Dear Parents and Dancers,

Welcome panthers and future panthers interested in trying out for our 2020-2021 NHS Dance Team! I look

forward to working with talented and positive students who wish to work as a team and represent our school.

With this in mind, as ambassadors of our school, dancers are EXPECTED to follow all school rules and behave

appropriately, maturely and responsibly at all times. As a leader among their peers, dancers will be held to a

higher standard. There are responsibilities and obligations that must be met, as a member of the Dance Team.

Academics should be a priority for all NHS Dancers. A dancer should be able to balance schoolwork and a busy

dance schedule, as well as personal responsibilities. Dancers must maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher. Being a scholar-

athlete is the best way to make the most out of high school. I’m proud to say for 2020 – 2021 the team average

GPA was 3.8.

Leadership abilities and a positive character are important qualities that each dancer must possess. The

administration and faculty expect dancers to set a positive example of behavior and character not only in school

but also in the community. Whether in uniform or not, an NHS dancer must exhibit the six (6) pillars of character

at all times and meet all requirements as dictated by Nease Athletic Department. Inappropriate behavior will be

grounds for dismissal from the team.

Parents are periodically asked to assist in volunteering for activities or events (selling items, preparing food, etc.)

and are expected to be supportive. Parents are responsible for providing transportation to all camps, practices,

fundraising events and other activities. Parents are required to provide appropriate fees and paperwork by the

announced deadline. If for any reason a parent requests that a dancer be removed from the team, re-admittance

will not be allowed and all paid items are not refundable. Parents will respect the decisions made by the Coach

about all dance performances and formations. A parent’s refusal to support this policy could reflect in a negative

manner on his/her dancer. If parents have any questions or concerns, please follow the appropriate chain of

command: Coach – Athletic Director – Principal.

Dancers will be expected to attend ALL scheduled home games, camps, practices, and activities. During the

summer and the school year practices will be mandatory regardless of day, location or time. Please take this into

consideration before the auditions. (School year practices are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Weekend

morning practices will be held in the winter and spring prior to competition) If there is any doubt or problem

with committing, please don’t hesitate to email your concerns.

Thank you for your interest in the NHS Dance Team Program. If you have questions that cannot wait till

auditions, please feel free to email me at amy.case@stjohns.k12.fl.us.

Sincerely,

Amy Case

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Financial Information These fees are ESTIMATED. Returning dancers apparel cost will likely be lower, as some apparel items from this year can be used again. Exact fees and payment schedule will be presented at the first Parent Meeting. Financial payment plans are available. And of course, the goal is to fundraise more to lower costs.

Dance Team Cost: Apparel Package: $235 - $412 (returners are lower cost) Extras: $70 Banquet (Dancer + One Parent): $70 Golden Panther Booster Club “Pay to Play”: $75 Choreography/Music Fee $20 Summer Practice Costs $40

Dance Team Total: $510 - $687 Optional Summer Camp Cost: National Dance Association, NDA Camp: $400 - $450 (depending on dancer total) UDA Leadership Camp (Leadership Council ONLY) $50 - $150 (depending on dancer total)

Dance Team Total (with Camp): $905 – 1,282 ESTIMATED Competition: Registration with hotel: $75- $200 (per competition) Costuming: $25 - $80 (per costume) *Price will vary on number of dances girls compete (gameday, jazz)* *Fundraising will lower cost dependent on how successful fundraiser is*

If you have any questions,

Please email Coach Case at amy.case@stjohns.k12.fl.us

National Dance Association Camp (NDA Camp) is optional.

Dates for the NDA Camp are July 24-27, 2020 at the Renaissance Hotel in World Golf Village. It is an overnight

camp. It is HIGHLY encouraged all dancers attend as we learn routines for the season and it provides some of

the best team bonding. It will also help determine which dancers will compete which dances.

Competition:

Not every girl that makes the team will be guaranteed a spot on any competition routine. It will be based on

performance and skill. If you know for sure you do not want to compete for any reason, please do not let that

stop you from trying out for the team.

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Audition Agreement

Member’s (Dancer) Name (Please Print): __________________________________________

I, the parent/guardian of the above named candidate, have read all information presented in this

audition packet. I acknowledge the time and financial commitment involved in this sport. I understand

the Coach has final say in my daughter making and remaining on the team. I understand coach will have

the ultimate decision on girls that will compete or not. I will support the Coach’s decisions when making

formations and routines, I understand that my daughter will not always be highlighted or in the prime

formation location. I understand I will be called upon to help (within my ability and capacity to help) in

some way throughout the year. I will make every effort to do my share in assisting the dance team on

behalf of my dancer. I also understand and will follow the appropriate chain of command (Coach-AD-

Principal) if I have a concern or question. I agree and accept that the Coach’s decisions are final.

Parent Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: ______________

As a potential member of a NHS Dance Team, I have fully read the audition packet and know what is

expected of me to remain a team member in good standing. I understand that my role as a dancer goes

beyond the athleticism and time commitment of the sport and that it includes the expectation that I will

be a school leader of outstanding character. I will keep myself knowledgeable and informed of all the

rules and I realize that the consequences of defiant behavior could result in suspension or removal from

the team. Finally, I promise to respect my Dance Team Coach, my teammates, my school and all persons

associated with Nease High School at all times. I will understand and respect coach’s decisions regarding

uniforms, routines, formations, and competition.

Member’s (Dancer) Signature: _______________________________ Date: ______________

GIVE BACK FILLED OUT

By April 24

Coach Case

Please print the following information clearly. *INCLUDE A COLORED 4x6 PICTURE*

Name: Cell Phone:

Grade Level (2020 – 2021): Current GPA (Include recent report card):

Address: City:

State: Zip Code: Date of Birth:

Parent/Legal Guardian: Cell Phone:

Parent Email: Dancer Email:

Dance Experience: years Studio:

Dance Experience (circle all that apply): ballet jazz hip-hop lyrical contemporary

Other:

Have you ever been part of a dance competition, if so which style of dance:

School clubs/organizations currently involved with:

Medical Information:

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

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Are you currently taking any medications? _____ If so, please list:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Are you currently being treated for any injuries? _____ If so, please list:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Doctor: Doctor’s Phone Number:

Dentist: Dentist’s Phone Number:

Insurance Company: Policy Number(s):

Information Sheet

GIVE BACK FILLED OUT

By April 24

Coach Case

STUDENT’S NAME: _______________________________________ GRADE ______________

This application to compete in interscholastic athletics for the above high school is voluntary on my part and is made with

the understanding that I have not violated any of the eligibility rules and regulations of the State Association.

I, the undersigned parent/guardian, do hereby grant permission for my child to participate in the Varsity Dance Team at Allen

D. Nease High School. In order that my child may receive the necessary medical treatment in the event he/she may sustain an

injury or become ill during participation in this activity, I hereby, authorize the Dance Coach, Coordinator, Athletic Trainer or

any school staff member to obtain medical treatment for my child for such injury or illness during the activity, and I, hereby,

hold Allen D. Nease and its representatives harmless in the exercise of this authority. I understand that there are inherent risks

of physical injury in the activity of Dance Team. I further acknowledge and understand that due to the nature of this activity,

which involves inversion and rotation of the body, there is a possibility that my child may sustain physical illness or injury

(minimal, serious or catastrophic), no matter the precautions used, how careful the participant and sponsors are or what landing

surface is used. I further acknowledge and understand that my child is assuming the risk of such physical illness or injury by her

participation, and I further release St. Johns County School District, Allen D. Nease High School, its personnel, Dance Sponsors,

Dance Team Members, from any personal illness/injury claims that my child may sustain during participation in this activity.

(to the parents):

I HAVE READ THE LETTER TO PARENTS /GUARDIANS CONCERNING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BEING A DANCER. I

UNDERSTAND THE COSTS, RISKS AND TIME INVOLVED. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE FINAL SELECTION OF THE

TEAM IS DETERMINED BY THE COACHES AND THESE DECISIONS WILL NOT BE REVERSED. I, HEREBY, GIVE

PERMISSION FOR MY DAUGHTER TO TRY OUT FOR NEASE 2020-2021 DANCE TEAM.

(to candidate):

IF I AM CHOSEN TO BE ON THE TEAM, I PROMISE TO ABIDE BY THE RULES AND REGULATIONS SET FORTH BY THE

COACHES AND NHS ADMINISTRATION. I PROMISE TO COOPERATE AND FOLLOW THEIR INSTRUCTIONS. I

UNDERSTAND THAT ANY VIOLATION OR WILLFUL DEFIANCE OF THESE RULES MAY RESULT IN IMMEDIATE

DISMISSAL FROM THE TEAM.

STUDENT’S SIGNATURE: __________________________________________________________________________________

PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE: ___________________________________________________________ Date: _________

Date of last physical: ____________________________________ (must be within the last 12 months)

Physician: _____________________________________________

*Please include a copy of current physical and medical insurance card with audition packet.

Liability Form

GIVE BACK FILLED OUT

By April 24

Coach Case

Nease High School Pantherette Dance Team - Teacher Recommendation Form (Please place this confidential form in Ms. Case’s mailbox by Friday, April 24 4:00pm)

Student’s Name: ________________________________________ Class: __________________________

Please circle the corresponding number for each characteristic that best describes the above named student.

Characteristic Rarely Sometimes Usually Frequently Always

Responsible 1 2 3 4 5

Respectful to adults 1 2 3 4 5

Punctual 1 2 3 4 5

Respectful to peers 1 2 3 4 5

Hard Working 1 2 3 4 5

High Morals/Character 1 2 3 4 5

Comments:

Please check here ______ if you have ANY reservations about recommending this student. May email me if necessary: amy.case@stjohns.k12.fl.us

_________________________________ __________________________________________

Teacher’s Printed Name Teacher’s Signature

Nease High School Pantherette Dance Team - Teacher Recommendation Form (Please place this confidential form in Ms. Case’s mailbox by Friday, April 24 4:00pm)

Student’s Name: ________________________________________ Class: __________________________

Please circle the corresponding number for each characteristic that best describes the above named student.

Characteristic Rarely Sometimes Usually Frequently Always

Responsible 1 2 3 4 5

Respectful to adults 1 2 3 4 5

Punctual 1 2 3 4 5

Respectful to peers 1 2 3 4 5

Hard Working 1 2 3 4 5

High Morals/Character 1 2 3 4 5

Comments:

Please check here ______ if you have ANY reservations about recommending this student. May email me if necessary: amy.case@stjohns.k12.fl.us

_________________________________ __________________________________________

Teacher’s Printed Name Teacher’s Signature

Nease High School Pantherette Dance Team – ADMIN/GUIDANCE/DEAN Recommendation Form (Please place this confidential form in Ms. Case’s mailbox by Friday, April 24 4:00pm)

Student’s Name: ________________________________________ Class: __________________________

Please answer the following questions: Does the student have any disciplinary referrals against them: YES / NO

IF YES, which most closely describes what the referral relates to: DRESS CODE / CELL PHONE / TARDY / BULLYING / CONTRABAND / DISRESPECT

Are you aware of any problems/concerns presented by a staff member concerning this student: YES / NO To your best knowledge would you recommend this student for the dance team: YES / NO Comments (if any):

_________________________________ __________________________________________

Admin/Guidance/Dean Printed Name Signature

Nease High School Pantherette Dance Team - Teacher Recommendation Form (Please place this confidential form in Ms. Case’s mailbox by Friday, April 24 4:00pm)

Student’s Name: ________________________________________ Class: __________________________

Please circle the corresponding number for each characteristic that best describes the above named student.

Characteristic Rarely Sometimes Usually Frequently Always

Responsible 1 2 3 4 5

Respectful to adults 1 2 3 4 5

Punctual 1 2 3 4 5

Respectful to peers 1 2 3 4 5

Hard Working 1 2 3 4 5

High Morals/Character 1 2 3 4 5

Comments:

Please check here ______ if you have ANY reservations about recommending this student. May email me if necessary: amy.case@stjohns.k12.fl.us

_________________________________ __________________________________________

Teacher’s Printed Name Teacher’s Signature

Audition Information

What to wear

Black capris/jazz pants and a fitted black T-Shirt/Tank/Leotard (No shorts of any kind)

Light makeup and hair styled for the Prep Clinics and Preliminary and Semi-Final rounds

Full performance makeup and hair styled for the Final Audition Day

Half soles, Jazz Shoes, or Tennis Shoes for the Prep Clinic and Auditions (No Bare Feet!)

Stud earrings ONLY, no other jewelry should be worn (including facial piercing, necklaces, etc.)

Audition number (provided) must be visible at all times

ARRIVE EARLY

Audition Schedule

Routines Taught day 1:

Monday April 27

4:15 – 6:00pm in Nease Gym

o Warm-up and “What to expect” informational meeting

o Dancers will review technique to be judged during Auditions

Learn 2 sideline routines (45seconds each), a kick-line (45seconds), and audition routine (1minute)

All routines taught will be used in the audition process

o THIS IS THE ONLY TIME THE ROUTINES WILL BE TAUGHT

Dancers may ask questions and will be able to take turns videoing routines. There will be time to run

through and practice routines in small groups

AUDITIONS:

Preliminary Round: Tuesday April 28 4:15 – 5:30pm - Nease Gym

Dancers will be given audition numbers that must be visible at all times

Dancers will warm-up together (led by a Senior member of the 2019 team)

Dancers will be split into groups of 3-4 based on audition numbers

Dancers will not watch other groups, but must wait outside judging area and may practice routines

Performing in their group, dancers will be judged on:

o Technique (40pts):

Kicks – 10pts / Turns – 10pts / Leaps – 10pts / Overall – 10pts

o Pom sideline routine (40pts)

Technique – 10pts / Memory – 10pts / Showmanship – 20pts

A list will be posted after all groups have completed the routines with the audition numbers of the

girls who will advance to the semi-final round

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Semi-Final Round: Tuesday April 28 5:45 -6:45pm – Nease Gym

Dancers will be split into new groups based on numbers (3-4 dancers per group)

Dancers will not watch other groups, all dancers must wait outside judging area and may practice

routines with each other and senior helpers

Performing in their group, dancers will be judged on:

o Kickline (40pts):

Flexibility (10 pts) / Memory (10 pts) / Technique (10 pts) / Showmanship (10pts)

o Technique (40pts)

Turns – (10 pts) / Leaps (10 pts) / Jumps (10 pts) / Overall (10 pts)

A list will be posted after all groups have completed the routines with the audition numbers of the

girls who will advance to the final round

After list is posted girls who advance to final will have time to review audition routines

Final Round: Wednesday April 29 3:15-5:00pm – Nease Gym

Dancers will receive audition number that must be visible at all times (new number)

Dancers will be split into new groups based on numbers (2-3 dancers per group)

Dancers will not watch other groups

Performing in their group, dancers will be judged on:

o Freestyle four 8-counts (20pts)

Technique – 10 pts / Showmanship – 10pts

o Hip-Hop Sideline (30pts)

Style – (10pts) / Memory (10 pts) / Execution of Movements (10 pts)

o Audition routine (50pts)

Technique – 20 pts / Memory – 10pts / Style – 20 pts

A list will be posted immediately after with the audition numbers of the girls who make the team

After list is posted all girls who make the team will be invited back inside for a brief meeting

*During all rounds there may be call-backs. Do not be alarmed if you are or are not called back. This is just

for the judges to get a second look before making final decisions. Often times it is if a judge missed a section

of scoring. We do this to ensure that all dancers are scored on all aspects.*

IF YOU MAKE THE TEAM: Our first parent meeting is tentatively scheduled for

May 4 at 5:30 in Coach Case’s room.

**Point Deductions: Throughout the audition process, besides deductions taken on skill,

performance, and technique; points will be deducted based on demerits (if were on team

2019-2021), poor teacher recommendations, and behavior during audition process. **

How to Prepare for Auditions

ATTEND AUTION TECHNIQUE PREP CLINICS: these prep clinics are optional and offered 6 times

before tryouts.

Work on improving flexibility: right/left split, straddle

Practice high kicks. Specifically, front kicks, side-kicks, fan kicks, and tilts.

Practice leaps. All dancers will be expected to have a clean, level, and high right leap. Dancers will

perform a calypso leap turn, a turning disc, and a second leap in auditions. Any other leaps are not

required but strongly recommended and will be used in routines throughout the year.

Practice jumps – a firebird is required and a tilt jump is encouraged.

Practice turns. All dancers will be expected to have a clean single turn both right and left, and a

double on the right. All dancers should be able to execute chaines across the floor smoothly.

Dancers should be able to execute four second turns (right or left). Any other turns are not required

but will be used throughout year based on ability.

Ensure you have proper audition attire. Pants/capris should be clean and without holes.

Leotards/tops should be tight and not revealing. Earrings should be studs and sparkly

Practice applying “performance make-up and hair”. Don’t wait until final day of auditions to try a

new lipstick or contouring technique.

Relax, eat right, exercise, and get some sleep. Don’t forget water for audition week, and an

afternoon snack (fruit, protein bar, or granola bar) to have between school and auditions.

Thank you for your interest!

Looking forward to a great audition process and year!

Go Panthers!

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