Is it possible to become a CHEERLEADER?????

Question

I'm 14, and have never cheered before. But I've recently found myself fascinated with all the cool moves and routines done by cheer teams. I didn't even try out (for cheer) for freshman year, so I've got a whole year to practice before the next try outs. I've been a ballerina for a long time, but I think it's time for a change. So what's some stuff I could do to maybe improve my chances of making cheer my softmore year? Would gymnastics help? Also, I'm friends with some cheerleaders, but I don't know how to tell them my dreams of cheering, because I'm afraid they'll think I just want to be popular or something. How can I fix all those problems?

Answer 1

You should start working on cheer drills. For example, the dance and jump styles are different from ballet, so you will want to work on those. On the bright side, your dance background should have you nice and flexible already, and you should have no trouble picking up choreography. I'm assuming you've done recitals and other performances, so you should also be all right out in front of a crowd.

Find out from the coach if tumbling is a requirement. If the answer is yes, then get into classes and do drills daily.

You can find all the basic cheerleading info you need here: http://aescougarcheer.com/Cheer101/basic...

As far as your friends, if they really love you they won't question why you want to cheer. Honestly you would think they would be happy to have you join the squad. :^)

Good luck!

Answer 2

Gymnastics will help a lot.  You may have some difficulty with it because you're "old" by gymnastic standards (what a weird sport, where 18 is elderly!), but it'll still help your athleticism and flexibility, and those flips always look great in a cheer routine.

Go ahead and tell your friends if they're good, supportive ones.  No one will have better tips, and they can put in a good word for you.  They should understand your reasons and not view you too harshly--after all, they joined, didn't they?

If these aren't the greatest friends, though, you may keep it to yourself.  Someone who gets you down won't be very helpful!

I'd get my hands on some videos if I were you.  If you can't find full-length ones, there should be youtube videos of cheerleading and cheer competitions.  Avoid the ones with complex, multi-person tumbling routines and go for the ones you can do yourself, with feet on the ground!

In tryouts, they'll test you not only on your form, but also on your ability to learn a new routine.  The more routines you already know, the easier it will be to learn a new one, so get practicing!  Your friends may be kind enough to teach you the routines they already know.  If you get good at it, and brave, you may privately approach the coach and politely ask if you could practice with the team a little in order to be better prepared for next year.  The worst she can say is no, and she'll be impressed enough to remember you.

Kudos on wanting to learn a new sport.  Good luck, and have fun!

Answer 3

Doing gymnastic might help a bit. I know that for my cheer squad you had to be able to a back handspringg and back tuck. But it probally depends on your school.  

Answer 4

yes you can become a cheerleader..... and the dance experience will help lots! and i dont know what problem that u need to fix! good luck!!