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.

TRYOUTS:

Thanks to all who participated in this year's tryouts and congratulations to the 2007-2008 Maryland Dance Team

2008 Tryout Date TBA

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*

2007 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:

2007-2008 Clinic Dates TBA

Get a feel for the UMD Dance Team! Come practice technique, learn the choreography for tryouts and have a Q&A session with current members. Wear dance shoes and comfortable workout clothing.

*You do not have to attend either of the clinics in order to tryout for the team. All choreography will be taught the day of tryouts.