Dance Team Information and Virtual Auditions 2020 2021

Dance Team Information and Virtual Auditions 2020 -2021 Klein Oak Strutters NEW CANDIDATES & PARENTS: READ EVERY SLIDE PLEASE! VETS & VET PARENTS: YOU MAY START AT SLIDE 8! HAVING TROUBLE ACCESSING LINKS? GO TO OUR KO STRUTTER 39 T H LINE AUDITIONS IN GOOGLE CLASSROOM WITH THE CODE: 6 WGHQVA

KO Strutters Auditions Presentation We are excited about your interest in being a part of the National Champion Klein Oak Strutter Dance Team. The Strutter organization is a hugely successful part of Klein Oak High School. The team consist of hard working, talented, respected young ladies who strive for perfection in dance, as well as high achievement in scholastic and moral standards. As a member of Strutters, you will have the opportunity to meet new friends that will last a lifetime and face new challenges which will help you to find your true self and grow into mature young ladies ready to face the world. This organization provides a fun filled year of many activities including: football and basketball halftimes, varsity sporting events, competitions, travel, performances at events, community service and social functions like Strutter Ball, Family Picnic, and Seasonal Parties. Strutters is currently made up of an all Varsity team. Varsity performs and competes at Varsity level events throughout the year. We are excited for all the possibilities the new year brings and we can’t wait for you to join us!

Why YOU Should be a Strutter! v. A Team full of friends will become your Sisterhood and Family! v. You get to do what you love with the people you love to be around! v. You learn and perform all forms of dance! Jazz, Pom, Kick, Lyrical, Contemporary, Prop, Open and Hip Hop! v. Strutters attend and perform at all of the Varsity Football Games including the Playoffs! v. Travel! You get to travel all over Texas and Out of the State every other year! Places like Dallas, San Antonio, and Galveston in Texas. Out of State includes the possibility of traveling to California, Florida and New York! v. Social Events: Family Picnic, Fall Party/Boo Buddies, Friendsgiving, Strutter Ball, Winter PJ Party, Banquet and more fun surprises! v. Opportunities for leadership positions and growth!

Parents: Why Strutters is the best choice: v. Strutters is a Family, a Sisterhood and a safe place for all. v. Strutters are busy all the time with no time to get in trouble. We have practice 4 days a week after school from 3 -5: 15 and some Saturdays. They are required to be in a Strutter class period as well. Usually one day a week is set aside for tutoring & doctor appointments. v. Although we are not considered a UIL activity, the district requires we follow the UIL Eligibility Rules. Every Strutter must be passing all of their classes to be able to perform and compete. v. Every 4 th year Strutter receives Advanced credit which raises their GPA. Strutters also receive Fine Arts and PE credit for their class period and their after school practice. v. We are well rounded individuals. 30 hours of Community Service is required from each Strutter throughout the year. This helps with scholarship applications and college acceptance. v. High Standards Always: No Drugs, No Alcohol, No Vaping, No Public Displays of Affection, No Inappropriate Use of Social Media. Strutters Always Respect Themselves, Respect Others and Respect the Strutter Name, Brand Legacy.

Important Strutter Information ØEvery Strutter auditions for every dance and not every Strutter will perform every dance. Discipline, work ethic, memory, technique, timing, precision, stamina, flexibility, showmanship, grades and commitment to the team are all factors considered for each tryout. ØEvery practice, performance and event is mandatory. Routine doctor appointments, family gatherings/vacations, court dates, driver’s education classes, rodeo, etc. …are not excused and demerits will be given. The only excused absences are for illness, school events with prior approval or a death in the family. Missing practices and performances will result in being replaced by an alternate if a viable alternate is available except in cases of an immediate family member’s funeral. Unexcused absences result in demerits and possible probation. If there is a family wedding, college visits, family graduation, etc that you know of several months in advance, that information needs to be shared with the Head Coach as soon as possible for any exceptions to be considered.

Important Strutter Information – cont’d Ø Communication is key! We expect our Strutters to learn to communicate with their officers and Coaches regarding questions, concerns, etc. From that point, parents may contact the Coaches to discuss their questions/concerns as needed. We all follow the chain of command or “pecking order” from the team to the officers, coaches, and then KO administration, if necessary. Ø All expenses must be paid in a timely manner in order for your Strutter to be selected for the upcoming dances. Extenuating circumstances must be brought to the Head Coach in a timely manner and payment plans will be set up and must be adhered to. Ø Disciplinary infractions will be handled by the head coach and administration as necessary. Please see the constitution for more information regarding demerits, probation and removal from the team. This information can be found on web site at www. kleinoakstrutters. com

Important Strutter Information – cont’d ØEducation comes first and we expect our Strutters to be responsible for their grades, conduct and academic achievement. Every Strutter must be passing their classes with a 70 or above to participate and remain eligible. Some classes are waived at a 60 or above for eligibility however our expectation is that they should be passing regardless. ØTo be eligible for football season, every Strutter must complete dance hours over the summer. The number of required hours will be announced at Induction/Vendor Night. ØEvery Strutter must complete 30 hours of community service as part of their overall grade. The hours will be broken down per grading period but they may be completed in advance over the summer. More details will be given at Vendor Night. ØAs part of the Strutters overall grade, every Strutter family is required to volunteer a set number of hours throughout the year at designated fundraisers, functions and contest. More information will be given at vendor night and picnic.

Audition Information VIRTUAL AUDITION WORKSHOP : New for 2020! v. The virtual auditions will be set up the same as our auditions that are Live. Each day the candidates will learn a dance combination and skills. v. They will record themselves and submit it to our Google Classroom. v. This will happen for 3 days and the 4 th day is a mock audition day. v. The 5 th day is the Final Audition Day where the candidate will record themselves doing all 3 combinations and all of the skills and submit the video. v. This process gives us to opportunity to provide feedback and to see growth throughout the week. This also allows the candidates to select their best videos to be submitted. ** We understand there is limited space and it is more difficult to learn by video. These things will be taken into consideration by the directors and judges. Check out how this will look day by day:

Audition Breakdown & What to Expect q Step 1: Candidate & Parent/Guardian must watch the Power. Point together. q Step 2: Gather all necessary documents: Report Card from the 3 rd Nine Weeks, Contact Information for the Candidate, Parent/Guardian and Coaches/Sponsors from past teams, studios and organizations and a recent headshot of the candidate so we can start putting a face to your name which will help with the videos. q Step 3: Click the link at the end of this Power. Point that will give you access to the Strutter Team Application and fill it out together. Make sure it is complete before you hit submit. This is due by April 24 th. q Step 4: Log in to the Google Classroom to make sure it works and find all the links you need with the code: 6 wghqva Please return the following via the online Application by April 24 th at midnight: üAudition Application üCurrent Report Card üA current headshot

Audition Week Breakdown q Day 1: Learn Combo 1 & skills, record yourself & submit one video by midnight. q Day 2: Learn Combo 2 & skills, record yourself & submit one video by midnight. q Day 3: Learn Combo 3 & skills, record yourself & submit one video by midnight. q Day 4: Mock Tryouts! You may submit a practice video if you would like feedback. q Day 5: Final Audition Day: Record yourself doing all 3 dance combinations and all of the skills taught throughout the week. You may only submit one video each day. Click on this link for the tricks and guidelines to recording fantastic virtual auditions: q Virtual Audiition Guidelines ** Dance Combinations will be split up into a Jazz, Pom and Kick. X You WILL NOT need a physical to audition. However, if you make the team you WILL need one prior to camp. This is an activity that is very strenuous. If you have any physical restraints you might need to be checked by a physician. All physicals must be completed on the KISD physical form for 2020/2021 and are available through the Athletic Department at your school.

What to Wear WHAT TO WEAR –AUDITION WORKSHOP: DAY 1 -4 • Dance attire – dance leggings, capris or hot shorts with a cami top, tank top or long sports bra top, Toe Paws, Pirouettes, Jazz Shoes or Barefoot • Nice, every day make up • Hair in a ponytail, out of your face and off of your neck • No jewelry other than stud earrings, no gum, no cheer or athletic style shorts WHAT TO WEAR –FINAL AUDITIONS Day 5 Dance Attire: fitted black T shirt, tank, or long sports bra top, black hot shorts or leggings, and either toe paws, pirouettes, Jazz shoes or barefoot • Hair in a low bun, side part, slicked down, no bangs • Full PERFORMANCE make-up (dark red lipstick, dark blush, heavy black eye liner, smoky grey eyeshadow in the crease with white on the lid and by the brow, black mascara, false eyelashes (optional), and foundation/powder matching your skin tone) • NO jewelry other than stud earrings!

What the Directors/Judges Look for CANDIDATES WILL BE SCORED ON THE FOLLOWING AREAS : q. Rhythm / Coordination q. Technique q. Flexibility q. Showmanship / Projection q. Kicks q. Ability / Potential / Memory / Growth throughout the week q. Dance Skills may include: Center leap (jete’ in 2 nd position), calypso (jete’ in attitude), double pirouette, a la seconds (3 turns in 2 nd into a double pirouette), pitch kick, jete’ (leap on the right & left) a tilt leap and a toe touch. All of these skills will be taught during your virtual auditions. Each skill is right side dominate for this tryout except for the jetes. They will be both right and left. q. Timeliness, Work Ethic and Attitude throughout the workshop will also be evaluated along with your Grades and Discipline.

Basic Varsity Skills v. Jete’ (R & L) v. Toe Touch v. Pitch Kick v. High Kicks (straights, fans, angles, graduation, etc) v. Both R & L Splits v. Jete’ in 2 nd position (Center leap) v. Double Pirouette v. Jete’ in attitude (calypso) v. Tilt Leap v. Ronverse’

Advanced Varsity Skills: Not Required but would love to see these if you have them All Varsity level skills and… Other skills that are bonuses: • 3 a la seconds into a double pirouette • Switch center • Turning Center (Turning jete’ in 2 nd) • Aerial • ’Ronverse’ into a split • Turning Leg Hold • Stationary Jete’ with high back • Pitch/tilt leg extension hold attitude (Firebird) • Tumbling • Switch Tilt • Head spring / Kip Up / Rubberband • Triple Pirouette • Switch Jete’ • Turning C • Multiple a la second patterns

How Virtual Auditions will be Scored: During the week of Auditions: (Day 1 through 4) q. Grades / Discipline q. Timeliness q. Work Ethic / Attitude Final Audition Day / Video: (Day 5) q. Jazz Combination Execution, Memory, Timing and Technical Skills q. Pom Combination Execution, Memory, Timing and Technical Skills q. Kick Combination Execution, Memory, Timing and Technical Skills q. Overall Impression

Reminders About Auditions ØThe Workshop and Auditions are closed to the public. No one will be allowed to view videos submitted for the audition other than the directors and judges. ØHave a good attitude, stay positive, keep the faith, turn everything in on time, and practice, practice! ØREAD the HOW TO VIRTUAL AUDITION document carefully!! ØGood luck and remember to SMILE and HAVE FUN!! ØGuidelines of Virtual Auditions : Click on the link to make sure you know exactly what is expected in your videos! ØThe team will be announced on Monday, May 4 th by 5 pm. ØIf you are not selected for the team, you may schedule a conference no sooner than one week following the announcement of the team to see the areas in need of improvement. ØAnyone who does not make Strutters, should sign up for the Principles of Dance 1 class to prepare for the next set of auditions.

Expense Estimates: Subject to change due to the Economy Duffle Bag and Backpack - checks payable to KO Strutters (New Members Only) *Due at Vendor Night Dancewear - cash, credit card or check (payable to Leapin’ Leotards) *Cost can be split into two payments: 1 st Payment when ordered & balance when picked up $80 $250 Bows - checks payable to Bows By Deborah (New Members Only) $25 Strutter Ball & Banquet Tickets - checks payable to KOSBC $80 *Due at Vendor Night *Due at November Booster Club Meeting Strutter Booster Club Dues - checks payable to KOSBC *Split into 2 payments Due at Vendor Night and Picnic unless other arrangements are needed Strutter Dues : Broken down into a monthly payment plan (see next slide) $TBD

Monthly Estimated Cost Breakdown STRUTTER DUES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: (*THIS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON OUR COUNTRY’S ECONOMIC STATUS) Camp / Retreat / Dance Rage $300* PERFORMANCE FEE $300 COMPETITION TRIP $1300 (Out of State)* FOR A TOTAL OF $1900* - BROKEN DOWN INTO SEVERAL MONTHLY PAYMENTS TO MAKE IT MORE MANAGABLE. We understand that with the current state of our world, adjustments will need to be made to accommodate our Strutter Family. We will keep these financial needs in mind as we are able to move forward and make decisions about our future. Sponsorships will be made available as the need arises.

Monthly Payments STRUTTER DUES: Flexible Payments Payment Plans may be adjusted as v. Vendor Night: Payment Plans needed with written Begin v. Monthly payments v. OR Pay half and half v. OR Pay in full communication with the director and adjustment within the Finance Office.

Summer Dates *Subject to change due to the current state of our world. We start back with the team the last two weeks of July! We will have practices, camps, retreats and the family picnic, all of which are mandatory. We continue through July and August until school starts. Specific dates and times will be announced at Vendor Night. We try to give off weekends for family time but cannot promise that at this time. WARNINGS: Not attending camps will remove a member from the team. Not attending practice will result in demerits and being benched from performances. Not completing required dance hours will result in being benched from performances as well until all hours are completed. Date conflicts must be discussed with Coach Polansky before auditions.

Klein Oak Strutter Booster Club (KOSBC) The Klein Oak Strutter Booster Club is a parent organization that provides support to the coaches and the team. This organization strives to create a family atmosphere where everyone is welcome to join in on the festivities. There are many opportunities to bond with other families and support your Strutter at the same time. We have several committees you can be a part of… props, costuming, spirit, class reps, banquet, ball, KO contest, golf tournament, etc. WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! The KOSBC participates in (3) fundraisers throughout the year to help raise funds for the team, props, storage, scholarships, Strutter ball, banquet and more. Booster Club dues and fundraising requirements will be discussed at the first meeting of the new team.

KOSBC: How you can help Throughout the year we ask parents to volunteer in many different facets. We need dads (and moms) to help build props, transport as well as set-up and take down props and curtains. We need help blinging costumes, washing costumes and making costume pieces. We need parents to help plan and decorate for the Strutter Ball, Banquet, Senior Night, Fall Party, etc. We have something for everyone! In summary, the more parent participation we have, the lower the overall cost, the lower the stress levels and the more fun everyone will have. We appreciate the huge amount of support we receive from our current members along with our alumni. We hope you will join us in supporting our Strutters throughout the year and in the years to come by being a KOSBC member. PLEASE SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER AND ENJOY BEING PART OF THE STRUTTER FAMILY!

Parent Permission Form §I understand the commitment involved in my daughter becoming a Strutter & give my permission for her to do so. §I understand that as a member of the team, she is expected to abide by the guidelines approved by KISD. §I understand that she must attend all practices, performances, camps and mandatory events throughout the year. §It is also understood that her dance ability, effort, grades and discipline are all factors to be considered in making each / any performance. §I understand that if my daughter is selected for Strutters this does not guarantee her spot in the dances, not every Strutter will be selected for every performance and she must try out for every dance and maintain her grades, dance ability and have exemplary conduct to be selected to perform. §I understand that the Strutters practice every day after school, on select Saturdays and that every practice is mandatory. §I understand that all fees and dues must be paid on time regardless of my daughter’s selection in performances, probation, grades, conduct, etc. and the fees specified must be paid on time for my daughter to be able to audition for the upcoming dances and participate in the upcoming performances. Financial payment plans can be adjusted per family needs.

Parent Permission Form – cont’d o. I understand that removal from the team results in forfeit of funds paid without reimbursement and does not release the Strutter from what they still owe. o. I understand that if my daughter is removed or removes herself from the team, she may not wear the Strutter attire or logo representing the Strutters from that point on. o. I understand that if a Strutter misses a practice she may be removed from the dance and replaced by an alternate if one is available until another spot becomes available and she is able to try out for that open spot. o. I understand that Strutters is a year round sport and fine art that will require time, commitment and effort by my daughter and myself. o. I understand that my daughter must travel with the team to all football performances, camps, special appearances, workshops and regional and state competitions. o. I release the school and district of all liabilities during the workshop, auditions and throughout the year. o. I furthermore understand that a physical for my daughter is required once she makes the team and payment plans begin on Vendor Night. o. I understand that all Strutters are held to the highest of standards in and out of uniform and that poor decisions involving social media, cursing, alcohol, drugs and/or lewd behavior, regardless if it is at a Strutter function or not, will result in consequences ranging from demerits or strikes to dismissal from the team at the coach’s discretion.

Review for Auditions Week BEFORE AUDITIONS MAKE SURE YOU HAVE DONE THE FOLLOWING: üRead through this Power. Point üFilled out the Audition Application online including agreeing to all on the Permission Form üUploaded your most current Report Card and your headshot üSigned into Google Classroom with the Class Code: 6 wghqva üReviewed the “How to Create a Fantastic Virtual Audition” Document Link is here: üHow To Do Virtual Auditions Successfully Day 1: Learn and Submit one video of Combo 1 and Skills Day 2: Learn and Submit one video of Combo 2 and Skills Day 3: Learn and Submit one video of Combo 3 and Skills Day 4: Mock Tryouts: Submit any videos for feedback (not mandatory) Day 5: Final Audition Video submitted of all 3 Combos and all skills May 4 th: Announcement of the 2020 -2021 Strutters Dance Team

Induction & Vendor Night Induction and Vendor Night will be scheduled as soon as we are out of Quarantine. The new team and officers will be officially announced and inducted at this time. Girls should wear “Sunday best” dress attire adhering to school dress code. At Vendor Night we usually ask you be prepared to order dance clothes, pay dues, order bags, pick up calendars, select your room for camp, order bows, order yard signs, etc. You will need exact cash or separate checks for each vendor. Some, but not all, vendors take credit cards, so please plan accordingly using the estimated costs given. However, this could change based on the economic state of our Country right now. If your daughter makes Strutters, please check www. kleinoakstrutters. com for the Vendor Night packet and updates as we know more about the quarantine timeline … so you will be prepared.

Questions spolansky 1@kleinisd. net Klein Oak Strutters Dance Team, Head Director Texas Dance Educators Association, Past President www. kleinoakstrutters. com Instagram: @kostrutters Twitter: @Strutters. KO Facebook: @Klein. Oak. Strutters Shelby Polansky, Head Coach v. Former Klein Oak Strutter Member and Officer v. Graduated from Sam Houston State University Certified in: v. Dance Education Grades 6 -12 v. Early Childhood Extension v. English grades Pre K through 8 with a Specialization in Reading Taught at the Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Levels Work Experience: v. Kuehnle Elementary 2 years v. Spring High School 8 years as Director of the Starlettes Dance Team v. Klein Oak as the Strutter Director for the past 13 years v. Multiple Studios & Dance Companies v. Proud to be the Past President of Texas Dance Educators Association serving all Dance Educators across the state of Texas. Most Importantly: v. Proud Mother of 4 amazing kids: 2 girls and 2 boys ranging from elementary to college graduate and happily married to Nathan.

Submit… Please click on the first link to fill out the Application for the KO Strutters Dance Team which also states you reviewed and understand the Strutter Candidate Power. Point: KO Strutters Dance Team Application and Consent Form Having trouble accessing the links? Log in to the Google Classroom with the Code: 6 wghqva You will find ALL the links you need in our KO Strutter 39 th Line Auditions Google Classroom. This is where all Virtual Auditions will take place!