2016- 2017 Season

Thank you for your interest in the Grandview High School Poms program. Our purpose is to create a hardworking group of dancers/athletes who strive to promote the vision of GHS athletics. The goal is to promote school spirit and involvement, teamwork, dedication, strong work ethic, and respect. The Poms provide half-time entertainment at athletic events, perform at various school functions, and represent the school and community at regional, state, and national dance competitions.

Our mission is to provide dancers with a successful and meaningful educational experience. Team members have personal goals of high academic achievement, increasing dance ability, learning effective time management, and learning to become valuable team members. The success of this team is due to a strong commitment from the dancers, coaches, and parents.

You must have the following items on the first day of Clinics (Technique AND Pretryout) (4/5):

  • Registration Form – pink sheet
  • Waiver Form (form must have parent signature) – blue sheet

You must have the following items on the first day of TRYOUT Clinics (4/18):

  • New athletic physical (Athletic Fee & Registration Packet due in August)
  • Form is available online at GHS website ()
  • Only need page 6 of Athletic Registration packet for tryouts with physician signature
  • 3rd Quarter AND 1st Semester Grade Report (copy)
  • Registration Form – pink sheet
  • Waiver Form (form must have parent signature) – blue sheet
  • Expectation & Guidelines (signed by athlete & parent) – yellow sheet
  • Teacher Evaluations (x3) – green sheets (new members only)
  • Photo

*If missing any of the above forms, you cannot tryout…PLAN AHEAD! It is appreciated if all forms are brought to Pretryout Clinics.

Important information to keep in mind for the upcoming tryouts:

  • Read the tryout packet carefully and thoroughly. DON’T FORGET YOUR PHYSICAL!
  • Communication is key! Contact the coaches if you have any questions.
  • Get plenty of rest and eat well. Tryout week is long and exhausting!
  • Be positive, be involved, and enjoy the experience!

Good Luck!

Megan Mehl

Coach

Website (provides all forms/information needed):

Grandview High School Pom Program

Tryout Timeline

Important Dates to Remember

*All of the clinics listed below can be paid together or separately. If you attend all 4 clinic dates (Technique & Pretryouts) it is $50 due at the first clinic on 4/5OR you can pay for each class separately at $15/day.

  • Technique Clinic:April 5, 2016GHS Dance Rm

*** Highly recommended!April 7, 2016GHS Dance Rm

*Intermediate to Advanced3:15-4:45pm

*Beginner to Intermediate4:45-6:00pm

  • Pre-Tryout Clinic:April 12, 20165:30-7:30pmGHS Main Gym

*** Highly recommended!April 14, 20165:30-7:30pmGHS Main Gym

The purpose of the technique clinics and pre-tryout clinics is to better prepare you for tryouts. During the week of tryouts a large amount of material will be taught. These clinics allow time to breakdown material, receive feedback prior to tryout week and practice conditioning. Some material may be taught at pre-tryout clinics that may be used the week of tryouts.

  • Tryouts (each day required):April 18, 20165:00-7:00pmGHS Aux. Gym

April 19, 20165:00-7:30pmGHS Aux. Gym

April 20, 20165:00-7:00pmGHS Aux. Gym

April 21, 20165:00-7:30pmGHS Aux. Gym

  • Team Selection Meetings: April 22, 20164:15pm (Seniors) GHS Aux. Gym

4:45pm (Juniors)

5:15pm (Sophomores)

5:45pm (Freshman)

  • First Team Meeting/Uniforms:1st payment due! April 25th, 2016 4:00-5:30pm GHS
  • Camp Clothes: April 29th, 20164:00-5:30 GHS
  • Parent Meeting: April 26th, 20166:30-8:30 GHS

Please note:

If you are involved in a spring sport, you are committed to that sport until the end of the season. Please let us know of any conflict and we will work out an alternative schedule.

It is a CHSAA policy that all athletes must have a current physical on file before tryouts, this includes new and returning poms. Plan ahead! Physical forms from last year have expired.

Tryout times may by modified due to spring sports and inclement weather. Notices will be posted in Grandview Athletic Office.

**DATES AND TIME ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**

Grandview High School Pom Program

Tryout Requirements

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

  • Participation in a Grandview Pom Squad is a privilege. Anyone wishing to participate must meet standards of academic performance and personal behavior set forth by CHSAA, GHS, and the program.
  • CHSAA guidelines do not permit more than one F at any time during the school year. Failure to meetthese requirements will result in probation and/or removal from the team.
  • Program expectations: Minimum of C Average in each class
  • In order to confirm these requirements we must have a copy of your 3rd qtr. & 1st sem. grade report.

TRYOUTS

The Grandview coaching/choreography staff will judge tryouts. The staff will base their selection on the items listed below. All tryout material will be taught at the tryout (April 18th–April 21st). On Friday (April 22nd) the coaching staff will meet with each candidate individually to inform them of the team results.

Note: Previous season’s dancers are not guaranteed a spot on any team and must tryout for the upcoming season!

  • ATTIRE: Please dress appropriately!
  • Wear appropriate fitted dance attire and bring tennis shoes & some form of dance shoe.
  • NO jewelry, NO Gum, no exceptions!
  • Hair should be secured in a bun. (Be prepared with clips, headbands, etc.)
  • Cell phones turned off!
  • Returning members, please do not wear anything with Grandview logos.
  • On Thursday (performance day), please wear all BLACK.
  • TEAM CONSIDERATIONS/TRYOUT EVALUATION:
  • Academics/Teacher Feedback
  • Dance/Technical Ability

-Dance technique, knowledge of routine/steps, execution, showmanship, overall performance

  • Overall Tryout/Staff Discretion

- Attitude, work ethic, teamwork, professionalism, coachability, clinic participation, etc.

  • For a list of skills needed for each team please see the ‘Elements Sheet’.
  • TENTATIVE TRYOUT SCHEDULE:
  • Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday - Learn various styles of dances, work across the floor and center floor with a short performance time (individual, small & large groups) at the end of each day.
  • Tuesday – optional choreography
  • Thursday - Review time and performance time (individual, small & large groups).
  • All tryouts are closed to spectators!

Varsity team - open to incoming 9th-12th grade students.NO SET NUMBERS

Junior Varsity team – open to incoming 9th-11th grade students.FOR ANY TEAM!

Freshman team – open to incoming 9th grade students

  • TEAM SELECTION MEETINGS:
  • The Friday of tryout week each pom candidate will meet with coaches to find out the results. Dancers will receive feedback in regards to their tryout at this time.
  • Any discussions regarding teams/tryouts will not take place until the Monday after tryouts!

Grandview Poms – 2016/2017 Season

Preferred Elements List

Below is a list of elements the coaches will be looking for as we place athletes on each team.

Looking for athletic dancers with a lot of ENERGY and performance ability. Dancers also need to be able to pick up choreography and adapt to changes.

All levels:

-Double pirouette

-flexibility (splits & leg holds)

-kicks (individual & kickline)

-toe touch

-herky

-leap (front)

-knowledge and execution of basic pom motions

-pointed feet

JV: all elements listed above and...

-SOLID triple pirouette

-SOLID turns in second (leg at 90 degrees)

- turning center / disc

-"C" jump (turning or stationary)

-fan kicks

-calypso

- leaps (front & side)

- "L" jump

-basic knowledge of ballet terms and positions

*jumps may vary in preps and landings

Varsity: all elements listed above and...

-Solid quadruple pirouette

-coupe turn

-turns in second (leg at 90 degrees) / various advanced turn combinations (double tour…)

- turn combinations (pirouette in and out of) /changing arms

-spiral

-attitude turns

-leg turns

-un-assisted leg extensions

-double toe touch

-tilt jump

-arch jump

-helicopter jump

-tricks (stall, forward rolls, cartwheel, headstand/ handstand, front walkovers)

**looking for ability to change dance styles

**jump height and jumps with varied preps & landings

**need arm & core strength

***consistency with elements

***execution of choreography in all genres

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Grandview High School Pom Program

Team Information

TIME COMMITMENT

*Athletes cannot participate in another Fall/Winter sport while on a Pom squad.

Varsity & JV: one tryout in April for Fall & Winter seasons (committed through basketball season playoffs)

Freshman:one tryout in April for Fall season (committed through December)

*IF YOU HAVE ANY SCHEDULING CONFLICTS WITH PRACTICES, DANCE CLASSES, OR CAMPS (including the 2 weeks before camp), DISCUSS WITH THE COACHING STAFF BEFORE TRYOUTS!

SPRING/SUMMER Practice –May & June

  • Uniform Fittings:Monday, April 25th from 4:00pm-5:30pm
  • Camp Clothes FittingFriday, April 29th from 4:00pm-5:30pm
  • Practices Begin:Monday, May 2nd (after school)
  • Parent Meeting (All teams):Tuesday, April 26th 6:30-8:30
  • May:Practices & workouts after school

Ballet & Technique in May

  • June:Practices and Technique classes TBA

CAMP – overnight

  • UDA CampJune 12th – 17th, Colorado Springs
  • July:Summer technique on Monday (no practices)
  • August:Week ofMonday, August 1st– Practice/technique resumes.

DANCE CLASSES – (DANCE CLASSES ARE PART OF YOUR COMMITMENT TO THE TEAM & SPORT)

  • Two team technique classes (approx 3 hours) are required & take place at GHS. These classes will be

after school and possiblyin one evening. We will notify you of the days and specific dates as soon

as game schedules are confirmed for the upcoming seasons. Cost is included in each team’s budget.

-Additional dance classes are encouraged to maintain/improve technique at a studio of your choice.

-Outside studio commitments and competitions should not conflict with your commitment to poms

Grandview High School Pom Program

Team Information cont.

FALL/WINTER SEASON PRACTICES

  • Daily practices will be after school (approx. 2 – 3 hours) and will vary with each team.
  • All teams will have additional Saturday practices during competition season.
  • The coaches will go over the schedule at the first team meeting and calendars will be distributed.

***Fall Break - Competitions may occurat end of this week, plan on practicing the Thu, Fri, Sat. of Fall break.

***Thanksgiving – Due to state competitions, Teamsmay be practicing over Thanksgiving break.

FALL/WINTER SEASON GAME SCHEDULE

VARSITY
  • Fall:Football – all home games and select away games (Thursday, Friday, Saturday), playoffs

Volleyball – 3 or 4 select home matches (various days), playoffs

  • Winter:Boys/Girls Basketball – all home games (Tuesday/Wednesday, Friday), playoffs

Wrestling – playoffs

JUNIOR VARSITY
  • Fall:Football – all home games (Mondays & Saturdays)

Volleyball –2 or 3 select home matches (various days)

  • Winter:Boys/Girls Basketball – all home games (Wednesday, Friday)
FRESHMAN
  • Fall:Football – all home games (Mondays & Saturdays)

Volleyball –2 or 3 select home matches (various days)

COMPETITION SCHEDULE

(Specific dates have not all been confirmed)

  • Late October/November –

Multiple Saturday Regional competitions

Centennial League Competition

USA Competition.

UDA Competition

*other competition dates and events will be discussed as a team.

  • Early December –

-CHSAA State Competition (Varsity)

-CSCA Statewide Invitational (JV and Freshman)

  • Late January/February –

-National Dance Team Competition (Varsity – must qualify at camp) is 1/28/2016 – 2/2/2016

Grandview High School Pom Program

Team Information cont.

FINANCIAL COMMITMENT
  • GHS Poms fall under the athletics department. Each athlete is required to pay the $90 athletic fee for Fall season (in August at registration). Varsity and JV athletes are also required to pay the $90 athletic fee for the Winter season (in November).

*Due at the first team meeting (4/25/15):

V, JV, & F  Payment (amount will be given at results meeting)– Uniform deposit, camp

*If you already own the team uniform the deposit is not necessary.

**If you need to pay the deposit in two payments please let us know.

FUNDRAISERS

Fundraising will be an essential part of the Grandview Pom program. Fundraising is done on an individual basis. The amounts fundraised will be credited towards the amount due that month. It is possible to fundraise a large portion of expenses due. Athletes will be expected to participate in some team fundraisers that go to the program. We will set-up committees for fundraisers at our first parent meeting. New fundraising ideas are always welcome.

EXPENSES

Varsity:- Total expenses for the season (9 months) approximately $2,300.00 (w/out fundraising)

*includes National Dance Team Competition

Junior Varsity:- Total expenses for the season (9 months) approximately $1,800.00 (w/out fundraising)

Freshman:- Total expenses for the season (6 months) approximately $1,300.00 (w/out fundraising)

  • The amounts above include camp, campwear, uniforms, choreography, technique, competitions, etc. For varsity it also includes the National Championships.
  • If you already own an item you will not be required to purchase it again.
  • This total is paid over a 6- OR 9-month period (May – January).
  • All of the above amounts are based on previous years.

***The Varsity Competition team may qualify for the National High School Dance Competition held in Orlando, Florida. As a result, we need to be prepared for travel expenses and hotel accommodations for all team members. In addition, extra competition pieces may also be necessary.

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