After the dance team’s season officially comes to a close on March 20, with their annual “Ladies Night” showcase, the new season will begin with a workshop and a week of auditions. The Rosary Dance Team’s audition for the 2026-2027 season is open to rising seniors, juniors, sophomores and incoming freshmen. If you are interested in auditioning, here are the important dates you won’t want to miss.
On March 24 at 6 p.m., there will be a mandatory parent meeting in Assembly Hall. This is a time when parents can learn about the program, upcoming important dates and more about the audition process that their daughter is signing up for. Before the week of auditions, the dancer can come to the “Pre-Audition Workshop” on March 28 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. This workshop is open to 6th to 11th graders with a $20 registration fee. You will go across the floor, learn a combo (that you audition with) and learn from returning dancers about the program. As a senior who has been on the team for the past four years, I recommend attending this workshop because you will feel so prepared entering the audition.
Then, in April, the audition clinics will begin. April 15 and 16 are mandatory for dancers. This is another chance for dancers to learn the same combo from the workshop, an across-the-floor combo and a JV or a Varsity turn combo. Dancers are also required to give a 45-second solo in any style and song. The official audition is on April 17, in the Karcher Center at 4 p.m.
If you are an incoming freshman or a current high school student who has never auditioned for Rosary dance, there is nothing to be afraid of. Walk into the audition room with nothing but confidence and be proud of yourself for signing up to audition. By Thursday night, the day before the audition, you will feel so prepared because of how many times you practice during the clinics. Be sure to ask all the questions you need from coaches and returning dancers in the program. Senior Vannesa Ramos ’26 shared her advice to the people who will audition: “There is nothing to be afraid of. If you feel nervous, that is completely normal because you want to have the best audition you can. During the workshop and clinics, learn the choreography and ask all the questions you need. You will feel so confident once that is accomplished.” Following this advice will help you with a more successful audition.
For your 45-second solo, show off your technique and the tricks you feel most confident with, and always maintain a facial expression. Coming into the audition, each dancer should be able to perform multiple pirouettes, strong jumps and leaps, fouettes and a la seconde turns in an extended combination; a strong display of technique and flexibility; a quadruple pirouette (varsity only); and an aerial (varsity only). I reached out to a freshman asking her about being on the team this year and in her advice, Mary-Ellen Micallizzi ’29, explains her first year on the team and what she recommends for when auditions occur: “As a freshman who just finished her first year, I loved it! I met people who have become my friends, and I created so many memories with the team in just one year. When trying out, don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Just relax, and you’ve got it.” After following Mary-Ellen’s advice, your audition will be stronger than ever.
Good luck to everyone trying out! You will all do great!
