Code Blue Dance Team

2012-13 Code Blue Dance Team

The Squad
• Adrienne Robinson (Captain, So.)
• Jasmin Scott (Co-Captain, So.)
• Sarah Jardine (So.)
• E'velia Salinas (So.)
• Ariel Schude (So.)
• Erica Tejeda (So.)
• Alexis Arreola (Fr.)
• Karissa Falcon (Fr.)
• Vanessa Lopez (Fr.)
• Natalie Uriegas (Fr.)

Advisor: Mariana Galvan
Coach: Clarissa Pena

The St. Mary's University Code Blue Dance Team is a competitive, collegiate dance team specializing in jazz, hip-hop, high-kick, pom, and lyrical dance styles. The team is currently comprised of 15 highly skilled dancers.

The Code Blue Dance Team competes annually at regional competitions. Last year, the team excelled at the 2010-2011 Danceline Competition with awards for both their jazz and hip-hop routines, as well as for team members duets.

Aside from showcasing their skills at competition, it is also the responsibility of the team members to encourage campus pride at St. Mary's University. The team does so by attending various athletics events and performing at men and women;s basketball games. The team can also be found performing around the community at events, including high school pep rallies and festivals, literacy rallies, National Nights Out, and more.

The Code Blue Dance Team believes in giving back to the community and participates in the bi-annual Continuing the Heritage service event. One of the main goals of a Code Blue dance team member is to reach out to the community to influence others in the best way possible.

Academic success is crucial for the Code Blue Dance Team. Individuals must be in good academic standing to be considered for the team. Team members majors range from biology to English and everything in between! The Code Blue dancers are also highly involved in extracurricular activities, including Greek Life, University Ministry, Chapel Choir, Black Student Union, Residence Life, Filipino Student Association, StMU Honors societies and more.

Highly skilled in various styles of dance technique and performance? Ready for a commitment that will make your college years more rewarding? Prepared for the responsibility of representing St. Mary's University? Then you may be a perfect fit for the Code Blue Dance Team.

Camp

Code Blue attends camp during the summer to bond, improve technique, and learn dances for the upcoming year. Types of camps that Code Blue has attended in previous years include UDA and Marching Auxiliaries. Members of the St. Mary’s dance team are expected to pay for camp. Payment arrangements are available.

Competition

Code Blue competes during the Spring semester. Previous competitions and awards include:

2012 Texas Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship

• First Place - Jazz Division
• First Place - Hip Hop Division
  

2011 Hill Country Danceline Champions

• Double Division I Award
• Best In Category - Hip Hop
  
• Fist Place Duet Winners - Josabel Archangel and Quinn Bradley

Requirements/FAQ

• Must be a full time enrolled or accepted student at the time of tryouts.
• Must be a student for the full academic year. (Fall/Spring)
• Must be in good academic standing (Required 2.0 cumulative and semester GPA, 2.5 preferred)
• Must have health insurance.
• Must pass a standard university physical.
• Must have a positive attitude and exceptional performance skills.



How often do you practice?
Practices are 3 times a week for two hours a day, with additional practices as necessary.

Are there any fees?
Yes. There is a required payment of $250 during the year that is used for camp, t-shirts, costume pieces, and other supplies as needed. Payment arrangements are available at the beginning of every school year.

Do you participate in fundraisers?
Yes. Various fundraisers are held throughout the year to help offset costs. The university does provide uniforms, pom-poms, and meals and travel for some "away" games, tournaments, and competitions.

What kind of dancing do you do?
Dances range from advanced jazz and hip-hop to pom and high-kick. Team members should be able to easily adapt to different styles of dance, especially for competition, during which lyrical and modern routines may also be performed.

Do Code Blue members receive scholarships?
Yes. All team members receive scholarships. Amounts vary based on the number of team members and individual's number of years on team. The scholarship increases with the member's experience on the team.

Do I have to attend all practices and games?
Yes. Since members of Code Blue receive scholarships, attendance is required at all scheduled events and practices.

Tryouts

Tryouts will be a two-day period and will begin at 5 p.m. on Thurs., Aug. 23, 2012, in the Movement Studio located in the Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center. The tryouts will wrap up Fri., Aug. 24, starting at 5 p.m. in the same location. Both days are mandatory for attendance if you choose to tryout.

Attire for tryouts is as follows: fitted black top, leotard or sports bra and black jazz shorts. Jazz shoes and sneakers are required. Please arrive in full performance hair and makeup. There will be a lunch break during the day and the St. Mary's University cafeteria will be open.

Participants will be evaluated on the following:

• Jumps: Tilt, Firebird, C-Jump, and triple toe touch
• High Kicks: Left and right straight kicks, fan kicks, and hitch kicks
• Leaps: Left and right leap, Russian, left and right switch leap, and calypso
• Turns: Double and triple pirouettes, disc turn, axle, chaine and pique turns, and fouettes (a minimum of 4 fouettes are required)
• Flexibility: Left and right splits, center split, left and right extensions, turns in full extension
• Adaptability with dance style and technique
• Ability to learn and retain material quickly and effectively
• Overall pleasing appearance and presentability/body symmetry
• Attitude: Individual interviews will be conducted during tryouts.

There will be two routines taught and performed at tryouts-- one jazz and one hip-hop. Please come prepared (with music) to perform your own 30-second piece of individual choreography to highlight your skills.

Please send the Spirit Team Application, Professor/Faculty Evaluation, and Spirit Team Tryout waiver (see Forms tab) to:

Jacquleine B. Pena
One Camino Santa Maria Box #77
Attn: Residence Life
San Antonio, TX 78228

Forms

For more information, please download one of the following forms:

• Spirit Team Application
• Professor/Faculty Evaluation and Cheer/Dance Coach Evaluation
• Spirit Team Tryout Waiver
• Fall 2011 Class Schedule for current students

All forms and class schedules are due to Clarissa Pena by Aug. 23, 2012