Tryouts

Pre-Tryout Prep Class

Coaches & former Hayes dancers will be hosting an optional but strongly recommended pre-tryout prep class for anyone wishing to tryout for the 2026-2027 EJHDT. This class will focus on teaching & practicing all tryout skills, as well as our fight song, a pom combo, and a jazz combo. Those in attendance will get feedback from coaches and former dancers, go over the tryout scoresheet in detail, and have any of their questions answered. This is the best way to prepare for tryouts.

Who?  Any 2026-2027 Edythe J. Hayes Middle School student interested in trying out for EJHDT

When? 3/12 from 4:15-6:15pm

Where? Hayes gym

Wear/bring: Athletic wear (form–fitting tanks, leo, shorts, etc.) and dance shoes (pirouettes/half soles if you have them) or tennis shoes. All candidates should bring tennis shoes. All candidates should have their hair up and out of face in a ponytail or bun.

IN ORDER TO ATTEND, DANCERS MUST COMPLETE THIS SIGN-UP FORM AND HAVE AN UPDATED KHSAA PHYSICAL.

***PHYSICALS SHOULD BE EMAILED TO COACH ADAMS (TAYLOR.ADAMS@FAYETTE.KYSCHOOLS.US) OR BROUGHT TO THE CLASS. DANCERS CANNOT PARTICIPATE WITHOUT AN UPDATED PHYSICAL- NO EXCEPTIONS!

'26-'27 EJHDT Tryout Information

Who?  Any 2026-2027 Edythe J. Hayes Middle School student

When? Clinics: 3/31 & 4/1 from 4:15-6:15pm, Formal Tryout- 4/2- 4:15 until individual dancer’s tryout group is done

Where? Hayes gym

*Candidates will not be allowed to participate in any tryout events if a current sports physical is not on file as well as a completed tryout application.  There are NO exceptions to this policy! See below for forms.

More Details:

• WEAR 3/31 & 4/1 (Tryout clinics): Athletic wear (form–fitting tanks, leo, shorts, etc.) and dance shoes (pirouettes/half soles if you have them) or tennis shoes. All candidates should bring tennis shoes. All candidates should have their hair up and out of face in a ponytail or bun.

• WEAR 4/2 (Formal tryout day): SOLID black athletic wear (form–fitting tanks, leo, shorts, etc.) and dance shoes (pirouettes/half soles if you have them) or tennis shoes. All candidates should bring tennis shoes. All candidates should have their hair up and out of face in a ponytail or bun.

• Candidates will audition by demonstrating the routines and skills in groups of 2-3 in front of an outside judging panel 

• Judges will be scoring candidates based on the quality of their skills & dance performance.  The final cut will be made based on a natural break in the scores combined with attendance, grades, and behavior. There is no set number of dancers that will make the team. Not all dancers that make the team will be guaranteed to compete.

• Tryout numbers for those who made the 2026-2027 team will be posted on the EJH Dance Team website and our Instagram & Facebook accounts no later than 9pm on 4/2 (but could occur sooner).

Required Forms:

In order to attend tryouts, candidates must complete the tryout application and have an updated KHSAA physical form.

***Completed physicals can be emailed to Coach Adams (taylor.adams@fayette.kyschools.us) or turned in in person at the pre-tryout prep class or first day of tryout clinics.