Liberty High School Dance Team Handbook and Tryout Packet 2016-2017 INTRODUCTION Thank you so much for trying out for the Liberty Belles Dance Team! Should you be selected as a member on our team, the following information will help you to have a successful experience for the 2016-2017 season. The Liberty Belles Dance Team welcomes dancers from all backgrounds and levels and is proud that our diversity honors our community and school. No prior dance experience is required. As long as you are willing to work hard, be committed, and have fun, this could be a great opportunity for you! We strive to provide a program where students can not only incorporate their passion for dance, but also learn essential life skills that they will take with them after high school. Our core values for our team are: Commitment, Respect, Positivity, and Teamwork. As a member of the Belles dance team you will be expected to adhere to these values. This team belongs to you and its success will be the result of your hard work and commitment to our team values. ELIGIBILITY Our rules and regulations are based on LHS, HSD, OSAA, DDCA, NFHS Policies. This packet will outline guidelines and expectations for team members. The following is from the Hillsboro School District Athletic/Activity Handbook Eligibility Requirements. Participation in athletics and activities is available to any student. The following regulations govern eligibility; including freshmen (8 th grade transcripts) for OSAA sponsored athletics and activities: *The participant must meet OSAA and HSD eligibility requirements. *The participant must adhere to the training and citizenship rules established by the coach, athletic department and school administration. *The participant must meet physical requirements and possess some type of insurance which covers him/her for athletic/activity injuries *A participant who is dropped from a squad for disciplinary reasons will not be allowed to become a member of any other program during that season. *A participant may not drop from one program/squad and transfer to another without the agreement of both coaches concerned. *A participant must possess a student body card with an ASB sticker.
ACADEMIC STANDARDS Participants in athletic/activity program not meeting standard (a) are, by OSAA regulation, ineligible for the term. They may not participate or represent the school until semester/trimester grades provide for eligibility. Students may not practice if they do not meet OSAA standard unless they apply for an exception and it is approved by the principal. The principal s approval will be contingent, in part, on the student submitting a plan for how he/she will fulfill academic requirements given the time demands of athletic/activity participation. Students granted an exception and allowed to participate must meet the OSAA academic standard at the nine-week grading period. *Meet the OSAA requirements of (1)_ having passed 5 subjects (2.5 credits) the previous semester or 4 subjects (2.0) the previous trimester, and (2) be enrolled and doing passing work in at least 5 subjects (2.5 credits) in the current semester or at least 4 subjects (2.0 credits) in the current trimester, and (3) making adequate yearly progress toward graduation. *Pass all subjects or receive a 2.0 GPA on the previous grading period (quarter, semester, trimester). Summer school grades may be added to the previous semester/trimester Participants not satisfying standard (b) above, or incoming freshman from 8 th grade transcripts not satisfying either standard (a) or (b) shall be allowed to practice but lose privilege of representing their school until they demonstrate a positive report at 4 ½ weeks. ATTENDANCE EXPECTATIONS Attendance (in season) at school, all practices, performances, competitions, fundraisers, etc. is REQUIRED. Attendance affects one s ability to perform and compete, as well as one s lettering ability. Calendars will be provided to dancers and families at the beginning of the year. Your attendance is ultimately a reflection of your dedication and commitment to the team. *Our season officially starts with the OSAA fall sports start date of August 15 th. After this date, all practices, performances, etc. are mandatory. Failure to attend team activities after this date may result in not participating in performances. You have a responsibility to your team as you made the commitment to be a member and your team is counting on you. * The coaches reserve the right to add to, remove from, or change the practice schedule if need be due to conflicts of practice space, team needs,, etc. *You will attend all team activities and functions regardless of whether or not you re performing. This includes games, assemblies, fundraisers, competitions, etc. *You are expected to attend summer camp and all summer conditioning activities. Please speak with a coach if there is a conflict. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis. *Since your team members dance alongside you and depend on you, dance team activities should take precedence over any other extracurricular activities. This includes doctor s appointments,
music, dance lessons, boyfriends/girlfriends, birthday parties, etc. Please schedule your appointments & events accordingly. *Unexcused absences from practice or a performance may result in removal from a performance or suspension from the team. *You are required to notify a coach PRIOR to practice if you will be late or unable to attend. If you do not notify us PRIOR to practice, the absence/tardiness will be considered as unexcused. HSD APPROVED EXCUSED ABSENCES *Illness of student, quarantine, or illness of immediate family member (doctor, parent or guardian note required for extended time period). *Necessary family and educational travel (not leisure travel vacations, need one week notice in writing if possible. If not possible, as much advanced notice as possible). *Bereavement *Emergencies such as death of immediate family member, accident, medical or injury. *Religious observance/instruction (holiday/ceremony, need one week notice in writing. This does not include youth group). *Pre-arranged absence (one weeks notice must be given in writing; this will be approved by a coach and proper pre-arranged absence paperwork must be filled out with the attendance office also). *Legal or court appointment. All other absences will be considered unexcused Unexcused examples include but are not limited to: *Family functions *Skipping *Work *Babysitting *Sports Practices (unless dual sport athlete arrangements have been made with the coaching staff. Club sport practices generally do not qualify as dual sport practices. If you are involved in a club sport, please let the coaches know). *APPOINTMENTS (unless due to emergency) there are ample days off from school and practice known well in advance to schedule appointments as well as mornings prior to the start of the school day. *Not having practice gear, uniform, or clean items.
CONDUCT/BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS As a member of the Belles dance team, you are a reflection of not only our program, but our school. We expect the highest standards of behavior both at team functions and inside and outside of school. *School rules must be followed at all times. *It is expected that when an individual becomes a member of the team, they will make the team a high priority, second only to their family and homework. Boy/girlfriends and jobs come after dance team. *Fighting/bullying, of any sort (verbal/physical/cyber), is not tolerated and may result in immediate dismissal from the team. *There will be no use of abusive or offensive language. This includes at practice, school, public, and on social media. *LHS athletes will not use, possess, sell, or provide alcohol, tobacco, or illegal/unauthorized drugs at any time. Athletes will not smoke any products at all times (in or out of season). *Athletes agree not to be present where unlawful use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs may occur (in or out of season). *Public displays of affection with boy/girlfriends at performances, competitions, or while in uniform will not be tolerated. While we appreciate their support, it must be in the appropriate manner, as you represent not just yourself, but your team and school. *It is very important that we, as a team, support our school, and all athletic teams; cheerleading, band, football, and all other school groups and organizations. If we expect school-wide support, we must be willing to also give our sincere support. *Stand quietly and attentively during the National Anthem at all assemblies, games, and competitions. Remember that the action of one person reflects upon the entire team. In regards to all social networking sites, what you choose to post/say/photograph/like is a representation of the entire team. Members posting inappropriate comments, derogatory language, or photos depicting drug or alcohol use may result in probation and a formal investigation. ATTITUDE *Come to practice with a positive attitude, ready to work hard, and give 100%. *Please listen to and respect your coaches, captains, and fellow teammates. *Support this team with word and deed. Remember, it is a privilege to be a member of the Belles Dance Team. *Avoid getting wrapped up in gossip and drama. All this does is create tension and affect our team as a whole.
*Be respectful to all school administration & staff. We communicate with them frequently regarding your progress, both academically, as well as work ethic and attitude. Please work hard in class & show respect for your teachers. *Back talk and bad attitude will not be tolerated and may result in removal from practices/performances. *Excessive disrespect, negativity, or poor conduct at school, practices, games, or performances may result in removal from the team. *Causing discord among team members, gossiping, or harassing, will not be tolerated. This includes in person, behind their back, on social media, etc. UNIFORMS, APPEARANCE, & ATTIRE As a member of the Belle s dance team, you are expected to follow the LHS dress code at all times, both during school and at practice. For practices, performances, competitions, etc. we expect the following: *All practice items must be solid black and tight fitting (no writing or large logos). Leotards are requested to be worn with either tight fitting black jazz pants, black shorts (with tights), or black leggings. You must also wear jazz shoes or paws at all times. Tennis shoes will only be permitted when practicing hip hop or doing conditioning. Please bring all appropriate shoes to practice. *Clothing must be modest and needs to cover your stomach and chest. Be sure to have adequate coverage and support/undergarments. *Hair must be pulled back and away from your face at practice. * Absolutely no jewelry (including tongue, belly, ear, dermal, and facial piercings). This is an NFHS rule and it will be strictly enforced. Please be aware that if you just got a piercing and you can t take it out, you will not be allowed to participate. Failure to comply with this may result in a $200 fine from the OSAA as well as further penalties. PRACTICES Practices are extremely important to the success of our team. We will use practices to learn new routines, practice technique, condition, stretch, etc. Your commitment to being at practice, and ready to work hard is a reflection of your commitment to your team members. *Be on time. Dancers should be lined up, ready to START warm ups by the time practice begins. This means you should plan to arrive a few minutes early to arrange water/snacks, and visit with team members. You should also have your hair pulled back, and be wearing the proper clothing and shoes. *If you are late to 2 or more practices, you may not be allowed to perform in the next performance. *If a dancer is sick, he/she can choose to attend the practice to observe. We encourage this if they feel well enough as it still allows them to absorb some material.
*If a practice is missed, the dancer is expected to learn what was missed on their own time and come to the next practice prepared and caught up. *If a team member misses a practice the week of a performance, they may not be allowed to dance at that performance. *Cell phone use will not be permitted at any dance team functions without permission from the coaches. Cell phones are to be silenced and left in a bag for the entirety of the event. If there is an emergency, parents are more than welcome to contact the coaches as we will have our phones on us. If cell phone use becomes a problem, coaches may collect the cell phones at the beginning of the event and return to the dancers once it is over. *Each dancer is responsible for knowing the routines they are going to perform. For some, this may mean extra practices beyond those required. *At times there may be extra practices scheduled, or some practice schedules might be changed due to space conflicts at the school. PERFORMANCES & COMPETITIONS *All away activities must be traveled to and from by bus as a team. If there is a special situation, it must be cleared in writing, 3 days prior to the event. Unless there is an immediate emergency, requests made the day of the event will not be approved. *Each member will have a chance to perform if: they are confident in the routine and are able to exhibit their performance ability, they follow the rules and expectations outlined in the manual, they are academically eligible according to OSAA, they do not have any disciplinary referrals the week of the performance, and they have a positive attitude and put forth the effort at practices. *Please keep in mind, not all dancers will perform all routines. As dancers develop, they will be included in selected routines. Being a varsity member does not guarantee a position in a routine. Depending on their development, some dancers may not compete in any routines. *Each team member is expected to attend every performance and competition in which the team participates regardless of whether or not they are actually dancing. It is crucial for our team unity and success that we demonstrate our support for each other at all times. *Who performs, where they are placed, and what they do during the performance will be determined by the coaching staff. *A dancer must attend the practice a day before a performance or competition in order to perform or compete. *A dancer must attend at least a half day of school in order to participate in any performance or competition. Any unexcused absences on the day of performance or competition will cause the dancer to be ineligible to participate.
LETTERING REQUIREMENTS In order to receive a varsity dance team letter a team member must do the following: *Participate at the State Championships *Participate in 90% of performances, practices, and activities *Participate in the dance competition hosted by Liberty High School *Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher throughout the season FUNDRAISING & FEES Dance team is a pay to play sport, meaning we do not receive any funding from the school or district. This means that dancers are expected to pay for all of their own costs of being on the team. While dance team is not a cheap sport, if you participate in our fundraisers it is completely possible to fund your season without paying out of pocket. All fundraisers, including individual fundraisers, will have a team fundraising aspect to them. This is to help cover competition expenses, unforeseen expenses, cash flow issues, and an emergency fund. There will be a specified amount or percentage designated for the team account before any amount goes to the individual. Once you sign our team contracts you are responsible for all expenses incurred on your dancers behalf (uniforms/clothing we purchase, supplies, etc.) *All fundraised money is raised for the dance team program and will remain in the team account. If excess monies are fundraised by an individual at the end of the season, they will be applied to the dancer s account for the following season. If the dancer will no longer be a part of the team for the upcoming season, the money will remain with the team. If a dancer quits or is removed from the team during the season, their money will remain in the team account. *All team members will be required to obtain a minimum of $100 in sponsorships for the team. 10% of each sponsorship will go towards home competition expenses. *Although team members contribute to the cost of costumes and supplies, all items are property of LHS. Exceptions are your travel uniform, camp apparel, and tights. Costumes/materials will be used or sold from year to year when possible to reduce team expenses. *Team owned items are expected to be returned at the completion of the season or when a member exits the team. If the items are not returned, you will be billed for the cost to replace them. *Any expenses left unpaid by a dancer will place a hold on their ASB account at school and they will not receive their diploma upon graduation until expenses are paid. *Any articles of clothing that are owned by the team and loaned to current members must not be worn outside of performances. *Any member who loses or damages any prop, costume, or equipment of LHS dance team is responsible for the cost to replace it *Dancers will fill a minimum of 28 adult volunteer hours for our home competition on March 4, 2017.
We make every effort possible to reduce our fees and keep expenses as low as we can. We also do our best to forecast our fees for the season but the budget is subject to change if forecasts do not align with actuals. Please be aware that if one dancer does not keep up with their payments, it puts the entire team in jeopardy. If there are problems with our payment plan, please speak to the coaches and we will do our best to work with you. We never want finances to be a barrier to participating on our team. ***The Liberty Dance Team coaches have the right to excuse any member of the team at any time for any reason. They also reserve the right to make exceptions to any rules as needed on a case by case basis, after evaluating what is in the best interest of the team and the individual.*** Before filling out the tryout packet and signing any forms, please consider the following statements regarding our program. We are excited that you are interested in being a part of the dance team, but we ask that you are sure that this sport is right for you BEFORE you tryout. *Dance is a highly physical activity. We run, condition, jump, turn, etc. If you are not ready for this kind of physical activity, dance team is not right for you. *Dance is a year round sport. We have tryouts in May, fundraise throughout the summer, condition in July, start practices in August, and do not end until the middle of March. If you are not ready for this time commitment, dance team is not right for you. (Please speak to us if you are interested in doing a spring sport so we can develop a participation agreement). *Dance is not funded by the district or school and you are personally responsible for paying for the costs associated with being on the team. If selected as a member of our team, you will be given a financial contract along with a copy of the budget. If you and your family members are not committed to participating in fundraisers, dance is not right for you. *Dancers are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA and pass 5 classes all year in order to be eligible to participate. Grades will be checked at each grading period. If this is not a requirement you are able to fulfill throughout the year, dance is not right for you. *Practices, performances, competitions, fundraisers, and activities are NOT optional. Reasonable excuses for absences will be considered. Schedules are always given with as much notice as possible and need to be respected when scheduling appointments and making plans. If you are not capable of committing to this, dance is not right for you. *Finishing what you start is an important life lesson. If you do not fulfill your commitment for the entire season, you have wasted your team members time, our time and your own. We always encourage you to discuss any concerns you may have with the coaches so we can support you in any way that we can. Committing to a team like this is a big responsibility and at times can be frustrating, but we promise it will be a rewarding experience.
TRYOUT PACKET 2016-2017 **Please print and return the following forms (tryout consent, 3 teacher recommendations, application, and team contract) no later than the FIRST day of tryouts. You will need to turn in your 3 teacher recommendation forms to current teachers ASAP. You may return forms to the dance team mailbox in the main office, or bring them with you to the first day of tryouts. We look forward to seeing you at tryouts! If there is any conflict with the tryout dates, please email us at libertydanceteam@gmail.com so arrangements can be made.** TRYOUT DATES Please join us for an Open Gym and Information Parent Meeting on Monday, May 23 rd to get an idea of what dance team is all about before tryouts! Monday, May 23 rd, 6:00-7:00PM, Open Gym Liberty High School Commons, 7:00-8:00PM, Parent Meeting, Liberty High School Room 128 (Recommended) Tuesday, May 24 th, 6:00-8:00PM, Liberty High School Commons (Required) Wednesday, May 25 th, 6:00-8:00PM, Liberty High School Wrestling Room (Required) GENERAL INFORMATION *No previous dance experience is required! We are looking for people who want to work hard, be committed, and have a good time. *Spectators will not be allowed to watch any part of the tryouts. *Dancers will be asked to perform skills and the routine(s) in front of judges in small groups. Each group will be asked to perform once, some groups might be asked to perform multiple times. Be prepared for every dancer this can be an intense experience. *Attendance at both days is required. If there is a conflict, please talk with one of the coaches and we can address special circumstances. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis if necessary. AUDITION ATTIRE *Dance or workout clothing (no bare midriffs) *Jazz shoes or athletic shoes/sneakers *Hair pulled back and off face including bangs *No jewelry. All piercings must be removed. If you are not able to remove piercings, you will not be allowed to participate.
SKILL GUIDE We will be learning a short thirty second routine on the first day of tryouts. This routine will include some of the following skills: *Pom: Arm drills based on level and strength of motion. *Dance routine(s): This will be in a beginning skill level and prior dance experience is not required. *Pirouettes and Chainee Turns: To be taught during tryouts *Split Leaps: To be taught during tryouts. Please Note: These skills will be taught during tryouts. You are not expected to know them, or have them perfected while trying out. We are just looking for someone who is putting in the effort to learn and has the ability to perfect the skills with continued practice). If you do not have these skills, it will NOT lessen your chances to make the team; please do not be discouraged. JUDGING & TEAM SELECTION The audition will be judged by judges from the local area who may or may not be familiar with the dancers. Each judge will have some form of dance training and/or dance coaching. They will be looking for: *Correct body placement and clean lines, technique, flexibility, endurance, knowledge of material, showmanship, confidence, effort, and style. Other things that will be taken into account include potential for improvement, attitude, grades, and teacher recommendations. *Scores will remain confidential. *The 2016-2017 team roster will be announced following auditions on Wednesday, May 25 th. *All judges decisions are final and will not be subject for review. IF YOU MAKE THE TEAM YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO *Attend dance camp at Glencoe High School, April 4-6. *Attend summer conditioning at LHS, 2 times a week beginning in July. *Attend summer intensives at LHS, August 15-18. *Attend team practices and performances as scheduled by the coaches. *Have adult volunteer participation at our home Competition on March 4, 2017. *Fundraise or pay out of pocket for team expenses *If there are any issues with these, please speak with the coaches to determine if we can work anything out.
Parent Consent for Tryouts Form I,authorize (Printed name of parent or legal guardian) (Printed name of student) to tryout for the 2016 2017 Liberty High School Dance Team. I have reviewed the team handbook and tryout information, am aware of the expectations, fundraising, and time commitments involved if my daughter/son was to successfully complete tryouts and make the team. To outline the mandatory commitments involved, at minimum, are the following: Fundraising or paying out of pocket for team expenses Fill 20 adult volunteer hours, beyond the dancer s participation for our home dance competition on March 4, 2017. Attending Dance Camp August 4-6 Attending Summer Conditioning and Intensives Performances at home games and away competitions throughout the year Practices 3 to 4 days per week Any further request made by a coach of a team Please contact LHS Dance Coaches at libertydanceteam@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns. We are happy to discuss any potential issues or conflicts with any of the above before or during tryouts. Signature: Date: (Signature of parent or legal guardian) Date: (Signature of participant)
Liberty Belles 2016-2017 Recommendation Form I hereby waive the right to read this reference: (signature of applicant) Dear, (reference name), is auditioning for the Liberty Dance Team. (applicant s name) Information provided will be treated confidentially. Please use only the space available to respond to each item below. Please complete this form and return to the applicant in a sealed envelope. 1. How long have you known the applicant? 2. In what capacity have you known the applicant? 3. Please check the appropriate value judgment description about the applicant in the following categories: CATEGORY Below Average Average Above Average Excellent Outstanding 1 2 3 4 5 School Participation/Effort Responsibility Attitude Conduct / Representation Please make additional comments on the above areas or provide any further information which may aid the selection committee. Reference signature: Date: Please complete this form and return to the applicant in a sealed envelope, or return to the dance team mailbox. Thank You.
Liberty Belles 2016-2017 Recommendation Form I hereby waive the right to read this reference: (signature of applicant) Dear, (reference name), is auditioning for the Liberty Dance Team. (applicant s name) Information provided will be treated confidentially. Please use only the space available to respond to each item below. Please complete this form and return to the applicant in a sealed envelope. 1. How long have you known the applicant? 2. In what capacity have you known the applicant? 3. Please check the appropriate value judgment description about the applicant in the following categories: CATEGORY Below Average Average Above Average Excellent Outstanding 1 2 3 4 5 School Participation/Effort Responsibility Attitude Conduct / Representation 4. Please make additional comments on the above areas or provide any further information which may aid the selection committee. Reference signature: Date: Please complete this form and return to the applicant in a sealed envelope, or return to the dance team mailbox. Thank You.
Liberty Belles 2016-2017 Recommendation Form I hereby waive the right to read this reference: (signature of applicant) Dear, (reference name), is auditioning for the Liberty Dance Team. (applicant s name) Information provided will be treated confidentially. Please use only the space available to respond to each item below. Please complete this form and return to the applicant in a sealed envelope. 1. How long have you known the applicant? 2. In what capacity have you known the applicant? 3. Please check the appropriate value judgment description about the applicant in the following categories: CATEGORY Below Average Average Above Average Excellent Outstanding 1 2 3 4 5 School Participation/Effort Responsibility Attitude Conduct / Representation 4. Please make additional comments on the above areas or provide any further information which may aid the selection committee. Reference signature: Date: Please complete this form and return to the applicant in a sealed envelope, or return to the dance team mailbox. Thank You.
Application Full Name: Grade for 16-17: Address: Student Cell #: Student Email: Parent Name(s): Parent Cell #: Parent Email: I plan to also participate in the following sports/activities during the fall or spring: Volleyball Band Play Colorguard X-Country Track Golf Softball Cheer Other: Are you employed or planning to be work during the school year? Yes No If yes, how many hours per week? If you are not chosen as a member of the team would you be interested in being the Team Manager? Yes No Accumulative GPA: Most recent Semester GPA: Signature of School Counselor verifying GPA: I want to be a member of the Liberty Belles Dance Team because I think a successful team needs to have the following characteristics My top three strengths as a team member are: 1. 2. 3. An area I would like to grow in is (related to dance):
LHS DANCE TEAM CONTRACT Name: If you cannot commit to the following items for the WHOLE dance team season, please do not tryout. As a member of this team you are obligated to your teammates, coaches, and school to be a dependable part of the team. 1. I understand and agree that I will abide by all rules that govern dance team such as OSAA/DDCA/NFHS/HSD/LHS. I will also follow all rules set by the school, district, and state regarding grade eligibility, attendance, conduct, etc. 2. I will attend all practices unless excused by a coach PRIOR to practice, and follow attendance guidelines as outlined in the team handbook. 3. I will participate in all team fundraising events, meetings, and functions from tryouts through the end of the dance season. 4. I understand that dance team activities will take precedence over other extracurricular activities such as: work, plays, athletic events, appointments, and miscellaneous social events. Exceptions may be made for those students who have signed a Dual Sport/Activity Contract PRIOR to the start of the dance season. 5. I will obey the team handbook rules at all times. 6. I will ride to and from all team events/competitions in the transportation provided by the school/dance team. 7. I will be maintain costumes/props or any dance team property loaned to me. 8. I will pay for any garment/item lost or damaged by me. 9. I will not smoke, drink, or use drugs while I am on the LHS Dance Team or be in the presence of others who are using drugs, smoking or drinking. Failure to comply will lead to dismissal from the team. 10. In case of ineligibility, injury, etc., it is required that I participate in all practices and activities to keep in good status with the team. 11. I understand that I must commit to give 100% at all times as a member of the LHS Dance Team. 12. This contract is non-negotiable and I understand that failure to meet any standards of this contract may result in dismissal from the team. 13. I understand that quitting or being dismissed from the Dance Team at any point during the season requires me to return all team loaned items and pay the remainder of my account balance. 14. I understand the commitment level involved to be a responsible member of this team. 15. I understand that with dance there is a risk of injury regardless of the presence of a coach and the safety techniques implemented. I will report any injury immediately to my coach. Team Member s signature: Parent s signature: Date: