The University of Memphis Spirit Squads
2024-2025 Ambush Crew Tryouts
Make sure you read ALL of the information below! This information is for dancers auditioning for the AMBUSH CREW. Pom Squad information can be found on the HOME page.
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AUDITION INFORMATION:
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May 10th, 11th, 12th
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All dancers must attend all 3 days of the tryout
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Prior dance experience is REQUIRED. In addition to skills and 1 minute solo, applicants will also be required to perform the Ambush hiphop routine and the group hiphop routine.
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**All applicants MUST register at the following links before the audition:
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Tryout fee: $60 new applicants
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Tryout fee: $30 for anyone who was a member of the 2023-24 squads.
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The schedule below is tentative and is subject to change at discretion of the coach.
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If you are undecided about trying out for the Pom Squad or the Ambush Crew you will check the “undecided” option in the application.
Click the link below to download BOTH the consent to participate waivers, you will need these BEFORE you fill out the application.
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IMPORTANT!
THE ONLINE APPLICATION MUST BE FILLED OUT BEFORE THE TRYOUT DATE.
YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WITH YOUR APPLICATION FORM (so prepare these documents BEFORE filling it out):
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Completed University of Memphis Spirit Squad online application (all applicants)
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Proof of Admission to the University of Memphis (copy of acceptance letter OR University ID), (new applicants only)
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University of Memphis consent to participate form (all applicants)
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Copy of your insurance policy card (front and back) (all applicants)
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Tryout Payment. See above for prices. Payment will be accepted when you fill out the application.. (Debit/Credit cards only)
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FRIDAY, May 10th
Location: Finch Center (624 Echles St Memphis, TN 38111)
Time: 4:00pm - 8:00pm
Attire:
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Loose fitting long sleeve shirt or jacket, if you wear a hoodie it must not be distracting
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Loose fitting pants.
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Hair must be presentable and off your face, if at anytime your hair is a distraction you will be asked to secure it
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Shoes must be presentable in appearance and safe for dancing and performing advanced skills
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Must look presentable. Appearances will be evaluated. No wrinkles clothes, no excessively baggy shirts. Facial hair must be clean-shaven or well groomed.
Schedule:
4:00pm - 5:00pm : CHECKIN / WARMUP ON OWN (dont forget your paperwork!)
5:00pm - 6:30pm : LEARN AMBUSH HIPHOP
6:45pm - 8:00pm : INTERVIEWS / MANDATORY OPEN PRACTICE
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SATURDAY, May 11th
Location: Finch Center (624 Echles St Memphis, TN 38111)
Time: 12:30pm - 7:00pm
Attire:
GAMEDAY
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Loose fitting long sleeve shirt or jacket (preferably a Memphis shirt), no hoodies or sweatshirts
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Loose fitting pants
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Hair must be presentable and off your face, if at anytime your hair is a distraction you will be asked to secure it
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Shoes must be presentable in appearance and safe for dancing and performing advanced skills
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Must look presentable! Appearances will be evaluated. No wrinkled clothes.Facial hair must be clean-shaven or well groomed.
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Hats are not allowed
HIPHOP
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Same as gameday attire listed above
Schedule:
12:30pm : ARRIVE / WARMUP
1:00pm - 2:30pm : LEARN GAMEDAY / SHOW SKILLS
2:30pm -3:00pm : REVIEW AMBUSH HIPHOP
3:00pm - 4:00pm : LEARN GROUP HIPHOP
4:00pm - 7:00pm : MANDATORY OPEN PRACTICE/ INTERVIEWS
Interviews:
Interviews for returners and new applicants MAY take place throughout the day and during the mandatory open practice, dancers must prepare to be available all day in the event you are asked to interview.
Skills:
For the skills portion Ambush Crew tryout participants will be asked to demonstrate 2 breaking and 2 acro skills. Here are some examples of skills that we would like to see:
ACRO:
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back tuck
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Handsprings
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any kind of flipping skill
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front flip
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gainer
BREAKING:
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advanced stalls
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540
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Windmills
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Flares
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advanced floor work
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SUNDAY, May 12th
Location: Michael D. Rose Theater Lecture Hall (470 University, Memphis, TN 38111)
Time: 9:00am - 2:00pm ​
Attire:
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Hair must be presentable and off your face, if at anytime your hair is a distraction you will be asked to secure it
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Must look presentable. Appearances will be evaluated. No wrinkles clothes, no excessively baggy shirts or pants. Facial hair must be clean-shaven or well groomed.
HIPHOP
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Loose fitting Long sleeve shirt or jacket (preferably a Memphis one) . If you wear a hoodie the hood must be pinned down.
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Loose fitting pants. Shorts are not allowed.
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Shoes must be presentable in appearance and safe for dancing and performing advanced skills
GAMEDAY
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Short sleeve shirt, sweatshirt, or jackets are allowed. NO logos or graphics.
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BLACK pants. Shorts are not allowed.
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Shoes - same as hiphop above
SOLOS
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You can wear a costume of your choice. This is your time to shine so consider presenting yourself that is true to you but a step up from something you would wear to a class or practice. We want to see your style, swag, and showmanship!
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Shoes - same as above
Schedule:
9:00am : DANCERS ARRIVE
9:15am : DOORS OPEN
10:00am : TRYOUT BEGINS
2:00 PM : TRYOUT ENDS
TBD : TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT
TBD : TEAM MEETING
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Order of Finals:
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Finals show will open with a freestyle of choice from everyone! Be prepared to perform 2-3 eight counts that showcase your personality, skills, and style!
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Dancers will perform the ambush hiphop, group hiphop, and gameday routines in groups.
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Each dancer will perform their 1 minute solo.
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(groups and solo order of performance will be announced on Saturday)
Team Announcement:
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2024-25 University of Memphis Pom Squad and Ambush Crew will be announced via email following the tryout (time: TBA)
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The new team will meet directly following the announcement (time and location: TBA)
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FOR SPECTATORS:
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Auditions are OPEN to the public on Friday and Saturday, free of charge.
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Sunday is $15 CASH ONLY at the door for friends, family, and fans. $10 CASH ONLY for Alumni of the Pom Squad / Ambush Crew.
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Only those who pre-pay online will receive the spectator discount.
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Click the link below to purchase your spectator tickets and get more information!
