Handbook — University of Saskatchewan Dance Team

The 2026/2027 Handbook

Updated August 2026

The Handbook will be provided to all successful athletes on the 2026 U of S Dance Team.

This is simply an overview of the expectations and fees of being a team member. We are making it accessible to everyone for those who are aspiring to be a part of the team so they know what the commitment level and expectations of them are prior to auditions.

Auditions

Admission to the team is by audition and determined jointly by the coaches and judges.
The audition format and selection of the assessors is the responsibility of the coaches.
All prospective team members will be expected to audition each year regardless of seniority or former experience on the team.
If you are unable to attend the auditions because of extreme circumstances, then an alternate audition may be set up with the coaches; this should be arranged prior to the initial tryout date.
Any decision made at/based on auditions is in the best interest of the team, and will be based upon skill, attitude and commitment level.

General Rules

AAll Team members are required to sign a dancer contract, photo waiver and liability waiver prior to obtaining team member status. This is required by each member, each year, no exceptions.
Acceptance of invitation to join the team is regarded as acceptance of the terms and conditions outlined in this handbook of being a part of the University of Saskatchewan Dance Team. Failure to abide by the conditions outlined in this handbook will result in the consequence outlined in the section under consideration or as determined by the coaches and staff which may result in termination from the team.
All team members must have completed high school by June of 2026 and must be enrolled as a Full-Time Student (minimum 3 classes per term, 2 classes for AES students – labs do not count as a class). If you are unsure of your student status you must keep the coaches updated on your status as you receive information so the best decision for the team can be made.
When you become a member of the team, you are at all times representing the Team and the University of Saskatchewan and must act accordingly.
Team members must understand that we are a ratified club of the University of Saskatchewan and not a part of Huskie Athletics, even if you are a part of the field team.
Leading and treating one another with kindness, respect and professionalism is the expectation at all times. Additionally, fostering an encouraging, positive community of the overall team. Bullying, hazing, and belittling of other team members, staff or coaches, will be subject to immediate termination following investigation.
If there is any dispute between members of the team, it is to be dealt with in a professional manner. The Coaches need only to be involved after personal mediation has failed. Team members unable to resolve personal differences in a timely and mature manner may have their position suspended, or in worst case terminated. This includes bullying, hazing and belittling of other team members.
Inter-Team Member Relationships are permitted as long as they do not affect the team or the individuals’ performance. Interference with the greater good of the team may result in consequences as determined by the coaches and/or staff. This includes any excessive public displays of affection and or fraternization while in team settings or while representing the team. Team member - Coach/Staff relationships are not permitted at any time and will result in removal of both members from the team.
Dancers who are also part of the team staff will be held to both dancer and staff member standards throughout the course of the season. In the event of policy violation, the Staff Dancer will be accountable to the staff member standard of procedure. However, conflicts of interest will be taken into consideration on a case by case basis.
All team members are required to register as members of Cheer Canada as this grants us access to bigger competitions and liability insurance.
All members are expected to be upstanding members of our community. Any members arrested and/or charged with a criminal offence will be subject to immediate termination. This includes charges for impaired driving.
All members suspected of illegal or criminal activity will be subject to an investigation by the staff and coaches that will result in suspension until the issue has been resolved. This may end in termination from the team.

Practices

All scheduled practices and competitions are mandatory. Only emergencies, extreme circumstances and/or ample warning with an approved reason (by the Coaches) will constitute an exception from this rule. If a team member cannot commit to all practices and team commitments, their position on the team may be terminated. This includes arriving at the set time for all commitments.
Members are required to attend all practices on time and prepared to begin at the start of the
practice time, this includes being taped, braced, etc.
Members who are late or miss practice consistently thereby impeding their ability to perform the routine will be subject to suspension or termination.
If a member cannot attend a practice they must give prior notice to the coaches. If a member misses practice without a reasonable excuse or has an unexplained absence, that member’s routine position will be affected. All absence requests must be made known to the coaches at least 48 hours in advance. If proper notice is not given a maximum of 2 (two) times, your position will be suspended.
If a member is unable to physically attend practice but is still available during practice times, they are expected to video call in for practice. Example situations include weather and illness (within reason).

Strength Training

Gym

Team members are expected to uphold weekly fitness/technical training sessions and maintain athleticism throughout the season. This includes 3 independent gym sessions per week.
Independent gym sessions are up to the dancer to find time per week to work out to improve strength, endurance, cardio and skills on their own schedule.
Team members may be required to show proof of gym check ins through the motion fitness app.
Team members may have to participate in sponsorship promotions as a part of this requirement.
Team members unsure of the use of the gym are expected to speak with other team members for guidance and or seek out reliable sources of suggestions on their own.
Members who are unable to perform the routine as instructed (as determined by the coach or choreographer) may be suspended or terminated from the team.

Jumps & Turns

All pom and jazz dancers are expected to attend the weekly Jumps & Turns class to work on skills in routines that there is not time in practice to improve. This will include drills, down the rooms and conditioning.
This is mandatory and attendance is required and condition of being on the team. If 3 misses occur, it may result in the dancer’s position being suspended or terminated.

Competitions

All team members are required to attend all competitions unless otherwise pre-approved by the coaches.
All team members must wear their team jacket & team T-shirt to competition and wear it on the floor for awards where applicable.
Dancers are asked to be mindful of interim dress when in warm up areas and or in between competing times. Notice of uncovered mid-drift (pom) and or inappropriate dress during non-warmup/competing times by a judge or the organisation member may result in a score deduction.
All team members must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and sportsmanship during all times while attending a competition. This includes congratulating, cheering and showing exceptional kindness to all other teams, and event staff.

Selects

Solos, Duos, Trios & Select Small Groups

All individual competitive solos, duos, trios, and chosen competitive small groups will be known

under the title “Selects”

Competitive Solos, Duos, & Trios

Dancers who are part of a competitive team (pom, jazz, tap and or street dance) University of Saskatchewan Dance Team, have the opportunity to perform solos, duets or trios if they wish. They can either be competitive or only be performed as a part of our year end showcase.

All Competitive Solos, Duo, or Trios must be pre-approved by attending the mandatory pre scheduled Select practices prior to competition. Failure to do so will result in the number being pulled from competition. Solo review will begin in January with the schedule being released in December.

Competitive Solos, Duos & Trios can be performed in any style as long as the dancer(s) have prior experience in said style. Pointe will only be permitted by dancers who have completed their Advanced 1 or Advanced 2 and have continued to train in pointe recently and frequently.

Competitive Solos, Duos, & Trios will have an additional expense for competition fees.

Competitive Solos, Duos & Trios have the option to compete their number at Travel competitions where applicable.

Showcase Solos, Duos, & Trios

All Competitive Solos, Duo, or Trios must be pre-approved by a predetermined date. Failure to do so will result in the number being pulled from the showcase.

Showcase Solos, Duos & Trios can be performed in any style as long as the dancer(s) have prior experience in said style.

Select Groups

All competitive team dancers (pom, jazz, tap & street dance) will have the option to audition for Select groups. Select groups are competitive small groups in contemporary, open, lyrical and ballet choreographed by pre-determined choreographers and reviewed and coached by the Select Managers.

Select groups will have additional mandatory practices for choreography, and cleaning. Practice attendance requirements are enforced for Select group practices. Select group practices will begin on alternating weeks in October.

Select groups will have an additional expense for competition fees and potentially travel fees depending on how many Select group members are already attending the destination competition.

Community Appearances

The following applies to any community appearances, fundraisers, huskie games, competitions or promotion.

Community appearances are a very important part of our program. As a campus club, we pride ourselves on giving back to the community and increasing the exposure of our team.
All members are required to participate in community appearances throughout the year regardless of their placement in routine.
Members attending an appearance must report to the location at least 15 minutes prior to the event in proper attire as specified by the staff or coaches.
Some events including Huskie games will be mandatory for all members and members will be notified well in advance of such events.
All Dancers must appear presentable when representing the team. Appropriate make-up, hair, hygiene, and clothing choice must be worn.
Smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes, taking drugs and consuming alcoholic beverages is not allowed by members at any function or event.
Members who cannot attend an event that they have previously committed to are responsible for finding a replacement and must notify the appropriate organiser of whom they are switching with.
All photos in team gear and at team events must represent the team, and the University in a respectful manner.

Huskie Athletics

The University of Saskatchewan Dance Team has a partnership with Huskie Athletics to help with promotions and add to the game day atmosphere by performing on the sidelines, participating in pregame and helping with crowd engagement at Huskie Athletics Football, Hockey and Basketball Games.
Football games are covered by our Field team and some of basketball games.
Competitive Dancers who are not a part of the Field team will be required to attend for promotional purposes 2-4 Huskie Hockey or Basketball Games for promotional purposes throughout the course of the season. This is due to the large volume of games in a season.
Funds raised from Huskie Games will go towards the team fees and travel fees of those who participate in the sideline and promotional activities.

Fundraising

Throughout the season, multiple fundraising opportunities will be available to dancers. These are not mandatory.
If you are wanting to participate in any or all fundraisers. You must volunteer to help with at least one fundraiser.
All community appearance expectations apply to fundraising appearances as well.
Funds raised will be tracked individually by the fundraising coordinator for dancers to use towards team fees, and team travel.
Order pick up, delivery and purchase tracking is the responsibility of the dancer to keep on top of.
Any fundraiser involving order pick up must be done the day of delivery within the times specified.

Team Travel

Policies

The Team members will travel as a group unless permission is granted by the coaches.
A buddy system between dancers is expected at all times while travelling.
At least two Coaches/Staff members will travel with dancers and remain with the dancers for the duration of the trip.
No team member is to leave the premises of any event without informing the Coaches and/or staff.
Absolutely no guests are allowed team member’s rooms unless previous authorization has been granted. Absolutely no dancer is to go to another guest’s room unless previous authorization has been granted by coaches or staff.
Any members not following the team rules, including all expectations outlined in this handbook, will be removed from the team immediately, and may be sent home early at their own expense.
Meals & entertainment are an additional cost to the dancer aside from travel costs determined near the beginning of the season.
Team members are representing the university and the team at all times while travelling and are expected to behave in a positive, respectful manner.

Air Travel

Dancers will travel in predetermined attire as set out by the lead coach of the trip.
Dancers will use their team bag as one of their carry on baggage items.
Dancers are responsible for ensuring their luggage fits the requirements set out by the airline. This includes liquids and gels in carry ons. Any additional cost incurred as a result of luggage is the responsibility of the dancer.
Dancers are responsible for ensuring all travel documents are up to date ahead of the travel date.
Team members are expected to be cognisant of the other travellers by keeping noise levels down and being aware of your surroundings.

Hotel Expectations

Team Members are expected to be cognisant of the other guests at the hotel by keeping noise levels down at night by avoiding the following behaviour; slamming doors, loud music, loud talking, etc.
Team members are responsible for their own room keys.
Room assignments will be determined at the coaches discretion.

Vehicle Travel

To competitions within a drivable distance, team members are expected to carpool to the location. Dancers must inform the coaches prior to departure who they are travelling with to ensure everyone has a ride.
Gas will be either prepaid for using gas cards or up to the dancers travelling together to decide how to divide the cost. This will be determined by the coach prior to departure
Parking costs incurred are up to the dancers in the vehicle to pay unless in the case the parking is included with the hotel accommodations.

Uniforms & Team Clothing

Definitions

Uniforms

Black Uniforms: Black and Green sleeved uniforms used by the female street dance team members for pictures and potentially other events. These are property of the team must be returned at a predetermined date or prior to the end of the season.
Green Glitter Uniforms: Green halter uniforms used by the female jazz dance team members for pictures and potentially other events. These are the property of the team and must be returned at a predetermined date or prior to the end of the season.
Pom Uniforms: White dress used by female pom team members for competition, photos and potentially other events. These are purchased by dancers and owned by dancers. At the end of a dancer’s time with us, they may have the option to sell their uniform to a new team member or keep it. These are on a three year rotation, the next new uniform will be September 2027.
Field Team Uniforms: Black tops & skirts used by female field team members for Huskie Games only. These are purchased by dancers and owned by the dancers. These are not on a rotation at this time.

Poms

Practice Poms: Silver poms used by the pom team for practices. These are purchased by pom team members and are owned by the dancers.
Huskie Poms: Green and white poms to be shared by all team members and used only at appearances at Huskie Games. Tracking of these poms will be required. These are the property of the team and must be returned at a predetermined date or prior to the end of the season or the dancer will be charged to replace them. .
Performance Poms: Green and silver poms used by pom team members for performances only. These are purchased by pom team members and are owned by the dancers.
Field Poms: Green and black poms used by field team members for performances and appearances.

Costumes

Costumes: Outfit determined by jazz, tap and street dance coaches respectively for jazz and street dance team members to wear for performances. These are purchased by jazz and street dance team members and are owned by jazz, tap and street dance team members

Team Gear

Team Jackets: All team members are required to have a team jacket. Jackets are to be worn for team travel, Huskie Games and competitions. These are purchased by the dancer and are owned by the dancer. Jackets are not on a rotation at this time.
Team Bags: All team members are required to have the team bag to be used for travel and competitions. These are purchased by the dancer and owned by the dancer. These are not on rotation.
Team T-Shirt: All team members will receive a team T-Shirt annually. These are to be worn at all competitions and potentially other events. These are purchased by the dancer and owned by the dancer.
Team Sports Bras: All female competitive team members will receive a team sports bra. All male team members will receive a coordinating active tee shirt. This can be used for practices, competitions and additional performances if needed. These are under consideration for not being put on rotation. This will be reviewed again in September 2027.
Team Gear: Additional team gear is available for purchase to dancers via our bi-annual catalogue order. Team members must wear this gear responsibly in public, including university property as it is a representation of the team and the university.

Policies

Uniforms articles on loan for the year will be returned at the final team function of the year, no exceptions. All members must return all articles or pay for the replacement of lost or damaged articles before they will be permitted to try out for the next season's team.
Team Members must keep uniforms, team gear and costumes available and ready for team functions when needed.
Team members are responsible for the care and upkeep of their uniforms and costumes. Members are required to wash uniform pieces in cold water, and hang to dry.
Any dancer-owned team gear will not be distributed if team fees are not up to date.
Pre-determined apparel will be worn to all functions, as stated by the Coaches. These include apparel worn to some practices, to/from/at team events, during team travel, and at competitions.
No piece of any uniform or costume may be worn at any time other than official team functions.
Upon dismissal or self-removal from the team, the member is required to contact the Coaches and return ALL articles of uniform pieces that are not paid for, on loan to them and any team items within 3 days of the dismissal/removal date.
Team gear, uniforms, or costumes will not be worn to the bars/clubs, or any other alcoholic functions, unless it is specifically permitted by a coach.

Safety

If any team member becomes aware of any safety concern at any time, they are required to tell the Coaches, and/or staff promptly.
Spreading rumours, or misinformation with malicious intent will result in termination from the team.
There is a no tolerance policy for inappropriate conduct (physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, etc.). If dancers feel unsafe at any point, they are asked to make staff members aware of the situation as soon as possible. The Director reserves the right to terminate dancers who are causing harm to others out of protection for dancers and the team.

Drugs & Alcohol

While representing the team, the use of drugs and alcohol are not permitted. This includes appearances, fundraising events and practices, and competitions. Athletes are expected to uphold the team alcohol consumption policy, as determined by the coaching staff. Violation of this can result in termination from the team.
For the safety of all members, athletes are not permitted to consume alcoholic beverages or cannabis products for a period starting from the morning of team camp, practice, team demos, and appearances and 24 hours prior to competitions. Violation of this rule will result in suspension or termination from the team. Fellow athletes with knowledge of another member violating this rule are expected to report this to the Coach or staff.
Athletes may never perform skills or tumble while intoxicated, under the influence of any drugs or alcohol.

Injury Prevention

Perfection before progression: the coaches will use discretion when determining how skill difficulty will progress throughout practices and the season. Athletes are expected to respect this decision and proceed accordingly. Athletes are expected to attempt new skills with proper technique and effort to maintain safety.
Athletes must maintain strength and flexibility required to learn skills, train and perform routines. Athletes must evaluate to continually increase active flexibility and skill.
During open gym times/studio training or other skill building training athletes in attendance are expected to practice safe tumbling or skills while working on their own. When trying a new skill, professional coaches are required to ensure members are not unnecessarily injured outside of practice.
3 weeks prior to all competitions members may not practice new non-routine skills in order to prevent injury.
If an athlete has to sit out of practice or competition due to an injury, it is expected that this member is doing everything possible to mitigate this injury and heal. This means: do not go out and party when you cannot practice, at competitions expect to stay at the hotel during team free time (i.e. mall trips, site seeing, etc.).

Injuries

Any member suffering from any injury or long-term illness causing that member to sit out of any full practices or workouts must see a medical professional regarding the injury, or that individual will be expected to practice.
Members suffering from an injury are still required to attend all team practices, workouts (if physically capable), competitions and required team events.
Members may not self-diagnose injuries, and must tell a coach immediately if they feel they have become injured.
Members who are temporarily sitting out of practice for an injury must participate to the extent physically possible (i.e. standing in their spot, marking movements, etc.). These members will not be permitted to do homework, use their cell phone or engage in other non-practice activities.
Members must understand and practice the difference between “hurt” and “injured”. Hurt athletes have a sustainable injury managed through bracing, ice, stretching, etc. Injured athletes have impeded athletic performance.

Social Media/Technology

All members are expected to have an effective means by which the Coaches may contact them. E-mail contact, cell phone numbers, and participation in the team BAND group are required and it is the responsibility of the members to check these avenues frequently.
If an athlete chooses to post on their social media that they are a part of the U of S Dance Team, it is expected that all posts prior to the athlete being on the team and after the athlete has made the team, represent the values and rules outlined in this handbook. This includes activities while wearing team gear.
Each athlete must allow for the Official Usask Dance Team Account (@usaskdance) to follow their instagram account, tiktok account and ‘friend’ the coaches and staff on Facebook.
If any posts are consistently deemed ‘inappropriate’ by the coaches, such as full nudity, distasteful lingerie, overtly sexualized posts or hateful/derogatory captions, including stories, the athlete must remove them in a timely manner after a discussion with the coaches or be subject to suspension or removal from the team.
No cell phone use allowed during practice times, or strength training classes. Even during water breaks.
Each athlete is required to download the BAND app and be a part of the team Band group, fundraising group and either bootcamp or tech group. This is where the most up to date information will be.
Team expectations extend to all digital communication platforms, including disappearing-content apps such as Snapchat. Behaviour on these platforms that violates team rules, disrupts team culture, harms individual members or damages the reputation of the program may be subject to suspension or termination, regardless of whether the content remains available.

Team Fees

All members are required to pay team fees on the payment dates throughout the season as set by the team’s financial manager at the beginning of the year. If a payment date cannot be met, alternate payment arrangements must be made PRIOR to the team dates set, with the financial manager, no exceptions. Failure to pay by the set dates will result in restriction from training and performances.
Each member of the team is required to pay fees to cover the costs of competitions, practices, travel and university fees. This can be done all at once or in payments. Team fees must be paid in full by December 15th, unless other arrangements have been made with the Financial Coordinator.
Competition & Travel fees will be separate from our team fees. These will be available once the competition schedule has been finalised. Travel deposits can be made at any point to help save for travel fees.
If a dancer chooses to leave the team prior to the end of the season, they will be returned any money that is possible to be returned. Any item that has been used or ordered will not be returned.
Any dancer who is removed from the team prior to the end of the season, their team fees become non-refundable.