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The tryout was Saturday.

The University of Cincinnati has one of the top dance teams in the world. There were girls from all over the world that came to UC this weekend to tryout for a spot on next years team.

The day was sectioned off into two main parts. Before lunch they did technique overview, then taught the dances. Then after lunch was the actual auditions. They taught the pom section first, and it was exactly what I expected. I picked it up very quickly and had no problems with learning that. Then they taught the jazz, this was unlike anything I had ever seen before. It was technique after technique and it was very fast. It was not my style at all and I had a hard time picking up on it since they taught it so fast. After the jazz they taught the hip-hop section, it was also very fast paced and very hard to pick up on but I did a pretty good job with it. In the hip hop dance there was a really hard handstand and I could not do it, but most girls could. All of the girls that went were very good and had a ton of experience behind them.

About 80 people went but only 50 tried out, a lot of girls backed out after seeing the competition. Another group of girls just sent in videos because they were from out of town and could not make it down to UC for the audition. It was very intense. The girls were all amazing and had put a lot of effort into what they were doing and the competition was so intense that if anyone made even one mistake during the tryout they were written off because there were so many other girls who did it perfectly. While watching the other girls audition, I felt like I was on So You Think You Can Dance, or another dance show. They were all amazing and could have been on that show.

I did not make the team, I think if I went to a school that had a non competitive dance team or one that is not as intense I would have made it. But when it came to UC, only the best of the best dancers tried out, and I have not had enough practice or the dedication as a kid to be considered one of them.

I did make a friend there though, she did not make it either, but she was very nice and we decided to keep in touch so we will have a friend next year. She is from northern Columbus Ohio. Our mothers became friends too and have talked about having her drive down for a weekend this summer to visit. We talked about taking classes together at CCM next year or just going to fun dance exercise classes they offer on campus.

All in all it was a great experience and a lot of fun. After seeing these girls I realized this team would be too much for me and I would like to have free time next year. The girls who made it have been practicing everyday for hours since they were 2 or 3, and they deserved the spot. I have no regrets about not making the team or practicing more and I am glad I made a friend and got to see the girls who made the dance team for next year.

3 days!

I am getting ready for Saturday.

I am going shopping after school for a new outfit to wear at the audition. I was told to look well put together and ready to perform. So not only does my hair and make up need to be done, but my outfit also has to pop. I need to stand out from the crowd. I am also meeting with my friend either tonight or Friday and she is going to tell me about her experience. 3 more days!

Counting down...

I am down to the last week. 4 more days until the audition.

All the work I have done comes down to this, and I still do not feel ready. I have a few papers I need to fill out, a few last minute practices and I need to choreograph a section for the jazz portion that showcases my flexibility.  The actual audition is Saturday and goes from 9 to 5. Check in is at 8:30 and if you make it you have to stay for a meeting afterwards.

They start stretching at 9 and teach all materials then, there is a section of sideline dances  then they go into the actual routines for the day. They make the first cut during this section, whoever is not picking up on choreography fast or does not look like they have what it takes for the team. After they make the first cuts they break for lunch, whoever is left at this point gets an actual audition. 

I am sort of worried about learning a dance that quickly and being able to get the technique down and perfect. 

I heard it is important to dress in tighter form fitting clothes and have hair and makeup done like  it is a major performance. They are looking for someone who can not only dance but has the look and really makes an impression that they want to be there.

I have dance practice tonight and I was planning on meeting up with my friend who tried out for Ohio States team tomorrow to see if she had any pointers for me.

I am very excited to get there and see how I do. But I am also very excited for all this to be over!