Navigating a Collegiate Recruitment Clinic: A Comprehensive Guide
Dance team collegiate recruitment clinics are exciting events where aspiring dancers get the opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot on a collegiate dance team. These clinics serve as a platform for dancers to learn, perform, and connect with coaches, current team members, and other prospective dancers. It can be an overwhelming process when you are first starting but we are here to help! We will give you tips on what to expect at a recruitment clinic, offering valuable insights and tips to help you make the most of this experience.
Preparing for the Clinic
Research the Program: Begin by researching the dance team program you are interested in. Understand their style, expectations, and any specific requirements they may have. This knowledge will help you tailor your preparation accordingly.
Physical Conditioning: Ensure that you are in good physical shape by engaging in regular exercise and conditioning routines. Strengthening your technique, flexibility, and stamina will enhance your performance during the clinic.
Understand the team style: Familiarize yourself with the team's game day routines, competition pieces and choreography style. Study their quality of movement and performance expectations both on the field and on the stage.
What to Expect at the Clinic
Check-In: Arrive at the clinic early to give yourself plenty of time to find parking, check in and warm up. Most coaches will send a schedule prior to the clinic with details in regards to clinic structure and expectations. If they do not specify prior, come wearing something you feel confident and can easily move in a color that makes you stand out.
Technique Classes: Expect to participate in technique classes relevant to the team's style. They will most likely have dancers go across the floor or stay center floor to assess skill level. Be attentive, show your best effort, and ask questions if needed. Expect various turns, leaps, legs/flexibility and acrobatics to be in your combinations.
Choreography Sessions: You will likely learn choreography during the clinic. The team's choreographer, coach or a current team member will teach routines. Stand in a position where you can see the choreographer but still have room to dance full out.
Quick tip: Always dance full out unless told otherwise. It will not only help you grasp the choreography quicker but will give coaches more opportunity to watch you dance, while learning.
Individual Auditions: Be prepared for individual auditions, where you may perform a solo or be asked to improv across the floor. This is your chance to stand out and showcase your unique abilities, any skills or styles that you are confident in and prove to coaches why you would be a great fit for their program.
Quick tip: Never throw a skill that you have not executed correctly before. Today is not the day to experiment!
Maximizing Your Experience
Professionalism: Maintain a positive and professional attitude throughout the clinic. Show respect towards coaches, team members, and other participants. Remember, your behavior both on and off the dance floor will be observed and considered. Be friendly and smile!
Active Listening and Feedback: Pay close attention to instructions, corrections, and feedback given by the coaches and team members. Showcase your adaptability but do not be afraid to ask questions. Majority of coaches want to interact with prospects and can not read your mind if you are confused or need clarification.
Building Relationships: Relationships are key when it comes to recruitment! Take advantage of the opportunity to network and connect with current team members, coaches, and other dancers. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and express your genuine interest in the program. Know that dancers will always talk to coaches following a recruitment clinic to give them insight to their experience with prospects; create positive interactions!
Be yourself: While technical skills are crucial, don't forget to let your personality shine. Collegiate teams require so much more from a dancer outside of their abilities. Coaches are looking for dancers that align with their team culture, coaching styles, and campus community. Bring your unique style and energy and enjoy the journey!
Follow up: Email coaches prior to attending their camp thanking them for their time. You will want to remind the coach of your name, where you are from, what number you were and what you were wearing. Coaches have to watch so many dancers in a short amount of time that they will want details in your follow up to easily reference their notes.
Attending a dance team collegiate recruitment clinic can be a thrilling and nerve-wracking experience. By adequately preparing, understanding what to expect, and maximizing your experience, you can significantly increase your chances of catching the attention of coaches and earning a coveted spot on a collegiate dance team.
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