2012-2013 Masonettes Tryout Information

The George Mason University Masonettes Dance Team will be holding tryouts for the 2012-2013 season on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at the Patriot Center on the Fairfax Campus of George Mason University.  The schedule is as follows:

8:30 am                                    Check-in and Informational Meeting                                

9:00 am                                    Dance Clinic

12:30 pm                                  Break

1:15 pm                                    Formal Tryouts                

Detailed directions and hotel information can be found at www.GoMason.com (click on 'Visit Mason' in the 'Fan Zone' section).  If you are unable to attend the in-person tryouts, you may submit a videotaped DVD audition.  Please see the video requirements before sending your tape to our office.

Please fill out the application and make sure that it is RECEIVED in our office no later than April 14^th, 2012.  Note that the University mail system can sometimes delay delivery so you may want to consider hand delivery or a mail service with firm delivery schedule (UPS, FedEx).  Please note that there is a $10.00 audition fee (checks must be made payable to 'George Mason University'). 

Incoming freshman and transfer students must attach a copy of their official acceptance letter from George Mason University to their application.  If you are an incoming freshman and have not received an acceptance letter at the time of tryouts, please note that on your application.

Current Mason students must be a full time student and academically eligible by the Athletic Department (a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA).

All dancers will be required to submit a copy of their medical insurance information and policy number, as well as a copy of their current physical exam.  Any general physical form from your high school or doctor's office is sufficient.  Please fill out the Medical Form and make sure that it is RECEIVED in our office no later than April 14^th, 2012.

Dancers should come to the clinic prepared to dance, preferably in black dance pants/shorts and a tank top or other dance attire (no baggy t-shirts please!). Jazz /lyrical shoes are acceptable.  Formal tryout attire will be similar, however a ½ top or a jog bra will be required. Make-up for the formal tryout should be neat, simple and collegiate.  Hair should be neat and out of the face.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR TRYOUTS:

Selection will be based on the following areas:

-          Technical ability - advanced leaps and jumps, triple pirouettes, advanced turn and jump combinations

-          Correct placement/strong and accurate motions

-          Showmanship and stage presence

-          Physical fitness

-          Motivation, work ethic and determination (based on short interviews and observation of the clinic)

Judging and selection will be weighed as follows:

Clinic: 25%

The clinic will consist of a skills portion and a dance portion. Candidates will perform technical skills across the floor and will also learn a dance combination (consisting of jazz, pom and hip-hop). Strong candidates should be able to pick up material quickly.  Candidates will be evaluated during the clinic on focus, concentration, dance ability, work ethic and technical ability.

Interview:  15%

Candidates will be asked questions about their dedication to the team, their role as a George Mason University athlete, and their role and expectations as a future Masonette.  They will be judged on poise, integrity and honest and qualified answers.  The coach and/or advisor will conduct interviews.

Formal Tryout: 60% 

Candidates will be evaluated by a panel of qualified judges with no affiliation to any of the candidates.  They will be judged off of a standard score-sheet.  Callbacks may occur if necessary.

The totals from the above three categories will be added up and the team will be selected based on a natural score break. There is not a set number of team members at this time.  Past team sizes have ranged from 10 dancers to 18 dancers.

All judges' decisions are final.  The 2012-2013 team will be announced immediately following the tryout.  A short meeting for the new team will take place immediately following the announcement of the new team.

A Fall 2012 tryout may be held if necessary.  This decision will be made at the conclusion of the April 22^nd tryout.

**Being on the Masonettes is a significant time commitment.  Please review our general team information and contact Coach Michelle Chin with any specific questions prior to tryouts.