Tryouts for the 2022-2023 Middleton High School Dance Team have already taken place.
​Please check back next spring for tryouts for the 2023-2024 MHSDT!
General Tryout Info​​
  • ​We will teach the tryout routine and practice all required skills at the tryout clinics. On final audition day, all dancers will audition in small groups in front of an experienced, knowledgeable panel of judges.
  • Final auditions will consist of:
    • Tryout Routine 
      • 4-eight counts each of jazz, pom, and hip hop plus 4-eight counts of your own choreography. The routine will be taught at the tryout clinics. Your individual choreography can be any style and should highlight your strengths.
    • Skills
      • High Kicks (right and left)
      • Outside pirouettes on both the right and left:
        • Singles
        • Doubles
        • Triple and more are optional
      • Leaps (right, left, and center)
      • Toe Touch 
      • Splits (right, left, and center)
      • Up to 3 additional skills of choice:
        • These are what you want to highlight to the judges. Examples include but are not limited to: fouettes/a la seconde turns, turning leaps, switch leaps, jumps, tumbling, hip hop tricks (head springs, kips, etc.), leg holds, tilts, turning/jumping combinations, etc.
  • Team selection will be based on the natural break in scoring - there is not a set number of dancers we take each year and there is no minimum score you must reach. Decisions made at tryouts are final.
  • What to wear/bring to auditions:
    • ​Tank/form fitting shirt
    • Shorts/leggings
    • Shoes MUST be worn at all times: jazz/dance shoes &/or tennis shoes
    • NO jewelry is allowed except for stud earrings (no dangling or hoop earrings)
    • Hair must be pulled back and away from the face
    • Water bottle
  • The following criteria will be considered during judging:
    • ​Tryout Routine
      • Knowledge of Routine: minimal memory mistakes and not watching other dancers for cues
      • Dance Ability and Rhythm: completing steps in control and on beat
      • Precision and Form: sharp movements, full extensions, and body control
      • Technique: proper execution of skills, sharpness in pom, and staying grounded in hip hop
      • Performance: smiling, facials, and energy
    • Skills
      • Kicks, Leaps, and Jumps: height, flexibility, pointed toes, straight legs, and chest up
      • ​Pirouettes: strong spot, high passe, pulled up through torso, and clean landing
      • Splits: flexibility, straight legs, and pointed toes
    • Overall Impression
      • Appearance: neatly, appropriately, and professionally dressed, including makeup and hair
      • Smile and Audience Appeal: confidence, do you appear to be having fun?