1 UMDT Audition Packet 2018-2019
2018-2019 AUDITION PACKET University of Minnesota Dance Team AUDITION SCHEDULE: DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION Friday, April 27 5:00-5:30pm Registration William s Arena/Sports Pav 5:30-10:00pm Clinic 1925 University Ave SE Minneapolis, MN 55455 Saturday, April 28 9:00am-12:00pm Clinic 1:00-5:00pm Clinic Sunday, April 29 9:00am-12:00pm Interviews at Spirit Squad Office 1:00-5:00pm Final Auditions 6:00-9:00pm Official 2018-2019 Mandatory Team Meeting It is important that you read and fully understand the enclosed information. Give serious thought to the level of commitment you must make if you are chosen to be part of this program. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the University of Minnesota Spirit Squad Office at 612-624-7367. Thank you for your interest and GOOD LUCK. 2
Letter from the Head Coach Dear Spirit Squad Prospect: Joining the Spirit Squad program at the University of Minnesota, means joining a rich tradition and a legacy that started over 100 years ago. Cheerleading was invented in 1898 on the University of Minnesota campus, and our founder s spirit and pride continue today. Very few people have had the privilege of participating in America s ORIGINAL cheerleading program. Within the last decade, our teams have had a variety of notable accomplishments. Goldy Gopher has won 4 Mascot National Championships, finished top 5 for the last 14 years, and twice named NCAA/ESPN Mascot of the year. The Hockey Cheer Team is comprised of talented figure skaters and has been recognized on ESPN, Sports Illustrated, USFS Skating Magazine and is among the top Hockey Cheerleading teams in the country. The Co-ed Cheer Team has consistently placed among the top 10 teams in the country in one of the most competitive divisions at UCA College Cheer Nationals and finished 2 nd place in Game Day in 2018. Additionally, the U of M s All-Girl Cheer Team, over the last 10 years, has finished top 5 four times in the most competitive division at UCA College Cheer Nationals. The Dance Team has won 18 National Championships and is by far the winningest athletic team on the U of M campus, winning 10 Jazz titles and 8 Pom titles. Along with this great history comes a very serious sense of responsibility. As a Spirit Squad member you are a representative not only of the athletic teams and department you support at this University, but also the entire State of Minnesota. You are the most visible ambassadors we have, and it is expected that you conduct yourself accordingly on and off the playing field. The Spirit Squad is comprised of 6 teams and over 100 dedicated student-athletes who devote 15-20 hours weekly to practices, games, special appearances, camps/clinics, fundraising events, and competitions. Spirit Squad athletes are also expected to maintain high academic standards and carry a full credit load. Because of these responsibilities, we are looking for skilled and talented athletes, and well-rounded students, who embrace the ability to be coached, as well as find a healthy balance between athletics, school, family, and friends. Our team members come from across the country and many from diverse backgrounds in dance, cheerleading, gymnastics, and skating. The common-ground amongst all of our program athletes is their dedication and commitment to this program. Our athletes believe that improving as individuals, helps their team improve as well. We are excited for your interest and believe that the rewards from this experience cannot be measured. Imagine the excitement that comes with being part of a Big Ten athletic department, performing at some of the biggest, nationally televised games, traveling to storied venues around the country, and competing against some of the top cheerleading and dance programs in the nation. Every once in awhile you come across an opportunity and make a decision that will change your life, securing friends for a lifetime and your place in history forever. Sincerely, Coach Owens, Head Spirit Squad Coach 3
DESCRIPTION/COMMITMENT DANCE TEAM: The University of Minnesota Dance Team consists of all female dancers who perform at home football and men s basketball games, with an opportunity to travel for away football and basketball tournaments. The University of Minnesota Dance Team also competes nationally at UDA College National Championships, winning 18 titles since 2003. The team has also been chosen as Team USA twice in the last 10 years, earning gold medals in Jazz (2010) and Freestyle Dance (2010 and 2014), in addition to a silver medal in Hip Hop (2010) and Jazz (2014). Members of the dance team also perform at a variety of off-campus appearances and participate in Spirit Squad fundraisers. The commitment is year-round beginning each year at auditions. The University of Minnesota Dance Team is one of the most elite programs in the nation. If the idea of involvement in your school, completing nationally and taking your abilities to the next level interests you, then this team is for you. Practice Schedule Summer Mandatory Dates (Exact times TBA) Dance Intro Week June 4-6 UDA College Camp June 21-24 Practice begins mid-july (exact dates TBA) Spirit Squad Retreat July 28-July 29 Dance Team Report Date August 20 th School Year Practice Schedule (Exact dates and times TBA) **YOU MUST SCHEDULE CLASSES AROUND PRACTICES, CONDITIONING, AND GAMES Practice begins after camp and runs through March Fall Semester Tues/Thurs evenings, Sunday afternoon, additional Fridays (home football) Spring Semester Tues/Thurs evening, Sunday afternoon Special Events/Appearances Each Spirit Squad member is required to attend additional Athletic Department appearances. When preparing for Nationals, there will be additional practices including some 2/day practices during University breaks. Team activities do not stop during Holiday Breaks/Spring Break. Expenses: Scholarships: Team fee ($500) is required by all team members. All travel, hotel accommodations, per diem, uniforms, costumes and choreography expenses are provided by the University of Minnesota Spirit Squad. In the event you choose not to honor your commitment and finish the season or you are dismissed from the program, you will be required to reimburse the U of M for the payments that have been made on your behalf. Members are awarded an allotment for books each semester. A very limited number of scholarships may be available to third and fourth year team members. 4
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS ELIGIBILITY: Auditions are open to individuals who have been accepted by the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities for Fall Semester 2018. All participants, including transfer students and current team members, must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and have graduated from high school. Incoming students must bring a copy of their letter of acceptance on the first day of tryouts. Current U of M students must bring an unofficial transcript. AUDITION PROCESS: Auditions are held over multiple sessions with cuts occurring at the end of every session. During each session, you will be observed by the coaches and a judging panel. If you qualify for the final audition, you will be asked to perform choreography, technical skills and interview with the coaching staff. The final decisions are made by the coaches. Auditions are CLOSED to the public. AUDITION ATTIRE: Dancers should wear fitted clothing. Most choose to wear spandex shorts/briefs and a sports bra/crop top. There are no specific color requirements. Dancers should look presentable, with no excess jewelry. SKILLS: You will be asked to execute the skills listed below for auditions. In addition to the skills listed, you will be observed throughout the clinics on your attitude, ability to learn, enthusiasm, projection and overall performance. We will be looking for your ability and potential to become a collegiate dancer. NOTE: Auditions for the University of Minnesota Dance Team are ONLY held in the Spring. AUDITION MATERIAL: CHOREOGRAPHY Jazz combination taught at auditions 2-4 eight count combinations choreographed by YOU. This should incorporate your strengths. o Music will be provided at auditions, so your choreography should be adaptable to various styles and tempos. o You will have time during the audition process to choreograph and work on this material. 4 eight count pom combination taught at auditions. TECHNIQUE: TURNS o Pirouettes: Double, Triple and Quadruple o A la seconds ACRO o Aerial, front/back walkover, etc. LEAPS o Jete o Open Second o Calypso o Firebird JUMPS o Toe Touch (or Russian) o Jump combination INTERVIEW WITH COACHING STAFF: Conducted with individuals that make it to the final round of auditions 5
2018-2019 Spirit Squad Application Please place an X next to the team you wish to try out for, or rank the teams if you are interested in more than one: Dance Team Please attach current photo PERSONAL INFORMATION: Name: (First) (Last) (Middle) Cell Phone: Email address: Parents Name(s): Parent # 1Address: Parent #1 Phone: (First) (Last) / (First) (Last) (Street) (City) (State) (Zip Code) Parent # 2 Name: (If different from above) (First) (Last) Parent # 2 Address: (If different from above) (Street) (City) (State) (Zip Code) Parent #2 Phone: SCHOOL INFORMATION Year in College for the 2018-2019 School year: Fr So Jr Sr 5 th Year Major: U of M Student ID Number: Date of Birth: Will you have any conflicts over the summer? If so, please explain. Why do you want to be a part of the U of M Dance Team? (please explain) 6
APPLICATION CHECKLIST The following is a checklist to help ensure you are prepared for auditions. Please follow these instructions carefully and bring your completed packet/application with you to registration. IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU HAVE ALL ITEMS ON THIS LIST TO TURN IN AT REGISTRATION. You will not be able to participate in any portion of the audition process without complete forms (including any missing information on the forms) - this includes veteran/returning members. 1. Application/ Picture (attached -- packet page 6) a. All applicants must complete form. b. Please attach a current photo. 2. Try-out Fee: $50 cash or check made out to University of Minnesota 3. Waiver Form: http://www.gophersports.com/sportsmed/spiritsquad.html a. All applicants must complete and sign the Waiver Form no substitutions. b. If you are under the age of 18, you must have a guardian s signature. 4. Demographic/Insurance Form: http://www.gophersports.com/sportsmed/spiritsquad.html a. All applicants must complete both pages of the Medical Insurance Form. b. Attached to this form, all applicants must provide a photocopy of the front and back of your medical insurance card. c. Be sure to complete the form in full i.e. Policy Holder Information, DOB, etc. and it must be signed. d. Must complete the U of M Insurance Form no substitutions will be accepted. 5. Pre-Participation Physical/Heath History Form: http://www.gophersports.com/sportsmed/spiritsquad.html a. New candidates only. b. Must be completed within the past year (from tryout date). c. Must indicated or be marked Cleared for participation. d. MUST be signed by an MD or DO e. If applicant is under the age of 18, it must co-signed by a guardian. 6. Sickle Cell Trait Testing Waiver: http://www.gophersports.com/sportsmed/spiritsquad.html a. New candidates only. 7. Proof of Admission a. Copy of acceptance letter for incoming freshmen/transfer students b. Unofficial copy of transcript for current University of Minnesota students c. New candidates only. 7
2018 Gopher Football Schedule Date Opponent / Event Location 08/30/18 vs. New Mexico State Minneapolis, Minn. 09/08/18 vs. Fresno State Minneapolis, Minn. 09/15/18 vs. Miami (Oh) Minneapolis, Minn. 09/22/18 at Maryland College Park, Md. 10/06/18 vs. Iowa (Homecoming) Minneapolis, Minn. 10/13/18 at Ohio State Columbus, Ohio 10/20/18 at Nebraska Lincoln, Neb. 10/26/18 vs. Indiana Minneapolis, Minn. 11/03/18 at Illinois Champaign, Ill. 11/10/18 vs. Purdue Minneapolis, Minn. 11/17/18 vs. Northwestern Minneapolis, Minn. 11/24/18 at Wisconsin Madison, Wis. 8