You were cut...now what?

Freshman 2010/2011: Alex R.

So as we all know the PDT audition for the 2011/2012 year was held last Saturday!  This comes timely because as we speak the Cheerleading auditions are happening this weekend!  This blog has been inspired by a few students that have completely impressed me. (Head Coach Tori)

The audition for PDT is not an easy one.  Everyone that auditions understands that.  Last year we tried something different by judging the incoming Freshmen on an easier scale.  This did not work out to our advantage so we decided this year to judge the incoming Freshmen on the same scale as the veterans.

Bottom line; we were looking for:

Execution:  The energy behind the movement (not getting the routine PERFECT).  The confidence behind what they were doing!

Appearance:  Were they dressed for an audition?  Hair done? Cute outfit?

Attitude:  The facial experience! Were they dull?  Were they happy?  Did they have crowd appeal?

Flair:  Truly what PDT is known for---the hair whips!

The veterans knew this and heard time and time again this past year that no one is guaranteed a spot for the following year!  So unfortunately, a few got cut.

Dancers that get cut handle it many different ways.  Some of it turn it into negativity and either bad mouth the coaches/team or promise to never support or tryout for the team again.  Then there are those that turn it into a learning experience!  They ASK the coach what did they did wrong and how can they work on making an improvement....

Which provoked this Blog!

I am impressed!  On Tuesday evening we had the incoming Freshmen sports interest meeting at Padua.  We figured our table would be pretty empty due to the fact that we already had our auditions and the team was chosen!  I was sorely mistaken.  Not only did the new incoming Freshmen that MADE the team came up to the table to introduce themselves and their parents; but the girls that were CUT did also!  They looked me in the eye and expressed that their goal is to work hard to make this team for their Sophomore year....

Wow!

Then a Freshmen that I will name currently:

Alexandra R. sent me the most heartwarming email.  She was cut for the team for next year!  (mind you she was on the team last season) She wanted to know what she did wrong and how she could improve for her JUNIOR year!  I answered a very lengthy response to her!  I was honest and she respected that!  She is now training with me and with a Hip Hop Crew outside of Padua to get back on the team for next year!  NOW THIS IS HOW YOU HANDLE A CUT!  Even though she will not be on the team for next year; her hunger, drive and passion WILL get her back for her Junior year.  So in spirit, she used her denial for this year as a learning curve to step UP her game!

I have been cut from so many teams it would floor the non-dancer!  It's a part of life!  But it's to challenge the dancer to improve and come back bigger...better!  Some understand this and some do not, unfortunately!  With dance, it's all about training, training, and more training.  I cannot train the dance team because we are together for a limited time and with a tight schedule.  Those dancers on the team that want more go outside of Padua to receive training! Whether it's with me or with someone else; the dancer cannot expect to grow in this art without some form of training.  Dance Team is just not enough!  I take classes and I'm still learning! It never stops. 

The other sports teams at Padua are in club, they train outside at different sporting venues when they are not in season...so why should we be any different?

So to any cheerleaders that get cut this weekend please, please take note and use this as an opportunity to improve and work harder!  I know it is upsetting because we have all been there but it's all about the way you handle it.  Sometimes the simplest things impress the coaches so much that they will pay extra attention to your growth and make sure you get what you ultimately want: THAT SPOT!

Let's all revert back to the cuts from 2010/2011---Two Seniors and a Sophomore!  The Seniors cut congratulated their old teammates and encouraged them.  The Sophomore who is now a Junior LOVED the team last year and cheered them on from THE STANDS!  She auditioned again and made it for her Senior 2011/2012 year!  Congratulations Adaijah B.!

Cheerleaders coming into Padua!!! Keep your heads up!!!!


One thing not to do:


USE FACEBOOK AS A WAY TO EXPRESS YOUR ANGER! Watch what you say on there and who you communicate with after you reach out to your school, coach or AD.  We are watching and we see all of it...even when you try to take it off the page and mask it: it's too late!  Facebook is not the best place to vent or show your disappointment. Be mature about it and ask why!  You will get a better response!  I do not and will never take anyone seriously or back if they use that public website as a way to communicate!

Please use Alex R. as an example of how to be!  I did not write this blog to make anyone feel bad because they didn't do what she or a few of the incoming freshmen did.  I am a mentor and a pro in the dance/cheer industry; therefore,  it is my responsibility to teach that this is how to emotionally and mentally deal with a cut!  Take notes and learn from this today because it will help you in the long run. 

All in all, I want to congratulate those that got cut and asked what they should work on!  The girls that made the team are very excited and it's well-deserved; however, the cuts that inquired to learn more are the true winners!

Congratulations to you: You caught our eye!



Sincerely and Seriously,
Head Coach Tori