Interview: Judges Association of Minnesota

The Judges Association of Minnesota (JAM) is beginning its 14^th year of officiating dance team for Minnesota high school teams and I got a chance to catch up with the ladies of the Core Group to see what’s new in their organization this year.  The combined experience and backgrounds in that room were quite impressive – it’s easy to see why we have such a strong base of officials for our sport that any other state would envy.  Be sure to check out JAM’s website – they have an excellent history section and information about using their scheduling team and who to contact.  They can be found at 

http://www.jamdanceteams.org/  

Let’s get into some highlights of our conversation: 

Erin:  Fill in the readers about what it really takes to be a JAM dance team official. 

●         JAM training is a required event for all officials regardless of experience.  There is always something new to learn or a skill set to sharpen up on.  We also have a required trial judging and mentorship program where new officials team up with experienced officials to do some test judging that doesn’t count in the meet, but allows conversation and questions about judging effectively to occur in a real world setting.  We require new officials to trial judge at least 3 times before their scores can be counted in a meet.

Erin:  Walk me through your training day – what are you doing all day? 

●         We start with a session on professionalism, image, and representation of JAM and the sport, then we move on to learning the kick counting/timer position and the tab room jobs.  Then we have live technique demonstrators come in and show both basic and advanced skills and combinations.  We spend the majority of the day focusing on the scoresheet criteria and watch video to practice using the scoresheet effectively and correctly.  All of our training is very interactive and focused on discussion.

Erin:  So ladies - what’s new with JAM for this next season?

●         Coaches should be seeing their CCC newsletter hitting inboxes each month.  The CCC (or Coaches Contact Committee) expands the ability of judges and coaches to get questions answered and keep the updates going about the happenings of JAM. 

●         Annual training for new members is coming up on November 3^rd or November 17^th.  Registrations for officials is ongoing until September 30^th – if you’re thinking about getting into the world of judging, there is still time. 

●         Fall (only) coaches are now able to join JAM as officials.  Now that the separate fall and winter seasons have been well established, they can be worked into the existing judging system with conflict of interests in mind. 

●         JAM currently has approximately 120 members and is growing for this year!

●         The scheduler position is now a two-person team.  One point person is contacting schools directly about scheduling dates and number of officials, and then there is an additional position handling the scheduling of the individual members into the meets.  Hopefully this new structure will make things more efficient and timely.  

Erin:  Any reminders for teams as we head into the choreography season?

●         Uniforms and/or questionable moves can always be brought to attention of the Superior Judge or a Rules Coordinator prior to the meet. Don’t hesitate to ask or have a move demo done.  Judges hate giving out a penalty as much as you hate getting them, so be sure to ask if you aren’t sure.  Keep in mind, however, that the judging panel for your meet that day will have to rule based on what is seen and executed on the performance floor.

●         Remember that the rules about uniforms and moves are coming from a safety perspective.  If it’s questionably safe, perhaps its best to leave it out.  Even uniform rules aren’t there to be restrictive, rather protective of those girls who may want or need that extra coverage to be comfortable on the performance floor.  

Erin:  Any advice for those on the fence about coming into the judging world?  What if you just aren’t as qualified as the current membership?  Just graduated?  Or has a limited interest or schedule?

●         By all means don’t be intimidated to join JAM if you think you have a passion for the sport, We can provide the training, mentoring, and career-long support you want. You are not left on your own to fend for yourself. 

●         There are also tons of options and jobs you can fill.  Some people only kick count/time, others love to tab, and some judge just one style, or even one weekend a month rather than a full schedule.  JAM can work with your needs and you only begin judging “for real” once you’re comfortable.  If you want to trial judge for a full year, you are able to do that. 

A special thanks to the JAM Core Group for taking time to share a little behind the scenes and some updates with us!  Parents and dancers – be sure to take some time to check out all the hard work judges put in to scoring meets for you – they are a dedicated bunch!  Coaches look for your CCC emails and don’t hesitate to keep that communication going.  We can all benefit from the services JAM provides to ensure a successful and safe competition season ahead.  Keep an eye out for more updates from JAM as we get into the competition season. 

The JAM Core Group is comprised of Stacy Abel, Amanda Ballensky, Lauren Barnes, Colleen Christensen, Sara Hordyk Portner, Becky King, Katie Ohlund and Emily Puza.

Interview: Satin Stitches Talks New Costume Trends

Today we're going behind the scenes at Satin Stitches, Minnesota's custom costume home.  Talk about sparkle overload - if you ever get a chance to stop in the Coon Rapids showroom, you'll be amazed by the sheer number of sample costume creations they've done in recent months.  Satin Stitches regularly has booths at popular competitions - be sure to stop by and check out the photo albums of years and years of custom dance team costumes they've done.  Truly amazing.  This time, I'm talking with the owner of Satin Stitches, Deb Nelson, about costume trends for this year and what we might be seeing hit the competition floor come November an on.  

Erin: So what kinds of things are popular this year?  Anything to pay special attention to?

Deb:  This year we're seeing lots of texture combinations.  Myst with velvet, zsa zsa, sequins, lace and mesh all being used together.  Many times the color family is similar, with texture being layered and used together.  We're also seeing lots of ruffles in collars and skirts, bright neons, tendril pieces, real sequins over zsa zsa sequins, and draped fabrics on jazz biketards and dresses.  

Erin: Tell me about using zsa zsa fabric - that is relatively new, but beautiful!  

Deb: Zsa zsa is a tiny flat sequin sewn on the fabric in a random squiggle pattern.  The trick is that you need to line or at the very least, bind, the fabric so that the underside doesn't snag and drop sequins all over the floor.  This ads to the time, cost, fabric, and weight.  Something to consider when using it in design.  

Erin:  Design.  That can be a tricky area for those of us with no mind for it.  What do you do if you don't have an idea when you're ready to order new costumes for the year?  

Deb:  We're visual people around here so bring in examples of what you like, don't like, and concepts you'd perhaps want to incorporate.  If we know what your general tastes are and a basic silhouette, we can get you started. 

Erin:  You have some great design software to see things prior to cutting and sewing.  Tell me about that.  

Deb:  Our new design software lets you see costumes in various colors, textures of fabrics, and even womens, mens, or child size bodies.  We can even place all the rhinestones on the drawing so you can see the completed look.  

Erin:  Lets talk about sizing.  I hate the guessing game of what size to order and how many extras (if any) you should get.  Any tips?

Deb:  Use our full range of sample sizes of the basic silhouette you ordered to try on and be sure.  We have extra lengths or extra short cuts for torso, sleeve, and inseam.  There isn't anyone we can't fit.  We also carry the only Medium/Large in-between size for better fit on each dancer.  For sizing that will fit year after year, consider using a V cut sleeve with a band around one finger-  this keeps the sleeve down and in place while moving or if the size isn't quite right.  For extra sizes, if you order some, think about what girls you have on JV that might be moving up at some point - what do they look like?  Any special sizes there?  Otherwise think about what your girls might look like next year and anticipate any height and weight changes.  

Erin:  Satin Stitches has some unique policies like your guaranteed delivery schedule.  What kind of time-frames are we looking at if we haven't ordered anything yet?  

Deb:  We're at the 13 week guaranteed delivery schedule this time of year.  That might seem like a long time to wait, but we are the only company to guarantee delivery at any time.  This leaves you knowing that even if you're not ready for the first meet with a costume, you will know exactly how long you need to have a plan B in place.  If you're thinking you may order, come in and get started on designs, even if it's just for one style that you know you have an idea for.  Waiting until you have everything ready with music and tryouts can make the process take longer than it needs to. 

Season starts in 6 weeks!  Its not too late to get some amazing designs put together, thanks to Satin Stitches for letting us behind the scenes.   

New New New!

There is so much going on this fall in the world of dance team - I thought you'd like to hear about what is new around here at MN HS Dance Team.com!  

First off, I have exciting news that this year all scores and rank points will be provided directly by the judging panel following the end of the meet!  That means we won't be needing results submitted directly to the site - saving me hours and hours of tracking you all down.  JAM judges and the MSHSL are on board with this plan, and DX looks to be doing the same once I get details ironed out with everyone.  Of course, if your meet isn't covered for some reason, you can always submit results that get missed the old fashioned way.  Look for things to be more timely, accurate, and complete!  

Be sure to check out the rest of the site - pages are updated with NEW competition dates for 2012-13.  If you have dates to add, be sure to send them in!  Check the links for your favorite team - if your website has moved, send me updates!  There is also still time for advertisers to get on board for this year - email mnhsdanceteam@gmail.com for our advertisers packet if you want in for this year.  

Also, we're kicking off a new series this fall on Thursdays all about information for new parents and the basics of this sometimes, shall we say, unique sport.  Once the season is underway we'll be digging into some scoresheet basics for spectators and doing some great interviews, tips, and behind the scenes looks in the world of dance team.  

Up next - we're talking new trends for costumes this year with Satin Stitches! 

Check out the new Blaine Location of Step N' Stretch!

Step n' Stretch just opened its new Blaine location a few weeks back -- I got a chance to stop in and check it out!  Here's some shots of their new digs......

Fall season is well underway and back to school activities are in full force....only 6 more weeks until dance season begins! 

See you next week for the start of our new fall series - New Parents 101 and Scoresheet Basics.  See you then!