VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY DANCE TEAM

AUDITION INFORMATION

MAY 4-5, 2012

PLEASE COMPLETE AUDITION PACKET AND REFER TO ALL INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES BELOW

(DanceApp2012_2013) (Qualifications Signature Form)

AUDITION APPLICATION DEADLINE MONDAY, APRIL 30^th

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Must be currently enrolled or accepted to Vanderbilt University. Attach to the application a copy of your official letter of acceptance from Vanderbilt University’s Admissions Office. Current Vanderbilt students should attach Enrollment Verification from the University Registrar and proof of overall GPA. Current students should have a cumulative overall GPA of 2.2 or better.

Dance Team members must be able to attend ALL rehearsals, practices, workouts, games, summer camps or practices, and other related activities during the 2012/2013 year.

Submit the following documentation to be placed on the audition roster: (all forms must have parent signature if student is 18 years or younger)

1. Application with attached 5 x 7 current photograph
2. Proof of Acceptance to Vanderbilt University and GPA
3. Student Athlete Information
4. Physician’s Physical Release Form dated within the last 12 months and signed by a doctor.
5. Consent to Participate Form
6. Copy of Medical Insurance Card (front and back)
7. Vanderbilt University Dance Team Rules and Regulations (signed copy)

Interested Dancers should complete and mail the required documents with a non-returnable photograph to:

Mandy Callahan

Vanderbilt University Audition Application

1229 Habersham Way

Franklin, Tennessee

37067

Mail, UPS, or FedEx to:

APPLICATIONS MUST BE IN BY MONDAY, APRIL 30^th, 2012

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE ON THE VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY DANCE TEAM?

Dancers will be judged on the following criteria:

Dance Technique & Skills Showmanship & Poise Flexibility

Enthusiasm, Energy, & Spirit Personal Appearance Dance Ability

Personal Interview Works well with Team

WHAT SKILLS SHOULD I BE ABLE TO EXECUTE?

The following skills will either be incorporated into the audition dance, or individually judged:

TURNS- Pirouettes-double, triple, or quad (left and right); Fouettes in Second

LEAPS- Grand Jete, Calypso, Leap to Second, Reverse Jetes Special skills can include Disc Jumps, C Jumps, Switch Leaps

FLEXIBILITY- Leg Extensions (front and side) with and/or without hold

Special Notice will be given to those executing advanced skills including aerials, handsprings, Hip Hop Stalls, kip ups, shoulder rolls.

ARE THERE ANY HEIGHT AND WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS?

We do not have specific height and weight requirements. Personal Health and Fitness are an important aspect of the program. Twice yearly Body fat tests may be performed and results will be monitored by a trainer, team Dr, or nutritionist.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO AUDITION?

You should wear a 2-piece ALL BLACK dance attire which may include; Top-dance midriff or athletic sports bra top. Bottoms-dance jazz pants or hot shorts. Skin colored tights are optional. Dance shoes are mandatory.

HOW SHOULD I WEAR MY HAIR AND MAKEUP?

Wear proper makeup that highlights your natural beauty. Hair should be worn in a current hairstyle, and please make sure hair does not hide your face.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO THE AUDITION?

No food or drinks are allowed in tryout area; however you may bring sports drinks, water, or light snacks for breaks.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY APPLICATION WAS RECEIVED?

You will receive a confirmation email that your application was received and being processed. If you have not received email within 10 days after sending application please contact Coach Callahan.

VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY DANCE TEAM

Rules and Regulations

Scholarships and Academics

Dancers will receive a stipend that is credited to the individual’s fall and spring semester account. In the event that a dancer is removed, dismissed, or voluntarily leaves the program, the current scholarship may be reduced or canceled and scholarship monies must be reimbursed to the Vanderbilt University student receivables department. Dancers must participate in all aspects of program to receive a stipend.

Dancers must maintain a 2.2 cumulative GPA; remain a full time student making satisfactory progress toward degree completion.

Performance Functions

Dancers should report and leave performance functions, including games, in official Vanderbilt Dance Team Uniform, applied makeup, and fixed hair.

Any Appearances made by the Dance Team must be set up and approved by the Spirit Director of the Athletic Department.

Dancers shall appear only at events /activities which will reflect positively on them as representatives of the Vanderbilt University Athletic Department.

Performances include home football games including homecoming activities, home basketball games, SEC Tournaments, NCAA Tournaments, Bowl Games, and special events.

Dancers must be at games 1 ½ hours prior to game time. Tardiness can result in a dancer sitting out of game.

Uniform

Basic Uniform is provided consisting of game attire, pom-poms, and half-time or special holiday costumes. Dancer is responsible for their own shoes and tights.

Dance Team is responsible for maintaining all uniforms.

Uniform must be kept clean at all times. Any articles lost or damaged must be paid for by the dance team member.

All uniforms are property of Vanderbilt University and must be turned in before the next season’s auditions.

Uniforms should be worn only by dance team member. Any dancers terminated from the team should return all uniforms immediately to Athletic department.

Smoking or Drinking is NOT ALLOWED while in Vanderbilt University uniforms or practice gear.

Rehearsals and Training

The program consists of team practices, team work outs, and possible technique classes.

Practices are 2 times per week. You are expected to attend ALL PRACTICES. All practices are scheduled around team class schedules and extra practices are scheduled as needed. Practice schedule changes around Fall/Spring Semester Schedule.

Cardiovascular and strength work-outs are required. Morning workouts are held at 6:00am and will be determined at the beginning of the each semester. Attendance at ALL WORKOUTS IS REQUIRED.

Any dancer missing two performances, workouts, practices, or events is subject to dismissal from the team.

TARDINESS IS INEXCUSABLE; a rehearsal tardy will result in extra workouts. Two rehearsals Tardy’s will result in A Performance Sit Out.

Dancers will wear a provided practice uniform at all rehearsals. Rehearsal dress code will be strictly enforced.

General

Program consists of dance technique, cardiovascular, and strength training classes.

Dancers must return to Vanderbilt Campus for summer practices and college dance camp.

Team commitment is for an academic year, and may include Thanksgiving, Spring Break, and a portion of Christmas Break due to athletic tournaments, and rehearsals for Bowl games or Tournaments.

Smoking or Drinking is NOT ALLOWED while “in uniform” or practice wear, during dance team functions, or on official travel with Vanderbilt University. Violations will be subject to serious disciplinary measures and may include dismissal from the team.

Only uniform jewelry is to be worn with the uniform. No body piercing, this also includes the tongue. Only acceptable piercing in the female are the ears.

No exposed tattoos at practices, performances, appearances, or games.

A DUI or any arrest issued to a Vanderbilt Dance Team Member at any time or place may result in termination from the team. An act of stealing will result in termination from the team.

Dancers must conduct themselves in an orderly, professional manner at all times and show respect toward Coaches, Coordinators, team members, University Employees, and Instructors always. They will not use profanity nor pose themselves in an offensive manner toward anyone. Use of profanity at a game or practice will dismiss you from that activity. You may be terminated or suspended for offensive language or activity.

Dancers should maintain a neat personal appearance that represents Vanderbilt University in all its traditions and expectations.

All internet pictures including those on Facebook, My Space, and Twitter should be of a positive, clean nature and should not exhibit any use of alcohol, drugs, misconduct or any association or affiliation of such activity. Misappropriate use of pictures or language on the internet or any publications will be a violation of policy will result in dismissal from team.

 

Auditions and Eligibility

Dancers interested in auditioning for the Vanderbilt University Dance Team must submit the proper applications and documentations by the deadline date.

Current Vanderbilt students or transfers must have a cumulative GPA of 2.2 or better to audition.

Special permission of the Dance Team Coach and Spirit Coach Coordinator is required if a former dance team member wishes to be reinstated after a voluntary absence or team suspension.

Auditions will be held end of April, beginning of May each year and Skills necessary for tryouts will be posted prior to audition. Current Dance Team Members are judged on their overall yearly performance as well as current tryout.

Members must be able to attend all activities related to Vanderbilt Dance Team program including summer practices and camp, rehearsals, work outs, dance technique classes, and athletic events.

Must serve as positive role models and ambassadors of Vanderbilt University and set standards for leadership, academic excellence, and project the goals and ideals of Vanderbilt University.

Maintain a positive attitude and approach every challenge in a professional manner.

Travel

The Spirit Coordinator and Head Dance Team Coach will choose who travels to any away function when only a part of the team can attend.

Members must travel with the dance team.

Travel to tournaments and Bowl Games will be provided from campus to the designation. It is your responsibility to get back to campus prior to departure.

Injuries and Illnesses

Any serious injury or illness must be reported to the Head Dance Coach and Spirit Director of Athletic Department immediately.

If an injury or illness incapacitates a dancer, she will not be permitted to rehearse or dance for a period of time as determined by the Athletic Department’s Doctor or Trainers. Returning to the team will be determined by the Athletic Department Team Doctor or Trainers.

An injured dancer is still required to attend practices and functions.

 

If an Athletic Department’s Doctor recommends that a dancer no longer participates, due to injury or health problem, the dancer shall be removed from the team. If chronic injury or illness causes a team member to miss rehearsals or games repeatedly, the team member may be removed from the team by the Head Coach or Spirit Coordinator.

Weight, Nutrition, and Safety

A Vanderbilt University Dance Team Member should focus on good nutrition, exercise, and safety.

The Dance Team will be provided with information and counseling relative to body weight, nutrition, personal health, and exercise.

All dance team members should participate in a scheduled exercise program consisting of cardiovascular and strength training exercises.

Team body fat tests may be given twice a year and monitored by the team Trainer, Doctor, or Nutritionist.

A toned, well fit body is vital in the prevention of injury. A dancer voluntarily assumes the risk involved by participating in dance rehearsals, games, and other functions/activities.

 

The preceding guidelines shall govern the Vanderbilt University Dance Team program. The members of this program shall follow these terms in order to be in good standing and remain an active member.

 

I have read carefully the guidelines above and understand the information and requirements contained in it. I further understand that failure to comply by these guidelines will result in immediately disciplinary actions to include possible dismissal from dance team.  Qualifications Signature Form

 

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