What is Cheerleading?
Cheerleading is a team-based sport that was initially started in the United States of America. It is now one of the fastest growing sports in many countries because of its ability to offer something for pretty much everyone of every age and capability.

Where did it start?
Cheerleading originated in the United States, and remains predominantly in America, with an estimated 3.85 million participants as of 2017. The global presentation of cheerleading was led by the 1997 broadcast of ESPN's International cheerleading competition, and the worldwide release of the 2000 film Bring It On. The International Cheer Union (ICU) now claims 117 member nations with an estimated 7.5 million participants worldwide. The sport has gained a lot of traction in Australia, Canada, China, Colombia, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom with popularity continuing to grow as sport leaders pursue Olympic status.

 

Who’s our governing body?
Cheerleading today is governed internationally by International Cheer Union (ICU): Established on April 26, 2004, the ICU is recognised by GAISF and SportAccord as the world governing body of cheerleading and the authority on all matters with relation to it. Including participation from its 117-member national federations reaching more than 3.5 million athletes globally, the ICU continues to serve as the unified voice for those dedicated to cheerleading's positive development around the world.

What’s involved in a routine?
Routines range in time from 1 minute 45 seconds for a recreational team, to 2 minutes 30 seconds for an All Star Team. Routines are compromised of a number of elements of Jumps, Tumbles, Stunts and Dance. There are also divisions that don’t require any tumbling, commonly known as a Non-Tumble Team.

Who can be a Cheerleader?
ANYBODY! Cheerleading is an all-inclusive sport! In fact, more and more Cheerleading gyms are now offering classes from infants to adults and All Abilities streams to encourage more people to give Cheerleading a try.

How old do I need to be?
There are divisions for athletes of any age from infant classes to adult and masters' classes! Many cheerleading gyms will have a team that is suitable for an athlete of any age.

Do I need to have any experience to join?
Absolutely not! So many cheerleading gyms will be more than happy to introduce you to the amazing sport of Cheerleading and help teach you (or your child) to be the best possible cheerleader you can be.

How many levels are in Cheerleading?
Cheerleading now has 7 levels!
 

Performance Cheer

Performance Cheer, more commonly known as dance, consists of team routines where competitors perform choreographed dances in four different categories – Pom, Hip Hop, Kick and Jazz. These categories are offered in all star, scholastic and cheer ability divisions, with a wide range of age divisions and team sizes.

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Performance scoring consists of three score sheets that separate the components of team dance routines – Choreography, Technical Execution and Group Execution. All Performance categories and divisions are judged on the same score sheets with style specific elements outlined on the technical execution score sheet.

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Performance Cheer is performed on a stage with at least 12m x 12m dimensions, with an 8 run tarket covering. All team members must remain on the floor for the duration of the performance - 2min 15 secs.

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POM

Incorporates the use of proper Pom motion technique that is sharp, clean and precise while allowing for the use of concepts from Jazz, Hip Hop and High Kick. An emphasis is placed on group execution including synchronization, uniformity and spacing. The choreography of a dynamic and effective routine focuses on musicality, staging of visual effects through fluid and creative transitions, levels and groups, along with complexity of movement and skills. Poms are required to be used throughout the routine. Costuming should reflect the category style.

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HIP HOP

Incorporates authentic street style influenced movements with groove and style. An emphasis is placed on group execution including synchronization, uniformity, and spacing. The choreography of a dynamic and effective routine utilizes musicality, staging, complexity of movement and athleticism. Costuming should reflect the category style.

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JAZZ

Incorporates and exhibits traditional and stylized movements and combinations with strength, attack and presence, formation changes, group work and technical elements. An emphasis is placed on proper technical execution, extension, control, body placement, style, musical interpretation, continuity of movement and team uniformity. The overall impression of the routine should be up-tempo, lively, energetic and motivating- while allowing for texture of movement to utilize musicality.

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KICK

A kick routine incorporates the creative use of kick styles with an inclusion of a variety of skills, creativity, and staging. The choreography shall display a variety of kicks throughout the entire routine that may include, but are not limited to: high kicks, low kicks, diagonal kicks, fan kicks, jump kicks, etc. Precision, timing, control, technique and uniformity of height are to be emphasized

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ALL STAR DANCE 

Along with all of the genres above All Star Dance also offers a Contemporary/Lyrical genre.

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Contemporary/Lyrical

Incorporates organic, pedestrian and/or traditional modern ballet styles as it complements the lyrics and rhythmic value of the music.

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