1. Not Just a Pretty Face
Cheerleading is no longer just a crowd of pretty girls waving pom poms. Now considered a sport just like football, basketball and other athletic activities, cheerleading is made of both male and female athletes skilled in dance, jumps and stunts. About 1.5 million girls and boys in the United States participate in All Star cheerleading, and this does not include the millions of mostly girls who cheer for high school and college teams.
2. Around the World
Although cheerleading originated as an American sport, its fame has spread to other parts of the world. The movie "Bring It On," a story that centered around cheer teams, is credited with giving the sport international appeal. The National High School Cheerleading Competition has been broadcast on television since 1983. About this same time, cheerleading squads not associated with sports teams or schools, began to gain in popularity. The National Cheerleaders Association created a division for these teams called the "All Star Division." In 2003, the U.S. All Star Federation for Cheer and Dance Teams was organized. This federation put together regulations and safety and judging standards.
3. Timing is Everything
An All Star competition routine includes dance and stunts that are choreographed to music. The team members must be perfectly synchronized. Although the routine only lasts about two minutes, it's stressful because of the need for exact timing. Squads are judged on the difficulty of the routine and each individual stunt, as well as overall performance as a group.
4. Get in Shape
If you want to be an All Star cheerleader, you will need to get in shape. Cheerleading is an extremely athletic sport that requires both strength and agility, and cheer competition is stiff. Start an exercise program. Join a gym, if possible, but there's no reason you can't get just as much of a workout on your own. Find a friend and start walking, and then running around your neighborhood. Add crunches to get that six-pack. Throw in push-ups and squats. Before you know it, you'll be in great shape and ready to hit the All Star try-outs.
5. Impress the Judges
Give your best show on try-out day. Dress yourself in the cheerleader look, by wearing athletic shorts and a tank top. Put your hair in a high ponytail, and leave the jewelry at home. Totally immerse yourself in the activities. When you break out into groups, be confident and friendly. And what's that one thing cheerleaders always do? Smile, and then smile some more.
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