The official site of
TEAMDance Illinois
TDI abides by the rules and regulations of the IHSA and NFHS and follows the
IHSA Spirit Rules
To ALL TeamDance Illinois Parents
Welcome to TDI! Below are FAQ's that we hope help provide you with information about TDI & TDY and the competition experience.
Parent FAQ's
What is TDI?
TEAMDance Illinois’ mission is to become Illinois’ premiere dance team and flag corps alliance by providing coaches and student performers the opportunity to participate in youth and high school dance, pom and flag competition and to receive education through course work and special events.
What benefits does my team receive from becoming a member of TDI?
Click on the Membership Button on the Home Page of the web site.
Is Dance or Flag a Sport in Illinois?
Dance is an "Emerging Sport". Flag is not as of this year. See the IHSA website at www.ihsa.org for a complete listing of emerging sports.
Why are there division sizes for Dance and not for Flag?
TDI follows the IHSA tournament development philosophy of offering divisions as enrollment grows. To date, Dance teams make up 90% of the membership and flag teams comprise the other 10 %. TDI Dance Divisions are set up to ensure a balance in size between the three division sizes. Flag adn JV compete as one division.
What is the age range for the TeamDance Youth division? Any team from ANY school or non-school group from ANY state whose dancers are between the ages of 9 to 9th grade can enter and compete in TDY. On occassion, some teams whose members are younger than age 9 make prior arrangements with the contest host to have their group perform as exhibition either during the day or more often at the end of the day.
What is the TDI Student Advisory?
TDI Student Advisory is a board of students who serve for one year (July-June) to offer insight, advice and input into issues concerning all aspects of TDI's management. Each member team Varsity and JV coach can nominated as many students as they feel meet the criteria of what makes a good advisory board member. Coaches nominate their students either on the membership form or buy contacting TDI directly via email. The annual student advisory board meeting is held on the Sunday of Fall Conference which is always the weekend after Labor Day. Being a member of Student Advisory is a great way to give back and a great college resume builder!
How many regional competitions are there and who runs the contests?
There are a total of 28 regional contests in 2009-2010. Each hosts runs their own contest. TDI sanctions contests, provides judges and offers managerial support….but does NOT run the contest. Contests serve as a fundraiser for each host. Contest hosts manage all registrations, set ticket prices and determine the course of action due to bad weather/school closings. TDI receives 5% of gate receipts. To find a “contest” location and date click on the home page at the left under “Competitions”. Click on the name of the town for a map link!
Why do teams compete?
Many teams choose to compete to give themselves a Goal and Purpose to their routines and performance. Competing is in addition to halftime, spirit and support that teams provide in their home schools. Competing, also allows teams to strive toward these goals by practicing and training which results in quality performances and routines. Each individual performer therefore benefits from the experience of being a TEAM MEMBER. The creative art form and the spirit that Team Dance and Flag Competition represent are the results in a unique and meaningful experience.
Does TDI offer college scholarships for graduating seniors?
TeamDance Illinois believes strongly in the power and positive benefits of the TEAM experience. It's what drives all our programs and is why the word "Team" is part of our name! We also believe in tight fiscal management and work hard to keep costs to the teams low and do not therefore have excess funds at the end of the year.
TEAM SPONSORSHIPS!
Our plan is to seek corporate sponsors and private donors to sponsor the four TDI State Grand Champions (Dance A, AA, AAA and Flag), two "True Colors" Sportsmanship of the Year Award and one JV Big 10 first place recipients. For the 2010 State Championship we are asking for corporate or private donations of $500 or $1000 for these prestigous awards!
Once we have fully developed our Team Sponsorship program using donate funds, we will evaluate and possibly begin to offer College Scholarships funded from corporate and private monies.
Please contact TDI at state@teamdanceillinois.org if you are interested in offering a Team Sponsorship donation or if you know of any corporate sponsorship opportunities.
How are teams evaluated?
TDI offers a double judged panel system. Each performance is judged by two Artistic judges and two Technical Judges. Other circuits only offer a single panel. TDI also offers 3 officials who review performances prior to competition in an effort to proactively eliminate safety and rule violations. TDI judges become certified through a process of leveled course work, onsite practicum training and intern hours.
Are all teams rankings announced at awards?
Although we applaud all team's efforts and growth, time allows us to only announce trophy and state qualifying bid recipients. Some hosts might offer other awards at their discretion. Please know that TDI values the time and effort of every team, but time usually does not allow for the annoucing of placement of every team at awards. Placement rankings from each contest will be posted on the TDI website generallyby Tuesday following a contest weekend.
How do teams qualify for State?
TDI offers 3 ways to qualify, Placement, Automatic Bid and Wild Card Bid. See website for a full description.
What is the date for the TDI State Championship and JV Elite?
State for 2010 will be held on Sunday, March 7th, 2010 at Carver Arena inside the Peoria Civic Center. TDI follows the IHSA Sporting Calendar. This date is the beginning of week 36 of the IHSA calendar.
The Pre-Party Meeting/Dance will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2010 in the Grand Ballroom at the Peoria Civic Center. The Pre-Party is for declared team coaches and student performers ONLY. This Pre-Party is partially funded by the Peoria Vistors & Convention Bureau, TDI and the generous donations made by TDI Staffers and Volunteers. The Pre-Party is free to all participants.
How do I purchase a State Qualifier Shirt?
State Qualifier shirts are usually available at the merchandise table at the conclusion of each competition.
How do I purchase a State program?
Please support this TDI fundraiser and purchase a state program as you arrive at State Championship. The FINAL schedule for the day will be included in the program. The cost is $5 and TDI is printing 1000.
How do I purchase a “Well Wish” for the state program?
When your team qualifies for State this form will be sent to your coach. Half Page is $ 60.00 and a full page is $ 100.00 The form will also be available on line. TDI generally only holds about 24 pages open for team ads. This will fill so be sure to get your team ad order in as soon as possible.
How do I purchase Photography for the State Championship and JV Elite? TDI's official state photographer is VIP Photography www.vipis.com
How do I purchase the DVD's from the State Championship and JV Elite? TDI's official state videographer is Alive Video. www.alivevideopro.com
What is the E-Store and what merchandise is TDI offering?
TDI Online E-Store is a personalized way to order TDI, TDY Final Frenzy, TDI Coach Association and Student Advisory Spirit Wear on an individual or group basis. Individual items can be customized and then shipped directly to your home. Group orders are available as well. The EStore offers over 1600 items and you can order these with no-printing at low low prices or with digital printing and embroidery at great prices. Hoodies with the current year's themed logo and new TDI Patches will be for sale at most competitions
How does the TDI Patch system work?
Initially purchase the TDI logo Patch and each year purchase the bar for that year. They are sold at all competitions at the TDI merchandise table. TDI Flag, First Place Patches are available also. State Champion bars will be on sale at the end of the State Champion ship day.
What merchandise will be available at State?
TDI's exclusive supplier, Minerva Sportswear will be accepting preorders and be on sight on 3/8 offering the following: TDI State Championship Hoodie, White Long-Sleeved State Championship T-Shirt, JV Big 10 T-Shirt, TDI Teddy Bear, TDI State Championship Patch and clearance tshirts and a hoodie from last year's State. Links to the order form are available in the State Championship page, forms page and right here! Click here for State Championship Merchandise order form!
What is the Audio Logo?
At the end of a contest you will hear TDI's Audio Logo. This 35 second sound bite is meant to signal that awards are ready to begin. New this year, students are encouraged to join in on choregraphy that can be performed in a sitting position to this music. This choregraphy is meant to offer a moment for all dancers to dance together and promote good sportsmanship. The choreography for it is posted on You Tube. and inside the Team Member secured site and the Student Advisory site. Student Advisory members learned this dance at the Fall Conference. Please encourage your team to learn this and join in!
Where can I learn more about the TDI Fundraiser “Mr. TDI”?
Mr. TDI is a fundraising opportunity designed to increase participation and involvement of the participant’s family members and to have some plain old fun at the competitions! Click on the Mr. TDI icon on the top right of the home page and learn how your team can benefit from this fundraiser.
Helpful Tips on Attending a Regional contest
WEBSITE - TDI offers a user friendly website that has a wealth of information. Click on “Contest Dates” icon to find information such as how to get there, schedules etc.
PARKING - There is usually plenty of parking for the spectators. Look for the spectator entrance as there is a team entrance and a spectator entrance.
CONCESSIONS - Please plan to visit the concessions for lunch and throughout the day as this is part of the fundraiser for the Contest Host School. They put a lot of volunteer time and hard work into making this a great day for all. This is a perfect place to arrange to meet with your daughter if you need to talk with her.
SCHEDULES -Timing of the schedule - A purchased program is a FINAL SCHEDULE of the performances for that day. Schedules on the website are often tentative and usually posted withing 3-5 days of the contest but are subject to change!!!! Hosts sell the program as a fundraiser! It is suggested that you allow at least 30 minutes before your team will perform to get inside the gym, find a seat to not miss your team's performance. TDI runs as true to the schedule as possible. In order for that to happen, the spectators need to allow enough time to enter as well and move in and out of the gym as swiftly as possible. When the doors close you should either be seated in the gym, or standing outside the closed door awaiting the next performance.
- One sided schedule - Some schools will have performances on only one side. The performers (teams) sit on the other side. Schools with 2 sides mean that you may have to change to the other side to see your team perform if they have more than one performance.
- Two sided scheduled - When you purchase a program if your team has multi dances, check to see which side your team will perform on as you may have to switch to the other side. To determine which side your team is performing, on the wall outside the door there is a large schedule that will show what team is performing on that side Allow enough time to leave the gym and re-enter the gym on the other side, find seats and be seated before the next performance begins. Do not cross to the other side inside of the gym.
- The closing of the doors between performances - It is very important that if you come to watch a performance that you enter the gym in a timely manner find a seat and respect the team that will be performing. In order to stay on time you need to move swiftly into a seat and enjoy the performances.
COMPETITION ETIQUETTE
Judges Seating Area - This taped area is designated for the judges only. It’s critical to the judges working to be free of distraction. Please respect this area which is off limits to the spectators in the stands and do not walk or enter into the taped area. Thank You!
Entering and Exit the gym - When your team has finished its performance remember that there is another team m
oving onto the floor and getting ready to start their performance. Be respectful of the timing if you wish to leave after your team is done performing.
Security in the building - Respect the areas that parents are not allowed to enter for the safety of the teams. Parents are not allowed in the team's rooms. Only performers and coaches wearing wristbands and lanyards are allowed in the halls where the teams are located.
Sportsmanship in the stands - We ask that parents, coaches, officials and others help reinforce the positive development of our student performers by creating a positive, healthy and respectful competitive environment. TDI thanks you for your show of good sportsmanship. Noisemakers are illegal. The teams work hard to compete and this poses a distraction to the dancers.
Videotaping (may not be allowed) - Some Contest Hosts hire videographers for the day and ask that you do not video tape. Usually you can purchase a copy of your performance from that vendor and they offer a great viewing of your performances! Please check with the hosting school and respect the rules for that contest day. Do not take it personal. If you are able to videotape, we ask that you please respect the privacy of the performers and not post any video images onto any website without prior consent.
Flash photography - There is no flash photography allowed at any contest. It distracts the performers and can interfere with the videographer. Please respect this decision and do not take it personally.
Awards Announcement - Remember your Sportsmanship and know that everyone is a winner! Please remain seated during the entire presentation!
FUNDRAISING:
TDI sanctions regional competitions, but each host school runs its own contest with a volunteer staff of parents and other spirit groups. Please consider helping these efforts by supporting each contest. The host offers the following fundraisers:
- Cafeteria- Stay and “Eat in" for lunch. This is a great meeting place for your family and your daughter to catch up on the day. Some schools offer breakfast items. Hosts are paying for the food they offer that day and ask that food not be brought in from local restaurants or home, leaving them with leftover food and expenses!
- Videography – View and purchase a DVD of your performance
- Photography- Some schools offer team photos
- Programs-They contain the schedule for the day
- Mr. TDI –a new program which available at most contests
- Merchandise-available for sale
- Shout outs to the teams
To All TeamDance Illinois Parents!
Alumni Parents - we are also looking for Alumni Parents who might like to be involved in this growing organization! It's a great way to stay involved and give back! Please email tdi@teamdanceillinois.org for details.
For alumni parents who have volunteered at contests in the past, we have a new opportunity for you. TDI has created a position call the Tabulation Official that tabulates the scores at regional competitions. If you are organized and have computer skills, this may be a perfect fit for you. Please click on the Judge Certification link for further details on how to become certified.
Click on the logos below to learn more:
