2009-2010 Cheer Squad Tryouts Info
Recruit Weekend: December 12 & 13, 2008
Tryout Clinic: April 3, 2009 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tryout Date: April 4 at 9:30 a.m.
Clinic and Tryouts will be in Stroble-Gibson Gymnasium
{Must have medical/liability release if under 18; Must have proof of insurance in order to participate in tryout}
Tryout Purpose
The main purpose of the tryout process is to select the best overall individuals for the Bethany College Dance Team. When choosing squad members we are looking for individuals who demonstrate proper technical skills, ability to communicate, excellent athletic abilities, dance experience and poise, coach-ability, academic commitment, and spirit in accordance with the tryout score scale. Generally, some individuals will be ready and prepared to contribute to the program immediately while other individuals may not be the most experienced at this time, but show the potential to contribute to the program with hard work, commitment and guidance. During the tryout the coach may make cuts at any point during the process. Tryouts are held each spring; housing and meals are provided to those who need accommodations to audition.
You should attend the free monthly open gyms that are held if you are unfamiliar or inexperienced with any of the required skills listed below. Tryouts are not the time to learn new skills-please do what you are good at. It is a low-stress environment that allows you to learn and polish your current technique during a regular practice prior to the actual tryout date. See the Open Gym dates on the dance home page.
If interested in being a part of the Bethany Dance Team you must have Applied and been Accepted to Bethany to be made a scholarship offer and spot on the team. Please go to
www.bethanylb.edu then to "Future Students" then "Apply"
Required SkillsInterview
A dance taught at the clinic
Fight Song
Toe-Touch and Tilt Jumps
High kicks
Splits R or L
Leaps R or L
Chaine' and Pique' turns
Double Pirouette
Switch Leaps R or L (Landing up or down)
Recommended/Highly Regarded Skills
Splits (2-3 ways; R, L &C)
Leaps (2-3 ways; R, L &C)
Leg Extensions (front, side and/or scorpion)
Triple/Quad Pirouette
Coupe', axle, Leg Extension, Attitude, and/or illusion Turns
Switch Center and Switch Front leap (landing up or down)
Calypso, turning leaps and turning switch leaps
Fouette' Turns/Turns in Second/Cell Turns
10-20 athletes will be selected to the team.
Alternates may also be selected. Alternates perform sidelines at all games and are required to attend all scheduled events; yet may not compete or perform all half-times due to their need to improve specific skills.
What to Wear:
Ladies- Black pants or capris, with black, royal or white racer back tank top. Please be well supported!
Men-Black shorts or pants with white t-shirt
There is a judging category on appearance, thus you should pick attire that is recommended, appropriate, and appealing. Absolutely no jewelry other than small earring studs allowed! Have all tattoos covered, natural makeup, all hair must be back in a tight and secure ponytail, clean black/tan dance shoes (preferably not sneakers), and nails must not be of a bright color.
All those interested in trying out for the Bethany Dance Team are encouraged to tryout in person at the yearly campus tryout dates. However, those who are unable to attend tryouts on those dates are encouraged to tryout by alternate plans with the coach as listed below.
Private: This appointment can be scheduled by email or phone and conducted during a campus visit. Open Gym participation can be considered a tryout with Coach's permission. Deadline to complete is May 1, 2008 unless otherwise scheduled with the coach.
Video: If you live out of state, you may audition by video. Your video will not be returned to you. All video auditions must be postmarked and received no later than June 30, 2008. Please include the following:
1. Please introduce yourself, where you are from, your dance training/experience and why you want to be a member of the Bethany Cheer Squad. Please include your name, address, home/cell phone number(s), and email address on the outside of the video.
2. Please include a routine with a Hip Hop, Pom, and or Jazz dance of your choice
3. Toe Touch, any pirouettes, leaps, splits, high kicks (please show from the side so height of kicks can be assessed) and any additional skills from the required and recommended skills list above or that you would like to highlight that have not been addressed above.
General Audition Guidelines:
1. Kicks/Turns: You will be asked to perform/attempt all kicks and turns listed above in the required skills section and possibly some in the recommended skills section. These turns may be incorporated into routines and may also be separate skills to show the judges if asked.
2. Jumps/Leaps: You will be asked to perform/attempt all jumps and leaps listed above in the required skills section and possibly some in the recommended skills section. These jumps/leaps may be incorporated into routines and may also be separate skills to show judges if asked.
3. Technique: Technique is a strong focus of the Dance Team. Please take time to work on your technique by attending additional classes before tryouts or by contacting the coach for further recommendations. (Open gyms are also available throughout the year to work on technique.)
4. Learning/Coach-ability: We will teach you the fight song and a short dance during the clinic (6-8, 8cts). Knowledge of the material and precision of the performance are key.
5. 2-3 Eight Count Phrases: You will be required to choreograph 2-3, 8 counts that will be shown to the judges during your audition. This is a time for you to showcase any additional skills. Please plan ahead. Please execute skills that you are comfortable performing and that are clean. Cleanliness of a skill always scores higher than difficult skills that are sloppy and unrehearsed.
6. Interview: You will take part in a 10-15 minute interview. It is a more casual setting, nothing to sweat but a tool that helps us to evaluate your goals and expectations for participation on the Bethany Dance Team.
7. Appearance, Uniformity & Projection: Your spirit, enthusiasm, ability to work with others, communication and poise will be evaluated throughout the audition process.