Miller Dance:
This policy is enforced so that we can continue improve as a team while still having fun and exploring dance as an art form. When dancers are not following these guidelines; it not only holds back the team, but it also holds back the dancer. We strive to put our best foot forward, everyday.

Season Goal: Teamwork and work ethic.
If we join together and come prepared to work, learn, grow and perform; we will be successful.

Competition:
Miller dance will be participating in 4 competitions this season as well as 4 basketball performances. The season will be more intense and time consuming than seasons in the past, but will also be on par with any other sports team.

Competitions will take place on Saturdays with one smaller competition on a Wednesday evening. These events will run for the whole day, with the team meeting around 6:30-7am (depending on competition start time) and running through late afternoon. The team will be together for the full length of the day and compete against other schools in the Twin Cities area.

Challenges: Because competitions are designed to showcase a team’s best dance skill, we will host a “Challenge” one week before each competition where dancers will perform for the captains and coach for their spot on the performance team. The following week will be dedicated to reworking the dance and dance formation with the selected performers.

• It is the goal of this team that every dancer is at performance level.
• This group will not be the same for basketball games- every eligible dancer will perform at games.
• If a dancer is not selected to perform, they must still attend ALL practices before competition and attend the competition to support their team. Sportsmanship is very serious during this time.

Family Involvement:

Cheering sections- it’s always great to see families and friends supporting our team, it helps the dancers performance greatly!

Fundraising- we will host fundraising efforts throughout the season that we will ask you to volunteer for, it will be easy work for short periods of time and a great way to continue to provide support for the team.

Snacks- On competition days the team will need a supply of snacks to keep them going and to avoid spending a lot at the concession stand! We’ll have a sign-up where you can offer to send snacks for the team for a particular competition.

General Support- encouraging your dancer to get a good nights’ sleep, eat healthy and stretch regularly is a great benefit to the team. 

Attendance:

Dancers:

• Must attend all practices.
• Absences must be excused by a parent or guardian via email or phone.
• Will not be permitted any unexcused absences.
• Must be ON TIME to all practices and performances.
• Attend all school classes and be on time!

Consequences for not adhering to this policy:

• 1 Unexcused absence: Dancer not allowed to perform in their next eligible performance.
• 2+ unexcused absences: Dancer on team probation. Meeting will be called with coach, dancer and parent or guardian to discuss appropriate action.
• Late to practice: Dancer will be asked by coach to do one of the following; run laps up stairs and back down 3 times, complete 15 pushups or 1 minute of “wall sits.”
• Late to practice 2+ times: Dancer not allowed to perform in their next eligible performance.
• Continuously Late: Dancer on team probation. Meeting will be called with coach, dancer and parent or guardian to discuss appropriate action.
• If a dancer is not at school they may not come to practice.
• If a dancer is only at school for half the day (excused or unexcused) they may not practice.
• If a dancer is absent unexcused for any part of the day they may not practice.

*If Coach Tousley sees any dancer during the school day roaming halls, skipping classes, or regularly going late to class one of the above consequences will be applied.

Notification: Dancers must speak directly with Coach Tousley if they need to be late or excused for an activity. Telling a captain or other team member is not an acceptable method of communication.

Excessive excused absences: This team is very lenient with excusing absences. However, it is highly important that ALL team members dance together as often as possible. Any excessive excused absences will be dealt with on an individual basis.

Additional Expectations:
Dancers:

• Maintain a 2.0 GPA minimum- no exceptions.
• Complete/submit weekly grade checks.
• Do not display behavior or attitude problems during the school day.
• Treat teammates with respect and dignity at all times in all ways.
• Uphold dance as a sport and talk about it as such.
• Bring a water bottle to all practices and events.
• Always work toward their personal best.
• Showcase their highest level of integrity at competitions.
• Demonstrate MILLER PRIDE at ALL times:

Professionalism

Respect

Integrity

Determination

Excellence

Coach Contact:
Annette Tousley
annette.tousley@gmail.com
612-840-6793
Washburn office: 111, In between Counseling and The Career and College Center.
Never hesitate to contact Annette with any questions!

Webpage:
Visit our dance website for the most up to date info and the season calendar located on the Washburn homepage: Students>Athletics>Dance -- http://washburn.mpls.k12.mn.us/Dance.html