1) What does it take to become a HPU dancer?
• Enthusiasm/energy/showmanship
• Physical fitness
• Dedication
• Dance ability
2) What specific skills should I work on?
Splits/flexibility, double and triple pirouettes, turns in second, high kicks, basic turn combinations, leaps (right/left/side/switch). Dancers are strongly encouraged to take dance classes if possible to improve memory and how quickly they pick up choreography. This will be key during the audition process.
3) Do I need to have formal dance training?
Yes
4) Do I have to live on campus to be a part of the team?
No. Full time students who live on or off campus are encouraged to audition. Please note that you will be responsible for your own transportation to all practices, games, etc. with the exception of conference games and other functions supported by the athletic department.
5) Are there any height or weight requirements?
There are no height or weight requirements, however dancers will be required to be physically active throughout the season. This will be a very physically demanding activity and will require dancers to strive to be in the best of health.
6) What do I need to bring with me to try-outs?
- Bring a completed and signed liability form and a completed dance team application. Both of these forms are available online. Copies of these forms can be found on the
dance team home page.
- Proof of insurance. Please bring a COPY of your insurance card. Insurance information will NOT be returned. If you do not have this information on the day of tryouts you will not be allowed to audition.
-Dancers will be required to fill out a dance team application before auditions begin. Dancers are asked to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to auditions to register.
- DANCERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A CLEARANCE FORM FROM STUDENT HEALTH AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE AUDITIONS.TO COMPLETE THIS FORM YOU MUST FILL OUT THEN BRING TO STUDENT HEALTH FOR COMPLETION. ANY CONTESTANT WHO FAILS TO COMPLETE AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO AUDITIONS WILL BE INELIGIBLE TO TRY OUT.
- Dancers should also bring water/snacks/lunch if needed.
7) What is required of me once I make the team?
Practices will begin in September. There will be team practices every Monday and Thursday night, as well as group workouts and practices throughout the week based off of class schedule. Please factor this time commitment into your schedule BEFORE deciding to audition. Dancer perform at all men’s and women’s home basketball games as well as the Big South Conference and NIT Tournaments if HPU were to advance. In addition, dance team members are required to maintain a regular workout schedule to ensure top stamina and physical fitness. There will be outside appearance requests during the season as well as community service projects and parades. Dancers who cannot commit to this are asked NOT to audition.
8) How should I wear my make-up and hair?
For the purpose of auditions, please come with your hair and makeup performance ready in order to be prepared for what to expect for games. Once on the team for games specific makeup will be work and hair will be work down and straight, or styled as needed for dances.
9) What kind of audition attire is recommended?
Two piece dance attire: black bottoms (shorts/leggings) and any color top. Jazz shoes or half soles are recommended but tennis shoes will be allowed for the hip hop/jazz funk portion of auditions.
10) Are there scholarships available?
Yes, it is based on how many years you have been on the team.
11) How many dancers are you looking to choose? And will there be alternates?
There is a max of 17 dancers, and there will be NO alternates.
12) How can I find out more information?
Find out more information by sending a message to the Instagram
@highpointudanceteam or email Coach Lovejoy at
klovejoy@highpoint.edu. Be sure to follow the Lady Cats on social media to stay updated!
