What to Expect at Tryouts:

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE FINAL TRYOUT: Althletes/Dancers at asigned time slot will be placed in a small group who will then go in front of a panel of judges being evaluated by the panel and will be scored on the short pom routine-approximately 3-4 8cts as well as toe touch, right split leap, single pirouette, and kick right/left sequence ( all taught during tryout week). All returning athletes /dancers who are trying out for the Middle School team will be required to demonstrate a double pirouette, right and left splits. All athletes/dancers will have the opportunity to demonstrate advanced skills such as triple pirouette, c-jump, aerial, front walkover, back walkover, a-turn, calypso, disk, tilt, firebird, and one-handed cartwheel, etc. Dancers may need to perform the routine more than once, as the judges may want to evaluate dancers with different groups of dancers for final placement.

Note: Other dancers are not allowed to watch tryouts…the only individuals in the gym will be the coaches, the group trying out, and the panel of judges

The following criteria will be considered by the panel of judges and coaches:

  • Smiles and facials~Do you appear to be having fun?

  • Dance ability and rhythm~Can you complete steps in control and on beat?

  • Knowledge of Routine (Pom)~ Can you perform with confidence and good knowledge?

  • Precision and form~Are your arms and legs extended fully? Movements sharp?

  • Toe touch-Does your jump have good height, pointed toes, straight leg, straight back?

  • Single Pirouette- Do you have a solid prep? Are you pulled up with a tight core? Are you using your turning arm? Is your hitch connected to your base leg? Are you spotting? Do you have a solid landing?

  • Observation during tryout week: Are you willing to try? Do you improve daily? Are you using your practice time wisely? Are you accepting of critiques and applying them? Do you work well with others (Teamwork)? Coachability?


ATTENDANCE:  Please contact us at kimberlyyouthdance@gmail.com if you have a conflict and cannot make the tryout dates, so accommodations can be made.


WHAT TO BRING: Water bottle.


WHAT TO WEAR: Non-restrictive and non-revealing athletic clothing that allows you to dance comfortably. Don’t wear clothing with any wording. Shorts or dance pants are acceptable, as well as both tennis shoes and/or dance shoes. Please have your hair pulled back into a bun or another style to keep it out of your face, and remove all jewelry.


HOW MANY SPOTS ARE AVAILABLE: The 2026-2027 KYDT teams will consist of as many dancers that show potential to be a successful and contributing member. There is no set number. All returning members MUST re-try out. No one is guaranteed a spot on a team. Dancers in grades 4th-6th will be eligible for our Elementary team, and dancers in grades 5th-8th will be eligible for our Middle school team.  Placement will be determined by the criteria listed above.  All placements will be determined by our tryout judges, and all decisions are final.  

Please note we are looking for PONTENTIAL, NOT PERFECTION!

We are looking for dancers who want to learn and grow.  

Please remember to be friendly and smile!!!

We are excited to see everyone at tryouts!  Good luck to all!!

KYDT Staff


2026-2027

Tryout Practice/Tryout Schedule:

April 20th, 23rd, 24th, and Final Tryout 25th

  • Tryout Practices: will be used to teach a short Pom Routine as well as skill technique and development. It is expected that athletes/dancers should attempt to make all Tryout Practices. While these practices are not considered mandatory, the more dates that the athletes/dancers attend, the more prepared they will be for the Final Tryout. These practices are also important for athletes/dancers to begin building a relationship with their coaches.

Announcement of teams: Scores will be calculated following the Final Tryouts. The Judging panel, coaching staff, and board of directors will discuss the results along with observations throughout the week to determine team placement. Our goal is to find a place for each athlete/dancer on a team as we are looking for Potential, not Perfection!

  • A Team roster will be posted on our social media sites and emailed out to the parent contacts listed on the tryout sign-up form by Thursday, April 30th

  • Important Note: For dancers selected to be part of a team, a Mandatory Parent/Dancer meeting will be held on May 14th.

    Attendance is required for both the dancer and a parent/guardian. This meeting is essential for a successful season ahead!