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 Team 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.

2010 DANCE TEAM CLINICS

Come learn about the Maryland Dance Team! Our clinics are a great opportunity to see what the Maryland Dance Team is all about and prepare for tryouts. Download a UMD Dance Team Clinics/Auditions Flyer.

CLINICS:

The University of Maryland Dance Team will be holding two dance clinics in the month of April 2009 in preparation of tryouts for the 2010-2011 team. Dates and times are scheduled as follows:

Saturday, April 10th 1-3 p.m. at the Comcast Auxilary Gym

Saturday, April 17th 1-3 p.m. at the CSPAC Band Room

The cost will be $10.00 per person, and we will cover everything that will be required for tryouts, so please attend!

You are not required to attend both clinics, however, it is highly encouraged to attend at least one so that you are fully prepared for tryouts.

TRYOUTS:

Tryouts will be held Sunday, April 25th at 1 p.m. at the Comcast Auxiliary Gym. Please arrive early for registration, which will begin at 12:30pm.

1 pm: Stretch and Mini-Clinic

3 pm: Auditions and Callbacks

What to Wear: Cheer shorts, a sports bra, and dance shoes Come with hair down and curly and full makeup; and please bring a headshot!

Cost: $20

*Please note that the Maryland Dance Team holds closed tryouts. Parents, friends, and coaches will be asked to leave during the tryout*

Download: Audition Application
Download: Medical Waiver