TRYOUT OVERVIEW| PAGE 1 Dear Tryout Candidate,
I am excited you have chosen Ole Miss as your institute of higher education. Tryouts for the 2014-2015 season
are set for April 11-April 13. The following packet will answer any questions you may have about tryouts for our
teams. Please read thoroughly prior to calling/emailing questions and to ensure that you have all of the
required documents for tryouts.
We are looking for dedicated candidates who are physically fit, lead a healthy productive lifestyle, and are able to
present themselves in a professional manner. Our judges will be looking for a balanced package of the following
aspects: technique, performance, versatility amongst dance styles, physical fitness, appearance, attitude/work
ethic, and speaking ability. We do not have specific height or weight requirements. Being an Ole Miss Rebelette
does require a high level of athleticism.
All candidates must be accepted or currently enrolled students to the University of Mississippi prior to tryouts.
The following items need to be turned in to tryout:
1. Completed Tryout Application (6 Pages Total)
2. Completed Release Form (Pages 5 & 6 of Tryout Application)
o Physician’s clearance signature OR copy of a physical within the past year is REQUIRED for all
o If you have attended one of our camps/clinics this year, you WILL still need to complete this for
tryouts.
3. Copy of your current medical insurance card
4. Tryout fee:
o Early Registration Deadline $40 (April 3RD Check or Money Order made to UMAA)
o Walk-Up Registration $50 (Cash, Check, or Money Order made to UMAA)
REGISTRATION OPTIONS:
Early Registration Deadline: To expedite your check-in process on Friday at tryouts and to assist with
tryout logistics, it is strongly encouraged that candidates turn in/mail their tryout forms using our Early
Registration Option. There is a discounted tryout fee of $40 for Early Registration. The completed tryout
packet is due in our office by THURSDAY, APRIL 3. This information may be mailed or hand delivered at
a prep clinic and/or open practice. Please DO NOT fold paperwork and use an 8.5x11 (or larger)
envelope to mail or submit. We will send out a confirmation email for all early application receipts on
Friday, April 4. Applications not submitted by April 3 may be submitted via Walk-Up Registration at
tryouts on Friday, April 11.
OR
Walk-Up Registration: After the Early Registration Date has passed, you are still eligible to audition and
will need to submit your tryout packet at registration on Friday, April 11. The tryout fee after the Early
Registration Deadline (4/3) is $50.
Mail Completed Tryout Packets to:
Carley Cryer
Ole Miss Rebelettes
908 All-American Drive
University, MS 38677
Good luck and see you at tryouts!
Hotty Toddy!
Carley Cryer – Rebelette Coach/Coordinator
University of Mississippi
662-915-4505
[email protected]
TRYOUT LOCATION:
TAD SMITH COLISEUM
100 COLISEUM LOOP
UNIVERSITY, MS 38677
TRYOUT ATTIRE
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2014-2015 TRYOUT OVERVIEW| PAGE 2 BASIC REQUIREMENTS
Crop/Half Top in the color of your choice
Hot Shorts in the color of your choice
Hair and makeup should be “gameday” ready
Dance or tennis shoes; Tennis shoes are
required for the fitness portion.
o Outfit should bare your entire midriff from rib
cage to your hip bones (no high-waisted shorts
or longer tops)
o You may bring a tote bag with snacks and
drinks. Please be aware that we do not have a
secure area for storage of your personal items.
Do NOT bring any valuables with you.
More advanced skills/combos may be evaluated in
addition to this list
• Strong Performance/Mastery of Jazz, Pom, and
Hip Hop Styles
• High Physical Fitness
• Strong Interpersonal Skills/Charisma
• Technical Skills:
• Extensions-Battements, Leg Holds
• Turns-Triple Pirouettes, Turns in 2nd
• Leaps-Jetes, Leap in 2nd, Calypso
• Hip Hop-Headspring recommended
TRYOUT SCHEDULE
*ALL ENDING TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE
Candidates will be evaluated each session. Only select candidates will advance to the next session.
FRIDAY, APRIL 11TH
2:30-3:30PM
3:30-5:00PM
5:00-7:00PM
Registration/Warm-Up On Your Own
Learn Fight Song, Jazz, and Technique Combos
Evaluation: Technique, Jazz, Fight Song, 30-Second Introduction of Yourself to Judges
***POST CUT***
Learn hip hop combo and any additional combos following cut posting
SATURDAY, APRIL 12TH
9:00-11:00AM
11:00-1:00PM
Interview, Fitness Test, and Combo Review Groups
Hip Hop, Jazz, Fight Song, Across the Floor Spotlight
***POST CUT***
2:00-5:00 PM Advanced Technique, All Combos in Practice-Type Setting
***2014-2015 Team will be announced online by number at the conclusion of tryouts.***
SUNDAY, APRIL 13TH
9:00-10:00AM Team/Parent Meeting
11:00-2:00
Uniform Fitting and Practice
• Please come with hair and makeup done for our first team picture.
• Bring black hot shorts, sports bra, and jazz shoes for practice.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
2014-2015 TRYOUT OVERVIEW| PAGE 3 How should I fix my hair and makeup?
Judges will see you up close and from a far at tryouts. Hair and make-up should be ‘gameday’ ready.
You should wear more makeup than on a normal day, but not too heavy. The preferred hairstyle is halfup and curled. Please secure bangs/hair out of face.
Are there any height or weight requirements?
We do not have specific height or weight requirements. However, you must be physically fit. Being an
Ole Miss Rebelette requires a high level of athleticism. We will assess fitness level during the fitness
portion of tryouts that will include conditioning exercises that will be led by our strength coach.
What can I do to prepare for tryouts?
Beginning now, you should brush up on your dance technique and performance. Being physically fit is
part of being a Spirit Squad Member; you should maintain a healthy lifestyle. We suggest working out
with a trainer and enroll in a dance studio to understand techniques and styles. We also have two
Tryout Prep Clinics remaining prior to tryouts on March 30 and April 6 and possibly some open
practices in March and April. You can register at rebs.ms/2014spiritcamps. These clinics and
practices are a great way to learn similar styles to be evaluated at tryouts and to work on technique as
well as to receive feedback to prepare for tryouts.
What do I wear to tryouts?
Rebelette candidates must wear a two-piece outfit of a crop/half top and hot short bottoms in the color
of your choice. The outfit must bare your full midriff. The top should not fall below the braline/ribs and
the hot shorts should sit on the waist (no high-waisted hot shorts). For the auditions, candidates can
wear dance shoes or tennis shoes. For the fitness portion, tennis shoes are required. Sweat pants MAY
be allowed for the hip hop portion.
What do I bring to tryouts?
You will need to submit all tryout 4 application items listed on page 1 either via Early Registration
Mail-In or Walk-Up Registration on April 11.You are also welcome to bring any items that you would
need to freshen up during the tryout process. Please be aware that we do not have a secure storage
area for the storage of your personal items. Do NOT bring any valuables with you. You should bring
snacks and drinks, as we will have water provided.
Are tryouts open to the public?
No. Every segment of tryouts is closed to outside guests.
Do I need to bring a prepared routine to tryouts?
No, you do NOT need to prepare a routine for tryouts. You will be taught all material as part of the
tryout process. There will, however, be chance in later rounds for candidates to showcase additional
strengths in two 8-counts.
How many spots are available?
We do not have a set number but look to select 20-24 strong and well-rounded representatives for our
2014-2015 team. No preference is given to returning members, and all returning Rebelettes must reaudition each year.
Please Note:
Transportation and housing will be the responsibility of each tryout candidate.
All decisions/team selections are final.
2014-2015 TRYOUT OVERVIEW| PAGE 4 REBELETTE PROGRAM OVERVIEW
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES:
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The Rebelettes perform at all home football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball
games as well as select away football, select home volleyball, and select home soccer
games. Select Rebelettes will also have the opportunity to travel to post-season events
such as bowl games or SEC Basketball Tournaments.
As a part of the Pride of the South, the Rebelettes rehearse with the band during the fall
semester and perform in the pregame and halftime shows at home football games.
In addition to athletics games, the Rebelettes also perform/make appearances at other
Athletics special events, community service events, pep rallies, etc.
The Rebelettes may also have the opportunity to compete at the UCA/UDA College
Nationals in January.
SCHEDULE OVERVIEW
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In the fall we practice 4-6 hours per week with the band (Week days from 4:00-6:00)
and 4-6 hours of dance rehearsal (Times TBD for 2014). We will also have 2-3 workouts
per week with our strength coach (Traditionally, morning weekday workouts).
In the spring, we practice about 4-6 hours per week preparing for basketball, and we
also continue with 2-3 workouts per week.
SCHOLARSHIP AND ACADEMICS
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Rebelettes will receive a $1,000 scholarship each semester for a total of $2,000 per
year
Rebelettes must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, maintain full-time status,
and remain in good standing with the University.
Incoming freshmen will be required to log 6 hours per week of study hall during the fall
semester.
Any Rebelette falling below a 2.5 GPA will be required to log study hall hours per Ole
Miss Spirit Squad Manual.
POLICIES OVERVIEW:
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As ambassadors for not only the Rebelettes but Ole Miss Athletics and the University of
Mississippi, those selected as a Rebelette must maintain a collegiate level of excellence
always bringing positive recognition to our University. This also applies to image,
language, social media, etc.
Smoking and drinking in uniform (or any team apparel), at games/events, and on
school-sponsored trips is strictly prohibited and grounds for dismissal from the team.
Use of any illegal drugs in accordance with NCAA guidelines is prohibited and grounds
for immediate dismissal from the team.
Rebelettes will be issued uniforms at the beginning of the year and will be responsible
for the upkeep and maintenance of uniforms. Upon uniform return at the end of the
year, dancers will be charged for any damages or losses.
While in uniform/at official functions, Rebelettes should be in full makeup/hair and
shall not have any additional piercings or tattoos present.
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2014-2015 TRYOUT OVERVIEW| PAGE 5 ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED AT ALL PRACTICES, WORKOUTS, PERFORMANCES,
SPECIAL EVENTS, AND GAMES. THIS MAY INCLUDE WEEKENDS, THANKSGIVING,
CHRISTMAS, AND SPRING BREAKS. WE WILL PERFORM AT ALL HOME BASKETBALL
GAMES OVER BREAKS.
Rebelettes shall not schedule classes prior to 8:00am and after 4:00pm. Any special
majors/graduating seniors needing to schedule during these times will need to get
approval from the coach prior to scheduling classes.
Missing a practice during a game week may result in being pulled from a performance.
Rebelettes are responsible for all travel costs to and from Oxford for summer and other
practices. In the event of team travel (SEC Tournaments), Athletics will cover travel for
the team round trip FROM OXFORD.
Being a Rebelette is a major time commitment that must always come first out of all
non-academic commitments. Academics will remain the first priority.
Failure to comply with any of the Ole Miss Spirit Squad policies will result in probation
or dismissal from the team at the discretion of the coach and administrators.
Rebelettes are expected to maintain a high level of academics, performance, fitness,
conduct, and attendance. Failure to meet any of these may result in being held from
performances at the discretion of the coach.
Each Rebelette’s role at every game/performance may vary. Performance spots must be
earned, and dancers that are not ready may be pulled from a performance. All decisions
at the discretion of the coach.
IMPORTANT SUMMER/FALL DATES
Attendance at all of these dates is required.
July 10-17
Rebelette Summer Work Week In Oxford
July 18-21
UCA/UDA College Camp in Tuscaloosa
August 15
Early Move-In Date/Night Practice
August 16
Practice/Possible Meet The Rebs Date
August 17-August 22 Practice/Band Camp
August 23
Other Meet the Rebs Date Option/Freshman Pep Rally
August 25
First Day of Classes/Regular Practices Begin
August 28
Football vs. Boise State in Atlanta, GA
September 13
Football vs. Louisiana Lafayette
September 27
Football vs. Memphis
October 4
Football vs. Alabama
October 18
Football vs. Tennessee
October 19
Potential Junior Rebels Camp Date
November 1
Football vs. Auburn
November 8
Football vs. Presbyterian (Potential Junior Rebels Performance Date)
November 29
Football vs. Mississippi State
Other dates to be added:
• Soccer/Volleyball Performances
• Additional Pep Rallies/Appearances
• Men’s and Women’s Basketball starts around NOVEMBER AND WILL INCLUDE GAMES
OVER THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS, AND SPRING BREAKS