Dear Dance Team Applicants & Parents: We are so pleased that you have expressed an interest in becoming a member of the Vista Murrieta High School Dance program. Attached you will find a packet of information for you to read and discuss with your student. Included in the packet is a Dance Team Application, an overview of the Dance Articles of Understanding, and a VMHS Dance Audition Acceptance/Permission Agreement, Grade point average policy, field trip form. These items must be signed by both parent and student with a copy of the most recent (12 week) VM or middle school progress report attached. Please return the completed items to Coach Garcia-Olson no later than Tuesday, May 24th at the first intensive date. You cannot audition if these items are not returned. The packet also contains information regarding uniforms, summer activities, as well as the requirements and time commitment necessary to be involved in the VMHS Dance program. The formal auditions will be held on Thursday, May 26 in the VM Dance Studio. Auditions are closed to all spectators and parents. Auditions will be evaluated by a team of unbiased dance professionals. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before try-outs begin. You will need to stretch and warm-up on your own. The list of those making the respective teams will be posted Tuesday (May31) by number on the VMHS Dance Team 11-12 web page Please be prepared for and discuss the psychological repercussions of not being selected, and some of the problems your student might have. Unfortunately, not everyone auditioning will make it – No one is guaranteed a spot on any dance team! Discuss, also, the impact of this leadership position, and the changes it will make in your student’s life & your family should your student make a team. Your student’s personal satisfaction and feeling of involvement will bring many rewards as being member of the Broncos Dance Team is considered a leadership position on campus. This involvement, however, also carries with it a great deal of responsibility. Your student will be expected to attend after school practices, games, pep rallies, evening events, Saturday events, and be an exemplary student in the classroom. Being a VM Dance Team dancer requires a great deal of time, effort, and sacrifice, but it gives back fun, excitement, self-confidence, and many other positives in a young person’s life. Thank you again for your interest in being a part of the VMHS Dance Team. Mrs. Theresa Garcia-Olson VMHS Dance Director tgarcia-olson@murrieta.k12.ca.us VMHS Dance Team Audition Application Please complete and return all forms to the VMHS Dance Director no later than Tuesday May 24th A copy of your 12 week progress report must be attached. Please print information neatly Full Name: _____________________________________________ Birth Date:______________________________________________ Current Address: _________________________________________ __________________________________________ Home Phone Number: ___________________________________ Student Mobile Phone Number: ______________________________ Student E-mail Address: ____________________________________ Current GPA: _____________________________________________ (Must have a 2.0 or higher to qualify) Attach Photo Here Previous School Name: ____________________________________ Parent/Guardian Mobile Number: ____________________________ Parent/Guardian Email Address: __________________________________________ Dance Experience (describe; what, where, when): _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Other extra-curricular activities you expect to be involved with (include club/high school sports, employment): _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Give names of TWO teachers OR staff members who can give you a recommendation. Please include email address or phone numbers: _______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ TEAM YOU ARE AUDITIONING FOR Class of 2012 Varsity Golden Spirit ______ Class of 2013 Varsity Golden Spirit ______ Bronco Blue _____ Class of 2014 Varsity Golden Spirit ______ Bronco Blue _____ Class of 2015 Bronco Blue______ Are you reliable, responsible, and dedicated? Explain: Why do you want to be on The VMHS Dance Team? Will you attend all spacing, technical and dress rehearsals? Will you attend all rehearsals? Will you make VMHS Dance Team your priority, in addition to upholding your scholastic responsibilities? Will you arrange your schedule to attend all VMHS Dance Team functions during the summer and the 2011-2012 school year? Yes, I will be dedicated and committed to VMHS Dance Team: Student Signature ________________________________________________________________ This application will not be complete unless the following items are included (These can be obtained from your counselor): 1. G.P.A. – You must have a 2.0 G.P.A. to be eligible for auditions. Please attach a copy of your 12 week progress report to this application. 2. This year’s behavior file. (looking for a positive behavior file, for every 6 truancies 1 point will be deducted from score sheet i.e.: class cut, Saturday school, caught with electronics, dress code, defiant at anytime etc. One point will be deducted for each day suspended including on campus suspensions. This year’s attendance file. (looking for a positive attendance file, any 6 unexcused/unverified absences or 6 tardies will result in points deducted from score sheets) 3. If you are on a inter/intra district transfer, please attach copy of acceptance letter. You will not be able to audition if your transfer has not been approved. 4. All students applying must currently be enrolled with Murrieta Valley Unified School District for the 2011 - 2012 school year. I/We the parent(s)/guardian of ____________________________ give permission for our child to participate in practices and try-outs for the Vista Murrieta High School Dance Team. _____________________________________ Student Signature _____________________________________ Parent Signature (only one required) VMHS Dance Team 2012-2013 Dancer Acceptance/Permission Agreement My child, __________________________________ has my permission to audition to be a member of the Dance Team at Vista Murrieta High School. I understand that he/she must abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the director and administration, and that he/she will be present for all required events, including, but not limited to all rehearsals, Performance and competitions. I understand that upon making the team, I will be provided with a copy of the VMHS Dance Team Articles of Understanding and I understand that the violation of any of the rules may lead to temporary or permanent suspension from the team. I agree to complete and return the attached forms by May 2nd, or my child will not be allowed to audition for the team. I understand that my child must attend all rehearsals (unless excused by the dance director) and audition sessions or my child may not be considered for a position on the12-13 VMHS Dance Team. I understand that my daughter/son will be evaluated by qualified judges and we agree to abide by the decision of the judges. I understand the criteria for evaluation and team selection may include but is not limited to Performance Quality, dance Technique, Golden Spirit – a Bronco Attitude and interview. I understand that the very nature of the performing art of dance carries a risk of physical injury. No matter how careful the participant and coach are, or what dance surface is used, the risk cannot be eliminated. The risk of injury includes minor injuries such as muscle pulls, dislocation and broken bones. The risk also includes catastrophic injuries such as permanent paralysis or even death from landing or falls on the back, neck or head. I understand these risks and will not hold Vista Murrieta High School or any of its personnel responsible in the case of accident of injury at any time. ___________________________ _____________ Parent/Guardian Date ___________________________ _____________ Parent/Guardian Date I am interested in being a Dance Team Member at Vista Murrieta High School. I understand the risks stated above. If selected, I promise to abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the Artistic/Dance Director and the principal of Vista Murrieta High School. I promise to cooperate and follow the instructions of the Directors, Coaches’, administration. _______________________________________________ __________________________ Student Signature Date _______________________________________________ __________________________ Company Auditioning For Grade Next Year VOLUNTARY EXCURSION/FIELD TRIP WAIVER AND MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION FOR MINOR STUDENT Parent/Guardian: Please complete and return this form to, Theresa Garcia-Olson- VMHS Dance Director. ___________________________________ has my permission to participate in the following voluntary activity. Destination: Date & Time: Vista Murrieta High School Gym – Dance Team Auditions May 2, 2012 thru May 4, 2011 – 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm In the event of illness or injury, I do hereby consent to whatever x-ray examination, anesthetic, medical, surgical or dental diagnosis or treatment and hospital care are considered necessary in the best judgment of the attending physician, surgeon, or dentist and performed by or under the supervision of a member of the medical staff of the hospital or facility furnishing medical or dental services. ___________ (initial) As stated in California Education Code, Section 35330, I understand that I hold Murrieta Valley Unified School District, its officers, agents and employees, harmless from any and all liability or claims, which may arise out of or in connection with my child’s participation in this activity. _____________ (initial) I fully understand that participants are to abide by all rules and regulation governing conduct during the trip. Any violation of these rules and regulations may result in that individual being sent home at his/her parents’ expense. ___________________________________________________________________________________ Signature of Parent/Guardian Date ___________________________________________________________________________________ Address Phone ___________________________________________________________________________________ Signature of Student Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________________________ Family Insurance Carrier Policy Number ___________________________________________________________________________________ Address SPECIAL NOTE TO PARENT/GUARDIAN: 1. All drugs must be registered on this form. 2. All drugs, excepting those which must be kept on the student’s person for emergency use, must be kept and distributed by the nurse. 3. (____) Check here if there are NO special problems that the staff should be aware of and NO drugs are required on the trip. 4. If any medication or drugs ARE to be taken by the student, list them here: Name of drug and reason: ____________________________________________________________________________________ IF YOUR CHILD HAS A SPECIAL MEDICAL PROBLEM, PLEASE ATTACH A DESCRIPTION OF THAT PROBLEM TO THIS SHEET. GRADE POINT AVERAGE POLICY Vista Murrieta High School requires that all students who participate in dance team maintain a 2.0 grade point average. Please understand that your son/daughter MUST maintain a 2.0 grade point average. If their grade point average falls below a 2.0 in any grading period, they will be placed on probation and not allowed to participate in any Dance Team activities, until the next grading period. If the grade point average has not been brought up, the student will be dismissed from the team. ___________ (initial) Parent ___________ (initial) Student Please provide a copy of your most recent report card. If you do not have at least a 2.0 GPA on your most recent report card, you will not be allowed to audition for Dance Team. You must also be aware that all deposits made on uniforms, camp, etc. are non-refundable. By signing the statement below, you are acknowledging that, as well as understanding the Vista Murrieta High School grade point average policy. Please sign and return the statement below no later than 3:30pm Tuesday, May 2, 2012 As the parents of: _______________________________________________ we fully understand that is our son/daughter’s grade point average drops below a 2.0 he/she will be placed on probation, with possible dismissal from the squad, and that I will NOT receive any refund for purchases or deposits. STUDENT: _________________________________________ DATE: _________________________ PARENT: _________________________________________ DATE: _________________________ PARENT: _________________________________________ DATE: _________________________ Vista Murrieta High School Dance Team Articles of Understanding THIS CONTRACT is entered into on this day of , by and between the Vista Murrieta High School Dance Team and an individual, hereinafter referred to as the "Dancer" and dancers’ parent(s) ___________________________ Because you are being asked to commit a great deal of time and effort in being a member of the VMHS Dance Team, and because you already have large commitments at school and to your personal life, it is important that you understand what will be required of you as a dancer with the VMHS Dance Team. The following contract is meant to help you understand your responsibilities as a Team member and the responsibilities of the Team to you. ___________ (initial) ___________ (initial) Parent Student Being a dancer with any team/company requires that you put forth unusual mental and physical effort. You have to be mentally alert and physically responsive when most people are taking a break. Your reward is no more and no less than the exhilaration of dancing and the fulfillment that comes from expressing yourself in terms of movement. Being a member of the Team/Company takes a lot of energy and you have to know how to pace yourself, when you have time to rest and when you have to work a bit harder. Knowing what your responsibilities are should help you to organize your time effectively. ___________ (initial) ___________ (initial) Parent Student It is important to understand that your commitment to the Team is matched by a commitment from the Vista Murrieta High School Artistic Staff to provide you with the opportunity to develop technically and artistically as a dancer and to gain performing experience in an atmosphere of educational and professional quality. In short, the dancers are the performing members of an organization in which everyone has a job to do and responsibilities to meet, an organization that strives to enhance the quality of life in our school and community ___________ (initial) ___________ (initial) Parent Student Placement on VMHS Dance Team is based on the following criteria: technique, potential, commitment level, enthusiasm, attitude and behavior in class, attendance and stage presence. We place students together in groups that we feel will work the best together in rehearsal and performance. ___________ (initial) ___________ (initial) Parent Student Participation on VM Athletic Teams or VM Performance group may be allowed – for one season during a school year. You may be released from the Dance Team and may be allowed to rejoin Dance team when your sport or performance season is over. As the time commitment for dance is too great and it is not fair to either team/group for you to do both at the same time. Your teammates do not understand when you have to miss practice or a game to play a team sport/perform with another group. Please know that this may affect what performances you are allowed to perform in when you return to dance team. As determined by the Artistic/Dance Director. ___________ (initial) ___________ (initial) Parent Student CASTING Casting is the responsibility of the Artistic/Dance Director who must consider the specific needs of an entire production. Dancers are required to accept the roles for which they are cast and are encouraged to think in terms of dancing as part of a complete production rather than dancing an isolated piece of the production that may or may not fit what they had in mind for themselves. Any problem with casting should be discussed with the Artistic/Dance Director without delay. Every member of the Team will be cast in a performing role in every production, but not necessarily in every dance performance. Casting as an understudy should be considered as an opportunity to dance a role, not as an unnecessary or unimportant task. Understudies are essential in every production and more frequently are required to dance a role than not. The Artistic/Dance Director reserves the right to take roles away from Team Dancers who have missed more than two rehearsals per production. If a Team Dancer is injured or ill but not contagious, the dancer should come to rehearsal and take notes. If a Team dancer knows in advance that she is going to miss a scheduled rehearsal, the dancer should leave a voicemail or e-mail with VMHS Dance Director as to which rehearsal will be missed. The Team Dancer may not be allowed to perform choreography that was missed during that particular rehearsal. ___________ (initial) ___________ (initial) Parent Student REHEARSALS Rehearsals will be posted, whenever possible, on the company website at least 24 hours in advance of the rehearsal period. During the 2012-2013 season rehearsals may be held as follows: Monday 2:45-4:45pm Tuesday 2:45-3:45pm Wednesday 2:45-4:45pm Thursday 2:45-3:45pm Friday 2:45-3:45pm Saturday as needed __________ (initial) ___________ (initial) Parent Student Rehearsals may be called on any morning before school when no other time can be arranged. Rehearsals may be called at other times when dancers are free. Rehearsals may not exceed fifthteen hours per week for any one dancer. Dancers must attend all rehearsals for dancers in which they have been cast or cast as understudies. Casting will be posted at least 24 hours before any rehearsal whenever possible. Dancers must attend all technical and dress rehearsals for any dance in which they have been cast or cast as understudies. Technical or dress rehearsals may not exceed five hours duration for any one dancer. Any dancer who may be unable to attend a rehearsal for any reason should notify the Artistic Director at the earliest possible date ___________ (initial) ___________ (initial) Parent Student Attendance at rehearsals is mandatory. No exceptions. If you are sick, get a note from the doctor. If you have an emergency, notify the company director BEFORE the rehearsal, not after. The Artistic/Dance Director will make the effort to be understanding in accommodating schedules, but the ultimate responsibility for attendance lies with each dancer. It is your responsibility to know when and where you are having rehearsal. You must have the desire to dance in the performance of VMHS Dance Team. If you have one unexcused absence, the Artistic/Dance Director has the option of removing you form the piece. If this happens repeatedly, you will be dismissed from the team, if allowed back in the team the following year you will be placed on a probationary period. All pieces will be assigned understudies if a dancer should need to be replaced for any reason. ___________ (initial) Parent ___________ (initial) Student Attendance & Time Commitment A VMHS Dance Team is a team. Just as sports teams require all players to attend practices, dance teams require their dancers to attend all classes and rehearsals. Absences will hold back not only the individual dancer, the team as a whole. Each dancer is allowed up to 5 absences from Team classes and rehearsals and any dance class per dance year, after which, the dancer may be removed from the Team. This applies to medical absences as well as other reasons. Dance requires consistent ongoing training, and dancers who miss several classes due to illness or injury, or any other reason will not be able to perform at the same level as those who have attended classes regularly. All Team members must be present in all classes and rehearsals the week prior to every performance and competition. Please consider, being a part of The VMHS Dance Team must be your priority-- Regular attendance in all dance classes is expected of Dance Team members. More than 5 absences from any one dance class may be cause for removal from the Team. ___________ (initial) ___________ (initial) Parent Student I agree to enroll in all required classes and to attend all required/team classes, rehearsals, competitions and performances. I understand that absences (as described above) may result in my not being able to participate in an event or even removal from the team. I do not anticipate scheduling conflicts with sports or other activities. ___________ (initial) Parent ___________ (initial) Student VMHS Dance Team Conduct: As a Team member you should display a VMHS CLASS’rs working attitude towards rehearsal, preparations for performances, and to all other dancers. Group energy must be maintained – a positive atmosphere promotes growth. VMHS Dance Team is a family. It is fully expected that each individual within the company contributes to the group as a whole. Final casting and programmatic decisions will be made in the best interest of the company by the Artistic/Dance Director. It is due to this mission that high standards of performance must be prioritized. Rehearsal: Arrive at least 15 minutes early to sufficiently warm up, have the proper attire requested by the Artistic /Dance Director, and work quietly and efficiently. Dancers not giving this level of commitment will be dismissed. Concentrate on the choreography, and do not talk with other dancers during rehearsal unless it is specifically about the piece. Devote your energies to the rehearsal. Be open to suggestions, criticism, and change. Do not rehearse other work during dance company rehearsal – this is rude and clearly shows lack of respect. Preparation: Maintain a physical appearance that reflects your commitment to dance as a performance art. Hair securely fastened away from the face, dance attire that reflects a respect for the art form, and your mind in the mode of concentration and work. Approach your rehearsal as you would a job. You are a tool in the hands of the choreographer, so be open and ready to be molded. Maintain a well conditioned, clean body. Other Dancers: Avoid personal conflict with other dancers, avoid cliques, and make every effort to get to know all team members. Be concerned with your role, and let the Artistic/Dance director worry about other dancers. Be concerned with your own abilities, and do not criticize others – help them! Above all, maintain the primary goal working for the best possible presentation of the company, first and foremost. This will happen if each dancer works to his or her potential. Principle company members will be expected to serve as Mentors to younger company members. We want all VMHS dancers to find satisfaction and joy in their work with the company however this is a large commitment. In other words, we urge all dancers to treat the rehearsal/class/performance process with CLASS and to demonstrate respect towards the process, towards other dancers, towards the dance faculty, and towards support staff that provides our production needs. Leadership Positions: All leadership positions, i.e. captains, rehearsal assistants, project leaders, choreographers will be selected at the discretion of the Coaches, Dance Director, and Artistic Director. This may include but is not limited to observation, audition and interviews. Acknowledgement Statement Both dancer and parent have read and understood all that is expected as a member of The VMHS Dance Team. We understand that these rules are created to ensure the absolute best training and most positive and rewarding experience for all. Both dancer and parent understand that failure to meet the conditions set forth in this contract could result in the dancer’s dismissal from The VMHS Dance Team. STUDENT: _________________________________________ DATE: _________________________ PARENT: _________________________________________ DATE: _________________________ PARENT: _________________________________________ DATE: _________________________ UNIFORM INFORMATION Below is information regarding uniforms. Please note that the Broncos Dance Team is a school sponsored team and no student will be denied the opportunity to participate in the VM dance program based upon the student’s purchase of a uniform. UNIFORMS We will not be changing any part of the game uniform from the 2011-12 season. All returning squad members can reuse the 2011-12 uniform but are expected to have new shoes. The VM Dance program does have a limited number of game uniforms available for check out. You may also borrow or purchase a used uniform from a former team member. Dancers may elect to purchase their own uniform and keep it as a high school memory. The representative from Varsity Spirit Fashions will be here to custom fit and take payment for all uniforms ordered on that date. Below is an approximate cost for the Dance Team uniforms (based on the 2011-12 costs.) Dance Uniform $185.00 jazz pants/Shell/with embroidery Dancers purchasing their own uniform will be required to pay for the uniform in full on the day the uniform is fitted and ordered. To complete the order, payment is made directly to the uniform vendor. Vista Murrieta High School and its employees are not involved in the purchase and do not receive any commission from the sale. Please contact Coach Garcia-Olson for scholarship opportunities. No student will be denied the opportunity to participate in the VM Dance program due to the inability to purchase a uniform. TIME COMMITMENT SUMMER Mandatory for All Dancers Rehearsal 2 weeks for fall dances, & conditioning. Dates TBA FALL Mandatory for All Dancers All rehearsals in class and after school All additional rehearsals when called All Performances All Varsity Home Football Games (in talks with Athletic Director) All Pep Rallies – Gold performance, Blue All Red Ribbon week rallies There may be some Saturday events. Fall/Winter Dance Concert WINTER Mandatory for All Dancers All rehearsals during Winter break (Dates TBA--usually held the week before we return to school) All rehearsals in class and after school. All additional rehearsals when called All Performances All Basketball Home Games Varsity, JV – Golden Spirit, Bronco Blue respectively All CIF Games Home –Golden Spirit and Bronco Blue SPRING Mandatory for All Dancers All rehearsals in class and after school. All additional rehearsals when called All Performances Incoming Freshman night Mr. Bronco All Rallies Open House Spring Dance Concert The purpose and first priority of Vista Murrieta High School Dance Team is to support Vista Murrieta High School events and activities. Everyone MUST participate in every program, performance, and activity that the Dance Team is involved in, without exception. Lack of participation in scheduled events may be grounds not earning a letter or for dismissal from the VMHS Dance Team. YOUR FIRST PRIORITY MUST BE THE VMHS DANCE TEAM. Working with a Studio team is acceptable but it MUST NOT interfere with VMHS events including; rehearsal, performances, or competitions. You may not miss VMHS Dance Team events for a studio rehearsal, class or performance. THE VMHS DANCE TEAM IS A YEAR LONG COMMITMENT ____________ T. Garcia-Olson VMHS DANCE TEAM AUDITIONS WANTED: GREAT ATTITUDES * HARD WORKERS * TEAM PLAYERS Parent Meeting April 30th at 6:00pm WHEN May 2-4 5/2 Turn in paperwork/Intensive 5/3 Turn in paperwork/Intensive 5/4 Formal Audition WHERE VMHS DANCE ROOM TIME --3:30-5:00pm WHAT TO BRING Completed Audition Packet Current Progress Report *You must have and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA VM Audition Acceptance/Permission form Signed by parent WHAT TO WEAR Jazz pants or dance shorts with tights Leotard or fitted dance appropriate Top (NO TANK TOPS/NO MIDRIFFS) Dance Shoes No Jewelry of any kind/No gum Hair in a ponytail out of your face *The VM Dance Team Seniors will teach all material required for Auditions. You may be asked to come up with a limited amount of original material (2-3 counts of eight). ???MORE QUESTIONS??? Contact the VMHS Dance Director: Coach GO @ VMHS via e-mail: tgarcia-olson@murrieta.k12.ca.us Or check on the web---- http://www.murrieta.k12.ca.us/Page/12111 VMHS Dance Team Letter Process You must complete and end the Dance Team season in good standing You must be in every performance the VMHS Dance Team is in.* You must be at every practice for the entire time.* You must at all times abide by the CLASS code of conduct. You must at all times represent your school following all CLASS’LRS. You must maintain a GPA of 2.5, with no grade below a ‘C’ (73%) You must end the VMHS Dance Team season in good standing with the program and all it involves When all the above has been followed to the fullest extent and has been approved by the VMHS Dance Director you may Letter in Dance If any of the above rules are not followed you may be; Put on Probation, Suspension, or Dismissed 1. TEAM---In every issue. Ask yourself, “What’s best for the team?” 2. REPUTATION—Nothing in life is more valuable, easier to lose, or harder to regain than your good name. Treasure it, and remember that you reputation reflects not only you, but also on the team 3. CONSTRUCTIVE—Always, always be constructive and considerate of others’ feelings in everything you say and do. Remember, they are struggling with problems just like you are. 4. FUN—Find the fun in the work. Being great at something is so much more fun than being mediocre. 5. POSITIVES—Focus on the positives in every situation. There will always be negatives, but if you focus on the positives, you will be happier (and so will the people around you). 6. SMILE—(and mean it) It is both habit-forming and contagious. You’ll find that people want to be around happy people. • • • • • • Optimistic warmth (genuine kindness, thoughtfulness, and a sense that the glass is always at least half full) Intelligence(not just “smarts” but an insatiable curiosity to learn for the sake of learning) Work ethic(a natural tendency to do something as well as it can possibly be done) Empathy(an awareness of, care for, and connection to how others feel and how your actions make others feel) Self awareness and integrity(an understanding of what makes you tick and a natural inclination to be accountable for doing the right thing with honesty and superb judgment) *Without prior permission from the Dance Coach. The Dance Coach makes all decisions and these decisions are final. Any time there is an infraction of rules set forth in this Constitution, the discipline will be administered by the coach. ________________________ Student ________________________ Parent