WELCOME TO TRYOUTS FOR THE GREEN BAY PREBLE DANCE TEAM 2014-2015 Season Coach: Cortney Huth Cortney.huth@yahoo.com
Dear Students and Parents, Welcome to the Preble Dance Team tryouts for the 2014-2015 season. We wish you the best of luck on trying out for the Dance Team. Becoming a Dance Team member is a full-time commitment. It is very important that students and parents read and understand the contents of this letter and the Dance Team Constitution. History: The Preble Dance Team has been in existence since 1988 and has grown to be a very successful program. We must abide by the standards, rules and regulations of the Green Bay School District Athletic Code of Conduct, WIAA, WACPC, and Preble High School. Academics take center stage. As Dance Team members, we are recognized as highly visible representatives of Preble High School, and we hold that responsibility in high regard. Commitment: The tryouts are just the first phase of a very long season. We are a competition team as well as a team that supports and entertains at school events. Our season starts in May with camps and practices and goes into fall with football and soccer games. Winter brings basketball games and competitions. The Preble Dance Team competes in the highest division within the Wisconsin Association of Cheer and Pom Coaches, or WACPC. WACPC is the sole facilitator for the Wisconsin Regional and State competitions. Faced with that type of competition and the desire to excel, the team puts in long practice hours after school, evenings, and at times weekend practices. Hard work and dedication leads to fun and success! If you agree to all of the above, we would love to see you at tryouts! Please read the Dance Team Constitution and understand all of the expectations and be aware of the rules, regulations, and procedures before committing yourself and your daughter to this agreement. Good Luck on trying out for the 2014-2015 Preble Dance Team!
The following items are REQUIRED to the Preble Dance Coach by Friday, April 25 th (the day of tryouts may be turned in early). They must be turned in before you can try out. www.prebleathletics.com Activities Eligibility form (on the Preble website) Physical/alternate year form (From your doctor s office or on the Preble website) Code of Conduct (on the Preble website) HIPPA (on the Preble website) 3 Teacher recommendations Dance Team Application Preble Dance Team Constitution signed by the student and parent Athletic Eligibility Form signed by the office (yellow copy)
Frequently Asked Questions What should I wear to the tryout practices? Wear anything that is comfortable to move in. Workout clothes are acceptable, but dance clothes are ideal. You must also wear dance shoes or tennis shoes. What should I wear to tryouts? Wear solid black bottoms and a fitted, plain white top. Dance shoes or tennis shoes are also required. You should also have your hair nicely pulled back in a ponytail or bun. Are the tryout practices mandatory? (April 21 st -April 24 th ) Yes. The tryout practices are required as they are necessary to learn the tryout routine, kick sequence, and work on your skills. If you are participating in a spring sport and that practice is interfering with the practice dates and times, do not miss your practice. You are committed to that team first, but it is up to you to find someone to teach you the skills and routine before tryouts. If you have any concerns about this, please contact the coach. What if I have to miss a tryout practice? If you miss a practice, you will still be allowed to try out, but you will need to learn all of the material covered in practice on your own time. It is up to you to make sure that you are prepared for tryouts. When are all of my forms for tryouts due? All forms listed on the above page are due NO LATER than Friday, April 25 th (the day of tryouts). You may turn them in to the coach early if you wish. The items are required to try out. How are tryouts judged? Tryouts are judged by a panel of qualified and impartial judges. The judges have had experience in studio dance, high school dance, and college dance. The coach is not a member of the judging panel, however she will be there to manage the tryouts. You will be judged on your potential, strength of movements, flexibility, skills, memory, timing, and
energy. If you make a mistake, don t worry, keep smiling and get back on right away. POTENTIAL WILL GO A LONG WAY!! What is the best way to prepare for tryouts? Start stretching right away! Tryout week can be hard on your muscles, so preparing your body for this exerting week will lessen sore muscles once tryouts come. Also, flexibility is very important as it is crucial for most leaps and jumps, as well as kicks. Flexibility is a gradual progression, so start working on it right away. Also, practicing outside of the actual tryout practices is essential to memorize and perfect the routine so you feel confident at tryouts. Practicing with a friend is very beneficial because you can help each other with memorization and give critiques. If you would like additional help outside of the tryout clinics, please let Coach Cortney know and she will help you or find someone to help you. The tryout music will be available upon request. Are splits required to make the team? It would be ideal if you had your splits; however, that category, like the others, is judged on a 1-5 scale so you will get credit for what you demonstrate to the judges. The farther down in your splits that you are, the higher the score you will receive. How will I know if I made the team? After your group has finished trying out, you will be free to leave. The official team roster will be posted on the Preble Dance Team Website once the list has been approved by the administration. What if I don t make the team? Don t be discouraged! Keep practicing so you are prepared for next year s tryouts! You can email the coach to get your comments from the judging sheets so you know exactly what to work on. Use this as an opportunity to work on your skills, flexibility, and rhythm. Next year you will already know how tryouts work and what is expected, so you will be better prepared. Many local dance studios also offer technique classes and tryout prep classes in addition to their regular dance classes.
What will be expected of me if I do make the team? Being a member of the dance team is a full-time commitment and takes a lot of time and dedication. You will be expected to attend all practices, team events, fundraisers, and competitions. You are also expected to practice outside of the team practices to perfect the routines and skills. Each member is expected to pay dues to be a member. This pays for things such as uniforms, competitions, and camp. If you make the team, additional information will be sent out. For more information on expectations and obligations, refer to the dance team constitution. Will I be allowed to studio dance also if I make the team? Yes, you are allowed to studio dance. However, you are required to be at every practice on time and stay the full duration. Studio dance classes are NOT allowed to overlap dance practices, fundraisers, competitions, and performances. If you have any addition questions, feel free to email Coach Cortney at cortney.huth@yahoo.com
Tryout Information Prep Technique Practices (OPTIONAL) These practices will be OPTIONAL and held to learn technique and stretches before tryouts begin. Practice will be held in the small/old gym. Tuesday, April 15 th 3:30-5:00 Wednesday, April 16 th 3:30-5:00 Thursday, April 17 th 3:30-5:00 Tryout Practices: (MANDATORY) These practices will be the week of tryouts to learn technique, the tryout dance, and the kick sequence. Practice will be held in the small/old gym. Monday, April 21 st 3:30-5:30 Tuesday, April 22 nd 3:30-5:30 Wednesday, April 23 rd 3:30-5:30 Thursday, April 24 th 3:30-5:30 Tryouts: *Will be held in the small/old gym Friday, April 25 th 4:15-until tryouts are completed Eligibility: Membership is open to all girls in grades 8-11 who will be attending Preble High School in the 2014-2105 school year. Veteran members must have all expenses from last year paid and all teamowned items returned. What to expect: The PREP TECHINQUE practices are spent working on the basics needed to be a part of the dance team. This includes arm/leg/body placements, skills, and flexibility. The TRYOUT PRACTICES are spent working on flexibility, skills, arm/leg/body placements, learning and finishing the tryout routine, and learning and practicing the kick sequence. The first day of the tryout practices will be spent learning skills, flexibility, etc., as well as begin learning the tryout routine. The second day will be spent reviewing technique, finishing the
tryout routine and learning a short kick sequence. The third day will be spent reviewing technique/etc., finishing/reviewing the tryout dance and practicing the kick sequence. The final day before tryouts will be spent reviewing everything covered. Tryout Practice Attendance: tryout practices are mandatory unless excused by the coach. Do not relay absences to a friend. Contact the coach by email to let her know if you will be missing; this is your responsibility! (cortney.huth@yahoo.com) Work is not an excuse so please schedule appropriately. If you have a spring sport commitment, that should be your first priority. Please do not jeopardize that team s practice or game schedule to attend the tryout practice. If you must miss a day(s) of practice, then it will be necessary for you to find someone to teach you the routines outside of the scheduled time. What to wear to tryouts: Wear solid black bottoms and a fitted, plain white top. Dance shoes or tennis shoes are also required. You should also have your hair nicely pulled back in a ponytail or bun. Judging Criteria: Each category is scored on a 0-5 scale (0=not attempted, 5=excellent) The following criteria will be considered during judging: 1. Splits 2. Right and left split leap 3. Toe touch 4. Double turn (A-turns BONUS point) 5. Kicks 6. Appearance 7. Control of movement 8. Strength of movement 9. Timing & rhythm 10. Memory of routine 11. Showmanship (smiles, chin level, posture) How dancers will be chosen: Judges will have a score sheet with the above categories with a 0-5 rating scale (as described above). The scores from all judges will be added up for a grand total. There is no set number of dancers we will take on the team. The number of girls on the team will be decided by a large break in the scores.
Preble Dance Team Constitution 2014-2015 Objective: To promote school spirit, to provide half-time entertainment at football, soccer, basketball games and to compete in local and state competitions. Also, to positively represent Preble High School throughout the season while developing responsibility, teamwork and work ethics. Responsibility: 1. ALWAYS conduct yourself in a positive way. You represent yourself and your team, but more importantly you represent Preble and the Green Bay School District. 2. Abide by the Dance Team Constitution, the Green Bay School District Code of Conduct, WIAA rules, and WACPC rules. 3. Reading and signing forms where appropriate AND turning them in on time. 4. Maintain the District s academic expectations within the Co- Curricular Code of Conduct Handbook. (View handbook for details) Practices: 1. Attendance is MANDATORY! The team s success depends on everyone s presence and participation at all practices. 2. Practices will be Monday-Friday after school 3:30-6:00 pm. Practices may extend to 6:30 during the competition season, however, prior notice will be given. 3. ALL ABSENCES MUST BE PERSONALLY PRESENTED TO THE COACH PRIOR TO PRACTICE. a. You are allowed 3 excused absences. This includes illness, family functions, academic/school activities, approved appointments, etc. The absence must be approved by the coach to determine if they are excused or unexcused. The coach has the final ruling. Each absence following the given 3, excused or not, will result in the dancer s ineligibility to perform at the next performance. b. Each unexcused absence will result in the dancer s ineligibility to perform at the next performance. An unexcused absence is a no-call, no-show to practice or a
reason that has been determined by the coach as unexcused. The coach has final ruling. If a dancer has 3 unexcused absences, they will be removed from all competitions and put into an alternate position for competitions. Performances: 1. The coach has the ability and the right to pull dancers from the routine if they do not feel they are performing at the level desired. The coach will determine this and the coach s decision is final. All decisions will be made looking at what is best for the team as a whole. 2. The dancers are to wear exactly what the coach decides. This includes warm-ups, uniforms, accessories, make-up, etc. 3. Hair and makeup must be done prior to arriving to performances, unless otherwise told. 4. If a dancer is not performing, for whatever reason, they must still attend the performance to support their team, unless otherwise approved by the coach. Uniforms & Equipment: 1. Each member is responsible for her own uniforms and equipment. 2. All uniforms and equipment are property of the team. Loss, damage, or abuse of the uniform/equipment will result in a fine to be paid according to the damages. The team member may be responsible for replacing the items at replacement value. 3. All uniforms/equipment must be checked in by the designated date. 4. Any damage to uniforms or equipment must be paid before awards banquet. 5. The coach will order the required merchandise the members need or choose to order. Each member must pay their amount due on their next statement. Financial Obligations: all of these numbers are approximate Because the team is self-supporting, you should anticipate an expenditure of approximately $500 per dancer plus $200 for summer camp. Dancers are also responsible for the purchase of all apparel and miscellaneous items that may be needed. There are various fundraisers (both team and individual) throughout the year to help off-set this cost.
There are typically three TEAM fundraisers that are mandatory for each dancer s parent(s) to help support. Individual fundraisers are optional. If the dance team attends a national competition, this trip is financed by each member and by fundraisers that are offered throughout the year. Parent Responsibilities 1. Be supportive of the whole team, the coach, and the decisions the coach makes for the team. 2. Let the coach be a coach. Respectfully give suggestions and concerns-the coach will be more than willing to work with you. However, once a decision is made, we need to be supportive and trust that the right decision was made for the entire team, even if we do not agree with the decision made. 3. Fundraisers a. Get approved by the coach b. Set up and implement c. Ensure that everyone is on the same page for each fundraiser
I HAVE READ THE ABOVE INFORMATION AND WILL ADHERE TO THE STRICT RULES SET FORTH BY THIS CONSTITUTION. I UNDERSTAND THAT I NEED TO ABIDE BY THESE RULES OR I WILL BE DISMISSED FROM THE TEAM. I WILL SHOW RESPECT FOR MYSELF AND MY TEAM BY REFRAINING FROM DOING ANYTHING THAT WILL JEPORDIZE MY RELATIONSHIP WITH THIS TEAM OR REFLECT NEGATIVELY UPON THE TEAM AND MY SCHOOL. Student s Signature & Date Parent s Signature & Date
Preble Dance Team Application Name: Grade 2014-15: Address: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Email: Birthday: Parent s Names: Mother: Father: *Parent info is only used for team roster/contact info if the applicant makes the team Mother s Cell: Fathers Cells: Mother s Email: Father s Email: Why do you want to be a member of the Preble Dance Team? What is your previous dance (or similar) experience?
How do you view your role as a dance team member? What does dedication mean to you? Describe your personality. What are your strengths and weaknesses? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME/MY DAUGHTER SHOULD I/SHE BECOME A MEMBER OF THE PREBLE DANCE TEAM. I AGREE TO FOLLOW ALL RULES SET FORTH IN THE PREBLE DANCE TEAM CONTRACT. Student Signature & Date: Parent Signature & Date: PREBLE DANCE TEAM TEACHER RECOMMENDATION FORM
is trying out for the Preble Dance Team. Please fill out this teacher recommendation form for the above named student and return it back to the student before Friday, April 25 th or the student will not be able to try out. Thank you! Teacher Name: Subject: Current Grade in your class: Teacher Signature: Date: Weak Strong Attitude 1 2 3 4 5 Commitment/Effort 1 2 3 4 5 Respect for Others 1 2 3 4 5 Hard Working 1 2 3 4 5 Reliability/Trustworthy 1 2 3 4 5 Willingness to help others 1 2 3 4 5 Class Attendance 1 2 3 4 5 Organization 1 2 3 4 5 Comments: PREBLE DANCE TEAM TEACHER RECOMMENDATION FORM
is trying out for the Preble Dance Team. Please fill out this teacher recommendation form for the above named student and return it back to the student before Friday, April 25 th or the student will not be able to try out. Thank you! Teacher Name: Subject: Current Grade in your class: Teacher Signature: Date: Weak Strong Attitude 1 2 3 4 5 Commitment/Effort 1 2 3 4 5 Respect for Others 1 2 3 4 5 Hard Working 1 2 3 4 5 Reliability/Trustworthy 1 2 3 4 5 Willingness to help others 1 2 3 4 5 Class Attendance 1 2 3 4 5 Organization 1 2 3 4 5 Comments: PREBLE DANCE TEAM TEACHER RECOMMENDATION FORM
is trying out for the Preble Dance Team. Please fill out this teacher recommendation form for the above named student and return it back to the student before Friday, April 25 th or the student will not be able to try out. Thank you! Teacher Name: Subject: Current Grade in your class: Teacher Signature: Date: Weak Strong Attitude 1 2 3 4 5 Commitment/Effort 1 2 3 4 5 Respect for Others 1 2 3 4 5 Hard Working 1 2 3 4 5 Reliability/Trustworthy 1 2 3 4 5 Willingness to help others 1 2 3 4 5 Class Attendance 1 2 3 4 5 Organization 1 2 3 4 5 Comments: