) o Spring Pep Rally (March) o Mr. Mesa (March) o Possible big performance to be announced. It is in the works. o Team Banquet (April) Other performances, activities, and events will be added to the calendar throughout the year that is not on this list they will be added to the calendar as they become known. ** Subject to change calendar is a living document. Expect changes; it always does.
Program Fundraising/Voluntary Contributions The budget dollars provided by the state to the Murrieta Valley Unified School District do not fund the dance team program. The following expenses are a few examples of what the fundraising efforts support: special costuming for performances, professional choreography, jewelry, accessories, end of year party, letters, awards, food, patches, senior gifts, etc Through fundraising and voluntary contributions we will be able to cover the above expenses and unexpected needs that will arise during the dance year that are associated with the dance team program and continue to offer these expanded opportunities. All team members are expected to participate in every fundraising activity which include, but not limited to Snap Raise, dance nights, corporate sponsorships, family donations, and any fundraiser added as necessary throughout the dance year. July-August Dance Team Plus Camp Dance Team Plus Camp, presented by the United Spirit Association Dance Program, is a voluntary activity in which dance team members may choose to participate. Camp is an opportunity to learn new material, the latest in dance choreography, receive instruction from professional dancers, and in general is an awesome team bonding experience. For returning members, there are no more stand-alone dance intensive camps. Over the past several years, USA s dance team camps have become so similar to the dance intensive that the interest is no longer there for DI. The dance team plus camp has added a master teacher at this camp along with elite material and keeping the team building activities from dance team camps I think it s the best of both worlds. I m really excited for this camp USA has informed me there are a lot of great teams signing up it s going to be a very enthusiastic/motivating environment for all dancers. Camp is not mandatory, but is highly recommended for every dance team member. Non participation in camp does not affect participation in dance team performances. Payment for dancers attending camp needs to be paid to the Mesa bookkeeper by Thursday June, 14 th. Please make every effort to meet the deadline. USA requires one check to be sent from Mesa for payment in full. Individuals cannot send money on their own for payment to the United Spirit Association. Our paid in full balance needs to USA by June 18 th. There will be a short pre camp meeting on Sunday, July 29 th in the late afternoon for all team members going to camp and a parent. Much more information will be discussed about this at the parent/dancer meeting on May 22 nd. ******Parents will be needed to drive either to or from dance camp. Please plan to help out and arrange your schedule accordingly. Parents are welcome to drive both ways if they wish. It is really fun to come and watch our dancers the last day of camp. Cost ~ $425.00 Paid to Mesa Bookkeeper on or before June 14 th, 2018. Overnight and instruction only price include 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners and a twilight park ticket. Cash, credit card (convenience fee added), debit card (convenience fee added). No checks accepted ever. Dates ~ July 30 th, 31 th, August 1 st, 2 nd Location ~ Knott s Berry Farm Resort Hotel, Buena Park Team Practice Wear for Camp (4 days/4 tops) ~ $35.00 Paid to Mesa bookkeeper by June 14 th, 2018. Same payment policy as above applies. These tops will then be team practice wear for the dance year at all team rehearsals (August April). June/August Dance Team Rehearsals The team will rehearse on the following dates to prepare for the upcoming school year, and the first day rally. These rehearsals are MANDATORY. Dancers missing any of these rehearsals will not perform on the first day of school August 15 th. Please plan accordingly. June 18 th ~ Returning dance team members meeting: 8:00am June 18 th ~ 9:00 am 1:00 pm June 19 th ~ 9:00 am 1:00 pm August 6 th ~ Returning dance team members meeting: 8:00am August 6 th ~ 9am 1:00 August 7 th ~ 9am 1:00 August 8 th ~ 9am 1:00 August 9 th ~ 9am 1:00 August 13 th ~ 2:45 6:00 August 14 th ~ 2:45 6:00 Any student auditioning for dance team, and their parent, understands he/she will be expected to be at all June & August rehearsals. Any student auditioning for dance team, and their parent, should anticipate and plan for camp, uniforms, accessories, & fundraising.
MMHS Dance Team Application Please print information neatly Name Attach current picture here REQUIRED Current Grade School you currently attend Student Cell Phone Student email address Why do you want to be a member of the Mesa Dance Team? Participation is expected in every aspect of the dance team program. Participation on another team while you are a member of the MMHS Dance team is challenging due to time conflicts. It cannot interfere in any way with the MMHS dance team program. If you are not here it causes a problem and it is not fair to the rest of the team. Choosing another group over participation in scheduled team events will result in disciplinary action including being set out of performances and/or being dismissed from the MMHS dance team. Taking outside technique class is strongly recommended, if you have the time, but it is not an excuse for missing any practice, performance, or team event. If the student chooses to go forward with the audition and is selected for the Mesa dance team; Mesa is the priority. Be the type of dancer your Mesa teammates can always count on to be here and will not let them down! Student Initial Parent Initial This dance team applicant will not be considered unless the following items are included with the audition application and turned in by the deadline of May 14 th. ****NO COMPLETED PACKET-NO TRYOUT-NO EXCEPTION DUE: MAY 14 th, 2018**** 1) A copy of your 12 week progress report or equivalent from non MVUSD School. 2.0+ GPA is required to audition. 2) Current year behavior file. Dance team seeks exemplary behavior from all of its members. To that extent for any 6 documented of the following; truancies, OCI, Saturday school, caught with electronics, dress code, or defiant at any time will result in points deducted from score. Documented suspension will result in additional points deducted and an explanation of the offense. If no behavior problems, counselor or administrator may sign here. 3) Current year attendance file. Dance team seeks exemplary attendance from all of its members. To that extent any 6 unexcused absences and/or 6 tardies will result in points deducted from score. If less than 6 tardies/absences counselor or administrator my sign here.
2.0 GRADE POINT AVERAGE POLICY & DEPOSIT/REFUND POLICY/DANCE CLASS POLICY Murrieta Mesa High School requires all students who are a member of the dance team to maintain a 2.0 grade point average or higher. All dancers on the Mesa Rams dance team MUST maintain a 2.0 + grade point average. If their grade point average falls below a 2.0 in any 6 week grading period, they will be placed on probation, deemed ineligible, and will not perform in any dance team performances until the next 6 week grading period progress report has been officially posted. If the grade point average has not been brought up by that time the student will be dismissed from the team. (initial) Parent (initial) Student If my dancer is dismissed from the team or quits on their own accord, I am aware that all payments made toward uniforms, dance camp, accessories, fundraising, etc. are non-refundable, my dancer will keep all items paid for and immediately return any uniform items checked out under the uniform loan agreement and team apparel not paid for by the student. If student is a senior, the senior bracelet will be returned. This special piece of jewelry is only kept by the dancer upon successful completion of the full dance year. A monetary hold will be put on student s school account until items have been retuned or paid for. (initial) Parent I understand dance team members are required to attend all rehearsals and performances. To that extent, I understand asking for exceptions to the practice/performance policy and schedule for my dancer are not to be requested. (initial) Parent Incoming freshman not selected for the dance team will take PE 9 their freshman year. Advanced dance, dance II or dance I are not options for incoming freshman not on the varsity dance team. Current 9 th, 10 th, & 11 th graders auditioning for team but not selected will be appropriately placed in a dance class if student desires. I am aware if my dancer is dismissed from the team or quits on their own accord and the student is a freshman he/she will be transferred out of the advanced dance class and moved into PE 9. If student is a sophomore, junior, or senior he/she will have the option to remain in the advanced dance class or transfer to a different class. (initial) Parent By signing the statement below, you are acknowledging the no refund/deposit payment policy, the Murrieta Mesa High School dance team eligibility grade point average policy, the exception request policy, and the advanced dance class policy. As the parents of, we understand if our son/daughter s grade point average drops below a 2.0 on any of the 6 week progress reports, or semester grading period, he/she will be placed on probation and deemed ineligible to perform with possible dismissal from the dance team. We understand that we will not receive any refund for purchases or deposits if my dancer is dismissed from the team or quits on their own accord. We understand asking for exceptions for our dancer are not to be requested. We understand if my dancer is dismissed from the team or quits on their own accord and the student is a freshman he/she will be transferred out of the advanced dance class and moved into PE 9. If student is a sophomore, junior, or senior he/she will have the option to remain in the advanced dance class or transfer to a different class. STUDENT: DATE: PARENT: DATE:
2018-2019 Dancer Acceptance/Permission Agreement My dancer,, has my permission to audition to become a member of the dance team at Murrieta Mesa High School. I agree to complete in full and return all required audition forms by May 14 th, 2018 or my dancer will not be allowed to try out for the team. I understand that my dancer must attend all dance audition clinics on May 14 th, 15 th, & 16 th in order to be eligible to audition on May 17 th. I understand that he/she must abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the dance team director and Mesa administration. I understand that upon my dancer being selected for the team, I will be provided with the MMHS Dance Team Handbook which includes all rules, regulations, guidelines, policies and expectations my dancer will be required to follow as a member of the Mesa Rams dance team. I further understand that the violation of any of the rules in the handbook may lead to a temporary suspension or permanent removal from the dance team. (parent/guardian initial) I understand my dancer will be evaluated by unbiased judges and agree to abide by the decision of the judges (parent/guardian initial) I understand that if my son/daughter is selected for the team, there is a mandatory parent/guardian/dancer meeting on Tuesday, May 22 nd @ 6:00 in the Mesa dance room where information regarding uniforms, summer dance activities, dance camp, dance team handbook, parent code of conduct handbook, fundraising and dance year calendar* will be discussed in detail. I further understand that any dancer who does not have a parent or guardian attend the meeting will no longer be considered for a position on the dance team. (parent/guardian initial) I understand that the very nature of the activity of dance carries a risk of physical injury no matter how careful the participant, choreographer, teachers, and director are. The risk of minor injuries including, but not limited to, muscle soreness, muscle pulls, muscle strains, sprains, dislocation and broken bones can occur. The risk also includes catastrophic injuries such as permanent paralysis or even death from falls landing on the back, neck or head. I understand these risks and agree to allow my dancer to continue with the audition process knowing there is the possibility of an accident or injury at any time and will not hold Murrieta Mesa High School or any of its personnel responsible in such case. Parent/Guardian Signature Date I understand dance team is a rigorous, athletic, and physically demanding performance group. I acknowledge that my son or daughter s health and physical condition are conducive to full participation in the dance team program. Parent/Guardian Signature Date I am interested in being a member of the Mesa Rams Dance Team at Murrieta Mesa High School. I understand the risks stated above. I understand I need to be in top physical dance condition at all times as a member of the Mesa Rams dance team. I promise to abide by all the rules set forth by the dance team director and the administration of Murrieta Mesa High School during the audition process. If I am selected as a member of the dance team, I promise to cooperate and follow the instructions of the team s director, the administration of Murrieta Mesa High School, and the Mesa dance team handbook at all times. Grade Next year Student Signature Date *Calendar is preliminary at the time of publishing this document. It will and is always subject to change. Team members will be expected to make changes and be present at all team functions.
VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION FOR MINOR STUDENT I, the undersigned parent/guardian, do hereby grant permission for, and hereinafter shall be referred to as participant, to participate in the audition activities for the Mesa Rams dance team offered by Murrieta Mesa high school. Destination: Date & Time: Murrieta Mesa Dance Room Dance Team Clinics & Audition May 14, 15, 16, 17, 2018 3:45 to 5:30pm In the event of illness or injury during the Mesa Rams dance team clinics and audition, the parent/guardian listed below will be contacted immediately for directions and instructions on how to proceed with care until parent/guardian arrives at Murrieta Mesa High school to take over and provide medical care for participant. Parent/guardian must be available by phone during audition week activities while minor child is participating in dance team clinics and audition, times are noted above. LIABILITY RELEASE INFORMATION AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK As stated in California Education Code, Section 35330, I understand that I hold Murrieta Valley Unified School District, its officers, agents and employees, harmless from any and all liability or claims, which may arise out of or in connection with my child s participation in the activity. (parent initial) I fully understand that the staff of Murrieta Mesa High School, and Penny Chidester, are not physicians or medical practitioners of any kind. (parent initial) I fully understand that participant is to abide by all rules and regulations governing conduct during the activities. Any violation of the rules and regulations may result in participant being released from audition activities and sent home. (parent initial) Signature of Parent/Guardian Cell Phone (two numbers please) Date Name of Student Date of Birth Family Insurance Carrier Policy Number MEDICATIONS: 1. ( ) Check here if there are no drugs or medications used by my dancer the Mesa dance team director should be aware of during the clinic/audition activity time. 2. All drugs kept on the student s person for emergency use must be registered on this form. If any medications or drugs are to be taken by the student during the clinic/audition activity time, list them here: Name of drug and reason: Name of drug and reason: 3. All drugs, excepting those which must be kept on the student s person for emergency use, and registered on this form, must be kept and distributed by a school nurse; thus not available during the clinic and audition week.