Cheer squad tryouts are in full swing as of April 16. Practices for tryouts are every morning through the 16-20 of April and official tryouts are after school from 4-7 pm on the 20th.
“Get lots of rest, since practices are very early in the morning. Practice until you can do it in your sleep, and come with a great attitude and confidence,” three-year cheerleader and senior Josie Bosilevac said.
A few things future cheerleaders have to look forward to is hard work. Captains of the squad say it is very time consuming, but that’s what they learned to love the most about it.
“I get to spend the entire year surrounded by the people I love the most. We have the best time cheering at games, performing at pep rallies, goofing off at practice, and just spending time together,” Bosilevac said.
A few things are to be expected at tryouts- a crowd cheer, a sideline cheer, a dance, a jump, a kick, and the splits. Do not fear, there is no required stunts to make the team. After watching people perform all the required moves, the squad typically accepts a total of 14-16 cheerleaders.
If you haven’t made it yet, attempt to make it the last few days so you can get the steps down.
The Hastings High dance team, the Tigerettes, starts tryouts on April 23-27. Practices begin at 6:30 am for future dancers to learn skills. The tryouts are April 28 starting at 10am.
There are some requirements the team has for tryouts: performance of the tryout dance learned from the week; performance of individual choreographed dance that lasts at least one minute; two single turns on the right and two single turns on the left; two double turns on both left and right; a kickline sequence; a split leap; an axel jump; and a tilt leap. The team expects to bring on 12-13 dancers.
“Practice their technical skills as well as their performance skills like facials, fully extended legs, pointed toes, and overall performance energy,” four-year dancer and senior Justise Propp said.
Senior dancer Brianna Dulitz advises that if people intend to tryout for the Tigerettes, they should stretch as much as they can so their flexibility increases, which makes leaps and kicks better. They should also practice their routine along with one they are taught every night so they ensure they know everything.
Whether it be someone trying out for the Tigerettes or the cheer squad, it is a great way to get involved with the school and its spirit.
