Line Tryout Packet 2018-2019
Dear Southern Belle Hopeful and Parents, We are excited to know that you want to audition to be a member of our Varsity Dance/Drill Team, the Award Winning Southern Belles. We feel that drill team is one of the best organizations at South Garland High School because the Belles have worked hard to maintain the high standards that have been established for over 50 years. We know that for most of you, drill team may be a new experience, but we assure you that there are many rewards to being a member. As a Southern Belle, your child will be held to a higher standard and will be regarded as a leader for the school. With that being said, Belles must maintain high grades, behave and represent the team with manners and class, practice long hours and attend numerous functions throughout the year. They will also develop lasting friendships with their teammates while working closely together, developing respect for one another, and creating countless of fun memories with their each other! Besides our performances at football games, basketball games, community events and competitions, we have an annual formal banquet, holiday parties, and possible trips. However, the biggest and best reward for a Southern Belle is the development of self-confidence and school pride. You will learn the meaning after hearing the applause of an audience, and the compliments from your teachers and community! In addition, drill team will prepare you to be a well-rounded person who is responsible, self-disciplined and always proud. Our drill team will provide you with instant friendships while teaching you discipline, perseverance, self-motivation, manners, respect, and true Colonel Pride! It is our desire that your time as a Southern Belle, whether it is one year or three years, be a rewarding and learning experience for you. Your decision to be a part of the Southern Belle legacy is an important one. You must dedicate many hours of HARD WORK for personal and team improvement, but most importantly, you must WANT to be a Southern Belle. We hope to see you at tryout clinics! Sincerely, Miriam Vera Southern Belle Director Caroline Luckau Assistant Director/Dixie Darlings Director Page 2
Southern Belle Application South Garland High School Full Name: (Last) (First) (Middle) Home Address: (Zip Code) Home Phone Number: Age: ID# Student Cell Phone: Parent Cell Phone: CLASSIFICATION Now: (Circle One) 9 th Grade 10 th Grade 11 th Grade Mother s Name: Work/Cell Phone: Father s Name: Work/Cell Phone: Do you work? If so, where do you work? # of hours per week: Would your job interfere with Practices or Performances? Have you ever been in a Drill Team, Dance Team or Similar Activity?: If so, what type of activity? Have you ever taken dance lessons? Where and how long? What other clubs or organizations are you involved in at South Garland or outside of school? Why are you interested in becoming a Southern Belle? I have read all the rules and regulations of the Southern Belles and will participate in all required activities. I understand there are tryouts for each performance as well as yearly tryouts. I understand to remain eligible; Belles must pass all courses each six weeks. I will abide by the GISD Drill Team Constitution. I understand that I will be required to attend all mandatory practices and make all required payments on time. Candidate Signature Date Page 3
SOUTHERN BELLE CANDIDATE PARENTAL CONSENT FORM My daughter/son,, and I have discussed the responsibilities of (Student s Printed Name) being a member of the Southern Belles Varsity Drill Team, such as the financial responsibility, time commitment, physical involvement, performance tryouts and yearly tryouts. I understand my child s obligations and responsibilities as a member of the Belles, and I will assist my child with his/her individual assignments and responsibilities for the entire year. I have read and understand the GISD regulations; my child and I will abide by all expectations. I am aware of the extra expenses and time involved with being on drill team, and I will help my child with these obligations. My child and I are aware of the Varsity Drill Team Constitution and I will ensure that my child follows all guidelines. In addition, I will make all required payments on time. Lastly, I give my permission for my child to participate in the tryouts clinics and audition process, and I understand that the judges decisions will be final. Have you signed a choice of school form stating South Garland High School as your choice of school for the 2018-2019 School Year? (yes or no) Parent/Guardian (Printed Name) Signature of Parent/Guardian Date Parent/Guardian (Printed Name) Signature of Parent/Guardian Date Thank you, Miriam Vera Southern Belle Director South Garland High School In case of an emergency, please contact (Person s Name) (relation to student) at. (Cell Phone Number) Page 4
SOUTHERN BELLE CANDIDATE HEALTH FORM TO THE PARENT: AS A MEMBER OF THE SOUTHERN BELLES, YOUR CHILD WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, AND COMPETITION SEASONS: 1. Approximately two (2) hours of strenuous physical activity per day 2. Participation in half time performances at all varsity football games and selected basketball games. Participation in parades and competition. This involves physical and emotional stress 3. Extra time spent at home and school in meetings and other activities related to Southern Belles. BECAUSE OF THE STRENUOUSNESS OF THE ACTIVITIES, SOUTHERN BELLES MUST BE IN GOOD HEALTH AND PRACTICE GOOD HEALTH HABITS. PLEASE CHECK AND SIGN BELOW: 1. Any health weakness such as a bad back, weak knees, weak ankles, and so on that would prohibit your child from giving her best possible performance? Yes No If yes, please explain: 2. Does your child take any medication that would cause harm if your child exerted herself too much? Yes No If yes, please explain: 3. I believe that my child is in good health and practices good health habits. Yes No If no, please explain: 4. My child may participate in dance/drill team. Yes No If no, please explain: 5. My child may begin practicing jump splits. Yes No If no, please explain: PARENT Printed Name CANDIDATE Printed Name PARENT S SIGNATURE Date CANDIDATE SIGNATURE Date Page 5
SOUTHERN BELLE TRYOUT INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES The purpose of drill team is to: a. Create school spirit, pride, and loyalty. b. Promote interest in school activities and perform at games. c. Develop responsibility, teach self-respect, encourage honest effort, strive for perfection and develop character. d. Teach teamwork and pride through a quality performance by maintaining high standards. Participation in the drill team, as well as any extra-curricular activity is a privilege and not a right, and the student must meet specific requirements to be selected and to participate. FREE DANCE CLINICS (Before Tryouts recommended, but not required) *Free dance clinics will be taught by the Directors to help prepare candidates for tryouts. *Report to the dance room by 2:45pm, dress out into dance clothes, and be ready to start by 3pm. *Please make sure you have a ride for your 4pm dismissal. Location: (SGHS Dance Studio) Time: 3:00pm-4:00pm Dates: Tuesday, April 3 Wednesday, April 4 Thursday, April 5 Friday, April 6 BELLE HOPEFUL PAPERWORK DEADLINE & TRY-OUT CLINICS ***Try-out Applications must be turned in to the Directors before or by Monday, April 23 rd *** You cannot participate/dance during tryout clinics unless all forms are turned in! Application consists of: 1. Pages 3-5 (application, parental consent and health form) 2. Emergency Medical Release Form 3. A copy of your Physical (exam must be dated after May 1 st 2017) GISD requires new medical forms and physicals every year. (May 1 May 1) If you were in sports, please provide a copy of your 2017-2018 physical form. 4. A copy of your most current report card (including Cycle 1-5) Workshops for tryouts: Monday, April 23 3:00-5:00 p.m. West Gym Tuesday, April 24 3:00-5:00 p.m. West Gym Wednesday, April 25 3:00-5:00 p.m. West Gym Thursday, April 26 3:00-5:00 p.m. West Gym Try-out Date: Friday, April 27 5:00-7:00 p.m. NFHS Main Gym During the workshops, the following will be taught: a. jazz routine (including proper technique) b. kick routine (emphasizing proper kick technique) c. right leg split (focusing on technique and flexibility) d. presentation posture, poise, and projection Be on time and dressed in your choice of tank top or proper fitted t-shirt, tights, or dance pants. Your dance wear must be tight fitting so that we can see your lines and movements as you dance. Wear a cover up when in the hallway of the school. Have your hair up in a ponytail and pulled out of your face. You need to have all of your jewelry off during workshops! Do not leave purses, etc. in the dressing room during rehearsal. Bring all your belongings into the Gym or lock them up. Page 6
AUDITION DAY & CRITERIA Auditions will be conducted Friday, April 27, 2018 at Naaman Forest High School. Details will be provided week of tryouts (where to enter for roll call). Parents are not allowed to stay for tryouts. The candidates will need to arrive by 5:00pm. Our scheduled time of auditions is 6-7pm. WHAT TO WEAR FOR AUDITIONS: *Black fitted tank top, fitted T-shirt, or fitted Long-sleeve. (No crop tops or low cuts by your chest). *Black long leggings for females, black fitted sweatpants for males. (Make sure your leggings are not see-thru, you may want to wear black tights underneath in case they are thin material). *Black or Nude jazz shoes (sold at Academy or payless), or Nude Dance slippers paws. *Left part, Low ponytail (slick back): ponytail hair must be straight or curled, make it presentable *Make-up for females: silver/black eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner optional, blush/bronzer, RED lipstick. The candidates will be judged in the following categories: 1. Image/Presence confidence, posture, projection, and personal appearance (hair, make-up, proper tryout clothing, shoes). 2. Jazz routine technique, extension, execution, strength of movement, memory. 3. Kick routine technique, height/flexibility, stamina, memory 4. Right Leg Splits 5. Overall Impression a. Candidate displays knowledge of basic dance fundamentals, flexibility, jazz technique, and kick technique. b. Candidate displays good memory. c. Candidate displays confidence and projects during performance. Auditions are closed. No one may be in the dressing room with the candidates except the new Belle Officers and Social Council. Callbacks are a definite possibility. You may not leave until you are dismissed. Make sure the dressing room is left clean. RESULTS The 2018-2019 Southern Belle results will be posted in numerical order on the outside door to the front entrance of the East Gym at South Garland High School by the faculty parking lot at approximately 8 pm. Each candidate will receive a link to the GISD website to check the results. Each candidate may request their scores. The director will have those available the week following tryouts. Please check with Ms. Vera in the dance office. There will be a Mandatory New Team Parent Meeting on Wednesday, May 2 nd, at 7:00 pm in the South Garland HS East Gym. All parents are required to attend to finalize and sign off on their Belle invoice! If you are interested in buying extra practice items or pre-used items from former Belles, the Belles Sell- Down Night is also on Wednesday May 2 nd from 6:00-7:00 pm. Prices are recommended but determined by the buyer/seller. Only approved/undamaged items may be sold. Page 7
BELLE HOPEFUL AUDITION TIPS 1. Have a clean black tank top (2-3 inch straps), fitted black T-shirt or long-sleeve top, one pair of fitted black long leggings solid black (Target, Texas Motion Sports, or from an on-line dance store) and clean black/nude jazz shoes or nude dance slippers. (They do not have to be brand new, just not full of holes.) All of the above items will be used in Belles. 2. Style your hair with a left part, low ponytail (straight or curled hair) for females. Slick back hair for males. Please wear enough hair bands or pins so that your hair will stay secure as you dance. 3. Don t overdo your make-up! This is always one of the first mistakes that a drill team candidate makes. Be sure to wear make-up but do not let it be an overpowering part of your appearance. Glitter is not necessary or allowed! 4. Each hopeful will need to wear RED lipstick for try-outs. Any lipstick brand will be fine for auditions. Just make sure it is RED, not brown or pink. 5. Be ready for callbacks in case the judges need to see anyone a second time. Stay stretched and focused. 6. Remember the 3 P s during try-outs: PERFECTION PROJECTION PRECISION Do your very best and convince the judges through your smile and performance how much you really want to be a Southern Belle. WE are looking for potential, so do your best to shine!!! GOOD LUCK TO EACH OF THE CANDIDATES!!!!!!! If you have further questions, please e-mail me at mvera@garlandisd.net JUDGES The judges are from a variety of major drill team companies. All judges will be certified and experienced in the field of drill team and adjudication. There will be 5 judges. The high and low total score will be dropped and the middle 3 will be added together for the final composite score. Each candidate must score a minimum of 60 out of a possible 80 points to in order to be placed on a drill team at GISD. WHAT TO WEAR FOR AUDITIONS 1. Black Fitted Tank Top (2-3 inch strap), Black Fitted T-shirt, Black Fitted Long-sleeve 2. Black Long Leggings (females), Black Fitted Sweatpants (Males) 3. Left Part, low ponytail (slick back, straight or curled hair) 4. Black ankle socks 5. Black or Nude Jazz Shoes, Nude Dance Slippers 6. Bright RED lipstick, silver/black eye shadow, blush/bronzer, mascara Page 8
Name Big Belle Required Expenses 2018-2019 (Estimated expenses of $430-$600), subject to change 3 practice tops & 2 leggings $110.00 (Re-order, if needed) Black high-waist boy shorts $17.00 (Re-order, if needed) Red boy shorts $13.00 (Re-order, if needed) Dance Slippers (leather nude) $18.00 (Re-order, if needed) Halftime Field Boots $65.00 (Re-order, if needed) Field Hat $65.00 (Re-order, if needed) Petticoat Skirt $50.00 (Re-order, if needed) Letterman Jacket $145.00 Stadium Seat (includes screen-print) $35.00 Stadium Seat back screen print $6.00 (Dixies only) Warm-up Jacket with Logo & Name $48.00 (Re-order, if needed) Warm-up Pants $18.00 (Re-order, if needed) Pep-rally Jersey/Top $34.00 (Possible Change, New Top) Red/Blue Pom-poms 5 $24.00 (Re-order, if needed) Hip-Hop Tennis Shoes $43.00 (Possible Change, New Style) Duffel Bag with Logo and Name $35.00 (Big Belles may keep last years) Book Bag with Logo & Name $18.00 Tights #1 Tights #2 $8.00 each (Re-order, if needed) Red Belle Traditional Shirt $22.00 (Re-order, if needed) Black V-neck Belle Top $15.00 (New Item) Homecoming Mum $35.00 (New Item) Prop Fee $25.00 (Team, Individual Fee) Activity & Spring Show Fee $75.00 (Team, Individual Fee) ADTS Team Camp $129.00 (Private Camp Price may change) Shipping & Taxes from invoice Approximately $52.00 Big Belles Payment Plan All payments (Cash or Checks payable to Southern Belles Booster Club) Monday April 30 th $200.00 Deposit Monday May 21 st $50.00-$100.00 All payments must be up to date to attend camp Monday June 18 th $50.00-$100.00 All payments must be up to date to attend camp Monday July 23 rd $50.00-$100.00 All payments must be up to date to perform Monday August 20 th $50.00-$100.00 All payments must be up to date to perform Monday September 17 th $50.00-$100.00 All payments must be up to date to perform Monday October 22 nd $50.00-$100.00 All payments must be up to date to perform Monday November 12 th $50.00-$100.00 All payments must be up to date to perform Monday December 10 th FINAL PAYMENT DUE! *Any items listed above that are purchased from a former Belle during Sell-Down Night, or carried over from Dixies, will be deducted from the total balance, and payments will be adjusted. Fundraisers will be provided for all Belles to participate in only the profit from the sales will go towards their balance as a payment. Fundraisers: Rocky Mountain Apples, Fan shirts, Chocolates Fundraiser, etc Sales Tax and Shipping have been included. Many of these items can be reused each year (Refer to the Big Belle purchase form as an example) Contest Fees The Director will decide how many contests the team will attend each year. Contest Fees will be fundraised and/or paid out of pocket. The fees will depend on the amount of contests and money needed to attend. Money will be fundraised and collected during the months of December, January, and February. Page 9
Name Baby Belle Required Expenses 2018-2019 (Estimated expenses of $850-$1,155), subject to change 3 practice tops & 2 leggings $110.00 Black high-waist boy shorts $17.00 Red boy shorts $13.00 Dance Slippers (leather nude) $18.00 Halftime Field Boots $65.00 Field Hat $65.00 Petticoat Skirt $50.00 Letterman Jacket $145.00 Stadium Seat (includes screen-print) $35.00 Stadium Seat back screen print $6.00 (Dixies only) Warm-up Jacket with Logo & Name $48.00 Warm-up Pants $18.00 Pep-rally Jersey $34.00 (Possible Change, New Top) Red/Blue Pom-poms 5 $24.00 Red Hip-Hop Tennis Shoes $43.00 (Possible Change, New Style) Duffel Bag with Logo and Name $35.00 Book Bag with Logo & Name $18.00 Tights #1 Tights #2 $8.00 each Red Belle Traditional Shirt $22.00 Black V-neck Belle Top $15.00 Homecoming Mum $35.00 Prop Fee $25.00 Activity & Spring Show Fee $75.00 ADTS Team Camp $129.00 Shipping & Taxes from invoice Approximately $68.00 Baby Belles Payment Plan All payments (Cash or Checks payable to Southern Belles Booster Club) Monday April 30 th $300.00 Deposit Monday May 21 st $80.00-$120.00 All payments must be up to date to attend camp Monday June 18 th $80.00-$120.00 All payments must be up to date to attend camp Monday July 23 rd $80.00-$120.00 All payments must be up to date to perform Monday August 20 th $80.00-$120.00 All payments must be up to date to perform Monday September 17 th $80.00-$120.00 All payments must be up to date to perform Monday October 22 nd $80.00-$120.00 All payments must be up to date to perform Monday November 12 th $80.00-$120.00 All payments must be up to date to perform Monday December 10 th FINAL PAYMENT DUE! *Any items listed above that are purchased from a former Belle during Sell-Down Night, or carried over from Dixies, will be deducted from the total balance, and payments will be adjusted. Fundraisers will be provided for all Belles to participate in only the profit from the sales will go towards their balance as a payment. Fundraisers: Rocky Mountain Apples, Fan shirts, Chocolates Fundraiser, etc Sales Tax and Shipping have been included. Many of these items can be reused each year (Refer to the Big Belle purchase form as an example) Contest Fees The Director will decide how many contests the team will attend each year. Contest Fees will be fundraised and/or paid out of pocket. The fees will depend on the amount of contests and money needed to attend. Money will be fundraised and collected during the months of December, January, and February. Page 10
EXPECTATIONS for all SOUTHERN BELLES * Always say, Yes Ma am when corrected or given directions by someone with more authority than you, or by a peer. We practice good manners inside and outside of practice. * Never talk during rehearsals this is expected of ALL Southern Belles! * Be on time for all rehearsals and performances. * Wear the correct attire for all rehearsal and performances. * Always look presentable inside and outside of school. * Put your name on everything that is yours!!!!! It is imperative that you label your items! * Show respect towards the Directors, the Officers, Social Council, and anyone with more authority than you, at all times. * Chewing gum and wearing jewelry during practice is inappropriate and unacceptable. * Wear RED lipstick for every performance unless told that you don t have to. * Keep the Belle dressing room neat and clean at all times!!! No eating allowed inside the locker room or dance studio! * Turn props, money, etc., in on time. (Strive to be early and never late.) * Keep all valuables locked up in your car or locker. (This includes money, jewelry, etc.) * School attendance is very important. You may not miss school, unless it s absolutely unavoidable. * NEVER talk back or respond inappropriately. * Always act, sit, and walk like a lady or gentleman. * Only talk positively about our organization and your fellow Belles. * Set a good example for the Belles and yourself at all times. * Special privileges are earned, and may be taken away as well. Please do not abuse them. * Follow the rules and regulations at all times. * If any problem occurs, go to the Directors or an Officer for help and advice immediately. * Avoid ever receiving point deductions for anything (behavior, forgetting items, etc.) * An appropriate and clean social media is a requirement, otherwise consequences will be assigned! * Be kind and respectful to all, at all time! Page 11
Seasons of a Southern Belle May June July August September October November December Train for Summer Camp Train for Summer Camp & Summer Vacation time (1 month off) Prepare for Summer Camp & Host Private or Commuter Camp Group Dynamix Team Bonding, Train for Football Season & Pep-rallies, New Teacher Breakfast, Colonel Camp, 1 st week of school, 1 st game of Football Season Football Season (pep-rallies, football games, community events, etc.), Labor Day Parade Football Season (pep-rallies, football games, community events, etc.) Football Season (pep-rallies, football games, community events, etc.), Begin Contest Season Continue Contest Season, Support Girls/Boys Basketball Teams (halftime performances), Winter Break --- Winter Break --- January February March April May Basketball Games & Continue Contest Season Regional & State Competitions Out of State Competitions or Nationals, Begin preparing for Spring Show, New Officer/Social Council Auditions Spring Show & District wide Varsity Drill Team try-outs Banquet, Train New Team, and Begin a New Season! *Southern Belles is a year-round commitment with a 1 month summer break, plus holiday breaks throughout the school year! *We intend to work hard, but also have fun as a team! We also plan monthly Team Bonding Activities for our team to unite, relax and make fun memories together (such as movie nights, bowling, picnics, etc.) *Making your monthly payment (on time) is a requirement! *Fundraisers are required to raise money for the team needs (such as contest, spring show and end of the year banquet). Page 12