Archive for the ‘Cheerleading’ Category

Cheerleading Tumbling

Friday, September 14th, 2007

It is only natural that a wonderful cheerleading routine will have an ample amount of stunts, tricks and tumbling. After all, these can be some of the moves that will actually give one squad a leg up over another when it comes to various competitions. In addition to that, tumbling can be an incredible way to captivate a crowd and really get them into the routine that you are putting on.

With a little bit of effort, any team can have a beautiful medley of tumbling along with other stunts to set their event on fire!When it comes to the marvelous world of cheerleading tumbling, there are several basics that any participant will have to nail down. These moves will include everything from cartwheels to back hand springs and more. As long as you have a group of participants who are willing to learn and practice along with a coach who is driven to make the squad the best that they can be, tumbling should be the least of your worries when hitting the sporting events and competitions.

One very important move that any coach will try to nail down first with a group of cheerleaders is the handstand. If you cannot execute a flawless handstand, then you are going to have more than a couple of problems with some of the other necessary tumbling moves in any cheerleading routine. After all, a short list of some of the tumbling moves that can be ruined by a poor handstand include front and back hand springs, round-offs, cartwheels and ariel cartwheels, and all types of walk-overs. So, to say the least, if you want a great routine that is filled with wonderful tumbling techniques, it is imperative that you have the squad master their bandstands first.

In order to get the most out of your squad and their attempts at tumbling, any good cheerleading coach will be sure to always have them warm up with a good amount of warm up time including stretching and even a little bit of cardio to get their blood flowing. Then, you can go through the motions to try the tumbling as a team and working with each girl or guy on an individual basis if the need should arise. You might even find that the group will band together as a whole in order to help out some of the members who need a little bit of work on their moves. All in all, great cheerleading starts with a grasp of great tumbling techniques

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History of Cheerleading

Sunday, July 29th, 2007

The history of cheerleading originates from the United States in the late 1880’s with your average crowd yelling and chanting to encourage their team. No one is quite sure how they documented that it was the first cheer ever but credit is given to Princeton University in 1884 for coming up with a Princeton cheer and marking there place in cheerleading history.

Then a few years later, the Princeton grad Tom Peebles brought cheering to the University of Minnesota. But it wasn’t until 1898 that fellow University of Minnesota student Johnny Campbell directed what was the very first cheer ever in November of 1898. The story is that Minnesota was having such a terrible football season that people felt the need to come up with positive chants and cheering was born. Minnesota went on to organize a male cheer squad in 1903 and organized the first cheerleading fraternity in the history of cheerleading, Gamma Sigma. Ironically enough cheerleading started out as an all male sport, it was felt there deep loud voices were more projecting than a woman’s voice. It wasn’t until the 1920’s that women became much more involved in cheerleading and began to incorporate gymnastics, pyramids and throws. Today, youth cheerleading is predominantly made up of female cheerleaders however college cheerleading is still about fifty percent male.

Well, the students cheered all they could for Minnesota yet they still got beat. It was a student’s scientific thesis that positive fan support would actually help send positive energy toward there team and assist them in winning. Well, the cheer wasn’t enough to garner a win but it did create a new sport. University of Minnesota stuck with the idea and eventually began to have an organized group of cheers at every game

The evolution of cheerleading to a sport was again developed by The University of Minnesota as the women became known for there athletic ability by including gymnastics in their routines. Then in the 1930’s the sport developed into much more of a display of showmanship as the athletes become much more entertaining and fun to watch. The megaphone would become the next big addition to cheerleading history in the early 1900’s and the pom pom which was introduced by Lawrence Herkimer really gave cheerleading a symbol to hang its hat on.

Herkimer has to be seen as the grandfather of cheerleading. He has done so much for the history of cheerleading by founding the National Cheerleading Association at S M U and holding cheerleading schools way back in 1946 and ‘47. Herkimer’s camps have now grown to over twenty thousand attendees.

Today the sport has evolved into a highly athletic and competitive field displaying males and females of incredible talent. Herkimer and University of Minnesota have carved out a unique history of cheerleading.

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8 Tips for Choosing an Excellent Cheerleading Uniform

Sunday, May 6th, 2007

Decide what kind of uniform you want your cheerleading squad to wear can be a little overwhelming. There are so many vendors and retailers that offer cheerleading supplies that the task of picking just the right uniform can seem like it will take for every. Here are a few tips to help you narrow down your search and find a uniform that fits your team’s style and needs.

  1. Consider Rules and Regulations:

    Before you choose a uniform it’s important that you find out what rules and regulations your school or association may have. Often times, schools have rules establishing a minimum length for a skirt or the amount of skin you are allowed to show in the chest/midriff region
  2. Set a Budget:

    As always, deciding how much you can spend and setting a budget is a good way to help narrow down your search. Some companies, like Just for Kix, often offer discount prices on large orders; therefore, it’s a good idea to consider this when ordering your team’s uniforms.
  3. Find a Reliable Company:

    Cheerleading uniforms are often pricey and your budget may not be that big. You don’t want to be left with an empty pocket book and less than desirable uniforms or no uniforms at all. Before ordering cheer uniforms from a company, ask other squads, coaches, or associates about which cheerwear companies are most reliable. It’s a great idea to go with a company that has excellent customer service and a good track record.
  4. Consider the Entire Team:

    When you begin to choose uniform styles you should consider the size and makeup of all your cheerleaders. Remember your goal is to make the whole squad look great, therefore you need to purchase something that will compliment the majority of the team. While certain styles may look great on extremely lean and tall girls, they may not look right on girls who are a little shorter or extremely muscular, and vice versa.
  5. Check the Availability of Your Colors:

    Before you even choose a style, it’s essential to find out which uniforms are available in your school’s colors. There is no use narrowing down the choices to a few uniform styles only to find that the ones you have chosen do not come in the colors you need.
  6. Find an Appropriate Fabric:

    The fabric that makes up your cheerleaders’ uniform needs to be considered before you choose a uniform. Consider the care that the uniform will need. While some fabrics can be thrown right into the washing machines, others may need to be dry-cleaned. Your squad will be very active so look for fabric that will give a little during stunts, and will allow the skin to breath.
  7. Comfort is a Factor:

    If at all possible have a few of the girls try on uniforms similar to those you are going to be purchasing. Comfort is a huge issue so you want to make sure you buy something that your cheerleaders can wear confidently without tugging the skirt or the shirt. Uncomfortable cheerleaders are not going to be happy cheerleaders, and cheerleaders who aren’t happy will not inspire crowd or the players.
  8. Check on Deliver Policies:

    It’s extremely important that you will have your uniforms delivered in time for any upcoming games, competitions, or other performances. If you’re ordering your uniforms under time constraints check and double check the company’s delivery policies. It may also be helpful to read customer reviews and speak to other people who have ordered from that particular company.

For quality uniforms and cheerleading shoes at affordable prices visit Just For Kix. Just for Kix is your one stop shop for all your cheerleading and dancing needs. You can also find quality dance leotards and dance shoes at affordable prices.

Cheerleading Essentials - Don’t Leave Home Without Them

Thursday, January 12th, 2006

The days are getting shorter, nights a little colder, and school is back in session. It’s fall again and that can only mean one thing: football season. Fall is one of the busiest and time consuming seasons for cheerleaders. September through November is often filled with football games, pep rallies, homecoming activities, and possibly a parade or two.

Between cheerleading and school you’ll barely have time to sit back and relax. This busy schedule means you need to be prepared to go at all times. Making sure your cheerleading bag is filled with all the essentials can help you make it through these hectic times. Here are a few items no cheerleader should leave home without.

  • Body Glitter/Face Paint: If you want to make sure you’re always ready to show your school spirit, keep some body glitter and face paint in a plastic bag or container. Face paint and glitter can be used during football games, pep rallies, or parades to show support for the football team or your school.
  • Lip Gloss: Keep your lips moisturized and looking great by keeping a tube of your favorite lip gloss in your cheer bag. Not only can lip gloss add extra shine to your smile, it’s also important to keep on hand when you’re out in the elements. Wind, cold weather, and extended exposure to the sun can wreak havoc on your lips. Make sure you carry a gloss that has moisturizing agents to help prevent cracked and sore lips.
  • Hair Ties and Ribbons: Make sure you have plenty of ribbons and hair ties in your cheerleading bag. While you may have your hair perfectly straightened or in adorable curls at the beginning of a football game; strenuous movement, sweat, humidity, or rain can ruin even the most well prepared hair. Having a hair tie and a ribbon or two in your bag will help you ward off bad hair embarrassment while showing your cheer spirit.
  • Brush: This one is pretty self explanatory. A brush will come handy when you need to pull your hair back or tame some unruly locks.
  • Hair Spray: Keeping your tresses in place during your stunts is often a near impossible task. To make sure your hair stays as secure as possible make sure you bring a bottle of extra hold hairspray to keep everything in place.
  • Water Proof Mascara: I would go so far as to advise cheerleaders to stay away from any mascara that isn’t water proof. Waterproof mascara will prevent smudges caused by rain, sweat, or even tears. Make sure you never look like a raccoon in your uniform by always keep water proof mascara on hand.
  • Deodorant: While you may not like to admit it, everyone is capable of sweating and therefore smelling less than terrific. Make sure you always carry a stick of your favorite deodorant in your bag for occasions when you’re working extra hard and may break a sweat.
  • Makeup Remover: A variety of things can cause your make up to run, smudge, or just look subpar. Always carry makeup remover and cotton balls in your bag so you can remove and reapply make up in seconds.

Get everything you need for a great cheerleading season, including cheerleading shoes at Just for Kix. Just for Kix is your one stop shop for all your cheerleading and dancing needs. You can also find quality dance leotards and dance shoes at affordable prices

Cheerleading Uniforms

Saturday, February 5th, 2005

Cheerleading uniforms come in a variety of colors, sizes, and designs, all worn to proudly represent the school or team they are a part of. Generally the colors are the same as the school mascot with the exception of cheerleading competition teams who aren’t affiliated with a school or sporting team. They select their own colors.

Most cheerleading uniforms have the same basic items. The tops can be with or without sleeves and in many instances they are very short. The skorts, a combination of a skirt with two separate leg wholes like a pair of shorts, is worn as the bottom half of the uniform. In areas where the temperature changes from one extreme to the other, the cheerleading uniform may be a short sleeved shirt with a skort one day and then a long sleeved shirt with matching sweatpants the next. Shoes and socks are also chosen to match the rest of the uniform. Pompoms and megaphones are often accessories used with the cheerleader uniform.

The cost of cheerleading uniforms can run several hundred dollars per individual on the squad. Most schools require the cheerleader to purchase her own but some of the larger schools with more funding are able to cover the cost. To help offset the cost of cheerleading uniforms it is very common for them to hold various types of fundraisers in an effort to raise money. These fundraisers can be car washes, bake sales, or asking for donations from area businesses.

With the various moves and routines cheerleaders participate in, they have to be more than just comfortable and look great. The uniforms have to be durable and allow the individual the ability to stretch without any confinement. The shoes used for cheerleading have to be non-slip and they have to offer a great deal of support for the ankles.

Most small girls love the idea of being a cheerleader. It is one of the most popular Halloween costumes out there. It can then become an added item to their dress up box that they can wear over and over again. Cheerleaders proudly wear their costumes as a representation of their status among one of the most popular sports around.

Levels for the recognition of having the very best cheerleading squad out there.

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Cheerleading Competitions

Saturday, February 5th, 2005

Cheerleading Competitions have become a very popular sporting event. Cheerleading squats from all over the world come to show their dance moves and routines in the hopes of winning state and National recognition as well as cash prizes. The majority of those competing come from schools but some cheerleading teams are not affiliated with any school or sport. They form based on their abilities such as gymnastics and only learn routines for the purpose of competing. This particular area has lead to controversy over labeling cheerleading as a sport or as an activity.

The big cheerleading competitions are held annually at various locations with only those cheerleading squads who have done well in local events being able to compete. Many of these larger competitions are televised on ESPN. They also show interviews with those who compete and discuss the risk of injury involved in the competitions.

With the introduction of cheerleading competitions, it has become a huge industry worth millions of dollars instead of just learning some chants and moves to provide interest at pep rallies and sporting events. There are complicated gymnastic and dance moves involved as well as pyramids and other exciting designs.

The amount of time and dedication involved in getting ready for a cheerleading competition is unbelievable. Depending on the level of skill involved, the team can spend up to 20 hours each week just practicing their 3 or 4 minute routine that they will perform. While that does show passion and dedication, it also have many concerned that too much time and energy is being spent on something so trivial.

The number of cheerleaders who have been injured preparing for and during a competition is growing at an alarming rate. At least 25,000 injuries are reported by emergency room officials each year. There have even been a few deaths resulting from training for such events in rare cases.

Since the area of cheerleading competition is generating big revenue for those who promote it, and there are so many individuals willing to participate as well as a huge base of spectators, my guess is that cheerleading competitions are here to stay. They stunts and moves involved will also become more complex and original as each team tries to come up with something that will put the judges in awe.

The ultimate Guide To Cheerleading.
http://www.ultimateguidetocheerleading.com/

Cheerleaders

Saturday, February 5th, 2005

Cheerleaders have often been stereotyped as blonde beauties that don’t have any brains, but look good in the short cheerleading uniforms. However, most people don’t realize the hard work and dedication that go into cheerleading. It involves many hours of learning the cheers and the routines. Many of the moves are difficult as well as dangerous, yet these girls and boys go out there and give it their all so that it look effortless to those who are being entertained by them.

Most junior high and high school sports teams have cheerleaders. Becoming one of them is a position most girls and some of the boys work very hard for. Being a cheerleader can result in instant popularity as well as becoming the envy of many others. You will be at the center of all the school related activities. In college sports cheerleading is still a popular sport but it doesn’t hold the same type of popularity as it does in high school.

While it is extreme, there have been media frenzies over various cheerleading issues including taking bribes for getting girls on the team. There was one event in the early 1990’s that involved a mother who was upset over her daughter not making the cheerleading squad that she hired a hit man to kill the mom of a girl on the squad in the hopes that she would then quit and her own daughter would be the replacement. Luckily the woman was arrested before her plans could be carried out.

Professional football teams and other sports hold very competitive try outs for their cheerleaders. I didn’t realize how much went into the tryout process until I saw a show on TV once featuring the tryouts for the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders. It was very interesting to see what these girls were willing to dedicate their time to on a daily basis.

Cheerleaders are such a staple and sporting events that most of us would really miss their cute routines if they were missing from the event. However, cheerleading competitions have become quite popular over the past decade with high school and college level teams. They compete and state and National levels for the recognition of having the very best cheerleading squad out there.

The ultimate Guide To Cheerleading.
http://www.ultimateguidetocheerleading.com/