Dance Team Tryout Packet 2017-2018 Aloha! Thank you for your interest in the Hawai i Pacific University Dance Team. This audition packet includes information regarding the HPU Dance Team expectations and responsibilities, judging criteria and process, along with videotape audition instructions, and audition information sheet. Please read over this information carefully and note the following guidelines. 1. Applicants must be accepted to Hawai i Pacific University prior to Saturday, April 22, 2017 to be considered for the 2017-2018 team. Any delay with this process will place a hold on, and may void your audition. 2. The admission process takes approximately three weeks. Be sure to contact your Admissions Counselor who will assist you in navigating the university application process. You may also apply at (www.hpu.edu/admissions). 3. Applicants are also required to apply for financial aid and complete the FAFSA form. For more information, please visit their website at www.hpu.edu/financialaid. 4. All applicants must submit a $25.00 audition fee. Checks should be made payable to: Hawai i Pacific University Dance. 5. If you are auditioning by VIDEO submission, mail your check and your audition material: Video Audition information sheet Audition fee (check for $25.00) An unofficial transcript or a copy of last report card 2 letters of recommendation (written from individuals in the dance profession) Current photo of yourself All of these items must be in our office by Saturday, April 29, 2017 to be considered for the 2017-2018 dance team. Please see the videotape audition instruction sheet for details. Videotapes received after this date will be reviewed, but may be subject to a wait list. All videotapes become property of HPU and will not be returned. Please send all required audition information and videotapes to: Hawai`i Pacific University Attn: Kim Hom 2017-2018 Dance Team Tryouts 1166 Fort St. Honolulu HI 96813 6. If attending LIVE auditions all applicants must submit a $25.00 audition fee. Please bring your check to tryout registration on Saturday April 22, 2017. Checks should be made payable to: Hawai i Pacific University Dance. 7. **LIVE AUDITIONS (including personal interviews) will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017 from 4-8pm. Please check our website: www.hpusharks.com - FANZONE Dance Team, for the detailed audition schedule.
8. If you plan to attend, please email Edward Akahi, Dance Graduate Assistant, at: eakahi@my.hpu.edu by April 10, 2017. Please be sure to include: Applicant s Name HPU student ID # Contact phone number. Please have your completed audition information sheet, audition fee (check for $25.00), unofficial transcript or copy of last report card, two letters of recommendation, and current headshot, available at the time of registration. Live auditions are CLOSED to the public. Once the team has been selected, you will be notified by phone, email, and/or mail by May 5, 2017. Scholarship amounts will be determined shortly thereafter. We appreciate your interest in joining our HPU Dance Team. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Good luck, and we look forward to viewing your audition. Mahalo, Kimberly Hom HPU Cheer & Dance Coach khom@hpu.edu Edward Akahi HPU Dance Graduate Assistant eakahi@my.hpu.edu
SCHOLARSHIP RULES 1. *STUDENTS MUST BE ACCEPTED TO THE UNIVERSITY TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR SCHOLARSHIPS. 2. Dance Team members are eligible for partial scholarships. However, the exact number of scholarships and amounts awarded varies each year and is determined on the individual s performance and audition. *This applies to all returning members as well. (Returning Dance Team members are not guaranteed the same scholarship they may have received the prior year and are required to audition each year) 3. The scholarship is only valid for the 2017-2018 academic year (Fall 2017 and Spring 2018), while members are fulfilling their responsibilities. 4. These partial scholarships cover tuition only. 5. Each Dance Team member is responsible for books, housing, and any other fees they may incur. 6. All Dance Team members are provided with priority class registration. 7. All Dance Team members receiving scholarships must be registered for at least 12 credits and maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA during both the Fall & Spring semesters at HPU. If these conditions are not met, members will be placed on probation, which can ultimately lead to dismissal from the program and loss of scholarship. 8. Scholarship amounts may be increased or decreased on a case by case basis at the discretion of the Head Dance Coach. RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Although college is a fun and new environment, Dance Team members are representatives of Hawai i Pacific University in and out of uniform. They will be expected to uphold the highest standards of moral conduct and adhere to the HPU Student Code of Conduct. 2. Academics and Dance Team activities are top priorities. All members are expected to remain committed to the team for a minimum of one season (August 2017-May 2018). 3. All Dance Team members are required to have health insurance effective in the state of Hawaii. For information regarding health insurance plans available through the university, visit www.hpu.edu/healthcare (updated information will be posted in June). 4. A positive attitude must be maintained toward all team members, coaches, and HPU representatives including faculty and staff.
5. Dance Team members will be required to sign an agreement outlining the policies and procedures as well as the code of conduct for the Dance Team. Failure to abide by the terms may result in probation, suspension, and/or termination from the team and of scholarship. 6. Dance Team members are required to attend and participate in all practices and conditioning sessions, HPU games, and mandatory HPU events. All team members must be on time and dressed appropriately. After two unexcused absences from practice and/or performance, at the discretion of the Head Dance Coach, the member may be placed on probation and/or suspended for the remainder of the semester. 7. Dance Team members are responsible for all of the dance team items assigned to them. Care must be taken to ensure that such items are in clean and presentable condition. Dance Team members are responsible for the replacement of lost or damaged items. Dance Team items issued to a Dance Team member may only be worn at events designated by the coach and are not, for any reason, to be loaned to or worn by anyone who is not a current Dance Team member. 8. Dance Team members are expected to be in and maintain a healthy and physically fit condition. Thus, all members will participate in a conditioning and weight training program. 9. All Dance Team members are encouraged to maintain a healthy regimen. This includes: exercise, cross training, technique, and a healthy diet. Dance Team members may be asked to keep a daily journal pertaining to exercise and diet. HPU does not support any unhealthy lifestyle choices. 10. Sportsmanlike conduct must be maintained at all times. Verbal abuse and cursing, at any event, will not be tolerated. 11. Dance Team members will actively participate in fundraising projects, benefit performances, and volunteer activities in the community 12. Dance Team members are responsible for their own housing and living expenses. 13. Due to the year-round Dance Team schedule, Dance Team members may not be able to take all breaks (i.e. Thanksgiving weekend, Spring Break, etc.). 14. With all of the duties and responsibilities of being a Dance Team member, there is very little time for a job. Some team members have found jobs that allow flexible schedules, but they are hard to find. Work and other activities must be scheduled around dance team practices and events, as conflicting obligations will not be excused. Dance Team scholarships are subject to termination if Dance Team duties are not fulfilled. 15. The HPU Dance Team program is a highly competitive and time-consuming activity. HPU dancers who have other serious commitments of their time (i.e. 20+ hours workweek, academic programs, etc.), are strongly encouraged to discuss their commitments with the coach before auditioning for the team.
GUIDELINES 1. Only with special permission from the Head Dance Coach, can one audition for the Dance Team after he/she has left the HPU Dance Team program on a previous occasion. 2. Dance Team members are expected to work as a team. Individual members of the team may become close friends; however, members friendship or non-friendship must not have a negative effect on the team. 3. Dance Team members who violate any team rules will be subject to disciplinary action as determined by the Head Dance Coach. In most cases, officers will be advised/consulted in regards to a team member s disciplinary action. 4. Dance Team members grades will be checked periodically. Team members are encouraged to notify the coach of any possible grade concerns. Team members who are struggling academically may be required to attend tutoring or study sessions as needed. 5. Any Dance Team member under the influence of drugs or alcohol during any team event/activity will be terminated from the team and their scholarship revoked. Moreover, unannounced random drug tests will be administered. 6. These rules and guidelines are subject to change as deemed necessary. Dance Team members will be given sufficient notice of any changes or additions. Traveling, Conventions, and Competitions 1. If it is determined that the Dance Team will be traveling and/or attending competitions, team members will participate in various fundraising opportunities in effort to cover the expenses associated with these trips. 2. If fundraising deadlines and amounts for the Dance Team are not met by individual Dance Team members, affected individuals may not be allowed to perform until they are in good financial standing with the team. Moreover, affected Dance Team members may not be able to perform on the competition floor. 3. If a member decides to quit mid-season, that member is still financially responsible for the full season.
Practices and Performances 1. Dance Team members must attend all practices/performances and shall not be tard or absent from practice unless a medical excuse/note is provided or written notice is submitted prior to the practice. 2. After TWO un-excused absences from practices/performances, a member may be placed on probation and/or suspended from the next performance and possibly the remainder of the semester. 3. Dance Team members may be asked to sit out the first half of the game if he/she does not attend the practice before a performance. 4. Dance Team members may be asked to sit out the following game if he/she does not have an excused absence and misses a game. 5. Dance Team members MUST notify the Coach and/or Captains as soon as possible if he/she is unable to attend practice/performance or will be tardy 6. Dance Team members must be practice and performance ready; dressed, groomed, focused, and prepared for all events/activities. 7. Dance Team members are required to stay for events over Thanksgiving and Christmas break as determined by the Head Dance Coach. 8. It is mandatory to return to school one week before school begins in January for two-a-day rehearsals. 9. The Dance Team performs at volleyball games, Men s and Women s basketball games, as well as at mandatory community events, pep rallies, corporate events, and parades. 10. A two-week notice is given for all mandatory events. Dance Team members may be asked to perform without such notice, thus attendance will be noted and may determine additional privileges.
VIDEO AUDITION INSTRUCTIONS **Please submit audition material on a DVD-R. This material will become the property of HPU and will not be returned. Your video, audition information sheet, audition fee (check for $25.00), 2 letters of recommendation (written from individuals in the dance profession), unofficial transcript or a copy of last report card, and current headshot must be in our office by Saturday, April, 29, 2017 to be considered for the 2017-2018 HPU Dance Team. * Videotapes received after this date will be reviewed and subject to a wait list. Please send your audition material to: Hawai`i Pacific University Attn: Kim Hom 2017-2018 Dance Team Tryouts 1166 Fort St. Honolulu HI 96813 *When mailing your video, please request delivery confirmation of your audition material. 1. Introduction: The beginning of your videotape should include your name, home address, phone number, and the name of the high school or college you currently attend. Include this information on your videotape and tape cover. Please format your video as detailed below. 2. Personal Interview: Introduce yourself. Explain qualities you possess that would contribute to a successful collegiate dance team. Briefly describe your dance history/background, current studio/team, and any leadership positions you have held. How well do you work on a team? Explain a few areas in which you can improve/grow. Explain why you would like to be a member of the HPU Dance Team. Describe your short and long-term goals both personally and as a dance team member. Describe your current time management skills and how you plan to implement them in order to balance school, work, dance team, etc. What other activities will you be involved in next year at HPU? Include any other information you feel is pertinent to this audition process. 3. Video: You will be required to perform 8 8-counts of three different styles of dance (Jazz, Pom, and Hip-Hop) and a series of across the floor combinations.
Videotape only yourself performing each routine and combination. At the beginning of each segment, please indicate which routine you will be doing. DO NOT send any extra material or clips of your past performances. Group performances will not be accepted. ***YOUTUBE videos will NOT be accepted. Only videos with the required material performed solo will be accepted. A. Dance Routines: There will be two routines consisting of a pom style dance and a hip hop that you will be required to learn from prerecorded videos. Pleas email hpudanceteam@gmail.com for the YouTube link. Record yourself performing these routines without any mirrors. You may include any interesting techniques or tricks that you find appropriate. Please be as creative as possible. Do not edit your video. Wear a sports bra and dance shorts that show your body placement and lines. B. Technique: Record yourself performing the predetermined requirements on both the right and left sides. You may also add as many other tricks/improve as you would like to showcase. Do not edit your video. Technique Requirements Double pirouette, triple pirouette A la seconde turns Grande battement, tilted grande battement Leaps: Grande Jete/developpe, Center, Calypso, Turning disc. JUDGING CRITERIA AND PROCESS 1. The judging criteria for the across the floor segment and the dance combinations will include, but are not limited to the following: Performance skills and facial expressions Comprehension and memorization of material Ability to conform to style Overall/general jazz, hip hop, and pom styles Cleanliness of lines and attention to details Execution Level of technique 2. During the personal interview segment during the live auditions, each dancer will be asked a series of questions by a panel of judges. 3. The total points awarded for each segment will be averaged out and the final score determined as follows (subject to change): Across the floor segment 35% Dance Combinations 35% Personal interview 30%
Audition Information Personal Information Name HPU Student ID #: @ Mailing Address (between May-August 2017) Permanent address (If different from above): Home Phone #: Cell Phone # Personal email address: HPU email address: Emergency Contact Name and relationship: Cell Phone: Home Phone: Work Phone: Email address:
Please answer the following questions: 1. Have you been accepted to Hawai i Pacific University for the fall? If not, what is the status of your application? 2. Have you applied for financial aid (FAFSA)? 3. Have you previously attended HPU? If so, when? 4. Will you take a vacation or be away from the above address or phone numbers at any time during the summer? If so, what are your travel dates? How can we contact you? 5. How did you hear about the HPU Dance Team and its auditions? 6. Do you plan to attend HPU regardless of whether or not you are selected for the Dance Team? 7. Please list all previous dance training and experience on a separate sheet of paper or attach your dance resume