Parents & Dancers –
Thank you for your interest in the OKC Storm Pom Squad for the 2019-2020
season. We appreciate your enthusiasm and interest in this new program and
are so excited to see what the new year holds. Included in this packet you will
find information that will explain the try-out & evaluation process, membership
guidelines, and general information that all members (and parents) will need to
be aware of before joining OKC Storm Pom. We take pride in our program and
want the very best for all members of the squad.
The purpose of the OKC Storm Pom Squad is to provide positive and
constructive opportunities for the social, physical, and educational growth of
homeschool students in the greater OKC area. OKC Storm has purposed that the
organization and all of its activities and publications will be consistently and
forthrightly Christian to the honor and glory of God. OKC Storm does not
discriminate in its provision of services due to race or religion.
This can be a truly rewarding experience for each of you, but it also requires
commitment. A squad member must be willing to practice on his/her own time to
perfect skills. Additionally, a squad member must be able to work well with
others; as pom is a team sport! Please be aware of this as you prepare to take
on the challenges and responsibilities of becoming a member of the OKC Storm
Pom Squad.
Parents, please also understand that if your child makes the squad there are
some responsibilities on your part as well. Once selected for a squad, you will be
financially obligated to pay an upfront fee as detailed in the packet.
A completed and signed tryout application as well as the $50 registration
and evaluation fee MUST be returned to Coach Mayes prior to your
dancer’s evaluation day.
I am so excited for the year ahead and look forward to meeting you! Thank you
so much for considering OKC Storm Pom and good luck to each of you!
Best,
Coach Mayes
RESPONSIBILITIES
Dancers are required to attend all practices, performances, competitions, and
meetings. Failure to do so could result in termination from team.
AGE REQUIREMENTS
Senior Pom: 13-18 Youth Pom: 7-12 Mini Pom: 5-9
*Each squad must have at least 8 dancers to form a team.
*Squads will be limited based on skill level.
*Overlapping ages may be placed on either a mini or a youth squad depending
on skill level. Mini and youth pom may be combined to form one team depending
on skill level.
The age of the competitor as of August 31, 2019 will be the age used for competition
purposes throughout the 2019-2020 season for Youth and Senior Age divisions.
Example: Senior dancers cannot turn 19 on/before August 31,2019, and mini dancers
must be 5 on/before August 31, 2019.
COMPETITIONS
The purpose of OKC Storm Pom is to compete at local, regional, state, and/or
national competitions. Occasionally, the teams will perform at Storm Basketball
games. Once competition dates are determined, the teams will be notified.
CATEGORIES
The teams may compete in pom, jazz, hip-hop, kick and/or variety depending on
the skill level of the team and specific competition.
PRACTICES & ATTENDANCE
Practice days and times will be determined following tryouts/evaluations. All
teams will have a set practice time one-two days per week depending on squad
placement. Extra practices may be added throughout the competition season &
summer as needed. All dancers are expected to attend all practices.
SEASON
The season will run from August 1st to the last competition of the season.
Summer practices may be added to perfect skills prior to competition season.
UNIFORMS, COSTUME, MUSIC, APPAREL, ETC.
All costumes, music, dance movements will be decided on by Storm coaches
based on age appropriateness, skill level, and dance style.
TEAM ITEMS
Items including uniforms, costumes, poms, etc. that is funded by Storm must be
returned at the end of the season for use by future teams. Items that cannot be
reused by others (shoes, tights, socks, etc.) will be paid for out-of-pocket and
kept by dancers.
MEDICAL CLEARANCE
All dancers who are selected for a team must pass a physical evaluation certified
by a medical professional prior to first practice of the season. Physical
evaluations including scheduling and financial cost are the responsibility of the
dancer.
COSTS & DUE DATES – ALL TEAMS
Registration Fee: $50
Due prior to evaluation/tryout.
Required for evaluation. Non-refundable unless a team number (8) minimum is
not reached. No exceptions.
Upfront Season Fee: $625
Upfront fee due May 31st. Season fee may be broken into multiple payments.
Payments that are not paid in full by 5/31 will incur an added fee of $100, which
can be built into payment schedule.
Includes gym rental fees, uniforms, costumes, coach’s fees, choreographers, and
at least 2 competition fees.
*Note: OKC Storm is a vendor of Epic Charter Schools, therefore, Epic students
may use funds to pay season fee.
Additional Fees
Dancers will be responsible for any hotels for competitions, any required shoes,
and any additional gear that the season fee does not cover.
Fundraisers
Fundraisers will be held throughout the season to reduce cost of additional items.
All dancers are required to participate if they wish to benefit.
OKC Storm Prep Clinics
$10/dancer per clinic or $25 for all clinic days
Pom prep clinics are optional, but attending at least one clinic is encouraged for
those interested in the 2019-2020 season.
At this clinic, you will spend time learning evaluation skills and tips. Also, during
the clinic you will have an opportunity to meet Coach Mayes and ask any
questions that you might have regarding the OKC Storm Pom Program. This will
be a fun-filled clinic in a non-stress, non-pressure, and safe environment. Please
wear clothing appropriate for dancing and jazz shoes.
Location: Grace United Methodist Gym
6316 N Tulsa Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Senior Pom: Ages 13-18
Tuesday, March 19th – 4:00-5:00PM
Wednesday, April 24th – 6:00-7:00PM
Monday, May 6th – 4:00-5:00PM
Youth & Mini Pom: Ages 5-12
Tuesday, March 19th – 5:00-6:00PM
Wednesday, April 24th – 5:00-6:00PM
Monday, May 6th – 5:00-6:00PM
Evaluated Skills
Right & Left Splits
Right & Left Kicks
Toe Touch
Grand Jete (Senior Pom Only)
Single Pirouette (Youth/Mini Only)
Double Pirouette
Triple Pirouette (Senior Pom Only)
A la seconde sequence (Senior Pom Only)
Other skills that dancer wishes to perform (tumbling, jump or turn
sequences, etc.)
OKC Storm Pom Evaluation/Tryout Days
Location: Grace United Methodist Gym
6316 N Tulsa Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Youth & Mini Pom
Wednesday, May 8th: 5:30-6:30PM
Senior Pom
Friday, May 10th: 4:30-5:30PM
Additional Information
1. The following must be returned to Coach Mayes on your evaluation day or
earlier.
Storm Pom Tryout Application
$50 Registration & Evaluation Fee
2. 2-3 judges and coach will be evaluating/scoring the dancers.
3. Try-outs / Evaluations are closed to the public including family and friends.
4. Please arrive 30 minutes before start time.
5. Pom evaluations will be held on a gym floor.
6. Candidates should wear appropriate athletic or dance apparel (pants/shorts)
in solid colors and jazz shoes. Examples can be seen below. Proper
undergarments must be worn.
7. Hair and bangs should be secured back out of the face into a bun, ponytail, or
braid. No distracting jewelry is to be worn. Gum chewing will not be allowed,
and cell phones need to be kept away throughout entire tryout.
8. On the day of the tryouts, a number will be drawn by each participant and
recorded. The participants will then pair by consecutive numbers (starting with
number 1, i.e., 1 and 2, 3 and 4, etc.) before trying out. Each pair will be in the
gym at the same time during the evaluation process. All skills will be done
one at a time in numerical order. Your pair will be dismissed from the gym
following the dance. No one is to leave the tryout area until the coach
dismisses you.
9. Squad placement is final and will be determined by skill level. Space is limited
on each squad.
