< Back To Coach Articles
 TRYING
OUT FOR A PERFORMANCE TEAM
(This is an article from the coaching tips book -“Reach
For The Stars”. For more information contact Angela Lund of
S.T.A.R.S. Leadership Training www.starsleadershiptraining.com)
Tryout season is approaching quickly. Do you have what it takes
to make the team? If you are a coach, do you know how to run the
best tryouts ever? Here are a few tips to get either the performer
or the coach moving in the right direction.
Trying out for a performance team can be a challenging feat. The
body of a dancer/cheerleader needs to be in good health to reflect
the stamina it takes for good execution of skills. It takes strength,
endurance, good execution, and flexibility to perform well. It also
takes a good eye from the coach and panel of judges to look for
a potential performer.
Performer: There are many things a performer can do to get ready
for tryouts. Here are several tips to help get the body ready. Check
out the “Dance and Cheer Conditioning Workout” www.starsleadershiptraining.com
for great tips!
Strength: Every muscle in the body is used during
performances. The best way to prepare these muscles is by finding
an activity that uses all of them.
- Running
- Pilates
- Weight Training
- Core Strengthening
Endurance: performing is extremely exhausting
and will require a lot of stamina. Again building muscle strength
will help but those muscles must also be able to expend a great
deal of energy in a short amount of time. Adding a sprint to your
training will help the muscles get use to these short spurts of
energy and will prepare your body.
Execution of Skills: This is a key ingredient
to a good performance. Watch yourself in a mirror or videotape to
insure accuracy of movements.
Flexibility: Movements will be easier to execute
the more flexible the muscles are. Start working on this well before
tryouts begin.
- Yoga
- Pilates
Coach: You may want to use all or just some of
these tips, depending on what your goals are for your new team.
Routine: You may choose to have the skills desired
in a routine accompanied by other choreography. However, you can
separate them into a set alone as well. I have found that the best
way to judge skills is by doing both.
Skills: Incorporate all skills you foresee implementing
next year into the tryouts. This will transition you right into
your season.
Judges: Your panel should be well trained on what
to look for. Hold a meeting before tryouts to explain what you want
and let them ask questions. Have one or many of your seniors show
the routine and skills to the judges prior to the first group coming
in. This will give the judges an example of what you want the dancers
to look like.
Judging Sheet: The judging sheet should be specific.
Have each item listed individually and give a point total at the
end.
Decide Type of Tryouts: The three main styles
are: Clinics (one day), Gradual Elimination (2-3 days), and Multiple
Day (3-5 days). All of which have their advantages. I would suggest
a gradual elimination or multiple day tryouts in the beginning stages
of your program. This will help insure you have given them a fair
shot and have not turned away great dancers who are slow learners.
If you have a very advanced team clinic tryouts work well.
Then Take these things into consideration:
- Is the person trying out a new member with potential to improve
over the summer?
- Have you seen improvement over the course of the week(s)?
- Was the performer showing correct technique?
- You are the coach and are responsible for the outcome. Go with
your gut. If this performer has a great attitude and a lot of
potential, then take the time to make her good. She may make a
positive difference to your team later.
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