Miss Dance Team Minnesota Competition to be Held October 28th!

The Miss Dance Team Minnesota competition is set to hold it's 11th solo competition for Minnesota High School Dance Team participants.  I caught up with Jenny Raiche, head coach of Eastview High School's Dance Team and coordinator of the Miss Dance Team Minnesota program. 

Erin: Tell me about the Miss Dance Team Minnesota competition what is it and why do we have one?

Jenny: The Miss Dance Team Minnesota competition started 11 years ago by Tami Krause and myself. This competition provides an opportunity to members of Minnesota Dance Teams to represent their schools as soloists. There is a national Miss Dance (Drill) Team USA competition that has taken place for nearly 50 years. With all the talent we have here in Minnesota, we wanted an opportunity to display that nationally as Minnesota High School Dance Teams can not compete at the national level.

Erin: There are some changes to this year's event, tell me what's new and how will things run this year?

Jenny: In the past the contestants who have competed in the 'Miss' division, which is for all 12th grade participants and 11th graders who serve as captains on their teams, have had to compete a modeling of technical skills and interview category. These categories are offered at the national competition as well. This makes the competition more 'pageant-like'. As MN Dance Team is strictly a dance-only event, I decided to remove these categories from our competition and only train those competing at nationals in these areas. My hope is this will entice more dancers to participate as I know these categories created the most anxiety for contestants.

Erin:  Is there a benefit to registering even if you don't think you're going to win anything? 

Jenny: Absolutely! I have had so many dancers from so many different schools tell me how much the enjoyed the experience of working on a routine throughout the summer/fall, competing as a soloist representing their high school/team, meeting dancers from other teams right at the beginning of the competition season, and a not having restrictions on costuming and different moves. I have also had coaches tell me of dancers who they never thought would want to do a solo have come out of this experience much more confident and stronger dancers as team members. Competition is healthy and makes all of our dancers stronger, but what an amazing confidence booster for any dancer to know they succeeded in getting on stage and performing solo for other dance enthusiasts. While this is a competition, I think it is also an amazing way to display the talent we have here in our state.

Erin:   Where can you sign up?  Any important details we should know?

Jenny: All of the registration forms are available on www.missdanceteammn.com. Registration is open through October 12 so dancers still have to time to decide to compete! If you're not competing, come out and watch all of these great dancers on Sunday, October 28 @ 1pm at Eastview High School. It is a great event and a fun way to kick off the competition season.

Lets get a great turn out at this event this year - or if you're more into watching, be sure to get to Eastview on Sunday October 28th for a great kickoff to our winter season.  Best of luck to all those participating!  See you there!

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! 

WOW Factor Dance Intensive Debuts to a Large Audience

This past Saturday, October 15th WOW Factor Sports put together its first annual Dance Intensive at Eagan High School.  I got a chance to talk with WOW Factor founder, Jody Delorit, about how the day went and what's up next for WOW Factor. 

How do you think the day went, being the first time this event has been held?  How many dancers did you have in attendance?
Jody: The debut Dance Event for WOW Factor Sports, the WOW Factor Dance Intensive held at Eagan HS, was a complete success! Dancers of all ages and levels came together to brush up on their technique, learn new skills and choreography and had the opportunity finish the day by performing in the WOW Factor Showcase. With nearly 100 dancers, the turn out exceeded expectations and the immediate feedback was very positive.

Give me some examples of classes that were offered - anything stand out as a student favorite?
Jody: Skills Class, Jazz Routines and Hip Hop Routines were offered by skill level and were divided into Premier, Advanced and Elite Classes. The WOW Factor Kick combination class had over 40 dancers! WOW! So much fun!  Throughout the day, 12 dancers were awarded with the elite honor of WOW Factor Super Star. Dancers were selected based on their attitude, hard work and improvement throughout a class. Dancers received an official WOW Wand, Personalized Certificate and had the chance to tell the audience "I am awesome because...." during the WOW Factor Showcase.

What's next for WOW Factor Sports?  Any other projects coming up? 
Jody: Up next for WOW Factor Sports is the Minnesota Timberwolves Dance Competition Powered by WOW Factor Sports on Saturday, December 10th at Target Center! We are very excited to be offering divisions for both Jazz and Kick in A, AA and AAA. Varsity, JV and B Squad teams welcome! $18 per dancer Debut Season Special good through November 1st! Regular price $30 per dancer if registered after November 1st.
Registration includes:
Voucher to future game for TWOLVES or LYNX in 2011-2012 season!
Event T-Shirt + Bag of goodies for every participant and coach!
Appearance by and photo opportunity with CRUNCH!
Special experience with the Timberwolves Dancers!
More information at www.wow-dance.com.
We will be attending the MADT Convention! Come see us!

Sounds like a great time was had by all - we can't wait to see what's next with the new Timberwolves dance competition!  Check out pictures from the intensive below:

News: Dance Teams - Little Girls are Watching

Dance Teams: Little Girls are Watching

News article written by a mom in Missouri about fall dance team performances and what they are saying to little girls who are watching.  Interesting thoughts on what we are as a sport vs. art and what we can and cannot do in a high school setting.  My jury is out on what I think needs to be a "rule", what is ethical, and what is just being conservative.  I'd love to hear from you about what you think!  Add comments below.  

Get Stretchy this fall!!

The best time to get your splits is always yesterday (unfortunately) but once you do - everything improves in your dancing when you have the flexibility to fill out those jumps and kicks. Building flexibility is an investment that requires time, technique, dedication, and overcoming fears to achieve. It’s something that seems easy unless you are one of those with a split still a foot off the ground and facing the long haul of holding stretches. I’ve put together a tips sheet from my experiences as a dancer and coach. Note: I am not a doctor or trainer and this advice should not take the place of the advice of a professional about your personal flexibility. If you are unsure, always seek advice in person from a professional!



Time: I encourage dancers to give themselves plenty of time to work on splits as there is a point when you need to stop for the day or even the week to give muscles time to repair and build new tissue. Waiting until winter is a risky idea as your muscles are weakened and subject to tearing while you are building flexibility. A hamstring injury can last a few weeks or even the rest of your season, not a pretty picture. Coaches also don’t like to see that they need to spend extra practice time on splits; it’s a prerequisite on some teams so you can’t come in without them. So how long do you hold them? I suggest 1:30-2 minutes on each hold to build flexibility. :30-1:00 gains your normal range of motion and you need to go past that point to be increasing. I’d do one hold, change to another, and then come back to your first one for 2-3 cycles to really jump start the improvement. Don’t just do it once and expect gains. Check out this guide from the International Fitness Association on building splits.


Technique: make sure you’re doing holds with correct technique – this includes pointed toes, sitting up over the split and not to the side, holding your posture, or incorporating any team standards you have for that stretch so your body learns to do it correctly every time. Technique protects you and builds muscle memory of correct positioning so don’t neglect it. If you’re unsure, ask your coach for guidance.


Dedication: This won’t happen overnight. It might not happen even in a few weeks if you have a long way to go – but I’d recommend doing it as often as your muscles can take it, allowing for rebuilding time. Don’t forget you’ll need vitamins and good nutrition to promote healthy muscle growth. Bananas, dairy, lean protein like nuts and chicken will be essential. Don’t reach for a bag of chips after a long session of splits.


Fear: You might feel a little afraid that you will hurt yourself. Your legs and arms will likely shake. This is a normal reaction and something you will need to control and try to listen to your body’s real responses vs. fear. I suggest focusing on breathing, relaxing, and not clenching the supporting muscles like your quadriceps to “hold yourself up”. If you need assistance, a partner is a great help, as well as hanging on to the back of a chair, couch, or using a stair for an oversplit. Fight to stay still and calm during a split rather than wiggling out over and over again. Don’t ‘bounce’. If you fall out of a split, jump right back in during your timer.


Tips: Be healthy and able first. Discuss a plan with your coaches or trainers. If you have a hard time watching a timer without boredom, play the commercials game where you are holding splits during the commercials of a show you are watching, and then get out during the program. ½ hour of that is amazing! Reading during the holds is also helpful to relax and not clench muscles. Think about what you are trying to achieve and see yourself achieving it for maximum motivation. You CAN do it!

DX Connect Convention Draws Participants from all Across Minnesota

This past Saturday, September 10th, Dance Extreme (formerly UPA) hosted its second ever Connect Convention at Totino Grace High School in Fridley. The first Connect Convention was held last spring, with this being the first fall event for DX. There were over 100 dancers, coaches, and judges in attendance for the event which covered technique, choreography, safety, leadership, and judges’ certification. I got a chance to teach 3 classes and meet some new faces at the event. It was great to see how many dancers came from far away! I’ve included some pictures of my classes and some other events going on that day. I already can’t wait to see the event next year!


The morning started off strong with a turns and combinations class in the main gym – and my awesome assistant (and Cannon Falls graduate) Sara Jensen brought me the customary Saturday morning dance tradition – Chocolate Milk! While my weekdays are usually filled with a mix of diet Mountain Dew and Poweraid – Saturday dance practices have always started with chocolate milk. (Something Sara didn’t forget after having me for 4 years as her coach) Pictures of the class were taken by Sara:

Class 2 was a chance to dig into some kick technique and conditioning. It was great to work with some very talented dancers; I hope your competition is ready for that solid technique you’ll be bringing! After kick flew by, we were back to a leaps class where we talked about combining skills effectively.

After lunch, coaches and judges had a great chance to take the Judges Certification offered by UPA. If you are a coach or judge who hasn’t learned the shorthand system from them – I would get to another class this fall/winter to learn the technique. I love having taken the class last winter – it makes analysis of the competition (and ourselves) so straightforward and fast. In the picture you see superior judge, Sadie Oraskovich, talking about the expectations and criteria for judges.

Overall a very fun and successful day at Totino!

Music Mondays - The Sounds of Fall

We're starting a new series on Mondays from now until the start of the winter season called Music Mondays!  This will be a look at the ins and outs of picking, editing, finding, and working with music from a dance team perspective.  Because after all, music is the most important thing not on the scoresheet!  This week, a look at the songs filling practice gyms and football fields for the fall season.

Upcoming Articles:
-Mark Henderson, Dirty Dog Productions Interview
-Editing music at home with Audacity
-Making an effective practice track CD with Pyro
- Like this: Try That (State 2011 Edition)
- and MORE!

The SOUNDS of Fall Season:

                With football season kicking off all around the state, we’re hearing new songs for fall performance teams echoing through stadiums, letting us know that fall is really here.  Aside from the perennial favorites from the JFK camp soundtrack, what else can be used for fall performances and even practices?  If you are in need of something to spice up fall drills or performances – I have a soundtrack of some new ideas for this season. 

 Hello – Martin Solveig:  This song will be great for across the floor drills, fall performances, and might even make it into some winter mixes.  Something about this is new and fresh, yet classic house dance music. 

Pumped Up Kicks – Foster The People:  Well the name sure suggests this one to you, but it’s great for walking kicks across the floor and the dancers are probably already rocking this on their Ipods – so it’s an instant practice favorite.  I would love to see someone find a way to mix this one into a winter dance….what a challenge that one would be. 

Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO:  This one I know I’ve heard everywhere already, but what a fun fall football song.  This one will likely make winter appearances as well. 

Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5:  If you can get away with the slightly “interesting” lyrics in this one, I’d pump it at practice for some fun, contagious energy this song drives.  I wish it had a tamer version for some winter mixes, but alas, I think this one will be relegated to practice time. 

Just Can’t Get Enough – Black Eyed Peas: This one will be everywhere in performance mixes and probably a lot more BEP in the winter season too – they’re really coming out with good dance music left and right.  Not to be missed.

Put Your Hands Up – Kylie Minogue: #1 dance track right now.  This artist is often overlooked here in the US, but has a great dance team worthy sound. 

 

Fall Preparation for Parents

       It’s back to school time and that means it’s also back to dance team!  Parents have a big part to play in preparing for the season too – everything from booster club meetings, invitational planning, and getting your daughter physically and mentally ready to make this season the best it can be.  Here are some stress-saving items to start doing now.

·         Transportation.  How is your daughter getting to and from practice and competitions?  Now is a good time to talk about carpooling, driving (and texting) rules, and what you expect to make sure you’re not waiting hours in the car.  Talking about it now can save you from arguments about when she gets the car and who she can ride with. 

·         Budget.  Can you get any supplies in advance to cut costs when it comes time?  Sports fees are way up at area schools and there are always extras like clothing, accessories, trips, gear, food, you name it.  (I have a Discount Dance %15 off code coming soon that you can use by clicking here -- and entering my teacher code: TP48303  I have a list of some of my personal recommendations under the teachers page.  The code will be a one time use so stock up! - look for an updated post with my discount code coming soon) What are the rules about buying things at invitationals? Are t-shirts allowed every time? 

·         Nutrition.  Don’t forget your dancer will be eating more and needing more nutrition help than usual once dance is in full swing.  Tired, lethargic girls dragging themselves into practice don’t make anyone happy.  What are they rules about sleep and food during the season?  Make sure there are healthy pre-practice snacks around to keep them moving and less crabby at the dinner table. 

·         Tryouts and Cuts.  90% of any parent “issues” I’ve had are somewhat related to tryouts, cuts, and performance time.  Talk about it in advance for less tears later.  What are your daughter’s goals?  What is realistic?  What happens if you don’t get what you want?  Is it ok to quit?  Complain? How will it be handled in your house?  Disappointments are far less if your daughter has thought – “we’ve talked about this happening and I already know how I feel about it”.  Remember your daughter may not share everything she’s feeling with you or even tell you the whole story about how things really went.  Keep in mind coaches do what is in the best interest of the team while you want what is in the best interest of your daughter. 

·         Injury and Illness.  What is the plan if your daughter gets hurt?  When do you go to the doctor/trainer and when do you expect her to stay home sick?  Know the teams’ rules about injury and missing practices so you are aware.  If you as a parent wish to be stricter about something, be sure to let the coaches know what the plan is so they are on board.  Coaches will be much more understanding if they knew your “stay home” or “sit out” policy in advance. 

Happy first day of school! 

-Coach Erin

Fall Preparation for Coaches:

 As if coaches ever stopped preparing for the upcoming competition season!  Since I know firsthand how stressful it can be to pull together a plan last minute- here’s some reminders of the long list of “to-dos” this fall:

·         Music. Music. Music:  You need it and it’s not worth putting off.  There is nothing worse than getting into a competition season and wishing you hadn’t just settled for something you were less than excited about and being stuck with it from then on.  Don’t forget this is more than coming up with an idea, it’s also about production.  Key mixers Mark Henderson, Matt Wallace, and Chip Rauth fill up fast – they have more to worry about than just you, so don’t delay scheduling a rough draft of your mix.  If you’re saving money mixing at home, look for my upcoming article on music editing at home.

·         Costumes: if you’re planning something new or just ended up needing something new for a theme, costume schedules can take a loooonnng time.  Generally expect 6 weeks to 3 months for the entire project depending on how custom you are getting.  Also note that you have to have cash or check IN HAND to get things started and if your school is anything like mine- it might take weeks to get a check cut in the summer.  Don’t forget that important step. 

·         Schedule: Invites fill up fast and require pre-registration.  Waiting until the last day can often mean you are the first one bumped if its too full.  Practice space is also another one that goes fast if you let the basketball teams get in there first and schedule away without you.  Make sure you’re advocating to be treated equally with the other varsity winter sports – it shocks me how many teams are still turning on French fry grease in the cafeteria every day.  Imagine if we all just said enough of that?

·         Book your consultants, camps, clinics, and special team events when possible.  Outside help at practice once and a while can be refreshing for everyone, and I find it is harder to schedule it when you really need it in the heat of things.  Just giving someone a heads up about coming in at Christmas break goes a long way to making sure it actually happens. 

·         Incentive challenges:  Winter coaches can’t work with dancers in the fall – but what about letting them know about a fitness or skill challenge coming up when the season starts?  One of my favorites is to give out goodies (like hairspray, a team t-shirt, ect) to girls who have flat splits the first day of practice. You’d be surprised how well that works.  Same kind of thing can help with fundraisers if you have trouble getting participation. 

Fall Preparation For Dancers

Fall is a fun and fast flying time for dancers as you head back to school and winter season dance seems just around the corner.  So what can dancers be doing to come into winter season ready to go and looking your best?  Here are some tips to make the most of fall

·         Flexibility.  Now is the time when it comes to building flexibility and getting those splits for the first time.  Waiting until winter puts you behind the game and sets you up for more soreness and injury when you’re trying to build flexibility while working on competition dances. 

·         Technique.  Try some new skills and fix those long time quirks during summer intensives at studios and camps, as well as making technique a primary focus of your fall seasons.  Coaches love to see improvement as a way to show you’re ready for that hard feature part or to make varsity for the first time.  Coming in looking the same old same old isn’t going to make an impression that you’re ready for anything.  Fall is also great because the pressure is off, you can relax and get the help you need without looking unprepared.

·         Dream.  If you’re helping with choreography, fall is a great time to be watching video, recording formations, and thinking up new skills combos to bring to the table.  Coming in without having thought about anything can make for a stressful 2 week choreo window in October

·         Cross-train.  Some of my best dancers never danced in the fall, rather they explored other sports or activities that built complementary skills and muscles.  The act of cross-training isn’t taking away from your dancing, rather when you come back to it you are more well-rounded and able to grow faster with your new muscle and endurance training you weren’t doing before.  If you aren’t into a fall sport, hit the gym for some weight training or a spin class (my favorite) or you have time to go the full P90X regimen and be in tip-top plyometrics shape.  Jumps will improve with 90 days of this plan.  I have personally done this and incorporated some drills into dance team practices.  Try “swing kicks” from the plyometrics DVD for amazing fans.  If you're a hardcore athlete, Insanity is another great Beachbody offering.  I love the instructor for the series, Tony Horton.  His blog is here. 

·         Get your gear.  Do everyone a favor and don’t wait until day one of practice to decide you don’t have a waterbottle or good shoes anymore.  Best deals are found online so you’ll need to think ahead and order new goodies for a successful year – don’t forget practice clothes, hair stuff, shoes, dance bag, and anything your coaches specifically want every day at practice.  Spacing out paying for items is also a benefit to your (or your parents) hard earned dime.  (and you’re more likely to get something you want instead of just things you need if you’re on top of it J )Watch for an upcoming article on supply recommendations.

·         Fun.  Remember why you love to dance and enjoy the fall performance season (if you have one) or take some fun dance classes so you aren’t all business and no pleasure.  You never know what you might learn to bring to your competition team.