Dance Team Constitution

Taylor Road Academy
Dance Team Constitution



I. Purpose:
A. To entertain at pep rallies, some football games, the majority of (if not all) home basketball games during half time, pep rallies, and any other school function deemed worthy by the dance team sponsor and/or Taylor Road Academy administration.
B. To promote teamwork, school spirit, and pride.
C. To promote exemplary behavior becoming of a young woman and student of Taylor Road Academy, through the exhibition of self-confidence, self-discipline, high morals, ethics, and high behavioral and academic standards.
D. To represent Taylor Road Academy at State and national Competitions when the proper time and opportunity should arise.
E. To perform community service.

II. Qualification:

A. Must have a physical on file.
B. Must have and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. Failure to do so will result in the member being replaced by an alternate and put on probation until the next progress report is received.

III. Membership

A. The Taylor Road Academy Dance Team, will hold tryouts for 10-12 girls in the spring or fall of each year. Judges who are not affiliated with the dance team will evaluate candidates. Tryouts will be judged on, but NOT LIMITED to the following:
1. Jumps (i.e. toe touches, leaps, etc…)
2. Splits (i.e. flexibility)
3. Turns (i.e. Pirouettes, being able to “spot”)
4. Skills (i.e. sense of rhythm, precision and sharpness of routine, etc.)
5. Poise (I.e. smile, posture, confidence, and energy during routine)
IV. Appearance:

A. NO jewelry should ever be worn during practice or performance.
B. Hair will be worn in a ponytail for all practices and performances.
C. NO chewing gum during practice or performance.
D. A leotard (or workout top) - , dancing pants, and dance shoes, are required at practice.
E. All dance team members are required to keep a neat personal appearance AT ALL TIMES. (Nails are to be kept short, clean, free of tips and only clear polish is permissible with uniform)
F. Uniform must be cleaned at the responsibility and expense of the member
G. A bra with a clear strap is a required part of the uniform. No colored bra straps should be visible, while wearing the dance team uniform.
G. NO part of the uniform or anything bearing “Taylor Road Academy Dance Team” name will be lent out to anyone at anytime.
H. Each girl and her parents will be financially responsible for any and all pieces of the uniform. (if a girl is removed from the team, she will not receive a refund)

V. Rules and Demerits:
A. The dance team sponsor will hand out demerits to each member responsible for any infraction of the rules. Three demerits will result in suspension from the team and a temporary replacement by an alternate, for a time period to be deemed appropriate by the dance team sponsor or headmaster. Those who receive eighteen (18) demerits, during the dance team season, will permanently be removed from the team. Rules are as follows;
1. Unexcused absences or tardiness for scheduled practices, meetings, pep rallies, community service, or performances will not be tolerated. (All absences due to illness WILL REQUIRE a doctor’s excuse. Absences due to family emergencies or issues will require a written note from a parent or guardian).
2. The dance team sponsor, and/or Taylor Road Academy, and/or Taylor Road Academy administration, must be notified of dance team member’s inability to attend a performance one day prior to the event. Should the reason for the absence be medically related or a family emergency, notification should be made as soon as possible.
3. Unacceptable or inappropriate behavior that reflects badly on TRA anywhere in any way will not be tolerated. (Certain cases may result in suspension or possible dismissal from the team, as determined by the dance team coach and Headmaster)
4. Disrespectful behavior and/or uncooperative attitude at any time to the Dance Team Coach (talking back, rolling eyes, mumbling under breath, etc….), teammates, Taylor Road Academy administration, or other fellow students will not be tolerated.
5. Must follow the guidelines of the dance tam constitution at all times and in every noted way.
*First time= verbal and written warning + extra exercise
*Second time= One demerit
*Third time= Two demerits

VI. Alternates: (2-4 girls)

A. Alternates are responsible for the purchase of all apparel and accessories, being present at all fundraisers, practices, performances, camps, and or clinics that are deemed necessary for attendance by the dance team sponsor. Alternates may not have the opportunity to dance at performances, but are a valid member of the dance team.
B. Alternates will be eligible to be full time members the following dance season, if qualities shown during the year spent as an alternate are exemplary, and their skill level is equal to current dance team members, which must be proved to the dance team coach. (If the alternate does not believe they have the skill needed to be a permanent dance team member, they have the option of choosing to be an alternate again the following season or try out).
C. Alternates will take the place of any team member who does not maintain the guidelines of the Taylor Road Academy Dance Team, if they are ready.

VII. Practices/Meetings/Camps and Clinics

A. Dance Team Members will attend ALL practices, meetings, performances, and game unless otherwise excused.
B. Appropriate clothing and shoes will be worn
C. No cell phones will be allowed during practice. Dance team members may check them periodically for messages.
D. Unexcused absences from a practice or meeting will result in having an alternate take the place of that particular member
E. All practices are closed. Parents are allowed in practice five minutes before the end of all practices, unless otherwise approved by the dance team coach for extraordinary reasons.
F. Due to being a new organization, the scheduling of summer camp/clinic is extremely preferable, yet tentative.

“For when the one great scorer
Comes to write against your name
He writes not
If you won or lost
But how you played the game”
- Geraldine Rice