When are team Tryouts?
We usually hold Tryouts in the Spring (usually late April). Our team can be any amount of people, boys and girls!
Do I need to know how to dance before joining or Trying Out?
Nope! No prior dance experience is needed, but taking a dance class or two and/or attending our camps and clinics will be helpful! We’ll teach you everything you’ll need to know.
At first, learning to dance is a bit awkward and can feel embarrassing, but have courage and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Most of our team members have started right where you are and they’re rooting for you. Come into it with a positive mindset and work hard!
What if I can’t do the Splits, Dance Tricks or Break-Dancing Tricks?
Not a problem at all. Our practices are built to help you achieve tricks, flexibility, etc. as quickly as possible while also staying safe. We give you different things to work on at home to help you improve. Make sure to always warm-up correctly and build necessary strength before trying advanced tricks/flexibility on your own.
I’ve danced for many years, would I still be challenged?
Absolutely! Our team trains in a variety of dance styles and levels. Our team is broken up into JV, Intermediate and Varsity. This gives dancers something to work toward each season.
For example, some dancers are stronger in hip-hop than jazz, so we audition almost every single performance routine (assembly, sideline, competition routines). This gives everyone an equal opportunity to be in a performance but also challenges dancers of all levels.
Our workouts are some of the hardest on campus. We build stamina by running, doing stadiums, high-intensity training, and much more. You will be challenged… believe me!
What is the time commitment like?
Being on Dance Team is big time commitment. We practice on average 3 hours a day, M-F during the school year, YEAR AROUND (Aug-May).
Current School Year Practice Schedule:
Monday: 2:40-5:30 pm
Tuesday: 2:40-5:30 pm
Wednesday: 3:00-6:00 pm (on late start days)
Thursday: 2:40-5:30 pm
Friday: 2:40-5:30 pm
We also have numerous fundraisers, events, community performances, etc. that are held on a lot of Saturdays throughout the year. This is one of the biggest things to take into consideration before joining.
Can I be in Dance AND another Sport, MUN, ASB, T-Tech, etc?
Yes you can- it will definitely require you to manage your time wisely but it is possible. Coaches ask for communication with any conflicts and to balance your responsibilities fairly.
Dance & Another Sport: Because most other athletic teams practice after school like we do, this can get tricky but it is possible. Depending on the sport’s season, your dance level, the schedule for the other sport, and the other coaches willingness to work with us- it IS possible. We’ve had dance students also involved with basketball, volleyball and wrestling. Usually, when you become a higher level dancer, your practices become more frequent and doing both dance and a sport becomes more difficult.
Dance & MUN, ASB or T-TECH: It is very possible to do these extra-curricular activities with dance. Once again, just make sure to communicate any conflicts that arise. The most important one to be aware of are ASB Summer Camp, T-TECH events and MUN conferences. As long as you give coaches prior notice, it shouldn’t be a problem.
What if I have a Job, dance at a studio or have other outside Activities?
With schoolwork, dance practices, and another activity, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Once again, you will need to make sure to manage your time wisely. Not everyone can handle the balancing act, but if you stay on top of it, it will work out!
What dance styles do we learn?
Our team trains in a variety of styles!
Hip-Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical/Contemporary, Pom, Latin and Character/Broadway.
What is the cost to be on the team?
In order to have a quality dance team, a fair number of expenditures are required and team members must raise these funds. These amounts are raised through donations and fundraising. We aggressively seek donations from the community and pursue as many lucrative fundraising ideas as possible. However, even with aggressive community based fundraising, at least half of the team’s expenses are expected to be funded through voluntary parent donations.
Some Items paid for by dancer:
Purchased uniform or costume items that belongs to dancer
Summer Rec fee
Do I need good grades to be on the team?
We are student athletes- being a “student” comes first. As a school based program, we follow the district set rule that all dancers must maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher in order to be on the team. If the GPA drops below a 2.0 then they are put on academic probation and are unable to practice or perform until grades go up. If a student cannot raise grades in a timely manner then they are dropped from the team.
Our additional team rule is for dancers to be eligible to perform in any assembly, show, sideline, competition, etc. they must have above a 2.0 GPA and have 0 F’s. If a dancer’s academic grade drops to an F but they still have a 2.0 or higher, they are pulled from performances but still able to practice.
What do I wear to practices or Tryouts?
You’ll want to wear something comfortable but appropriate- think workout gear.
Girls- A fitted top and leggings with a sports-bra is ideal. No midriff showing. Avoid wearing jewelry, extreme makeup and make sure hair is pulled back tightly. Bring jazz shoes if you own them as well as sneakers and socks.
Boys- Stretchy jogger style sweats or basketball shorts with a t-shirt and sneakers and socks. Style hair to keep out of face as much as possible.
What to avoid: JEANS, short shorts without tights (keep in mind girls, you’ll be doing the splits), hoop earrings, just socks (it’s slippery in our room)
Can I still join even if I’m going to be a Junior or Senior?
Yep! Anyone who will be a THS student for the season is welcome to join and/or audition.
What is the tryout process like?
We usually have a few events prior to Auditions to help you out!
8th grade Parent Night where you can see the team perform and ask questions
The Audition Clinic where you learn the first half of the tryout routine EARLY along with dance technique, stretching and workouts
Make sure to attend one of the two Info Meetings with a Parent or guardian
Our actual audition process spans over 3 days:
Day 1- Learn basic dance skills and the first half of the audition routine
Day 2- Continue to learn basic dance skills and the second half of the audition routine
Day 3- Show the full audition routine in groups and answer questions
Who watches me when I tryout? And what do they look for?
The coaching staff is joined by a couple guest judges and a couple seniors and/or alumni on tryout day. We look to see that you’ve practiced, that you’re working hard even if you don’t have the routine perfect and that you have a positive attitude no matter what! It’s an intimidating process but have courage and know that we’re rooting for you!
If you have any questions that were not answered here, please email Coach Kierstie at
KaNielsen@tustin.k12.ca.us
You can also DM us on Instagram @TustinDanceTeam