Mattoon Wavettes Varsity, J.V., and Performance Dance Team Tryouts 2022-2023
Clinics: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday March 28-30: 4:00-5:30 pm: North Gym MHS
Tryouts: Thursday, March 31 starting at 4:30 p.m.; MHS North Gym
ELIGIBILITY: Tryouts are open to any student who will be attending Mattoon H.S. during the 2021-2022 school year.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Candidates will learn a dance routine (approximately 1 minute) that can incorporate pom, jazz, lyrical, and/or kick technique.
Candidates will also choreograph an original dance to music chosen by the Wavettes’ coaching staff (approximately 1 minute).
The following skills will be evaluated as well: flexibility, leaps, pirouettes, turn combos, jumps, and a combination move of choice.
Candidates will try-out in groups of two and will be evaluated by a panel of judges which does include the current coaches.
There is no pre-set number for any of the teams.
Teams will be chosen based on the break in scores and seniority.
The coaches will have the final decision on each team. This decision is final.
MUSIC:
Candidates will have the choice between 2-4 songs for their original dance.
Music for all options and the taught routine can be obtained by email (maliasmith@mcusd2.com) on or after March 21st.
CLINIC ATTENDANCE: Clinic attendance is mandatory unless excused by the head coach. Do not relay absences to a friend. Contact the head coach by phone or e-mail to let her know if you will be missing. This is your responsibility! Work is not an excuse so please schedule appropriately.
If you must miss a day(s) of clinic, then it will be necessary for you to find someone to teach you the routines outside of the scheduled time.
If you have a spring sports commitment, that should be your first priority.
WHAT TO WEAR TO TRY-OUTS on Thursday:
Please come dressed in a fitted black top (no t-shirt) and black bottoms. We ask that you wear jazz shoes (if you have them) or a pair of athletic gym shoes.
Wear your hair in a slicked back ponytail or bun.
No Jewelry!
CALL BACKS:
Call backs will be: Thursday, March 31 at 8:30 pm in front of the athletic entrance to MHS.
Each candidate will receive a letter stating the results of their audition and feedback from their audition.
Each candidate must be present at this call back to receive their letter.
JUDGING CRITERIA: The following criteria will be considered during judging:
Appearance – neatly and appropriately dressed, including hair and make-up
Projection – eye contact, body language, and smile
Dance Ability and Rhythm – able to complete steps, in control, on beat
Knowledge of Routine – confidence and memory
Precision and Form – sharp movements, full extensions, correct technique
Choreography – original routine
Judges will be looking for potential as well as mastery in your skills. Judging will be based on a 5 point scale. These skills will be outlined at the clinics.
ABOUT THE TEAMS: We have 3 possible placements within our program. Sophomores-Seniors are eligible for all three teams. Freshmen are eligible for the performance and/or the Junior Varsity teams.
Performance Team: this group of students will perform at home football and basketball games. They make up our show team.
Junior Varsity: this group of students will compete in the IDTA state level competition series and will be a part of the show team.
Varsity: this group of students will compete in the IHSA and IDTA state level competitions in the appropriate division as allocated by the state and will be a part of the show team.
All teams take our performances very seriously, and we practice seriously. Being a member of this team requires sacrifices, but the rewards are great!
ATTENDANCE EXPECTATIONS:
There will be open gyms scheduled throughout the summer as well as a summer dance camp (June 18-21).
Participation in summer open gyms, camp, and community service is non-mandatory, but highly encouraged.
If a Wavette does not attend a majority of summer open gyms, they may go to camp but may not perform the exhibition routine at camp or any other time it is performed including competitions if the routine is used for IDTA/IHSA competitions.
Not attending camp may or may not exclude you from any material learned at camp.
Practice times will vary depending on the availability of the gyms and the scheduling of performance games. All practices are required unless otherwise stated. Missing a practice will result in being removed from the formation.
Varsity team members will be expected to attend a 1-hour ballet class per week at a cost of $5.00 per class. This class will begin during the summer and continue into the school year. JV and performance teams may attend but are not required.
You are expected to be in attendance and at each scheduled performance (even if your team is not dancing).
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS:
Because the Wavettes are self-supporting, you should anticipate that there will be an initial expenditure that varies from person to person depending on what is already owned for new members.
Many items from previous years and the middle school can be used for this season.
There will also be a cost of approximately $372 for UDA camp. This must be paid in full before attending camp.
Competition team members will be responsible for the purchase of all competition clothing.
No student will be turned away due to financial constraints. Please contact the coach if this is a concern.
PARENT/TEAM MEETING: It is mandatory that all selected dancers attend this meeting. It is HIGHLY recommended that at least one parent/guardian attend this meeting.
Tuesday April 5th: 7:00 pm in the MHS library
Being selected as a Wavette is an honor and a privilege that only a few students experience. There are many who would like to be selected and who are willing to give the time and effort necessary. Responsibility to the squad and its members will be of the highest priority.
I will be available during the week of the clinic for any questions you might have. Good luck and thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the award winning Mattoon High School Wavette Dance Teams.
For more information on the Wavette organization and for questions regarding tryouts please email me at:
maliasmith@mcusd2.com or call 217-238-7873
To sign up for tryouts please email me maliasmith@mcusd2.com :
your name
grade in school
phone number
Sincerely,
Malia Smith, Head Coach Mattoon Wavettes