Auditions 2024-25

The purpose of the Cooley Dance Team is to provide entertainment and support for programs at Cooley Middle School. We welcome those who have a passion for dance and those who aim to be positive student ambassadors.

Auditions are open to Cooley students (girls and boys) in all grade levels (Grades 6-8).

The following foundational dance skills are helpful for dancers to know upon auditioning: how to count 8-counts of music, ability to quickly learn and retain choreography within a short period of time, chaine turns, pirouette turns, leaps and kicks.

Dancers should possess the ability to learn and perform choreography with confidence, energy, and strength. They should also be respectful, responsible, positive, coachable, dedicated, and humble individuals.

• Your completed registration packet and headshot  (to the Informational Meeting, OR to the 1st day of auditions) 

• Water bottle

Each day: 

• Black Bottoms - (leggings, athletic pants, nylon shorts, or capris) - in accordance w/ school dress code

• Plain Black Top - (leotard, support top, tank, or tee - no crop tops) - in accordance w/ school dress code

• Shoes - Jazz shoes and/or non-marking sneakers (any color). Bring both if possible.

• Hair - Must be up and pulled back (ponytail, bun, braids, etc)

• No jewelry - (studs okay)

Audition Days 1-3:

• Jazz, Hip Hop, and/or Pom Combo Choreography

• Across the floor technique

Final Audition Day 4:

• Tryouts in small groups, with judging panel (no rehearsals)

**Auditions Closed to Spectators:

No parents, friends, or siblings will be allowed to observe during the auditions. We want this to be a fair and unbiased process, and the students will be nervous enough without the additional eyes on them.

We appreciate your understanding.

Judges will select the top performing 12-20 dancers for the team, based on retention of choreography, technique, performance, and musicality. Dancers will also be observed throughout audition week for their sense of responsibility, respect for others, and perseverance/improvement each day.

**See TENTATIVE DATES/TIMES below. An overview of our season schedule with more specific dates/times will be available at our Informational Meeting TBA**

April: Informational Meeting, Auditions, Announce Team, Team Meeting **TBA

May: Uniform Fitting (after school, by sign up)

June: Summer practice & team bonding (3 half days)

August: National Dance Alliance NDA Camp (3 full days)

August-December: 2x/week practices, Tuesdays 3:00-5:00 and Thursdays 4:00-5:00

September: 1x/week performance at 7th and 8th grade football games, 3:30-6:00 (game performances are typically Monday or Wednesdays)

October: Monster Mash performance during school hours, team photos, possible fall rally, fall social

November: 1x/week performance at 7th and 8th grade basketball games, 3:30-6:00 (game performances are typically Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursdays)

December: Dress Rehearsal, Winter Showcase, Winter Banquet 

The typical cost is approximately $500-700 for the season. Costs include individual fee for camp, and custom uniform pieces which dancers purchase to own.