Tryouts

The team conducts tryouts in late April or May for the next year's squad. Tryouts are open to all University of Maryland students, potential incoming freshman, and incoming transfer students. (If you are on the waiting list as an incoming freshman or transfer student, you are welcome to tryout. Please note your status on your tryout application. Placement on the team is contingent on acceptance into the University.) There will be a clinic before the tryout date.

Tryouts will consist of three parts: skills and technique, cheer dance, and studio dance routines. One dance will be taught at the clinic prior to tryouts and the other will be taught the day of tryouts. Additionally you may be called in for an interview.

The Maryland Dance considers a variety of elements when choosing girls for the squad including, technique, physical shape, performance quality, appearance, attitude, commitment to the team, and ability to exemplify the image of the University of Maryland and the squad. Dancers on the team are expected to uphold the integrity of the team through their performance, behavior, academics, and attitude at all times.

Tryout Skills (not all skills will be asked of every participant)

Front Leap
Side Leap
Axle
Surprise Leap
Switch Leap
Russian/Toe-touch
Barrel Turn
Scorpion Leap
Single, Double, and Triple Pirouettes
Fouettes
Grand or Italian Fouettes
Pique Turns
Laybacks
Front, Side, and Back Kicks
Leg Holds (Front and Side)
Splits (Left and Right)
Side Splits
Dance
Cheer

*Each Participant will have the opportunity to display any special skills or tricks they can perform.

2008 DANCE TEAM CLINICS

Come learn about the Maryland Dance Team. Our clinics are a great opportunity to come see what the Maryland Dance Team is all about and prepare for tryouts.

CLINICS:

The University of Maryland Dance Team will be holding two dance clinics in the month of April in preparation of tryouts for the 2008-2009 team. Dates and times are scheduled as follows:

Saturday, April 5 from 3-5pm

Saturday, April 12 from 3-5pm

Clinics will be held in the Band Room at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. The cost will be $10.00 per person, and we will cover everything that will be required for tryouts, so please attend!

You are not required to attend both clinics, however, it is highly encouraged to attend at least one so that you are fully prepared for tryouts.

TRYOUTS:

Tryouts will be held at the same place on Sunday, May 4 with a short review from 1-2:30pm. Registration will begin at 2:30pm and tryouts begin at 3:00pm.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Vanessa Walters (2008 Captain) vwalters@umd.edu

We look forward to seeing you all!

Please bring a recent photo, filled out information sheet and waiver (paperwork will be posted on the web). Dress in cheer shorts, a sports bra top and have performance hair (curly and half up) and make-up (brown eye makeup, red lipstick, etc).

*Please note that the Maryland Dance Team holds closed tryouts. Parents, friends, and coaches will be asked to leave during the tryout*