Major Impressions Tryouts:

The dance teams consist of approximately 16-18 members total. The purple squad requires more classical/studio training and performs jazz routines and others they enjoy. Time is spent in practices on conditioning and technique. The white squad is a pom and hip hop group. This group will perform dances in these styles. Classical training is not necessary for this squad.

Members are chosen based on personality, communication skills, crowd appeal, and dance skills. Dancers selected in April may be chosen for the football and/or basketball squads. There will be an October tryout for the basketball squads. The basketball squad will be announced in October; basketball squad applicants may tryout at either the April or October tryout. The coach reserves the right to adjust this announcement or invite football team members to dance for basketball as she sees fit.

The skills of our applicants define the level of ability needed to make the squad. We work our routines around the skills of the squad members. The better you are in each area, the better your chances. Don't be afraid to tryout… it is an excellent opportunity to meet some people on campus before you start classes.

Applicants may perform at Tryouts or submit a Video Tryout.

Fall Tryouts:
The Fall Tryout will be held Friday, October 14 in the Hall Activities Center at Millsaps College. This will be a one-day afternoon tryout. Video tapes will be accepted for people who are not able to make tryouts.

Spring Tryouts:
The Spring Tryout will be held in April in the Hall Activities Center at Millsaps College. The main purpose of the tryout is to select the best overall individuals for the dance teams. The tryout process includes a Friday evening clinic, short interview and a Saturday tryout. Clinics are run by graduating seniors, other qualified assistants and the advisor.

There is a $5 Tryout Fee that can be paid on-site by cash, money order or check payable to Millsaps Major Impressions.

Spring Schedule:
Friday:
5:00 p.m. Registration Begins Hall Activities Center Main Lobby
5:30 p.m. Meet, Questions & Answers Hall Activities Center aerobics room
5:45 p.m. Learn Dance & Cheer; review skills Hall Activities Center aerobics room
7:30 p.m. Practice area available Hall Activities Center lower gym.

Saturday:
9 a.m. Practice areas available. Hall Activities Center Aerobics Room
10 a.m. Registration begins Hall Activities Center Main Lobby.
10:30 a.m. Tryout begins Hall Activities Center Aerobics Room or lower gym

What to Wear:
Please wear shorts, t-shirts / tanks, undergarments with adequate support, and non-marking tennis or dance shoes with socks. Avoid wearing baggy clothes. Shorts should be black, grey or purple. Tops should be white, grey or purple. Keep your hair pulled away from your face. Absolutely no jewelry or nail polish - this can distract from your performance. Please keep in mind that appearance counts - be neat and classy!

What to Bring:
Dance Team application with photo
Proof of personal medical insurance
Millsaps College ID or letter of acceptance to Millsaps
Liability waiver - if under the age of 18, it must be signed by parent or guardian
$5 in cash, check or money order made out to "Millsaps Major Impressions"
Supplemental video, if desired

Tryout Requirements:
Participants will be evaluated throughout the entire process. Participants are asked to try their best at skills. We look for potential as well as current ability.

Purple Squad (if you try out for the purple squad, you do not need to do an additional tryout for the white squad):
*Jumps: Toe Touch

Jazz Dance: Performed in groups

Hip Hop Dance: Performed in groups

Pom Dance: Performed in groups

*Turns: double turn; piques, chaines; optional fouette turns, axles

*Leaps: both legs; optional switch leaps

Interview: A short interview will be conducted Friday evening or Saturday.

White Squad:
*Jumps: Toe Touch

Hip Hop Dance: Performed in groups

Pom Dance: Performed in groups

*Turns: double turns

*Leaps: both legs

Interview: A short interview will be conducted Friday evening or Saturday.

*Material should be ready before attendance at clinic and tryout. We will not teach this, but if time is available, we will review and give you pointers.

The Tryout will be a closed tryout. Participants will enter in groups of three. They will perform the dances in these groups. All other aspects will be performed individually. No parents, friends or guests will be allowed to watch the actual tryout.

The spirit groups coach reserves the right to make adjustments to these tryouts as she sees fit.
All Spring Tryout participants may supplement their tryout with a video tape showing additional skills. This video may be NO LONGER than 3 minutes in length.

Thank you for considering the Millsaps College Major Impressions Program!