Becoming a Belle!

Highland Belles are selected once per year at a tryout traditionally held the week after Thanksgiving.

Tryout dates for 2011 are as follows:

*If the Scots are in
Football Playoffs on Friday, December 2, Belle Tryouts will be moved to
Saturday, December 3

There is no predetermined number of Highland Belles. Judges do not choose new members based on the number of graduating seniors. Rather,the judges make their final selection based on the individual candidate’s ability. A brief overview of the tryout process is outlined below. More information will be available at the annual candidate/parent meeting. Questions should be directed to the Highland Belles Director.

Belles Prep Dance Class at Highland Park High School

In preparation for Belle auditions, girls that are able to execute the dance elements listed below are encouraged to enroll in the fall semester Belles Prep Dance A Class at the high School.

• Double pirouette
• Toe touch
• Axel
• Jete
• Kicks to chin
• pas de Bourree
• Chaine
• Pique

The spring semester Belles Prep Dance B class does not require prior dance experience.

Belle Tryouts

Tryouts are open to Highland Park High School freshmen, sophomore and junior girls. Participation in the Belles Prep A Dance Class is recommended, but not required. During tryout clinics, candidates will learn the dance and kick routines to be performed for the judging panel. Candidates are evaluated during the week on their flexibility and their skill performance.

The following skills are helpful when auditioning for Belles and absolutely necessary after becoming a Belle. Good technique is required for all the skills.

• Axel
• Double pirouette
• Triple pirouette
• Toe touch
• Right and left splits
• Russian
• Jete
• Switch leap
• Turns in seconds
• Kicks above the head

On Friday afternoon, the girls perform their kick, jazz, and pom routines for a panel of judges. All current belles and new girls have tryouts during this time. The new team is announced immediately after the judges’ decision. If there is a football playoff game or other conflict on Friday, the tryout performance before the judges is postponed until Saturday.

Area dance studios offer a variety of classes for dancers wishing to further their training in preparation for Belle tryouts. The Belles Director does not endorse any particular studio over another; however she does encourage candidates to participate in advanced training at the studio level. Candidates should communicate often with their studio instructor to ensure the best possible use of the studio as a supplement to Highland Belles.