As you close out your seasons with successful state and nationals showings and plan your celebratory end of year banquets, simultaneously you are already thinking ahead and planning for next year. With auditions just around the corner, it’s crucial to ensure you’re fully equipped and ready to make this year the best one yet! From fresh routines to improved operational procedures, here are five essential things to prepare for the upcoming season:
1. Choreography Brainstorming Sessions
Set the stage for success by scheduling choreography brainstorming sessions with your team. Encourage creativity and collaboration as you explore new music, themes, and dance styles. This is the perfect opportunity to involve your dancers in the creative process, fostering a sense of ownership and enthusiasm for the routines ahead.
If you need guidance on any aspect of your choreography conception and implementation, Sharpen Up experts would be happy to help!
2. Skill Assessment and Goal Setting
The growth of our dancers and the program is always a top priority. Before auditions, take the time to assess dancers’ skills and abilities, where things fell short this year, and solutions to bridge the gap. Identify your team’s areas of strength and opportunities for growth, then work together to set clear, achievable goals for the season. Whether it’s collectively mastering a challenging skill or perfecting a style, or even enhancing your team’s overall game day image, having tangible goals will keep everyone focused and motivated. Then, determine what steps will help you achieve your goals and if there is a cost involved. Be sure to budget accordingly at the beginning of your season with the end goal in mind.
Sharpen Up is offering spring and summer dance team intensives to get your team “teamified”. To inquire about preseason or in-season training, please complete the training request form linked below.
3. Review and Revamp Operational Procedures
To keep things running smoothly so you can coach to your best ability, efficient protocols are necessary. With the turnover of the season, now is the time to review and revamp your expectations and protocols to be included in your new season’s team manual and shared with your parent group. From standard practice procedures to proper communication strategies, ensure that your team understands the new measures put in place to enhance the efficiency of the program and autonomy of the athletes, and overall, will provide an optimal environment for all. May you always remember, if there is something you don’t like, you have the power to change it at any time, but a new season is the prime time to truly get everyone on the same page moving into the next season.
ICYMI: Click here for 5 things Parents Need to Know at the Team Tryout Meeting
4. Costume Planning
Create a visual masterpiece on stage by starting early on costume planning. Consider the theme of each routine and how costumes can enhance the performance. Whether you’re designing custom outfits or sourcing the perfect accessories, early planning will alleviate last-minute stress and ensure a cohesive look for your dancers. Our partners, Rebel Athletic Dance, are committed to providing stunning uniforms with unmatched turnaround times, and as a Sharpen Up supporter, you are eligible for our referral program discount with Rebel.
Please join us for a free costume & practice-wear design seminar with Sharpen Up & Rebel Athletic Dance pro stylists:
Creating Visual Masterpieces On Stage & Championship Mindset in Practice Wear
Monday, March 18th, 2024, 5:00 pm PST
SAVE THIS LINK IN YOUR CALENDAR
Be sure to join us to receive your Dream Bag as a thank you
5. Team Bonding Activities
Foster a strong sense of camaraderie and unity among your team with fun and engaging bonding activities. Whether it’s a team-building retreat, a themed dance party, or a friendly competition, these types of activities will help strengthen relationships, boost morale, and create a supportive environment for your dancers to thrive. At the same time, you can onboard new members with skits and role-playing activities, as well! If you need new impactful ideas, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time in your season.
Get your Free Team Bonding Handout, a compilation of favorite’s from dozens of Arizona coaches!
As we embark on another exciting season of dance, let’s approach it with enthusiasm, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. By preparing diligently and focusing on these key areas, we can set the stage for a successful and memorable season!
We are now accepting requests for 2024 Choreography & Season Training.
To inquire about pricing and to secure your preferred dates, please fill out the request form as soon as possible. We will follow up with cost estimates within a week for you to include in your new season budget.
2024 Choreography & Training Request Form
Wishing you all the much success always!