Become a Belle!
Highland Belles are selected once a year by audition right after Thanksgiving. Selection is based on ability, not a predetermined number. A brief overview of the process is outlined below and additional information can be obtained by contacting the Belles Director.
PE 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 PE Dance Class at the high school.
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Double Pirouette
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Toe Touch
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Axel
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Jeté
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Kicks to Chin
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Pas de Bourrée
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Chainé
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Piqué
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Back Ball Change
The spring semester PE Dance Class does not require experience.
Belle Tryouts
Tryouts for the Highland Belles Drill Team are held the week after Thanksgiving. The tryouts are scheduled from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday of that week. Tryouts are open to Highland Park High School freshmen, sophomore, and junior girls. During this time, the girls learn both a jazz routine and a kick routine. They are evaluated during the week on their flexibility and their skill performance.
The following skills are helpful when auditioning for Belles and important after becoming a Belle. Good technique is necessary for all the skills.
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Axel
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Double Pirouette
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Triple Pirouette
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Toe Touch
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Right and Left Splits
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Russian
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Jeté
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Switch Leap
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Turns in Seconds
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Kicks Above the Head
On Friday afternoon, the girls perform their jazz and kick 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.
The size of the team varies from year to year. The number of new team members accepted is not dependent in any way on the number of graduating seniors.
There is an optional workshop available in the Belles Gym Monday through Thursday of tryout week from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Drill classes are available at local dance studios to provide additional training before tryouts.
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