JMHS Dance Team Handbook
JMHS Dance Team Rules, Regulation, & Expectations
Parents and dancers: Please read over the following document PRIOR to auditioning for the JMHS
Varsity Dance Team. Make sure you are aware of all requirements and financial obligations before
auditioning. Please sign and date the acknowledgement page and return to the coach on the first day of
tryouts.
Coach:
Heidi Stafford
(703) 626-0037
madisondanceteam@gmail.com
Important Numbers:
JMHS Activities Hotline
(703) 883-4647
JMHS Activities Website
www.warhawksports.org
Purpose
1. The purpose of this spirit organization shall be
 To promote, develop, and uphold JMHS school spirit
 To encourage a sense of good sportsmanship among the students, fans, and faculty
 To represent JMHS to the highest degree, whether in uniform or not, by setting an example of
good behavior in class, at practices, games or competitions, and all school functions, whether
dancing or not
 To have fun!
Seasons/Schedule
1. The dance team season at JMHS runs from May of the previous school year through February of
the next. Dancers must remain on the team for the entire season and be able to attend camp plus
all practices, games, competitions and events.
2. Dance team is a large summer commitment as well. Beginning in late July and early August, we
attend UDA Summer camp at JMU, participate in 1-2 fundraisers, and hold numerous practices
to prepare for the upcoming seasons.
Membership and Eligibility
1. All students currently attending James Madison High School and that are in good academic
standing, are eligible to audition for the dance team. Incoming freshman are automatically
eligible.
2. All forms must be completed and turned in prior to auditioning for the dance team. This includes:
 VHSL Physical form, signed and dated after May 1 of the current year by dancer,
parent/guardian, and medical physician
 2 copies of Emergency Care form
 JMHS Extracurricular Activities form (warhawksports.org)
1
JMHS Dance Team Handbook

Acknowledgement of Dance Team Rules & Regulations
Lettering Requirements
1. In order to receive a varsity letter, a dancer must remain on the varsity team for the entire
“season”, be in good academic standing, and have participated in at least 75% of all dance team
events (games, competitions, fundraisers, and practices).
Audition Information
1. Tryouts will be held in the spring of the previous year for the upcoming seasons. A panel of
qualified judges will evaluate:
 Dance technique and skill (kick, pom, jazz, and hip hop)
 Energy and enthusiasm
 Showmanship and projection
 Flexibility and strength
 First impression (upon entering the audition room)
3. Incoming freshmen are automatically eligible. Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors must have
passed at least 5 credits of non-repeat classes. Returning team members must re-audition.
4. There is no set number of girls to be selected for the dance team. The decision is based on
ability, potential, contributions, and attitude of each girl. The coach reserves the right for final
selection. Some dancers may be selected as alternates in the final team selection. The role of an
alternate is primarily a training position for a dancer who has not yet achieved performance skill
level but shows potential. An alternate will attend all practices and performances but will not
perform until her skills have reached the appropriate level. Alternates may fill in for hurt or sick
performers at coach's discretion and will be observed for performance-readiness prior to
performances during the year.
5. All forms must be completed and turned in prior to auditioning for the dance team. This includes:
 VHSL Physical form, dated after May 1 of the current year and signed by dancer,
parent/guardian, and medical physician
 2 copies of Emergency Care form
 JMHS Extracurricular Activities form
 Signed dance team Rules and Regulations form
 Completed audition information sheet with picture (found in try-out packet)
6. The tryouts will take place over the course of 3-4 days and will include technique, a personal
interview, a short routine, and a final audition. At the final audition, the dancers will be evaluated
in groups of 3-4. Dancers must be able to attend all 3-4 days.
7. The dancers will be evaluated on a variety of dance skills including, but not limited to:
 Turns- double and triple pirouettes- Left/Right, chaines- Left/Right, fouette’s and/or a la
second turns
 Leaps: split leap- Right/Left, switch split leap, side leap- Left/Right, C-jump turning,
Baryshnikov/calypso
2
JMHS Dance Team Handbook


Jumps: toe touch, standing C-jump
Flexibility: leg hold extensions side/front, leg hold turns, R/L splits, needles, front & back
walkovers
8. A short routine showcasing a variety of styles including jazz, pom, kick and hip-hop will be
taught throughout the tryout. This routine will be evaluated on the final day of the audition
process. This routine will include the above-mentioned skills and more.
9. All dancers should wear tight-fitting dance or athletic apparel. A number will be given to each
dancer, which should be visible at all times. No baggy clothing or large jewelry. Hair must be
pulled back away from the face. Appropriate footwear must be worn. No socks or bare-feet.
10. Dancers will be notified the day of the final audition as to whether or not they made the dance
team. Any questions, comments, or concerns should be directed towards the coach through email.
11. There will be a separate audition for all those wishing to become captain or officers. All
returning 3rd or 4th year dancers are eligible to become captain or officer. Those eligible will be
contacted by the coaches prior to tryouts explaining the process.
UDA Summer Camp
1. Every summer, the dance team attends UDA camp at a local university to help prepare for the
upcoming season. Attendance at camp is mandatory. Camp lasts 4 days in which the dancers
spend the nights in the college dorms and are supervised by the coaches and instructors at all
times. The cost of camp is roughly $330 and includes food, lodging, instruction, and events.
Camp fees are the responsibility of the parents and will be collected in late May or early June at
the parent meeting.
2. In preparation for camp, several practices will be held to learn the team home routine. On the first
night of camp, home routines will be evaluated and scored by the UDA instructors. A superior
score could qualify the dance team for UDA Nationals in Orlando, FL.
3. Each dancer will be required to purchase team “camp wear” to wear each day of camp. The cost
of camp wear runs between $100-150 and usually includes 3-4 tops, 2-3 bottoms, and a dance
bag (subject to change). Camp wear is mandatory for all dancers and is also the responsibility of
the parents.
Fees
1. The Dance Team Fundraising account at JMHS will be used to pay team competition fees,
competition costume fees, choreography fees, etc. when at all possible; additional costs may
arise. In most cases, camp fees, camp uniforms, and spirit pack items will not be paid for using
the Dance Team Fundraising account.
2. If you need financial assistance in any way, please contact the coaches ASAP.
3. Costs may vary from season to season. A general list of required items to be purchased by each
3
JMHS Dance Team Handbook
dancer will be distributed at the parent meeting.
4. In previous years, the JMHS Dance team has received a bid to attend the National Dance Team
Championships in Orlando, FL. If eligible again, we will do whatever possible to reduce costs of
the trip and airfare through fundraising efforts. Parents will be required to supplement fees for
hotel and airfare based on the amount of money raised throughout the year. Any parent wishing
to attend will be required to pay in full.
Fundraising
1. The dance team will participate in 3-5 fundraisers per school year. This includes anything from
football program AD Sales, carwashes, bake sales, Junior Warhawks workshop, etc. Participation
in these fundraisers is MANDATORY.
2. All proceeds from the fundraising will go directly into the JMHS Dance Team account unless
otherwise stated. We will be using 1-2 fundraisers each year for personal fundraising towards
their Nationals payment. More information will be distributed at the Parent/Dancer meeting.
3. Profits from fundraising may be used towards:
 Competition fees
 Choreography
 Costumes/ Uniforms
 Camp
 Other expenses
4. In the event that fundraising fees do not cover all expenses, parents will be required to supplement
the cost.
Attendance
1. Do what it says, Attend Dance!
2. Attendance is mandatory to all events scheduled by the coach. This includes, but is not limited to
UDA summer camp, practices, home football and basketball games, competitions, and
fundraisers.
3. The coach must clear all absences in advance. Excused absences may include serious injury or
illness (accompanied by a doctor’s note), family emergencies, school or class requirements (with
a signed teacher/administrator note), or a prearranged absence with it least 1 week advance
notice. All other absences are unexcused and the dancer may be asked to sit for the upcoming
performance.
4. All dancers must be on time to scheduled practices, games, or events. Tardiness will not be
tolerated. Tardiness is defined as not in the facility and ready to dance at the scheduled time.
5. Any dancer who is absent for any reason during a game week, will be asked to sit for that weeks
performance.
4
JMHS Dance Team Handbook
General Expectations
1. As a member of the dance team, you are a reflection of your school, your coach, and your parents,
therefore, exemplary behavior is required by all members of the dance team at all times.
2. Dancers must maintain a positive and encouraging attitude at all practices, games, and events.
3. Academics must come before dance team. All dancers are expected to remain in good academic
standing throughout the season. Dancers must exercise time management skills to complete
homework on time and attend practice. If a dancer needs to meet with a teacher after school, a
signed note is required in addition to letting the coach know before practice begins.
4. Proper appearance is required at all times, appropriate to the occasion.
5. Insubordination to the coaches or other authority figure is unacceptable and will not be
tolerated.
6. The use of alcohol, tobacco, performance enhancing substances, or drug usage of any kind is
strictly prohibited and may be grounds for dismissal from the team.
7. Inappropriate photos or content found on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc. will not be
tolerated and disciplinary action will be taken.
8. Dancers will use discretion when discussing matters concerning the dance team with other
members of the squad and non-members.
9. Excessive public displays of affection are never appropriate, especially in uniform.
10. The use of cell phones during practices, games, or competitions is strictly prohibited unless in an
emergency situation. All cell phones must be put on silent, vibrate, or turned off.
11. All dancers are required to take dance classes outside of dance team to improve and maintain
their technique. Ballet, jazz, and hip-hop classes are all HIGHLY recommended, however not all
are required. Dance classes, performances, or competitions should not conflict with scheduled
practice times. In addition, All-Star teams and studio competition teams must not conflict
with dance team practices, events, or competitions. Madison Dance must come first!
12. Uniforms will be distributed at the beginning of the fall season and collected at the end of the
winter season. It is the responsibility of the dancer to maintain their uniforms. If any part of the
uniform is damaged or lost, the dancer will be held financially responsible.
13. Violations of any rule will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Practice Policies
1. The coach will determine the practice schedule for the season. All practice information will be
posted on www.warhawksports.org or sent out via email. Scheduled practices are mandatory for
all team members. Practices may change last minute, therefore all team members must remain
5
JMHS Dance Team Handbook
flexible. The coach will try her best to make sure all team members are away of any changes
made to the practice schedule.
2. Practices will last between 2-4 hours, 3-5 times a week. Additional practices may be scheduled as
needed, especially during competition season. The practice schedule will be posted on the
Warhawk Sports page.
3. If a dancer is absent from school, they will not be allowed to participate in practice that day. It is
recommended that they come and sit at practice, if they are capable, to learn what they would
otherwise miss. If a dancer is sick or injured but did attend school, they must attend practice that
day as well.
4. If a dancer must miss a practice for any reason, they must clear it with the coach (preferably with
it least 1 week’s notice). Messages sent through other team members or parents will not be
accepted. It is the responsibility of the dancer to contact the coach when they are going to be
tardy or absent.
5. If you suffer an injury that may affect your ability to dance, you must visit the athletic training
office at Madison High School ASAP. The ATC’s at Madison can treat and rehabilitate most
injuries and will be able to get the athletes back into the games quickly and safely.
6. Dancers will wear the appropriate practice uniform as decided upon by the captains and/or coach.
Hair must be neatly pulled away from the face and should remain secure for the entire practice.
7. A positive and encouraging attitude is expected of all dancers at all practices.
8. Questions, comments, and general discussion should be kept to a minimum. Any questions or
concerns should be discussed either before or after practice with a captain or a coach.
9. No talking, laughing, or horsing around will be tolerated during practices. Focus is necessary to
get things done in a timely manner.
10. Be prepared to work! No excuses! All dancers should give 110%, 100% of the time!
11. It is the responsibility of the dancer to practice their dances outside of scheduled practice. If you
need help or have questions, ask your captains, not your peers. Video cameras are highly
recommended, however posting of such practice videos on Facebook, MySpace, youtube, etc. is
strictly prohibited unless cleared by the coach.
Game Policies
1. Attendance at all home football and basketball games is mandatory.
2. ALL DANCERS ARE REQUIRED TO BE IN SCHOOL, ON TIME, THE ENTIRE DAY,
ON GAME DAYS! NO EXCEPTIONS!
3. Game performance is at the sole discretion of the coach. If the coach does not think a dancer is
6
JMHS Dance Team Handbook
ready to perform at a game, they may be asked to sit for that performance. A meeting will be
held between the coach and the dancer to discuss all options.
4. The captains, seniors, and coaches will choreograph game dances. Placement in dances is at the
sole discretion of the coach and choreographer. If there is a problem, it must be addressed with
the captain and/or the coach.
5. All dancers are required to attend the pre-game pom-party, arriving ready to dance, make-up
included. They will then travel as a team to the school, arriving no later than 6:00 to practice.
6. Dancers will wear the appropriate outfit, as decided upon by the coaches or captains. Any dancer
who is missing part of their uniform or wearing the wrong outfit will be asked to sit for that
performance. Cover-ups will be worn over costumes at all times, unless performing.
7. Hair will be secure using hair bands, pins, gel and/or hairspray and must be worn in the proper
hairstyle. Fly-aways and bangs are not acceptable!
8. No nail polish, fake nails, or jewelry of any kind other than team earrings!
9. Appropriate make-up must be worn to all games and competitions.
10. All dancers will sit together in the stands prior to performing at the games. Good sportsmanship
and exemplary behavior is expected.
Competition Policy
1. The Varsity dance team will compete in 2-4 competitions every year. We will also travel to
Orlando, FL if we receive a bid to attend the NDTC.
2. All competitions and competition practices are mandatory, whether performing or not. If you are
not performing, you are still expected to dress out and sit with the coaches during the
competition performance. No absences will be allowed during the week prior to competition,
or the month of January leading up to Nationals. Please plan accordingly.
3. All dancers will learn the choreography for both routines to the best of their ability. Alternates
must learn all of the choreography and must be ready to dance in case of an injury, illness, or
other emergency.
4. When possible, the dance team will cover competition expenses, however additional fees may be
required. Dancers wishing to compete solo’s must pay their own solo entry fee.
Communication
1. Communication is absolutely necessary! For the most part, it is the responsibility of the dancer to
communicate with the coach, not the parents. However, coaches are more than happy to address
any questions, comments or concerns at any point throughout the season from both parents and
dancers.
7
JMHS Dance Team Handbook
2. Communication outside of practice will be by e-mail, phone, or use of www.warhawksports.org.
It is the dancer’s responsibility to check their email and the website on a regular basis for
updates, announcements, and new information. Failure to check is not an excuse for not
knowing!
3. Coaches will only discuss a dancer with that dancer and/or their parents.
4. Any questions, problems, or concerns should be brought to the attention of the coach by the
dancer. Rumors or gossip will not be tolerated. In the event that an emergency arises that will
affect the dancer and their capacity to dance or attend practice, games, or events, the parent
and/or dancer must contact the coach immediately.
5. In the event a serious issue arises, the proper procedure to voice a complaint, concern, or
grievance is as follows (in consecutive order):
 Wait 24 hours, except when a child’s safety is involved. This is a JMHS Policy.
 Discuss the concern with the coach – if you are not satisfied with the results then,
 Discuss the situation with the Assistant Director of Student Activities – if not satisfied
then,
 A meeting will be scheduled with the parent, head coach and the Director of Student
Activities.
Parental Involvement
1. Parental involvement is crucial to the success of the dance team. Parents can be involved by:
 Participating in and/or organizing fundraising activities
 Hosting pre-game pom parties, which involve providing dinner for the team before home
football and basketball games
 Providing a support network for new parents and dancers
 Ordering or making costumes
 Coordinating flight/travel information for UDA competitions
2. If you have a special skill or talent or would like to be involved in some way not listed above,
please contact the coach.
**See below for Parent/Dancer acknowledgement page**
8
JMHS Dance Team Handbook
Acknowledgement
Dancer’s name_____________________________________ Grade (2015-2016)__________
I have read the dance team handbook and fully understand the expectations, obligations, and
rules set forth by the JMHS dance team. I understand that breaking any of these rules or failure
to comply with such policies will result in appropriate disciplinary action. Furthermore, I agree to
pay for any lost or damaged JMHS dance team property including uniforms and costumes before
a varsity letter will be awarded.
Signature of dancer
Date
________________________________
____________________
Signature of parent/guardian
Date
_______________________________
____________________
9