Frequently Asked Questions
01
When are tryouts?
Tryouts are typically in the middle of May each year for the upcoming season. Specific information about tryouts can be found in the "Auditions" page of the website.
02
Who is eligible to tryout?
Those eligible to tryout are:
- Any officially accepted incoming Cal Poly student for the upcoming year
- All current students with a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.0 during the entire season and in good academic standing with Cal Poly
- Those currently on academic probation or have previously resigned form the team mid-season are ineligible
- If you are waitlisted at Cal Poly, please tell us upon arrival or include in video tryout email.
03
What should I expect at tryouts?
During the live tryouts, you will be learning and performing the list posted in the "Auditions" page of the website. The team will be selected at the conclusion of the tryouts. If you are selected, there will be a short mandatory team meeting immediately following tryouts. The meeting will cover expectations of being a Cal Poly Dance Team member, completion of paperwork, discussion of the upcoming schedule, and sizing for uniforms.
04
Are returning members guaranteed a spot?
With the exceptions of the captains, returning athletes are not guaranteed a position on the team for the upcoming season, so skills and grades must be maintained throughout the year. Each returning member must tryout again at the live tryouts each year.
05
Can I send a video audition?
It is highly recommended to attend the live tryouts so the judges can meet you in person. However, a video audition will be accepted if there is a conflict with a school function, long distance traveling such as out of state applicants, or other important conflicts. For information please email: calpolydanceteam.slo@gmail.com
06
Does the team compete?
Yes, the team competes at USA Nationals in Anaheim, CA each spring. The team competes in the 4-Year College Jazz Division 1 category & Game Day category.
07
What is the time commitment?
Members dance for home football games, away football games as designated, men's and women's home basketball games, and the Big West Basketball Tournament. Members also make campus and community appearances, and participate in two weeks of summer practices before fall quarter begins.
Practices are held 4 times a week with occasional additional practices as necessary. Games occur 1-2 times per week with related functions. Appearances as directed by the captains and advisor will arise throughout the year. The team is accommodating to members' school schedules and academic functions, as academics always come first.
08
Are there practices over summer and holiday breaks?
Each year, practice dates and times vary due to facility availability, camp, and football and basketball schedules. Summer practices are typically two weeks in August, followed by a short break, then returning to campus for WOW and the start of fall quarter.
There is usually at least one basketball game over Thanksgiving break that the team must attend (never on Thanksgiving). Winter practices and games can run up to one week past finals week. Team members may be required to return to campus before the break is over for games and practices.
09
Is housing provided for practices during the non-academic year?
Freshman cannot move into their dorms until WOW, so housing will be provided for new team members by returning team members who live in the surrounding area of campus during summer break practices.
10
How much does it cost to be on the team?
Participation costs vary from year to year but are always moderate. Funding is provided from the University for travel costs to all NCAA sanctioned events for football and basketball. Members cover the costs for uniforms, warm-ups, practice gear, shoes, Nationals fees, and team functions/equipment. Fundraising is available.
11
Are scholarships offered?
We offer a few scholarships each year provided to us by our sponsors. However, all members are still required to carry a 2.0 minimum GPA. Anyone not meeting this criteria will need to speak with advisor, Annette Laron-Pickett, prior to tryouts.
12
Who can I contact for additional information?
For more information, please contact:
Captains: calpolydanceteam.slo@gmail.com
Advisor: Annette Laron-Pickett (cheer coach and dance advisor) at cpstunt@gmail.com