| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1) What should I wear to the Try-out clinic? Wear anything in which you can move comfortably (sweats, shorts, etc. and a comfortable pair of shoes). 2) What should I wear to Try-outs? Wear a dark pair of shorts and a white t-shirt with minimal print. You may wear tennis shoes or jazz shoes for you try-out. Your "neatness" will be judged, so pay attention to things such as your hair, make-up,etc. T-shirts should be tucked in or "fitted" so they are not flopping around. Shorts should not be too long or too short. Socks should be rolled, or ankle length. Please do not pull them up to your calf. 3) Do I have to attend the "Prep Classes"? Will it be held against me if I don't? No, the prep classes are simply offered as a resource to help you have a better try-out. However, new girls often find them to be very helpful, and often attedance at these classes can make substantial improvements in your skills. 4) How hard will the routine be? There will be one main routine consisting of the sorts of technical choreography that the Troyettes perform throughout the year, it is primarily jazz and pom based, with a little funk thrown in for fun. You will also learn a very short "kick" routine consisting of various high kicks including straight, angle, cross, inside and outside fans, etc. 5) Am I expected to know the routines perfectly? You should attempt to know the routines as well as possible ...but you are being judged on potential, not perfection. 6) How many spots are available? All returning members MUST re-tryout. No one is "guaranteed" a spot on the team. Our squad consists of as many girls as show potential to be successful and contributing members. There is no set number. However, the top COMPETITION PERFORMING number is 30, but could be less. 7) If you take more than 30 members, but only 30 members perform, what does this mean for me? It means, that starting the MINUTE you make the team, you start working to earn a performing spot. If you are unmotivated to improve, you will probably not perform. If you are motivated, you will probably reap the rewards of your hard work. Skills are assessed throughout the summer, and honest feedback is given. Anyone who cannot meet the skill level required (old or new member) will not be allowed to perform until they do. We work to allow EVERYONE to perform at different performances throughout the year, although this is not a guarantee. The skills you gain in one year on Troyettes usually prepare you for a "full time" performing position for your future years on the team. So if you don't perform a lot during your first year, the training is invaluable for future years. 8) Is it true that only one or two freshmen can make the team? No, there is no set number in any class. 9) What if I've never taken dance classes? Many girls make the team who have never had prior dance experience. Don't let that stop you from trying out! 10) What common character traits are found within the Troyette dancers? Dedication and hard work are the common threads between the team members. Each dancer must display an understanding of the tradition of the Troyettes and her responsibility in helping to maintain this tradition. Every year, we have numerous titles to defend! If you are trying out for ANY reason OTHER than a love for dance, then you need to think twice. Troyettes, at its core, is about HARD WORK. If you don't possess a love for dance, or if you are lazy, you will find the year very frustrating! To dance for the Troyettes requires a fair amount of sacrifice. It requires many evenings given to performances at athletic events, daily after school practices, Saturdays for competitions, Sunday night practices, summer practices, etc. However, in spite of these sacrifices, the benefits far outweigh the costs. There is no "typical" Troyette...we come from numerous backgrounds and experiences. We have different styles, likes and dislikes. Because the Troyettes are highly visible within the school, certain stereotypes exist. I challenge you to get beyond these...You do not have to be "popular" to make the Troyettes, nor will you suddenly become "popular" if you do. Some of us are 4.0 students, some struggle more with our grades, some are shy, some never stop talking! :) The common goal that unites all these different personaities is DANCE. If you love dance, then you'll love Troyettes. 11) What if I can't attend camp? If you can't attend, you should contact the coach immediately. Camp is scheduled for July 7th-11th at Southwest High School. 12) Can I practice with "old" Troyettes? YES! They can help you understand exactly what the judges will be looking for. In fact, this is one of the best things you could do! Don't be afraid to ask them, they will help you! 13) How can I get a copy of the try-out music? The music will be uploaded to the Troyette website. 14) What if I "blank" during try-outs? Remember, you are being judged on potential, not perfection. Many girls make the team who do not perform a perfect routine. Your "skills" are often as important as the routine...Work on your toe touches, split leaps, switch leaps, kicks, and double turns...These skills are often the difference between making it or not. 15) Is Shawna making judgements about my dance skills and who will make the team as she is teaching us during the week? No, absolutely not. Nothing is decided until the day of try-outs! However, while your dance and memorization skills are not being monitored , your attitude is! Please do not talk while Shawna is teaching. If you have questions, ask them politely. Be respectful of the people around you. Have your forms completed neatly and in on time. Treat this try-out as you would a job interview! 16) How will I know if I made the team? The results will be posted on the front doors of Southwest High School by 7:00 AM on Sunday morning. They will also be posted on this site by the same time. 17) What if I don't make it? Plenty of girls don't make it the first time they try out. If you're serious about being a Troyette, then practice throughout the year, and try-out again! Practice makes perfect! After try-outs, if you want more information on what you can do to improve, please send a written request to Shawna, enclosing a self addressed, stamped envelope. I will watch the try-out tape, and help you out in any way possible! 18) If I make the team, how much does nationals cost? The entire trip cost approximately $800. There are fundraisers that can off-set this expense...Do not let this cost keep you from trying out...There are scholarships available! |