After weeks of preparation, numerous clinics, and time spent recruiting, Red Rhythm dancers and managers alike kicked off tryouts on Monday after school.
“We have these workshops that we have been hosting, on skills to get dancers prepared for tryouts, that have been happening for the past six weeks,” Red Rhythm Director Nicole Nothe said. “We started off with going to the middle schools, our feeder schools, and talking to our students who might be interested in trying out our program.”
Despite challenges with recruiting, Nothe expects a solid turnout.
“I think fine arts, across the board, is hard to recruit for,” Nothe said. “The more campuses we build in the district, the harder it is for people to be involved in multiple things but we had a tryout interest meeting for people that are interested in managing and dancing and that had a good turnout.”
Throughout the week, dancers will learn routines to be performed in front of a panel of judges on Friday, determining whether or not they have made the team.
“It’s kind of nerve wracking, watching strangers pick your team, but they watch closely and they’re all dance qualified so it’s exciting to see what they create for the next year,” Nothe said.
The process for managers, however, will look a little different.
“When we come in on Friday, each prospective manager has an interview where we introduce ourselves, shake hands with the judges, and then we will answer about two to three questions,” team manager, sophomore Saanjli Lamsal said. “They’re pretty basic, usually along the lines of what qualities we have, what our social media platforms look like, and how we think we can benefit the directors and the team, so it’s a pretty simple process.”
For many current members of the team, this week will be an opportunity to build connections with future dancers and managers.
“I think the team begins before the school year starts,” Secretary, senior Tanvi Jain said. “Starting the team bond now before they even become an official team and before this year ends is so important because you need that going into the season.”
For prospective members of the team, like freshman Ojal Astagikar, this week will be quite meaningful.
“I know a lot of the people on the team and I would love to be a part of the program,” Astagikar said. “I just love to dance and it truly brings me a lot of happiness.”
Beyond any nerves students feel, the excitement of the new season remains.
“I’m looking forward to meeting all the new girls,” Junior Lieutenant, junior Brooklyn Fairchild said. “This is the first time we get introduced to the hopefuls, so I like getting to know all of them.”
With all this week has in store, Nothe hopes to foster a positive environment for members of the team, both new and returning.
“Current members have a role in encouraging the new girls who haven’t been on the team before, because they know what it feels like to be trying out for a team for the first time,” Nothe said. “It’s a little intimidating, a little stressful, so they are there to help them along the way.”
