Tryouts for the 2019-2020 NDA Dance Team will take place on Thursday, May 9, at 5:30 p.m. in the Alumni Gym at Notre Dame Academy.

The team will again be headed by coaches Laura Renier and Karmen Bushman. After taking third place in pom and jazz at the regional competition, along with many other impressive awards, the coaches as well as the dancers hoping to return are looking forward to another successful season next school year.

“I am really looking forward to our new choreography in the upcoming season as well as having a great last year with our amazing group of girls,” said NDA junior Bridget Kapic.

Prior to the final audition, there will be mandatory tryout learning days on Monday, May 6, and Tuesday, May 7, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Alumni Gym. These learning days are designed to help those auditioning learn all of the skills and routines for the final tryout day.

By making the team, one can expect to typically practice from July through October to prepare dances for the sports events and five days a week after school when competition season begins (November through April).

Some years, like the past two years, the team also has had the opportunity to travel to Disney World in Florida to compete in the national competition.

“My favorite part about competitions is of course competing but also the dance parties with all of the teams before the awards,” said senior Grace Balison.

The coaches would like to make it known that everyone and anyone can try out for the dance team, even if you do not have any experience. All of the girls on the team agree that it is one of the best experiences they have had and encourage others to join too.

“Joining the dance team was the best decision I’ve made here at Notre Dame. I’ve been able to make good friends, learned how to be a strong teammate and leader, and spent time doing what I love the most–dancing! I would strongly encourage others to consider trying out because our team is full of great people and memories, and it truly is a unique opportunity for students here at our school,” said junior Katie Crane.