Dancing Blues Washburn University - 2022-2023 Tryout Information

Washburn University
                            Dancing Blues
                 2022-2023 Tryout Information
                         Productivity • Progress • Positivity

Mission Statement

It shall be the mission of the Washburn University Dancing Blues to work as a team to deliver the
best possible performances and be the best possible representatives of Washburn. We will
recognize organization, punctuality, professionalism, hard work and respect as important keys to
achieving success. We will come together as a team to achieve a level of physical fitness that
will enhance our performance. We will strive to be positive role models at all times and
remember that we are representatives of a larger organization. Our choreography will be
thoughtful and challenging, while still keeping our audience in mind. We will make an honest
effort as a team to maintain our commitment to improvement while still having fun!

Team Description

The WU Dancing Blues are proud member of the Washburn University Marching Band. Our team
has historically consisted of 10-18 members. This number may fluctuate from year to year given
the needs of the team. The WU Dancing Blues is a Game Day and Competitive team, with 5
National Championship titles in the last 9 years. That performs pom, jazz and hip-hop routines
at certain functions for the University. You can see the WU Dancing Blues at Ichabod Football,
and men’s and women’s basketball games. We currently compete at the DTU College Classic in
Orlando.

Tryout Requirements

• Incoming freshmen ARE eligible to apply
• Current and transfer students with a minimum 2.0 GPA are eligible.
• Current WU students must be enrolled part-time (6 hours) to be eligible
• Current WU Students must be in good disciplinary and academic standing with the university
• Transfer students must be disciplinarily and academically eligible to return to the university
from which they are transferring
• Cost for tryouts is $20 per person
• All Tryout Registrations & Documents (listed below) must be submitted by Sunday April, 24th

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Tryouts

  We are looking for: versatility, confidence, energy and the ability to perform many dance
  styles (jazz, hip-hop, pom, etc.)
  The ability to learn routines quickly. Must use proper technique (previous dance training is
  helpful but not required).
  Must be a performer!
  Positive role models to represent WU

Tryouts will consist of

  Two short dance combinations, one will be Jazz and one will be Hip-Hop
  A short Sideline Routine & our Fight Song: looking at pom motions and game day energy
  Technique - across the floor leaps, turns, kicks. There will also be a chance for you to
  showcase any additional skills you feel you excel at
  Interviews - personal questions about you to get to know you better (no school trivia or trick
  questions will be asked)
  All materials (Jazz and Hip-hop and Sideline routines) will be taught at tryouts

Recommended Skills

  High kicks/tilt kicks (left & right)
  Splits (left, right & center)
  Jumps - Tilt Jump, Toe Touch, Firebird
  Leaps - Saut de Chat, Center, Turning Center, Calypso (chaine jete)
  Turns - Double, Triple, Turns in Second & Changing Spot, Leg Hold Turns

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Tryout Documents

Email the following to Coach Michaela - michaela.trobough@washburn.edu - by Sunday
April 24th. Make the subject of the email: WUDB - "Your Name"

• Current HS or College Transcript
• Letter of Recommendation from a current or past dance teacher/coach
• Current Head Shot (preferably in a uniform)

Tryout Attire

Female dancers should wear fitted booty shorts/spandex, tights to match skin tone (optional),
fitted sports bra or crop dance top, and dance shoes or athletic shoes. No pants or capris
please. Hair should be down and ‘Game Day' ready. Please wear Performance/Game Day
make-up. Male dancers should wear form fitting tops with shorts or dance pants. Earring studs
are fine, but all other piercings should be removed. Attire must be in any combo of Navy,
shades of blue, White or Grey. Please also cover ALL visible tattoos. Look ‘Game Day’ ready!

Tryout Timeline

Tryouts will be held on Saturday, April 30th in Lee Arena on Washburn's campus.
(tentative schedule)
   8:30am Check In
   9:00am Group Warm Up/Stretch
   9:30am Learn Tryout Materials
   12:30pm Lunch/Break
   1:30pm      Interviews/Time to review materials
   3:00pm Round 1 Tryouts in front of judges - Technique
   4:00pm Round 2 Tryouts in front of judges - Fight Song & Pom Sideline
   5:00pm Round 3 Tryouts in front of judges - Jazz & Hip Hop Routine

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Results/Announcement of Team

Results of tryouts will be emailed out to all candidates 1-2 days following tryouts. When all
candidates who made the team confirm/accept their spot on the team, a post will be made to
the Dancing Blues social media accounts announcing the 2022-2023 team.

The first team meeting for those selected will be Saturday, May 28th from 2:00-5:00pm. This
meeting is mandatory.

Summer practices are tentatively scheduled on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-9:00pm, starting
June 14th. As well as 2-3 weekend practices throughout the summer.

Early Tryouts

In the event a candidate cannot attend tryouts or a portion of tryouts due to competitions or
graduation for example, an early tryout may be scheduled prior to the tryout date. Please
contact Coach Michaela Trobough as early as possible to get this scheduled. Attendance at
the actual audition is highly encouraged, even if just for a portion of the day, since projection
and performance can be limited through video.

   Please direct all questions regarding tryouts and the tryout process to
      Coach Michaela Trobough - michaela.trobough@washburn.edu

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General Team Information

Practice: We will practice regularly 3 times a week on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Times
TBD. Additional practices will be added as needed.

Workouts: Each member will be required to attend/complete scheduled team workouts

Camp: We will attend/host DTU's Collegiate Dance camp at the end of the summer. More
information will come after tryouts. Each member will be required to pay a $100 camp deposit,
due by the day we leave for/attend camp.

Gear: Each member will be required to pay $150 for their team gear that will be used
throughout the season. The money will be due on our first day of practice, June 14th. The
following items are included - team earrings, team shoes, camp/team gear (sports bras, tank
tops, t-shirts. shorts). Other items you are responsible for purchasing for the season include
tights and jazz shoes.

Fundraising: Each member will be required to fundraise $1,400 (tentative to be a lower amount,
will not be higher) to compete at the DTU College Classic in April of 2023. This amount includes
travel, hotel, registration, team meals, and 2 tickets to Universal Studio's. We will hold multiple
fundraisers throughout the season for this to be accomplished. You will be required to for any
remaining amount you do not fundraise.

  Thank you for your interest in the Dancing Blues!

                                     GO BODS

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