Charms Dance Team Auditions

Dear parents and prospective CHARMS Dance Team members: I am delighted that your child has shown an interest in auditioning for the Charms Dance Team for the 2016-2017 school year. The Charms dance team is open to all incoming freshman, sophomores, and juniors. Current 8 th, 9 th, and 10 th graders can audition for the team. As a parent of a prospective Dance Team member, you should be fully aware of the audition procedure and requirements for dance team membership. You and your child must also realize the commitment and dedication required of all high school dancers once they have been selected to the Charms Dance Team. Being a member of an organization such as Charms creates lots of wonderful memories for the girls to look back upon and affords an important opportunity for selfdevelopment. While a member of the Dance Team, your child will receive the best character training possible. Our goal is for all dancers to experience many good times, receive much recognition, and gain dependability, responsibility, and selfdiscipline. The following packet will familiarize you with the audition procedure and general information concerning Fort Bend Dance Team guidelines that needs to be understood before your child auditions. Being selected as a Dance Team member is not only an outstanding achievement and a great honor; it is a commitment that must be taken seriously. The decision to audition should be well thought out and discussed between you and your dancer. Attached you will find a brief outline of the audition procedure as well as general Dance Team information. Respectfully yours, Katherine McMullin & Gina Tolar Travis HS Dance, Charms, & Belles Dance Team Directors William B. Travis High School 11111 Harlem Rd. Richmond, TX 77406 katherine.mcmullin@fortbendisd.com / gina.tolar@fortbendisd.com 281.634.0061 2016-2017 Page 1

I. Charms Dance Team Audition Procedures A. Audition requirements: In order to be eligible to audition for Charms, all candidates need to be classified as a freshman, sophomore, or junior for the 2016-2017 school year. B. Academic requirements for Dance Team auditions: All Dance Team candidates will be required to provide a copy of their T3 Nine Weeks report card. C. Judging: Candidates will audition in small groups. The dance routine will be demonstrated to a panel of three or more qualified judges. Candidates will be judged based on the following: memory, coordination/rhythm, dance technique, and overall performance. Candidates with the highest scores will be chosen for the Travis High School Charms Dance Team based on the natural break in the scores. Acceptance is not limited by number; the number of candidates accepted onto the team varies based on the above criteria. If you are an incoming 9 th grader (current 8 th grader) who shows potential, but is not technically ready for Charms, you have the possibility of making the Freshman Dance Team based on your tryout scores received from the judges. The Freshman Dance Team is an entry level dance team made up of only 9 th graders. Additional dancers will also have the opportunity to audition for the Freshman Dance Team in August during the first week of school. D. What to Wear: Audition: -Black Dance Top, Leotard, Tank Top, or fitted tee, black dance bottoms, dance shoes or barefoot. - Make-up should be worn; including red lipstick. -Hair pulled back in a clean pony tail/bun. --NO JEWELRY OR GUM ALLOWED AT ANY TIME!-- E. What to Bring: LUNCH & WATER In addition to bringing lots of water, your candidate needs to pack a healthy sack lunch. They will have a 30 minute lunch break to eat before auditions begin. Sodas, candy, and sweets are not suggested as these will only supply quick energy and leave your candidate feeling sluggish. Caffeinated energy drinks are not allowed at any time during the audition, i.e. Spark, Red Bull, etc. F. Date & Time of Mandatory Clinic: Registration: 9:00-9:30am May 7, 2016 Audition Date & Times: 9:30-2pm May 7, 2016 LOCATION: Travis High School Gymnasium 11111 Harlem Rd, Richmond TX, 77406 Park in the front of the school and follow the signs to the gym. Candidates will learn the audition dance during the audition clinic. The audition dance may consist of the following, but will not be limited to the following: Battment (kick) Grand jete (leap) Pirouette X leap Pencil turns Splits Chaines turns Arm angles 2016-2017 Page 2

Auditions begin at 9:30am and will end at 2pm, please arrive at 9am to complete your registration prior to the start of tryouts. All candidates are required to stay for the duration of the audition process. Special circumstances must be cleared with the director(s) prior to May 7 th. Candidates will perform the dance routine in small groups in front of a panel of judges. Some candidates may be called back by the judges, and candidates must be present for call backs. The results will be posted by number outside the glass gym doors by 4:30pm. The list of 2016-2017 Charms will also be posted by audition number on the Travis Charms Dance Team website http://www.fortbendisd.com/domain/5102. Should there be any questions, the candidate and their parent(s) have one week to email the Director(s) to schedule a conference. You will only have 5 school days, May 9-13 to conference. --This is a CLOSED CLINIC AND AUDITION--- Only candidates may be present during the clinic and auditions. Please make sure that your candidate has a ride that will pick them up in the front of the school in the circle drive promptly at 2pm. Everyone involved will do everything possible to make auditions a beneficial experience for your child. Self-discipline, promptness, and a positive attitude on your child s part will help. Encourage your child to stretch and practice her smile and dance technique during the days and weeks leading up to auditions. If selected to the Charms Dance Team, all members and at least one parent/guardian are required to attend a mandatory meeting on Tuesday, May 10 th at 6pm in the THS dance studio. At this meeting we will issue the 2016-2017 calendars, try on clothing items and place orders, and clothing payments. Please see the attached payment plan. 2016-2017 Page 3

II. Charms Dance Team Important Dates and Information Parents: This is a brief outline of the very intricate system of Dance Team. We feel that it is necessary for both you and your child to fully understand what will be expected should he/she be chosen to be a part of the Dance Team. Not only is there a large commitment on the individual member s part, there is also a commitment on the parent s part as well. Parents need to plan on volunteering their time throughout the year. Tentative dates have been given, and a concrete calendar will be given out at the parent meeting in May 2016. Please consider the time, effort and commitment to be put forth by both you and your child to make Dance Team a positive experience. A. FBISD Dance Code & Standards of Conduct: Every Dance Team in Fort Bend ISD is governed by the requirements in the Student Handbook (Extracurricular Guideline) along with Fine Arts Manual (Dance Team Code), and the Charms Dance Team Guidelines. Dance Team members are expected to read, study, know and adhere to the policies and procedures of the Dance Team 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and 52 weeks per year. These are available online at www.fortbendisd.com/domain/4632. Dance Team members are official representatives of Travis High School and Fort Bend ISD. Remember, you are choosing to audition to participate in an extracurricular activity. Participation in the Charms Dance Team is a privilege, not a right. Those who are chosen to participate will be held to a higher standard of behavior and performance both inside and outside of school. This will be reviewed in the Charms Dance Team Guidelines in detail at the Charms first team meeting following auditions. Each member must maintain high moral standards and use good judgment at all times inside of school, outside of school, and on social media, displaying exemplary conduct. Conduct must always be exemplary and lady-like. Foul language, poor representation, and public display of affection are unacceptable behaviors. Membership may be terminated for unacceptable standards of conduct as laid out in the Student Handbook (Extracurricular Guideline), Fine Arts Manual (Dance Team Code), and the Charms Dance Team Guidelines. The Charms will be required to adhere to a merit / demerit system. This system will be explained in detail after auditions in the Charms Dance Team Guidelines. B. Absenteeism: In order to maintain the high standards of any Dance Team, absenteeism must be kept to a minimum. Routine doctors appointments, family outings or vacations must be scheduled outside of Dance Team commitments. Please keep in mind that all events/functions in which the Dance Team participates, such as football games, parades, contests and dance rehearsals, etc. are required and not optional for all members unless stated otherwise by the directors. All absences must be reported to the Directors before the Charms class period and/or practice to be excused. C. Academics: The Charms Dance Team falls under the UIL No Pass, No Play rule. To be eligible to perform, members must maintain an average of 70 or higher in all classes. If a student fails two 9 weeks, she is removed from the Charms Dance Team. D. Yearly Rehearsal Schedule: The Charms Dance Team performs at numerous activities and events throughout the school year. It is essential to the success of these performances that each Charm attends all practices and rehearsals with limited exceptions as preapproved by the director(s). Please keep in mind this schedule is tentative, and this is just to give you an idea of the time commitment involved. Page 4

Being a member of the Charms Dance Team does not guarantee placement in every performance routine. Auditions will take place for all football features, pep rally routines, basketball features, contest pieces, and spring show dances. Not everyone will make every dance. These auditions are held by the Director(s), and possibly outside judges if the director(s) choose to bring in outside judges. Auditions are for the purpose of a grade as well as placement in the upcoming performance. Spring / Summer 16 Schedule: o Belles Junior Dance Clinic- Saturday, April 9 th, 9am-12:30- Highly Recommended o Mandatory Parent Meeting, May 10 th, 6-9pm o Team Meet & Great, May 12 th, 4:30-6pm o Team Practices, May 19 & 26, 4:30-6pm o Summer Technique Sessions Mandatory if in town. June 16, 2016: 10am-12n June 30, 2016: 10am-12n July 14, 2016: 10am-12n July 21, 2016: 10am-12n o Mandatory Camp Meeting, July 22 nd, 10am-12n o Mandatory Summer Camp @ Sugarland Marriot, July 26-29 o Mandatory Summer Practice, August 2, 3, & 4, 8am-12n / August 11 & 18, 3:30-5pm 16 Fall Schedule: o Fall Fundraisers o Mandatory Charms Class Period & After-school Practices 2 nd Period Tuesday & Thursday after school practices 2:40-4:30pm through Oct. 31 st Monday & Wednesday after school practice 2:40-4:30pm Nov. 1 thru May 2017 Tuesday & Wednesday after school during weeks with a Thursday football game. o Four Varsity Football Games (Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays) Pre-Game & Stand Routines o BBQ Fundraiser / Homecoming Pep Rally o Holiday Dance Concert, December 1st o Charms Dance Team Winter Social 17 Spring Schedule: o Mandatory Charms Class Period & After-school Practices 2 nd Period Monday & Wednesday after school practices 2:40-4:30pm o Tentative Wednesday Night Rehearsals (1-2 in January/February) o Tentative Saturday Rehearsal (1-2 in January/February) o Team Competitions (1-2 in February and/or March, dates to be determined) o Basketball Game Performance o Belles Jr. Dance Clinic o Bellissimo Spring Show o End of Year Social E. Fundraising: There will be a few fundraisers throughout the year to help the Charms Dance Team with the funding for dance team needs including but not limited to costumes for competition and spring show as well as cost incurred from competition entry fees and team social fees. It is expected that each member participate in the fundraisers as all funds raised will benefit each team member F. Item List / Camp Required Payments: All Dance Team members are required to purchase the mandatory team items as laid out below. You and your student are responsible for purchasing practice clothes, shoes, team bag(s), spirit attire, and any other item(s) the director includes on Page 5

the team item list in the spring, in addition to team fees, and summer camp. ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON- REFUNDABLE, regardless of reason for cancellation. CHARMS PAYMENT PLAN A payment plan is provided for all Charms members. If a payment plan is not needed, individuals can pay in one lump sum on May 10 th. If an individual needs the monthly totals to be lower payments, stretching out the time period for the payment plan, this can be worked out. Charms Dance Team Level 1 Payment Schedule: All Checks Due on May 10, 2016 with the Following Dates Dated May 10, 2016 o Team Fee Payment #1: $150 o Item List Payment #1: $100 Dated June 1, 2016 o Team Fee Payment #2: $150 o Item List Payment #2: $100 or Final Balance Dated July 6, 2016 o Final Fee Payment #3: $195 o Item List Payment #3: $50 or Final Balance Dated August 3, 2016: o Final Item List Payment #3: Final Clothing Balance o *See below on how to calculate the final clothing payment. Item List Total Item List Amount Paid To Date = Final Item List Payment Due Example: If your daughter ordered $425.50 in clothing and you have paid $100 on May 10 th, $100 post-dated check for June 1 st, $50 post-dated check for July 6, this is how it would be tallied: $425.50 (grand total) - $250 (paid to date) = $175.50 postdated for August 3 rd is your Final Item List payment. Approximate Item List & Team Fees Item List: $189-$430 The Item List includes practice wear, spirit wear, dance undergarments, and shipping. This range is from returning members to new members. Many of the items will be used again in the future year for Charms and Belles. Team Camp/Fees: $495 This includes team camp (workshops, choreography, meals, & lodging), in house camp, summer master classes, clinicians/choreographers, social events, and tailgates. Lucky Charms: $50 This includes items purchased individually for team mate to team mate goodie giving throughout the year. Other costs incurred throughout the year that are OPTIONAL: o Tentative dance convention attendance (approx. $200-$300 per person). o Solos, ensembles, duets and trios entry fees o Meals at competitions attended throughout the year. Page 6

Below is a Sample Item List from last year. Similar items will be on next year s item list which will be presented at the parent meeting on May 10 th. The 2016-17 Item List is mandatory for all Charms Dance Team members. Sample Item List from 2015-16 Black Racerback Practice Top $ 16.50 Tank #1 with Screen Print $ 16.50 Tank #2 with Screen Print $ 16.50 Black Short Shorts $ 23.00 Capri Pant $ 24.50 Skin Tone Jazz Shoes (Tan or Mocha) $ 35.00 Foot Undeez (Tan or Expresso) $ 19.00 Football: Convertible Tights (JazzyTan or Mocha) $ 13.50 Contest: Stirrup Tights (Coffee) - Only Avail. Waist $ 13.50 Contest: Stirrup Tights (JazzyTan) - Body Tight $ 19.00 New! Padded Skin Tone Bra with Clear Straps (Nude or Dark Nude) $ 26.50 Cami Bra $ 13.50 Sports Bra $ 13.50 Holiday Concert Tee $ 20.00 Bellissimo Tee $ 16.00 Charms Back Pack $ 26.50 Charms Friday Tee $ 25.00 Warm-Up Jacket $ 52.00 Field Poncho $ 13.00 Team Earrings $ 13.50 Team Bow $ 6.50 Shipping and Handling $ 7.00 Page 7

2016-2017 CHARMS DANCE TEAM TRYOUT REMINDERS Date & Location Event Details What to Wear 9:00am-2pm Sat., May 7, Travis High School Gymnasium Candidates will learn the audition dance. The length of auditions will be from 9:30am-2pm with registration starting at 9:00am. Candidates will perform the audition dance routine in small groups in front of a panel of judges. There may be call backs, and candidates must be present for call backs. The results will be posted by number outside the glass gym doors by 4:30pm. The list of 2016-2017 Charms will be posted by audition number on the Travis Dance website following auditions, under the charms tab, www.travisdance.weebly.com. Black Dance Top, Leotard, Tank Top, or fitted tee Black dance bottoms Dance shoes or barefoot Hair pulled back in a clean pony tail/bun. Performance make-up. Red Lipstick NO JEWELRY OR GUM ALLOWED AT ANY TIME! Bring your healthy sack lunch and water! REQUIRED PAPERWORK All paperwork due at 9am on Sat, May 7. Candidates will need to turn in all of the following paperwork 1. Permission form 2. Information Sheet 3. Copy of 3rd Nine Weeks Report Card Please bring four or more safety pins to attach your tryout number to your top. This is a CLOSED Audition. Page 8

2016-2017 CHARMS DANCE TEAM CANDIDATE PARENT PERMISSION FORM - PERMISSION TO AUDITION Please write legibly in blue/black pen. I have read the information pertaining to the Travis Charms Dance Team auditions. I understand the commitment, time, expense and discipline that will be required, and I am willing to put forth the effort necessary in order to fulfill all the requirements of the Travis Charms Dance Team. I understand that the expectations listed in the Student Handbook (Extracurricular Guideline), Fine Arts Manual (Dance Team Code), and the Charms Dance Team Guidelines must be followed in order to retain membership of the Travis Charms Dance Team. I understand the judges decision is final in selecting the 2016-2017 Travis Charms Dance Team. Candidate s Signature Date I have read the information pertaining to the Travis Charms Dance Team auditions. I will support my student throughout the audition process and encourage should he/she be selected to the Travis Charms Dance Team. I understand the audition procedure and general information. I understand fully the expense, time, commitment and discipline necessary of my student to maintain the high standards of the Dance Team. I understand that should any academic or discipline situation arise, that my student is subject to suspension or removal from the Charms Dance Team as laid out in the Student Handbook (Extracurricular Guideline), Fine Arts Manual (Dance Team Code), and the Charms Dance Team Guidelines. I am also aware of the out-of-pocket expenses involved with dance team and will pay these costs by the dates specified. I understand that if these payments are not received prior to the delivery of items ordered, then the student will not be given clothing until the balance is received. I am also aware that my student will be placed on performance probation and the THS fines list at school if all fees are not paid by the date they are due. If I need to work out a payment plan, I will contact one of the directors immediately upon receiving the detailed item list. I understand the judges decision is final in selecting the 2016-2017 Travis Charms Dance Team. I give my child permission to audition for the Dance Team and understand that the judge s decision is final. Parent s Signature Date Page 9

CHARMS INFORMATION PAGE 2016-2017 Write Legibly in Blue or Black Ink. Please PRINT. Name: Last First MI Current Grade Level: 8 9 10 Student ID # Address City Zip Home Phone # Cell Phone # Birthday: ID #: Student Email Address Mom s Name Mom s Email Address Mom s Cell Phone # Mom s Work Phone # Dad s Name Dad s Email Address Dad s Cell Phone # Dad s Work Phone # Please list additional contact in case of an emergency. Name Phone # Relationship 2016-2017 Page 10