ISU Bengal Dancers Tryout Information
Tryouts for the 2024-2025 Season will be held:
In person- May 24th & 25th, 2024 OR through video submission. Video submissions due May 24th, 2024.
Register by May 17th, 2024 to receive all tryout material.
Mandatory Meeting Sunday May 26th for all those that make the team (on zoom)
Auditions are open to all college students and all high school seniors.
Welcome Letter & Tryout Checklist
STEP 1:
Right Now
ALL APPLICANTS (in person or on-line) need to click on the link to register for tryouts before Saturday May 17th, 2024. *This will be how we can update any information to you.
-In person or video submission is $30.00 (new participants) $20.00 (returning members) to audition. ***Send payment to Venmo: @IdahoState-DanceTeam or mail to ISU Dance Team 921 S. 8th Ave. STOP 8173 Pocatello, ID 83209-8173 (must arrive before May 17th, 2024)
*Be sure to specify it is for Dance Team Tryouts
STEP 2:
In-Person
All registered participants that have PAID the fee will receive an email on May 17th with paperwork to be filled out and videos to learn before the tryouts on May 24th.
On-line/Video Deadline: Friday May 24th, 2024
All registered participants that have PAID the fee will receive an email on May 17th with paperwork to be filled out and videos to learn. Then they will have to email back the link for the videos of themselves performing the skills.
**Videos will need to be uploaded to a Youtube account and playlist. You will make this playlists “unlisted”. But copy the link and email it to me. (Directions will be sent out through email)
CUTS WILL BE MADE- Call backs may be needed & will be on May 25th, 2024.
Remaining dancers MAY be notified & sent videos to learn, record & send video link back in Youtube playlist.
STEP 3:
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT
Team will be announced and we will have a mandatory meeting (in person or virtual) team meeting. SUNDAY May 26th at 8PM. Zoom links will be sent via email.
Contact Kolissa Manchan via email at manckoli@isu.edu with any questions.
Tryout Forms:
All forms need to be printed out and either turned in (in-person) or emailed in with tryout videos (online submissions)
Bengal Dancer team members…
- Dedicate approximately 20 hours a week to practice, workouts, games and public appearances
- Must be available to report back for practice and camp mid-June and end of July
- Must attend a mandatory meeting after auditions
- Must be able to pay for the year approximately $2300.00 (fundraisers available throughout the year)
- Must be able to fundraise or pay out of pocket for expenses
- Must be able to attend mandatory events that may take place on Sundays
Frequently Asked Questions
How many spots are available on the ISU Dance Team?
Each year, the Dance Team holds auditions for all of its members, both rookie and veteran members.
The number of members on the Idaho State University Dance Team varies year to year depending on the talent that is seen at each year's tryout; however, there are number limits in terms of policies within the national competition companies. The various Dance Associations, which host the annual College Dance Team Competitions each year, have rules on how many dancers are allowed to compete, therefore there may be alternates for competitions but those members will perform for all community events and games the rest of the year.
What kind of dance experience is needed?
You definitely need some sort of dance training whether it be by a dance studio or school dance team, but it is not necessary to have been on a certain dance team. At the audition they will learn several different styles of dance and technique across the floor, so it is beneficial for the participants to have experience in jazz, hip-hop, and pom.
What skills are needed to tryout?
- Right Aerial
- Calypso Leap
- Tilt jump
- Head Spring & Kip up
- Triple and Quad Pirouette
- Leap in Second
- Leg Extension/Tilt Hold
- A La Seconde turns in Second with a double or more at end (minimum 2 counts of eight with extra add ins
- Spotter turns
- Changing Spot turns
- Leg hold turn
- Toe Touch
- Turning Disk
- Switch Arabesque Leap
Is there a height or weight limit?
The ISU Dance Team does not adhere to typecasting (i.e., similar heights, body types or skin tones), as each dancer is unique in their height or weight. While there is no weight requirement or weigh-in included in the training program, the Bengal Dancers are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle and muscular build. The Dance Team maintains this training level by participating in weightlifting and aerobic conditioning throughout the week.
Do the selected members for the team receive any financial aid?
Yes, everyone that is eligible will receive a scholarship stipend.
To be eligible:
- You must register for a minimum of 12 credits each semester and remain a full-time student.
- You must successfully complete 24 credits in one academic year.
- You must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- Transfer students or continuing ISU students must enter the squad with a 2.0 cumulative GPA in order to be eligible to receive a scholarship.
If you fail to meet the above requirements you will not receive a scholarship the following semester.
You may receive one academic credit per semester for Bengal Dancers. Keep in mind that if you quit or are dismissed from the squad your grade will be affected based on the point in the semester that you stopped participating. You need to complete at least 60% of the semester in order to receive a passing grade.
Out of state members will also receive Out-of-State Fee Waivers. If any girl quits or is dismissed from the team early, she will be required to pay back any financial aid.
What someone can’t come to the tryouts, can they still tryout?
Yes, although it is best to come and audition in person, we do accept digital audition. You will need to email manckoli@isu.edu for further instructions on what is required for the video.
When do the participants find out if they make the team?
The auditions will be on Friday night and Saturday afternoon, the new selected team will be told that day and have a mandatory meeting on the Saturday night.
Do the participants tryout alone?
No, we will have them in groups of 3 or 4 and in alphabetical or numerical order to start then as cuts are made, we may try them in different groups to see how dance styles mesh.
How many hours a week does the Dance Team practice?
Depending on the season, the time commitment varies. Member must attend the June boot camp and July material camp. Then in August, when the team first starts practice for the upcoming season, practices average 3 to 4 hours a day 5 days a week for the first few weeks as the team prepares for their first round of competition and the upcoming football season. During the school year, the team practices on Monday, Wednesday evenings for 3 hours and on Fridays for 3 hours. The team also does morning workouts four mornings a week for an hour.
Football game days last approx. 6 hours. The season begins to overlap with basketball in late fall/early winter and the schedule varies week by week. Basketball game days last approx. 3 hours.
In addition to these practices and games, various public relations events are interspersed throughout the year.
