Marengo Community High School Dance Team (also referred to as Poms) 2013-2014 Try-out Packet Clinics

Marengo Community High School

Dance Team

(also referred to as Poms)

2013-2014
Try-out Packet
Clinics: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, May 6^th, 7^th and 8^th from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

We will meet in the Commons of Marengo Community High School.

TRY- OUTS: Friday, May 10^th at 3:30 p.m. We will meet in the Auditorium.

Thank you for your interest in trying out for Marengo Community High School’s Dance Team. Tryouts require preparation and organization in order to be successful. Below is information that will help you with this process.

The information in this packet has been prepared to provide you with all you will need to better understand the Dance program, and what is expected of you, should you be selected as a dancer on the Dance Team.
This tryout application is also available for download at www.mchs154.org.
PARENTS AND CANDIDATES – PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY!
TRY-OUT CLINICS

There will be three clinics held on Monday, May 6^th; Tuesday, May 7^th and Wednesday, May 8^th from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. in the Commons. You MUST attend two of the three clinics in order to be eligible to try-out. It is highly recommended that you attend all three days. If you have a conflict due to another sport or activity, please contact Mrs. Mackey so that we can work with you.

All forms must be completed and turned in prior to tryouts on the Friday, May 10^th . All candidates will learn a short dance routine and be asked to demonstrate proper techniques for full turns, toe touches and a separate 8 count move that you will be judged on. Attached is a checklist to help you prepare for the clinics.
TRY-OUTS

Try-outs will be Friday, May 10^th in the Auditorium. We will begin with warm-ups at 3:30, and run through the routine as a group. You will be given a few minutes to refresh yourselves and actual tryouts will begin promptly at 4:15. Each candidate will try-out to the same short routine in small groups. You will be judged on your knowledge of the routine, and skill, as well as crowd appeal. Try-outs will be judged by qualified coaches and expert dancers. A list of those who made the team will be posted outside the Copy Room (1404), Marengo Dance Team Facebook page, and on the website no later than 8 a.m. on Monday, May 13^th.

PRACTICE/GAME SCHEDULE

Subject to change…The Dance Season is predominantly Winter Sport Season. There will most likely be a few football performances as well, including Homecoming. Practices will be announced, and will generally be four times a week (M – Th) from 3:15 – 5:00 p.m. MCHS Dance Team will perform at all home boy’s varsity basketball games, as well as selected girl’s varsity basketball games. MCHS Dance will also compete in several competitions through IHSA during the Winter Sport Season, as well as other potential local events. Attendance at ALL practices, games and competitions are mandatory, unless excused by the coaches prior to the practice/event.
CODE OF CONDUCT

Once you are selected to be part of the Marengo Community High School Dance Team, you will receive a contract of conduct and must agree to follow all rules set forth by Marengo Community High School and the MCHS Dance Team. You must be in accordance with the expectations of all participants in an extra-curricular activity in regards to attendance and grade eligibility. You must be considered “sports eligible” and have good attendance in order to participate on the MCHS Dance Team.

Also, effective January 1, 2007, the code of conduct is in effect twelve months of the year, seven days a week, twenty four hours a day, in AND out of season, and on and off school grounds. An individual participating in any extra-curricular activity will face appropriate disciplinary consequences for violating each code.
COST

As described below, the MCHS Dance Team will be participating in fund raisers to help financially support the team. However, there will be some costs that incur, that each dancer will be responsible for, including but not limited to uniform accessories (described below), plus any potential camp apparel. Uniform accessories include the purchase of warm-up jacket or team hoodie, dance shoes (2 – 3 pair, different styles), jazz pants, socks and briefs. Additional items may be added as decided upon by the team.

FUNDRAISING

Each dancer will be asked to participate in fundraising efforts. This money will go toward competition fees and costumes.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Parent support is vital to the success of any team! As we head into a new year, your support continues to be very important in setting the standard for the success of the program for years to come! We hope to develop a strong dance family between dancers, parents and coaches! Parents are encouraged to attend all games and competitions, as well as contribute in fundraising activities at the request of the coaches.

Feel free to direct any further questions you may have in regard to developing the MCHS Dance Team to Tami Mackey (815/245-5728…or email at [e-mail]). We are excited, and look forward to the 2013-2014 season!



MCHS DANCE CLINIC/TRYOUT CHECKLIST

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  For clinics, please wear comfortable athletic type clothes and appropriate gym or dance shoes.
  
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  No eating or gum chewing is permitted.
  
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  NO JEWELRY! (i.e., piercings, rings, watches, bracelets, etc.)
  
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  Bring water bottles, it is important to stay hydrated.
  
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  Come prepared to work, learn, and enjoy! Good Luck!
  
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  For try-out day, please wear black pants/shorts, a solid white top, and appropriate gym or dance shoes. Hair should be neat and away from face.
  

The following information will be helpful as you prepare for MCHS Dance tryouts. We will be looking for:

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  Hard work and willingness to try
  
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  Spirit, energy, enthusiasm and crowd appeal!!!
  
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  Proper poms/dance technique and sharp motions
  
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  Flexibility
  
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  Showmanship and professionalism
  
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  Toe touches
  
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  Full turn (pirouette)
  
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  A positive attitude and spirit, which reflects upon the pride of Marengo Community High School.
  

Any questions? Please contact Mrs. Mackey (815/245-5728).

PERMISSION FORM FOR MCHS DANCE TRY-OUTS

All candidates must return completed forms by the try-out date on Friday, May 10^th.

My child, ________________________ has my permission to try-out for the Dance Team at Marengo Community High School. I understand that she must abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the IHSA, the MCHS Dance Team coaches and the extra-curricular activities code of ethics for MCHS as stated in the student handbook. I understand that the MCHS Dance Team has a demanding schedule and that should my daughter/son be selected, must be present at all practices and games set by the MCHS Dance Team coaches. I understand that my daughter/son is responsible for keeping up with their academic responsibilities as well. I understand that the violation of any rules or commitments may lead to temporary or permanent suspension from the team.
I understand that all forms attached must be turned in by the tryout date, Friday, May 10^th, or my daughter/son will not be allowed to tryout. I understand that my daughter/son must attend all clinics (unless excused by the coach) or my daughter/son will not be considered for a position on the team.
I understand that my daughter/son will be evaluated by qualified judges and coaches, and we agree to abide by the decision of these individuals.
I understand that MCHS Dance Teams has costs as discussed at the clinics and in this packet including, but not limited to, dance shoes, jazz pants, socks and briefs, as well as costs needed to participate in camp and competitions.
I understand that the MCHS Dance Team season runs from September through February and that other activities during this time will be very limited.
I understand by the very nature of the activity that dancing carries a risk of physical injury. No matter how careful the participant and the coaches may be, that risk cannot be eliminated. The risk of injury may include: muscle pulls, sprains, dislocation and broken bones. I understand these risks and will not hold Marengo Community High School or any of its personnel responsible in the case of accident or injury at any time.

Parent or Guardian___________________________________ Date____________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
I am interested in being a member of the Dance Team at Marengo Community High School. I understand the risks stated above. If selected, I promise to abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the coaches and MCHS. I promise to cooperate and follow the instructions of the coaches. I understand that ALL practices and games, as well as competition and camp are mandatory. I understand that attending camp is highly recommended to improve and bond as a team.
I understand that the MCHS Dance Team season runs from September through February and that other activities during this time will be very limited.

Student Signature___________________________________ Date____________________

CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
Explain why you want to be on the MCHS Dance Team.


What do you think it means to be a member of the MCHS Dance Team?


How does responsibility come into play with being a member of the MCHS Dance Team?


List five personal strengths that would make you a good dance candidate.


In what ways would you be a good leader?


If you were asked to try something new, but weren’t sure if you could do it, what would you do?


Are you currently a member of a club, organization and/or team which could potentially conflict with practice times or performance events? If yes, please list.


As a member of the MCHS Dance Team, you should be proud of your school and community. What community volunteer work would you suggest the team do this next school year?


Health related:
Are you currently taking any medication? If so, please list.


Are you allergic to any medication? If so, please list.


Name of personal physician and physician’s phone number:

MARENGO COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL

The parent and/or student has requested that the teacher fill in this report in class today and return to the student by the end of the period.
DATE:___________________ STUDENT:______________________________________

TEACHER/CLASS		GRADE		MISSING ASSIGNMENTS/COMMENTS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

TEACHER EVALUATION FOR DANCE TRYOUTS
Please complete the following form and return it in a sealed envelope no later than noon on Thursday, May 9^th. Evaluations can be returned to the office at your respective school, and will be picked up by the coach, or other representative, Thursday afternoon.
Teacher evaluations will be added in with the other evaluation forms used during tryouts and will make a difference in total points. It is important that you rate the student according to how YOU feel the student does in your class(es). Please be realistic as well as fair. These evaluations will not be shared with the student. They will be confidential and tallied by the coaches.
Thank you for your time and cooperation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Name of Candidate:__________________________________________________________________________________
Class(es) Taught:____________________________________________________________________________________
Approx. GPA:_______________________________________
Has this student ever needed to be disciplined by you, and if so, what was the offense?___________________________

On a scale of 1 to 5, please rate the candidate in each of these areas: 1 = low 5 = high

_____ Ability to get along with others
_____ Attitude
_____ Cooperation
_____ Attendance and punctuality
_____ Dependability
_____ Demonstrates leadership qualities
(Optional) Comments:____________________________________________________________________________

Signature of Teacher:_________________________________________________ Date:_____________________

Name of School:_________________________________________________________________________________