Initially, we want to tell you that there is no one best way to have dance team selections.  It depends on the number of people trying out, your style of dance, the talent level, etc.  There are many factors in each individual situation.

We have put together a basic tryout that we feel is appropriate in most situations.  We offer an intermediate level tryout and an advanced level tryout.  We also offer suggestions, alternatives, and perhaps some new selection ideas if you look for specific skills in a dance team member so you can decide the best combination for your school and team.

Regardless of the method that is chosen, the administration’s prior approval of the process will be very important.  Make sure that you give all of your information (constitutions, contracts, etc.) to the principal, athletic director, and/or superintendent to approve all dance team procedures.

Selection by Qualified Judges
This is the most widely used method of dance team selection today.  By using qualified judges, a student is selected to a team based on less subjective qualifications.

Qualified judges can be UDA instructors, college dance team members and advisors, dance studio teachers, and other high school dance team advisors.

Selection by Student Body Vote
Although the added crowd dimension provides more noise, more support, and a more “real life” feeling to a performer while trying out, this method has been criticized for making the tryout a “popularity contest.”

With the increasing athleticism and technical development of dance teams, professional judges are most often used to select the team.

Selection by the Dance Team Coach/Advisor
In rare cases, dance teams are selected by the dance team coach/advisor.  If conditions exist in your community and with your school administration, this can be a satisfactory selection process.  However, many coaches feel that this selection method would create more problems than it would solve.  There is something to be said for being able to “defer” to a panel of non-biased judges.