Cheerleaders are athletic representatives of their schools and use dances, stunts and cheers to help the crowd get into the game, boost team spirit and refocus the crowd's attention during bad plays or bad calls. Dances, stunts and cheers may also be used during other events such as pep rallies, cheerleading competitions and more.
Dances
Cheerleading dances combines ballet, modern and jazz with dance elements from hip hop and gymnastics. Dances are generally performed with popular, upbeat music and may include flips, jumps, cartwheels, lifts, splits and synchronized dance moves. Typically performed during half-time as well as during team timeouts, cheerleading dances help entertain the crowd as well as keep the enthusiasm up throughout the game. Cheerleading dances may also be performed during pep rallies, at community events, in competitions or on the sidelines.
Stunts
A crowd pleaser, cheerleading stunts may involve jumps, tumbles, high flying tosses, pyramids and lifts. According to Varsity.com, some cheerleading stunts such as back handsprings, cartwheels or lifts may be performed on the sidelines during the game however cheerleaders are encouraged to save the elite skills for a time when the crowd can focus on the cheerleading squad, like during a half-time performance. When performing stunts for a crowd, cheerleaders may also utilize props such as pompoms and megaphones throughout the performance.
Cheers
Many cheers are based on an established school tradition but may include a simple chant of the school's letters, colors, team name or mascot. To involve the crowd, cheers may also be short and to the point such as yelling "defense" or "offense," depending on what's happening during the game. The cheer may also be an encouragement to beat the other team such as "beat those Saints." Cheerleaders may use megaphones, signs and flags to drum up interest and attention for the game.
Other Considerations
Cheerleaders are known for more than just their school spirit, pep and enthusiasm. Cheerleading helps promote leadership and discipline, builds character and fosters teamwork and team building, all important traits cheerleaders will carry with them through school and beyond. Many cheerleading squads contain captain and officers, which help teach responsibility and accountability. Being a cheerleader helps improve self-confidence, encourages excellence in school and in life and prepares each member for challenges as well as successes both on the squad and off.
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