New Parents 101: The Invitational Day

Going to your first dance team invitational can be rather intimidating as you are seeing this unique world for the first time.  Even experienced studio parents have a few new things to master when it comes time to spend your whole Saturday in the gym.  We’re going over a few of the things you’ll need to know for negotiating the world of invitational.  

The setup: 

• Invites are typically Saturday affairs, but weeknight meets often have some of these same elements.  
•  Parking is always a problem.  Carpooling, having an accurate set of directions and knowing a bit of the neighborhood is always a good idea.  Leave extra time – snow is a common companion. 
• If your team’s division is early in the day – plan to arrive when the “doors open” not when the meet begins.  Otherwise you may miss out on a good seat or your team altogether. 
•  Leave your coat in the car if you can stand the walk.  Gyms are often quite warm by mid-morning so having some layers and nothing to carry around is a plus.
• Meets have varying admission fees.  Sometimes programs are extra.  Bring cash and have it ready if you have to wait in line.

The gym:

• Many meets run “double sided” – meaning your team and division will face only one direction, while another division of competition will face the other side.  There are signs posted for what doors to use, but be familiar with what your team is called (including abbreviations) and what division they are (kick or jazz?) (A, AA, AAA?)( JV or Varsity?)  The order of competition changes from meet to meet. 
• When you enter, always stay off the main court when walking and keep traffic moving.  Stop to talk to friends out of the flow of the doorways and stairways.  Always sit in a real seat, not on the steps or they will ask you to move.  Never walk through, sit in, or stand in front of the roped off judges seating area (usually top center bleachers – best seats in the house).  If there is space to stand behind the judges, they typically don’t allow you to do that. 
• Find your schools fans and don’t be afraid to sit with them.  Teams love to see a block of fans together – and it’s a great way to meet other parents and fans of your school.  Everyone is friendly and in the same boat – don’t be shy.  Trust me, your dancer wants to see you sit with them and not off by yourself.  It matters more to her than it will to you. 
•  Doors typically open only every other dance at big meets, so time bathroom and concession breaks leaving plenty of time to get back in for your favorite dances.  This is a common “rookie mistake”. 

The flow of the meet:

•  The announcer gets an “ok” from the superior judge before the next team may be brought in.  Then they announce “in the hole” (which means 3 teams from now will be that team), “on deck” (who will be next), and who is performing now.  They read this from a standard announcing sheet provided by each team. 
• When the team comes out you’ll notice there are only 3 seats for official coaches on each side and then additional seating for non-dancers.  Just because you see an army of girls come out to sit, that doesn’t mean that everyone is cut by a strict coach – keep in mind that JVs often come out to watch too.
• Loud cheering, yelling, clapping, and encouraging are often part of the performance.  Follow your team’s other parents at first for some clues.  Certainly, clapping after every performance is expected and good sportsmanship.  If a team is facing your side, be sure to stay seated and keep movement and talking to a minimum.  Cell phones on vibrate.
• Once all the dances have concluded, awards are run according to the host school’s wishes.  Some allow circles on the floor; others like lines, some formal events have a parade of teams. After awards, feel free to take some pictures with the team or your dancer.  Bring that camera!
• Respect the need to clear the floor quickly afterward or get the dancers to their busses.  Follow the coaches’ procedures if you are taking your dancer home with you – often you can’t just leave with your dancer without notice.

Things to know:

• If you plan to videotape – you are only allowed to film your school and those you directly competed against.  Other divisions are not a part of your “meet” and shouldn’t be filmed. Also, always ask your coaches before posting videos on you tube.  Many teams prefer to keep their dances offline until the end of the season.  Also be aware that if you allow comments on videos, you will likely get someone who says something not so nice.  
•  You (and your dancer) may want to have a plan for food during the day, if you’re getting a meet t-shirt, or whatnot.   Meets usually have a substantial concession stand, but that might not be for you.  Don’t get stuck without food, medications, and other needs. 
• I have personally found that the day of the meet is best to stick to positives.  Correcting mistakes, complaining about issues, ect is all something that can be done when you’re back at practice on Monday.  Keep in mind; everyone can hear your comments about another team in the stands even if you don’t think so.  Celebrate the hard work and achievements of today, and leave the negatives for some other time and place.  Also, judges are not refs of the NFL.  They are professionals who deserve respect for the time and talent they freely offer to our sport for limited gain.  While you may not agree with everything they say, dance team sportsmanship expects you to keep your words and actions appropriate towards them. 

New Parents 101: Scoresheet Basics Part 2

Now that you've gotten a chance to look at the basics of how the scoresheet is put together, there is a lot that goes into the administration and "tabbing" of that sheet to get a winner.  Lets take a look at more about the scoresheets:

Rank Points:

The points you read about on this site and that ultimately determine the winners are called “rank points”.  This is determined in the tab room, and not by the judges in the stands.  This allows each judge to have an equal voice in determining the winner, rather than the judge who scores very high or very low influencing the outcome overly much.  Here’s how it works:

• Say there were 4 teams in a meet.  Judge # 1 gives them 75, 34, 66, and 87 points respectively.  The tab room would assign a “rank” to the highest scoring team first (87 points), giving them a “first place” or “1” rank.  Then go down the list and assign the 2^nd place (75 points), 3^rd place (66 points), and 4^th place (34 points) team from that one judge’s scores.  Each individual judge has this done to all of his/her scores turned in at the end of the meet. 
• Then we change from looking at the judge’s scores to looking at all the scores and ranks earned by a single team.  Typically, larger meets drop one “low” (good) rank, and two “high” (bad) ranks.  This makes sure one bad opinion (or one overly good opinion) doesn’t skew the result.  The ranks remaining for your team are added together to get a “total rank”.  Team with the lowest total rank wins! 
•  In the event of a tied rank score, ranks and dropped scores are added back in based on a detailed system of tiebreakers.  At state, ties are not allowed to stand (anymore), but some meets may allow it.  
•  It is possible to have earned 87 points for a first place rank and then another judge from the same meet says you got 90 points, but that was only good enough for second place.  Ranks ultimately determine the winner.  It is also possible (not unusual even) to see a team with a higher total score take a lower overall placement because of ranking. 
• Total scores can also be used for smaller meets to determine the winner. 

Who are those people doing all this?  

•  Each meet has a “superior judge” who is in charge of other judges and any issues that come up.  You may or may not be able to pick out who that person is in the judges area.  Their scores are listed first on the recap sheet at the end of the meet, but they don’t have a greater say than the rest of the panel.  The superior also signs off on the results. 
• The other judges are working independently up in the stands.  They do not view other scoresheets or discuss what to score someone.  Anytime you see talking, it is about a procedural item, a rule violation that may have occurred, or a problem. 
• There are also some stopwatch and clicker holding personnel who are kick counters and timers.  They fill out a quick ½ sheet with the total time of the dance and any kicks performed by the entire team are counted towards the required minimum and maximum.  These people do not also judge the dance.  Other judges do not see the time or kicks written on these sheets, they are to fulfill a requirement only. 
•  Runners come in and out to move sheets from the stands to the tab room so work can begin on transcribing the scores into the computer or on to the master recap sheets.  
•  Down in front there are a sound technician and announcer running the technical aspects of the meet at the main table known as the “sound table”.  An empty table on the opposite side is for coaches of teams facing “away from the sound table”.  There may be a trainer, school official, or photographer hanging out in this area too.

Clear as mud right?  Well, we’ll be digging in to the specific categories on the scoresheet in upcoming articles – check back to learn more about how a great dance turns into a great score (or sometimes not).  See you then!

New Parents 101: Scoresheet Basics Part 1

We’re continuing our series on the basics of dance team and today we’re digging in to the mysteries and intricacies of the most important tool in dance team – the scoresheet.  This time we’re looking at the general layout, purpose, and functions of the all important document.  

Keep in mind that this is how I, Erin Kruesi, would explain this document to you, but I didn’t write it, I don’t train judges on it, and in some cases this is only how “I” see it.  This represents only my view, not MSHSL, MADT, JAM, DX, or anyone else’s idea.  One thing is for sure about scoresheets – it is all up for your interpretation of how it should be done.  Please allow me to try to explain it without taking my word as the final or complete say.  As always, if you have questions, ask your team’s coach, the MSHSL, or the judges associations for direct explanations.  This description is meant for entertainment purposes only, and not to be taken as letter for letter fact.    

Copies of the scoresheet are available to the public on the MSHSL website at http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/sports/DT2011-2013ScoreSheetHK.pdf 

http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/sports/DT2011-2013ScoreSheetJazz.pdf

Layout: 

• 100 points possible in 10 categories of 10 points each
• Points are awarded in whole increments, no half points are allowed
• One single page scoresheet for kick, and one for jazz. 
• There are 3 categories unique to the kick or jazz scoresheet, and 2 difficulty categories have some differences, otherwise the remaining categories are the same on either sheet. 
• The categories are grouped on the page by the type of criteria they cover: Jazz (or Kick) Skills, Execution, Choreography, Difficulty, and Routine Effectiveness. 
• Each 10 point category then has a title, followed by descriptors which detail what the exact criteria are for awarding the highest points.  These descriptors are all on the left of the page.
• The right side of the page is where the scale is listed for the judges to then circle a number of points awarded.  They are grouped unevenly, with 1 and 2 points grouped under “Poor”, 3 and 4 points grouped under “Below Average”, 5 and 6 points are “Average”, 7 and 8 points are “Above Average”, and 9 and 10 points are “Excellent”.  Keeping in mind that 1 point doesn’t mean you didn’t do anything, and 10 points does not mean perfect, just excellent. 

How points are awarded:

• The point’s descriptors are based on something commonly termed “Minnesota Average”, meaning the idea for “average” scores is based on all performances of all teams in the state from JV through top tier varsity groups.  Just because you are competing AAA varsity, you are in theory still compared to the entire state when thinking of what is “average”.  

•  Judges can make corrections to their sheet by changing what they have circled and initialing the change.  This can only happen while the sheet is still with that judge and not once it has been turned in prior to the next performance. 
• Just because a category lists say, 3, descriptors or criteria; that does not imply that they are or are not worth equal amounts in awarding points.  All of those criteria are examined and weighted based on each judge’s expectations and interpretations.  The MSHSL doesn’t detail this process, nor what is more difficult than something else in a specific way.  That is why judges undergo training and practice before becoming officials. 

Winter Season Is Here! Fuel Those Bodies!

It’s back to dance day! Winter season is here! I can’t believe the wait is over, I feel like the ink is still drying on the record books from state, and yet here we are again. Today is all about starting off on the right foot and so we’re talking about fueling those bodies and minds that will be learning new dances starting today. I used to ignore was what exactly was going into my girls before practice, but now I’ve slowly added more and more importance on fueling your workouts and long days as it can mean the difference between healthy, happy girls and sick, injured, tired, crabby ones. (eww!) Here are some suggestions for awesome afterschool snacks:


Note: I am not a medical professional and you should always discuss major changes or issues with a qualified professional. This is not to be taken in place of a doctors advice.

The first thing to know about eating better this year is that planning is essential. If you just look around the vending machine or convenient snack packs you are missing out on vital nutrients and adding lots of salt, preservatives, and empty calories. Don’t be afraid to be using gladware, ice packs, and utensils. After all, if your snacks don’t go bad – is it really food or just a bunch of chemicals? Dancers need a blend of carbs or natural sugars, and protein pre-workout, and then protein afterward and possibly more carbs if metabolism is up and energy is low. (Always see a professional dietician if you have questions about your needs) Aim to have 30 minutes to digest if possible before dancing, or if not, keep the volume in the stomach low and the nutrient punch high to avoid those side aches.

Fruit:
• No sugar added fruit cups (instant grab and go)

• Sliced melon, grapes or bananas that are frozen the night before – thaws all day and is cold and juicy by snack time!

• Sliced apples (add peanut butter single cups or hummus for dipping, skip sugary fruit dip)

• Raisins or dried fruit (but watch the serving size on this - you don’t get much for the calories, but its instant natural sugar)

Veggies:
• Celery (raisins, peanut butter are great with this!)

• Mixed veggies with light ranch single serve cups (crunchy and portable)

Dairy:
• Greek yogurt is rich and creamy. Comes in great flavors and is high protein, perfect for muscle building. Add some muesli or dry cereal (watch out for high sugar/fat granolas)

• ½ C. 1% Cottage cheese and peaches (peaches from a snack cup are a perfect portion)

• String cheese

Protein:
• Peanut butter on anything. PB/banana sandwiches are a great snack. Keep portions to 2Tbsp

• Protein powder shakes (put some in a blender bottle and just add water for instant muscle build for 100 calories)

• Jerky (turkey is best, beef is good too) 1oz portions in snack bag.

• (Fat Free)Tuna Salad Kits. LOVE these. Crackers, tuna with veggies and fat free mayo, includes utensils. 150 calories. Fish is excellent for you and this is a great way to get a small portion that tastes great and no need to refrigerate. I like the fat free kind from BumbleBee. (I only find these at Target though)

• Mixed nuts. Try unsalted mixed pistachios, walnuts, cashews, almond mix from Target in a big screw top jar. Keeps that sodium down and is a great price when bought in big containers.


• Protein bars. READ THE LABEL! Not all are created equal. I like low sugar <5g>
and high protein 18-25g. My favorite is the peanut butter flavor “Pure Protein” bars. Also happens to be cheap compared to a Cliff bar. (Target, Walmart)

Carbs:

• Wheat/whole grain Pita pockets. Love these for one handed sandwiches and for keeping salads tucked in there and not make a mess. Also a slower burn than straight white bread

• Hummus. Carbs from beans are long lasting and don’t spike your blood sugar, plus comes in great flavors and travel packs. Can’t beat that. Goes in and on everything.

• Air popped popcorn – mix with craisins or chocolate chips to spice it up without adding butter or chemicals

• Homemade granola bars – see recipe here! These are amazing!

Erin’s tips and tricks:

• Freeze waters, fruits, or anything you can to keep it cold all day and ready to go by the time school is out.

• I drive to Ikea in Bloomington just to get my favorite muesli mix for yogurt. Its worth it. The orange bag only says “Good For You” and has an amazing blend of cornflake-like chips and hearty oats. You won’t miss sugary granola.

• Pre weigh and package snacks to have in a grab and go bin in the pantry. I package out jerky, nuts, protein bars, ect as soon as I bring them home from the store. Makes it easy to make a good choice and not spend money on lots of packaging. I use a food scale for most items because I track calories, not a major concern for young dancers, but a good habit to learn. Knowing what you're putting in (which for dancers may not be enough) can help establish a healthy life-long eating plan for the future when your lifestyle might change.

• Everyone will need protein. And that doesn’t mean only meat, so no excuses. Your muscles need fuel to stay long, lean, strong, and build power and burn excess body fat turning you into a serious dancing machine with power loaded jumps and kicks. Protein powder is not a body builder’s tool anymore, and doesn’t “bulk you up” – don’t be afraid to try some.

• Listen to your body. Exercise suppresses hunger until afterward, so if you’re feeling hungry during practice, you probably didn’t eat enough before and are unable to sustain for hours of drilling. Be sure to up your food at both lunch and snack to make sure you get to the end. Hunger can also mean thirsty, so check that you’re taking in enough water all day, as well as during practice.

New Parents 101: Sage Advice From Parents

When I coached at Cannon Falls I had the privilege to work with a family who had 4 daughters who all danced for the team at some point.  I couldn’t think of a better person to talk to for some advice for new parents than their mom, Beth Jensen.  

Erin:  Tell me (because I really can't keep it straight) how many girls danced for Cannon Falls? How many years/state medals/competitions do you think you've racked up after all that? 

Beth Jensen:  Well, that would be 4 girls. Starting in the 01-02 school year, up until last year. Anna danced 4 years, Beka 4 years, Sarah 6 years and Maria 3 years. State medals: 1 -3rd place (Jazz), 4 -2nd place (kick) and 7 first place (kick). We sat on bleachers for 11 seasons. That probably makes over 80 competitions.  

Erin:  Holy Cow!  That’s an impressive set of stats.  Do you have any tricks for getting through a long day of invitational?  Things to make it smoother/easier/better?  

Beth: Meet days are long and start early.  It’s probably not a lot different from other sports in that you want to charge your cameras and pack your bags the night before! Encourage your dancer to keep her meet bag packed with the things she needs for every competitions, so there isn't much to do Friday night - of course it’s important for them to get to bed at a decent time. Allow plenty of time to get there - so you have time to find the right side of the gym to sit on and get settled before they close the doors. Also, bring ibuprofen!  We liked bringing our own food to keep meals healthier and cheaper.  The first fan shirt I bought was a sweatshirt - way too hot for those packed gyms!   

Erin: Any advice for making family time at home better during dance season?  (work/life balance issues)  

Beth: We struggled at first with their 5-8pm practice time as it was over dinner hour. But decided to just make our dinner hour after practice so we could all sit down together. Worked for us.  Dinner conversation? Yeah, you guessed it.  Christmas season is always a challenge because the weekends leading up to it are busy with meets. Shop early for gifts if you can. And if your team does sister gifts and/or cards, encourage your dancer to get them all ready in November, before the competitions begin. Saves you from the Friday night "Mom! I need a sister gift!" panic. 

 

Erin:  What kind of special challenges come up when you have sisters on the team?  

Beth: In our experience, it was always a plus. (well, unless you count expenses) They supported and encouraged each other. The older ones taught the younger ones difficult moves, and how to keep organized, did their hair and drove them to practice. They watched many hours of state tapes together, learning from the best teams. We even had a situation where older sisters were coaching a younger one - went just fine.

Erin: Anything else you think we should know about?   

Beth: Be involved, if you can, in the parents' association - or start one if your team doesn't have one.  It makes it more fun, helps the team and you can make new friends. There are lots of levels at which parents can participate - you don't have to do everything, just pick one or two (or three or four for those over-achievers). Dad's can participate too! Bob used to graph out formations and transitions with the girls and was on the parents' association board at one time.  Learn about the how the judging is done. Get one of the judging sheets that explains each of the categories, and ask a coach, experienced dancer or parent to explain it. Watching the meets is lots more fun if you understand what to watch for. 

Sarah Jensen:  Dancers - get a copy of your music on your iPod or a CD and keep it handy in the house, so you can practice whenever you have a few minutes, it’s a great break from studying!  One of the best things we happened to have at our house was a picture window across from the kitchen that they could use as a mirror at night. An inexpensive mirror can be a huge help for practicing good form and arm angles.  Most of all keep it fun - dance is meant to be a joyful, fun activity! Make the most of it!