The Hays Highsteppers are the Varsity Dance Team at Hays High School. Highline is the newest addition to the dance team family, they are the JV Dance Team at Hays High School.

The Highsteppers perform at halftime of the Varsity Football games, girls and boys basketball, middle school winter and spring shows, as well as many community events. The Highsteppers have the opportunity to represent Hays High School at competitions throughout the area and state. 

The Highline JV team attends all Varsity Home Football games, performs at home JV Football games, participates in community events, and also competes locally.


Audition Information

Audition Requirements

  • Prospective Members for the Highsteppers Varsity Dance Team and Highline JV Dance team shall be entering grade nine (9) through twelve (12). 
  • A prospective member must be enrolled at Hays High School
  • All prospective Varsity and JV members must turn in a completed application by the deadline set by the Director
  • All candidates must turn in a copy of their 2nd 9-weeks report card (NOT a print out from TEAMS)
  • If a candidate failed a class during the 2nd 9-week period, then they are academically ineligible UNLESS they passed the class in question on the progress report issued since the 2nd 9-weeks report card

Audition Attire

  • Black Leotard, camisole, or dance top
  • Black dance pants, black booty shorts, black leggings, etc. (If you choose to wear shorts you must wear tights)
  • Black or tan jazz shoes or half soles
  • Hair must be pulled back away from face
  • No jewelry or gum
  • Performance appropriate makeup including red lipstick

Audition Workshop

  • Auditions are closed to spectators. Only the judges, directors, and HHS Administration will be present in the tryout room
  • Judges will be selected by the Directors and Administration
  • The number of selected members for Varsity and JV will be based upon the number of candidates auditioning and their final scores.
  • Selection of members for each team will be based on the categories of dance technique, showmanship, knowledge of jazz and kick routine,  rhythm and timing, precision and unison, and overall impression

Technique/Skills

  • Triple (3) Pirouette: Parallel passe Right and Left
  • Double (2) Pirouette: Parallel passe Right and Left
  • Right and Left Leap
  • Calypsos: Prep with one chaine turn before this leap
  • Catch turn
  • Toe Touch
  • Stationary Leap
  • Switch Arabesque
  • Jump Split
  • Russian
  • Switch Leap
  • Ring Leap/ Fire Bird
  • Coupe Turns
  • Attitude Turns
  • Tilt / Switch Tilt
  • Fouettes into double pirouette (3 into a double)
  • Kicks
  • Head Spring/ kip up/ any other tricks


Hays CISD Extra Curricular Code of Conduct