overview


BELLE HOPEFULS
Those planning to tryout for Highland Belles are referred to as Belle Hopefuls.
Highland Belles are selected once per year at a tryout traditionally held the week after Thanksgiving.
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.
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.
Mandatory Candidate & Parent Meeting
Wednesday, November 2 @ 6-8pm
HPHS Cafeteria
Tryout Clinics
Monday, November 28 – Wednesday, November 30 @ 6:30-7:45am
Thursday, December 1 @ 4-5pm
ASF
Mock Tryouts
Thursday, December 1 @ 5:30-7pm
ASF
Highland Belle Tryouts for 2023-2024
Saturday, December 3 @ 7am-7pm
ASF
If tryouts need to be rescheduled due to football playoffs, the back up date will be Friday, December 2 @ 3:30 pm
Mastery of the following skills is suggested when auditioning for Belles and absolutely necessary after becoming a Belle. All of these skills will be incorporated into one of the three try-out routines.
Axel
Jete
Switch Leap
Russian
Calypso
Seconds
Double Pirouette
Triple Pirouette
Toe Touch
Kicks

During tryout clinics, candidates will learn the kick, jazz, and pom routines to be performed for the judging panel. Candidates are evaluated during the week on their flexibility and their skill performance.
On the day of tryouts, the girls perform their kick, jazz, and pom routines for a panel of judges in small groups.
All current belles and hopefuls have tryouts during this time.
The new team is announced immediately after the judges’ decision.