The George Mason University Masonettes Dance Team will be holding tryouts for the 2008-2009 season during the weekend of April 19-20, 2008. All events listed below are mandatory.
**Please note that due to renovations to the athletic facilities on campus, this year's tryouts will be held at Robinson Secondary School's Main Gym, conveniently located across the street from the GMU Fairfax Campus. Robinson Secondary School is located at 5035 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, Virginia, 22032.
| Saturday, April 19 |
12:30 p.m. Informational Meeting 1-5 pm Dance Clinic Robinson Secondary School Gym |
|
Sunday, April 20 |
9 am-1 pm Formal Tryouts Robinson Secondary School Gym |
If you live out of state and are unable to attend the in-person tryouts, you may submit a videotaped audition. Please see Video Requirements 
before sending your tape to our office.
Dancers should come to the clinic prepared to dance, preferably in black dance pants and a solid tank top or other dance attire (no baggy t-shirts please!). Tryout attire will be similar; however a 1/2 top or a jog bra will be required.
Please fill out the application and mail it to our office no later than April 11, 2008; Application . Please note that there is a $10.00 audition fee (checks can 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 GMU students must be a full time student and academically eligible by the Athletic Department (at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA).
All dancers will be required to bring a copy of their medical insurance information and policy number, as well as a copy of their current physical exam (any standard physical form is sufficient). Please fill out the Medical Form and mail it to our office no later than April 11, 2008. Medical Form
Selection will be based on the following areas:
- Technical ability - advanced leaps, triple pirouettes, fouette turns, calypsos, circular discs
- Correct placement, strong and accurate motions
- Showmanship and stage presence
- Physically fit
- Motivation and work ethic (based on short interviews and observation of the clinic)
Judging and selection will be weighed as follows:
Clinic: 25%
Strong candidates should be able to pick up the taught material quickly (technical skills, jazz, hip-hop and pom combinations). Candidates will be evaluated during the clinic on focus, concentration, dance ability and work ethic.
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. Interviews will be conducted by the coach and/or advisor.
Formal Tryout: 60%
Candidates will be evaluated on clinic material by a panel of qualified judges with no affiliation to any of the candidates. They will be judged off of a standard score-sheet. Call-backs 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 teams have ranged from 12 dancers to 18 dancers.
All judges' decisions are final. The 2008-2009 team will be announced on the afternoon of April 20th. There will be a short meeting immediately following the announcement of the new team.
A Fall 2008 tryout may be held if necessary. The coaching staff will make that determination at the conclusion of the April tryouts.
For more information, please contact Michelle Chin at GMUdanz@aol.com.
