Parents and dancers: Please read over the following document PRIOR to auditioning
for the James Madison High School Dance Team. Make sure you are aware of all
requirements and financial obligations before auditioning. Please sign and date the
acknowledgement page and return to the coach on the first day of tryouts.
2016-2017
JAMES MADISON HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TEAM HANDBOOK 2016-2017
FORMS CHECKLIST
FORMS REQUIRED TO TRYOUT
 Application Form- http://goo.gl/forms/1ERMGt3Ebw
 2 (TWO) COMPLETED AND SIGNED EMERGENCY CARDS-MUST BE PRINTED
DOUBLE SIDED. http://www.fcps.edu/it/forms/se3.pdf
 Athlete AND Parent concussion testing. Both parent and athletes must
complete this test online
http://www.fcps.edu/supt/activities/atp/health/concussion/ceov_program.shtml
 James Madison High School Dance Team Handbook 2016-2017 Rules and
Regulations Agreement
FORMS REQUIRED AFTER TEAM PLACEMENTS
 James Madison High School Extracurricular Participation Policy. (The 2015-16
version will be in effect until the 2016-17 version is released. This document
must be re-signed once the 2016-17 version is released.
 Physical Form – Physical must be completed after May 1, 2016 but does not
need to be turned in until June 30th. http://www.vhsl.org/doc/upload/adm-formphysical-2013-141.pdf
PHYSICAL FORM DUE IF YOU MAKE THE TEAM NO LATER THAN JUNE 30TH
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JAMES MADISON HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TEAM HANDBOOK 2016-2017
Rules and Regulations
ARTICLE I - NAME
The chosen name of this organization is the James Madison High School Dance Team. It may also be
known as Madison Dance Team or MDT.
ARTICLE II - OBJECTIVES
The James Madison High School Dance Team shall have the following objectives:
A. To provide entertainment at school functions:
1. Football game
a. VARSITY
 2-Sep-Oakton
 16-Sep-McLean
 30-Sep-Yorktown
 21-Oct-Fairfax
 28-Oct-Washington & Lee
 (along with any post season home games)
 Homecoming Date TBD
b. JV
 Final Game Schedule TBD – Generally JV games are the Thursday of the
weeks when the Varsity team is away
2. Basketball games (TBA)
3. Parades (Homecoming)
4. Pep Rallies (TBA)
B. To compete in local and non-local dance competitions:
1. Fairfax Dance Championship (November-Exact date TBD)
2. 1-3 additional competition possible in December and January (TBA by July 31)
3. National Dance Team Championship (NDTC)
C. To promote school spirit
D. To develop a sense of pride in its individuals
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 - James Madison High School Requirements
See document entitled James Madison High School Extracurricular Participation Policy. This policy
must be read, and understood PRIOR to tryouts. A signed copy will be required upon placement on a
team.
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JAMES MADISON HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TEAM HANDBOOK 2016-2017
Section 2 - James Madison High School Dance Team Requirements
A. Eligibility - Membership of the Madison Dance Team is limited to James Madison High School
students. All rising freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors are eligible.
B. Academic Eligibility - Madison Dance Team members shall be in good academic standing
with James Madison High School. All members must have passed 5 classes in the semester
preceding tryouts as well as taking a minimum of 5 subjects during their participation on the
team.
Section 3 - Auditions
A. Auditions will be held each spring. Auditions for the 2016-2017 season will be held April 1114, 2016. Information regarding auditions and requirements will be made available to all
interested students. At auditions, dancers will be required to learn and perform dance
routines which may include, but not be limited to, kicks, toe-touches, leaps and pirouettes.
Auditions are open to all Madison students and rising Madison freshmen. Previous dance
experience is highly recommended.
B. Auditioning dancers will be evaluated by the coaches on rhythm, poise, facial expression,
coordination, precision, knowledge and execution of the routine, technical elements and
attitude. (See attached score sheet for dance technique expectations). The final members of
the teams will be chosen by a panel of qualified judges and/or the coach(es) on the final day
of auditions. Members will be notified immediately following the audition by the head coach.
The teams chosen will be members of the James Madison High School Dance Team and will
be placed on the varsity or jv team that will perform at select games, school events such as
prep rallies, etc. Of the chosen members of Varsity, a separate tryout/evaluations will be
conducted to also be members of the competition dance team. The competition dance team
will consist 12-16 members but may be more or less. Alternates of the competition dance
team may also be selected and they must attend all competition practices.
C. Prior to auditions, dancers must complete all necessary paperwork required to audition. No
dancer may participate in ANY aspect of auditions unless all paperwork has been submitted.
Section 4 – Pre-Season Practice
See attached Tentative Schedule. Please make note of all mandatory practices. Please
advise which non-mandatory, if any, practice will be missed by providing at least two weeks
advance written notice.
Section 5 - Dance Camp
Summer dance camp is MANDATORY for all team members. The date, location and cost of
camp are determined yearly. This year’s camp will be at James Madison University in
Harrisonburg, VA and cost is determined based on the number of dancers on the team.
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JAMES MADISON HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TEAM HANDBOOK 2016-2017
At camp this year, CRAZY NIGHT is back! “Crazy Night” is where the dancers dress up for a
themed practice. Night 3 of camp will be filled with fun games and activities!
Section 6 - Fundraisers
Various fundraisers will take place throughout the regular season. Proceeds will be used at
the discretion of the coach to defray team expenses. All dancers are required to participate in
all fundraising efforts. (Fundraising details for 2016-2017 will be provided during the late
spring/early summer of 2016)
ARTICLE IV - ATTENDANCE, PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCES
Section 1 - Attendance
A. Members of the Madison Dance Team are expected to attend ALL practices, games,
competitions, fundraisers and any other dance team related events.
B. Each member will be allowed two (2) excused absences during the season. These absences
may be used for any reason; however, at least 48 hours prior notice must be provided, the
absences cannot be taken during any mandatory event/practices and they may not be taken
the week prior to any competition. Otherwise, ANY absence must be approved by the Head
Coach in advance. The ONLY other excused absences will be for serious personal illness or
injury (a doctor’s note must be provided), legitimate family emergency (such as severe illness
or funeral), a school required trip or activity (“I need to finish my homework (or known
assignment)” will NOT be excused) (a signed note from a teacher/administrator is required),
family weddings, etc may be excused with a minimum 4 weeks advanced notice. All other
absences are unexcused and the dancer may be asked to sit for the upcoming performance.
C. There will be NO absences allowed for the practices the week prior to a competition. In
the event of sudden illness during that week’s practices, the Head Coach must be notified
IMMEDIATELY by PHONE—EMAILS sent immediately prior to or during practice time will
NOT be accepted. Should a dancer miss any of the practices prior to a competition (unless
otherwise excused as stated), they WILL BE PULLED from the routine and will NOT be able
to compete.
Section 2 - Summer Practices
Summer practices are held at the coach’s discretion throughout the summer beginning June 23,
2016 and times will generally be 9:00-11:30am (see also Article III, Section 4).
Section 3 - In-Season Practices
Regular season practices begin on or about August 15, 2016. Once school is in session,
practices are held Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at a time to be determined between
3:30pm and 8pm each day and when necessary Fridays. Practices will be between 2-3 hours.
Final practice times will be determined no later than July 31, 2016. Most practices will be held in
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JAMES MADISON HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TEAM HANDBOOK 2016-2017
the James Madison High School Dance Room. From time to time, practices may be scheduled
at other locations. Special extra practices may be called before a major competition or
performance which COULD include a weekend practice. Madison Dance Team practices take
precedence over ALL outside activities, including other dance teams, studios,
competitions and jobs.
Section 4 - School Performances
Dance Team performs at all home varsity football games, school pep assemblies, Homecoming
parade and some home basketball games. Attendance at these functions is required by all team
members. Dance Team members must wait to be dismissed by the coach or Head Captain.
When attending a function as a team, Dance Team will sit together as a group at all times.
Section 5 - Competitions
Dance Team will compete at both local and non-local competitions. All members of the team,
including alternates, are required to attend the competitions in full uniform/costume. There will be
NO absences allowed for the practices the week prior to a competition. In the event of sudden
illness during that week’s practices, the coach must be notified IMMEDIATELY by PHONE—
EMAILS sent immediately prior to or during practice time will NOT be accepted. Should a dancer
miss any of the practices prior to a competition (unless otherwise stated), they WILL BE PULLED
from the routine and will NOT be able to compete. On the day of a Madison dance competition,
no dancer is permitted to compete at any venue with any other team, to include studio
performances or All-Star clubs unless prior approval from the Head Coach is received. All energy
and focus must be on Madison Dance Team.
Section 6 - Common Sense Clause
A. Madison Dance Team is a highly competitive program whose members are expected to
participate fully in every practice, performance and competition. Dance team needs to be
each dance team member’s top priority. All other extracurricular activity may not interfere
with the Madison dance program-- this means that dance team comes second only to
academics.
B. Involvement in any extreme activity (rock climbing, skiing, ice skating…) which could cause
bodily injury to a team member is highly discouraged and you must commit to NOT doing
extreme activities during competition season.
C. Do NOT take ANY medication, including inhalers, that is not prescribed to you by a physician.
ARTICLE V - CODE OF CONDUCT
Section 1- Standard of Behavior
A. James Madison High School Dance Team member is expected to set a high standard for
student behavior by showing respect for themselves, the team, their position on the team,
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JAMES MADISON HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TEAM HANDBOOK 2016-2017
teachers, coaches, captains, peers and the school. Dancers are role models at Madison and
should display exemplary behavior both in and out of season.
Section 2 - Rules
A. Follow the CODE OF CONDUCT at all times.
B. Follow the MADISON Extracurricular Activity Policy
C. The use of cell phones during practices, games, or competitions is strictly prohibited unless in
an emergency situation. All cell phones must be put on silent, vibrate, or turned off.
D. No talking, laughing, or horsing around during practices. Focus is necessary to get things
done in a timely manner.
E. No gum at any time
F. Proper uniform (practice/game day/competition) at all times
G. No jewelry during practice or a performance unless part of a uniform or costume.
H. No swearing or use of inappropriate language. Ever.
I. Must display respect for coaches and captains at all times.
J. No visitors at practice
Any dancer who does not comply with these rules can expect consequences.
ARTICLE VI- OFFICERS
Section 1 - Required Officers
Officers will be selected prior to camp for Madison Dance Team and could include any or all of
the following
1. Head Captain
2. Co-Captain
3. Junior Captain/Secretary/Communications Officer
Section 2 - Officer Qualifications
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Must have at least one season experience on the Madison competition team
Must be a sophomore, junior or senior who demonstrate leadership qualities
Must be willing to give up personal time for the benefit of dance team
Must display leadership abilities at all times
Must display knowledge of dance technique and choreography skills
Must be willing to assist the coaches in leading the team
Section 3 - Duties of Officers
A. Head Captain or Co-Captain
1. Design a 20-minute warm-up routine. Will include warm-ups, aerobic exercise and a
cool-down stretch period
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JAMES MADISON HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TEAM HANDBOOK 2016-2017
2. Choreograph some performance routines and prepare music in conjunction with the
junior co-captain and/or coaches. All routines and music must meet approval by
coaches before teaching begins.
3. Teach routines with decisiveness and clarity
4. Assist the coaches in the cleaning of routines
5. Be instrumental in designing competition uniforms and choosing uniforms for game
days, pep assemblies, and game performances
6. Support the coach’s decisions at all times. Any and all challenges will be discussed
outside of practice.
7. Mentor Junior Captains
B. Junior Captain
1. Promote team unity
2. Assist the Head Captain(s) in leading the team through warm-ups
3. Assist with choreography for performance routines and prepare music in conjunction as
requested by the Head Captain(s) and coaches
4. Teach the routines in the absence of the Head Captain(s)
5. Assist the coaches and Head Captain(s) in the cleaning of routines upon request
6. Assist with Head Captain(s) with choosing uniforms for game days, pep assemblies,
and game performances
7. Assist with team communication and enforcement of proper uniform to ensure
everyone is in compliance
8. Support the coach’s and Head Captain(s) decisions at all times. Any and all
challenges will be discussed outside of practice.
Section 4 - Officer Selection
Officers will be required to complete an application, complete a personal interview, obtain 2
teacher recommendations, choreograph and teach a short routine. A vote by the team (by secret
ballot) will also be taken and considered; however, the Head Coach will make the final
appointment of the officers.
Section 5 - Term of Office
Any officer shall serve from the time they are chosen until the next yearly tryouts. An officer may
be removed by the coach at any time due to failure to comply with assigned duties. Any vacancy
created by said removal, resignation, dismissal from the team, or for any other reason shall
require a special appointment by the coach as soon as reasonably possible after said vacancy
occurs.
ARTICLE VII-FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Section 1 - Overall Costs
Dance team is an expensive activity. The approximate REQUIRED cost to be on dance team for
the 2015-2016 season was about $2500 for competition dancers and will be less for non-varsity
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JAMES MADISON HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TEAM HANDBOOK 2016-2017
competition dancers. These costs are not required in one lump sum but are spread out over the
season. Additionally, fundraising may off-set the costs required. If you need financial
assistance in any way, please contact the Head Coach ASAP.
Section 2- Uniforms
Uniform costs may include, but are not limited to practice uniforms, warm-ups, performance
costumes, team uniform, 3 pairs dance shoes, tights, poms, boy-cut briefs, competition earrings,
a dance bag and a competition uniform with make-up. Costs may vary from season to season. A
sample list of required items to be purchased by each dancer along with their estimated costs is
attached.
Section 3 – Competitions
Competition fees may include, but are not limited to, choreography, travel, lodging, meals and a
costume. Nationals is our most costly event which is offset as much as possible by fundraising,
in the past the costs range from $1000-$1500 per person. This year we will collect a set amount
each month beginning in August. Details will be provided after the competition team is formed.
Section 4 - Summer Camp
Dance camp is REQUIRED for all members of the team. The only excused absence is the
acceptance and participation in Governors School. Fees are approximately $300-$400 per
dancer.
Section 5 – Additional Fees
Periodically throughout the year, technique workshops or master class may be held for the dance
team. Each technique class will cost between $15-25 per dancer and will be collected the day of
the workshop.
Section 6 - Fundraising
1. The dance team will participate in 3-5 fundraisers per school year. This includes anything from
program ad sales, car washes, bake sales, Junior Warhawks workshop, corporate sponsorship,
etc. Participation in these fundraisers is MANDATORY.
2. All proceeds from fundraisers will go directly into the Madison Dance Team Fundraising account.
3. Profits from fundraising may be used towards:
 Competition fees
 Choreography
 Costumes/ Uniforms
 Camp
 Other expenses
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JAMES MADISON HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TEAM HANDBOOK 2016-2017
James Madison High School Dance Team Handbook
2016-2017 Rules and Regulations Agreement
I have read the James Madison High School Dance Team Handbook
and I understand and hereby agree to follow the rules and
regulations as defined therein.
Student Name (print)
Parent Name (print)
Student Signature
Date:
Parent Signature
Date:
FOR ADMINSTRATIVE USE
Tryout No. _______
FORMS REQUIRED TO TRYOUT
 Online Application Received
 2 (TWO) COMPLETED AND SIGNED EMERGENCY CARDS-MUST BE PRINTED DOUBLE SIDED.
 Athlete AND Parent concussion testing. Both parent and athletes must complete this test online James Madison
High School Dance Team Handbook 2016-2017 Rules and Regulations Agreement
FORMS REQUIRED AFTER TEAM PLACEMENTS
 James Madison High School Extracurricular Participation Policy. (The 2015-16 version will be in effect until the 201617 version is released.
o This document must be re-signed once the 2016-17 version is released.
th
 Physical Form – Physical must be completed after May 1, 2016 but does not need to be turned in until June 30 .
http://www.vhsl.org/doc/upload/adm-form-physical-2013-141.pdf
PHYSICAL FORM DUE IF YOU MAKE THE TEAM NO LATER THAN JUNE 30TH
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JAMES MADISON HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TEAM HANDBOOK 2016-2017
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
(schedule is subject to change based on factors such as space approval)
Date
Time
Description/Location
April 11-14
3:30-6pm
Dance Team Tryouts/JMHS Dance Room
April 18, 21, 27
TBD
REQUIRED PRACTICES/TBD
May 7, 16, 23, 25
June 1, 8, 16
June 27, 29, July 11, 13
9-11
Optional Practice; However, 1 week advance notice of
absence is required
July 15-21
TBD
Mandatory Pre-Camp Choreo/TBD
July 17
10-4p
Car Wash Fundraiser MANDATORY
July 22-25
Overnight UDA Camp/James Madison Univ.; Harrisonburg VA
MANDATORY(exception for Governor’s School Only)
August 15-August 19
TBD
M, T, W, Th F-- REGULAR SEASON BEGINS(tentatively MANDATORY PRACTICES
Mornings)
August 22-August 25
TBD
M, T, W, Th F-- REGULAR SEASON BEGINS(tentatively MANDATORY PRACTICES
Mornings)
August 26-August 28
Overnight Varsity Retreat MANDATORY
August 29-September 2
TBD
M, T, W, Th F-- REGULAR SEASON BEGINS(tentatively MANDATORY PRACTICES
Mornings)
August 30
Fall Kickoff-MANDATORY
September 2
TBD
GAME DAY-MANDATORY
September 7
TBD
M, W, Th (some Saturday mornings)Practice Schedule
Begins – Times TBD because they will be based on
cooperation with JMHS Cheerleading-ATTENDANCE
AT PRACTICE IS MANDATORY
December 27-30
TBD
MANDATORY VARSITY COMPETITION PRACTICE
Additional Dates:
Nationals Choreography – hoping for June dates for Varsity National’s choreography; however may have to move
into August depending on choreographer’s final schedule
Car Wash Fundraiser – July 17, August 14, September 11
NDTC (Nationals) –February 2-7-tentative travel dates
Please make sure you can make all mandatory dates and practice times prior to trying out
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SAMPLE SCORESHEET-DANCE TEAM EXPECTATIONS
JAMES MADISON HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TEAM HANDBOOK 2016-2017
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JAMES MADISON HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TEAM HANDBOOK 2016-2017
Madison Dance Team Estimated Expense Worksheet
Expenses paid by each Dancer to Madison Dance (Due by June 1)
UDA Dance Camp
Costume Cleaning Fee
Required Camp & Practice Wear ($140 for returning dancers)
Uniform
Back Pack (not necessary for returning dancers)
Warm Ups
Team Bonding Excursion
Activities Fee (used for hairpieces, senior shirts, etc)
$350-$400
$20.00
$200.00
$200.00
$65.00
$140.00
$30.00
$50.00
$705.00
TOTAL
Dancer Reponsible to purchase
Team Shoes, Jazz Shoes (practice and competition)
High waisted Jazz Shorts/Jazz Pants (new for 2016)
Camp Costume for Home Routine
Body Tights (Lt Suntan and Black)
Make-Up: Eyeshadow/lipstick/ eyelashes
Earrings (Red & Clear)
Big/Little Sister Gifts
$200.00
$75.00
$100.00
$60.00
$40.00
$30.00
not to exceed $10
Donation to Team Basket (Booster Casino Night & Silent Auction)
Lifetouch Team Photos (fall & winter) *Optional*
$10.00
tbd
Personal Trainer for Team Conditioning (August-January 2xweek)
TOTAL
$436.00
$2,361.00
Expenses Paid by Dancer that Competes at Nationals
Airfare for dancer and accompanying family members that want to
cheer team on
Deposit due September
Balance due December
Pro-rated hotel/on-site transportation cost
Deposit due October 1
Final Payment December 1 (individual fundraising can make this
number $0)
Travel money for incidentals beyond stipend provided by Madison
Dance (estimated)
Team Sweatshirt
TOTAL
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$50/each
TBD ($200 est)
$100/each
TBD ($600 est)
$150.00
$35.00
$485+
JAMES MADISON HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TEAM HANDBOOK 2016-2017
Expenses Paid by Madison Dance (depending on fundraising efforts)
Competition Registration Fees for team
Choreography Fees
Music for games and competitions
Costumes/Uniforms
Poms and other equipment
Junior Warhark Shirts & Pizza
Nationals T-shirts
Coaches travel to Nationals
Dancer stipend for meals at Nationals
Fundraisers
Car Wash (pre-sale tickets) x two carwashes
Fall Sports Program Ad Sales
Team Sponsorship Donations
Dining4$ (usually two per season)
Ice Pop Sales at Fall KickOff
Holiday Boutique
Junior Warhawk Camp
Individual Fundraisers to go individual dancer travel expenses
Mixed Bags
Wreath Sales
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