Cheerleading and dance share many similarities. Both require a great deal of athleticism, yet both have been questioned as to whether they are a sport. Both can involve choreographed movements set to music. But there are a variety of types of cheerleading and dance and each type is unique.
Routines
Both cheerleading and dance performances feature choreographed routines set to music. However, cheerleading routines are more likely to incorporate tumbling, stunts and cheering or yelling. Cheerleaders also perform routines or cheers that are not set to music. These are usually done along the sidelines while cheering on a sports team.
Types of Cheerleading
All cheerleading squads used to be affiliated with a school, but that is no longer true. There are a variety of types of cheerleading. School-sponsored cheerleading was still the most popular type of cheerleading as of 2011 and the purpose of these cheerleaders is to support other athletic teams and foster school spirit. School-sponsored squads occur at the middle, high school and college levels. All-star cheerleaders don't cheer on the sidelines and focus only on competitions. Professional cheerleaders cheer for professional sports teams. These cheerleaders usually don't do stunts or tumble so they are more similar to dancers. Street cheerleading is a new type of cheerleading and it is very similar to hip hop dance. These routines combine contemporary and hip hop dancing with chants.
Types of Dance
There are hundreds of types of dance. But, some of the most common types include ballroom, jazz, ballet, hip hop, belly dancing and break dancing. Ballroom dancing requires two people who move together in coordinated steps and is very different than cheerleading. Cheerleading borrows moves and techniques from most the other types of dance.
Performances
Both cheerleaders and dancers perform in competitions. Dancers commonly perform at recitals. These are not competitions so no one is ranked and there is not a winning or losing team. Cheerleading and dance teams often perform at halftime shows during sporting events. Cheerleaders also perform during sporting events from the sidelines.
Member Comments