 Cheerleading Choreography |  Cheerleading Choreography |  Cheerleading Choreography |  Cheerleading Choreography |  Cheerleading Choreography |
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STARTING CHECKPOINT:
Comment on the form describing how think the style of the cheerleaders and the message of the video may differ from other pro cheerleading styles you have seen in the past. Think of dance style, mood technique, look, approach and who this video may appeal to.
CHEER PRO™ Technique and Performance
The CHEER PRO™ performance style is a unique blend of cheer technique perfection, but with additional flare, confidence, energy and a pinch of sexiness (whilst always remaining tasteful). As a first step, watch the Timber video carefully so you can really understand the style and submit your comment for the STARTING CHECKPOINT to start the certification process.
Cheerleading Technique
All cheerleading moves are based onthe basic technique of cheerleading motions: which are often the most critiqued aspect of cheerleading and to really make the difference between a beginner and a pro. Arms are generally straight and tight, hands in either fists or blades. Mastering the 5P Technique is an ESSENTIAL part of being a CHEER PRO™ cheerleader.
TWO TYPES OF HAND POSITIONS
BLADES - hands held open with fingers extended together, thumbs flat.
FISTS - closed and tight, squeeze with the thumb curled in front of the fists. You want the "swirlies" or "cinnamon rolls" always to face the front unless doing the 'Touchdown' motion.
HOW TO PERFORM YOUR MOTIONS
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All your moves should be performed sharply. Imagine hitting a brick wall in the air.
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Wrists should not be cocked, but in a straight line with your arms. Thumbs should be on the outside of your fists, with your pinky fingers at the back. Show your swirlies!
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Your arms should always be in FRONT of you, even when doing side motions such as a T or L
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Shoulders should be relaxed for every motion, not up at your ears!
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Practice in front of the mirror. You may feel you're doing the moves correctly, but you may not be!
THE 5Ps OF ARM MOTION TECHNIQUE
PUNCH - Fists / punches go first. Punch the air so hard you see it move!
POWER - All your motions should be executed with lots of power. Squeeze so hard that if someone were to try and move your arms when you are holding your motion they should not be able to!
PATHWAY - Use the quickest way to get from point A to point B. Punching first, do not swing, break the motion or swing it.
POSITION - Arms should ALWAYS be in front of you, even with a side motion. Test if your position is right. Hold a High V or a T. Looking straight ahead of you can you see your fists? If yes, you are doing it correctly as your fists should always be in your field of vision.
POSTURE - Make sure that you don't slouch or stick out your tummy & backside. Keep the core engaged, be strong and make yourself as tall as you can.
VARIATIONS & TERMINOLOGY OF A ROUTINE
RIPPLES - When the team is performing the same move at different times.
LEVELS - When the team is performing the same moves at the same time but at various heights.
PICTURES - When the team is performing different moves at the same time to create a more visual effect.
FORMATIONS - When the team moves in different shapes and patterns within the performance space. You need to remember ALWAYS to be perfectly in line with people beside you and exactly in the middle of the people in front. You should be equal distance from the line in front of you as you are from the people beside you, creating a perfect triangle. The person in the middle of the line should never move, so it is the people on sides that should shuffle in line with them. These rules make up what we call 'Cheer Trigonometry' and is essential all cheerleaders abide to this to achieve perfect formations.
TRANSITIONS - When the team move from one formation to another. You should always perform this part just like you would the other dance moves. Smile and take your time to make contact with the audience.
Energy and Style
If you have come this far - it is because you have been selected to be a CHEER PRO cheerleader and you are either a professional cheerleader or you have showacased a level and potential of professional standards. On the left we have a quirky facial chart that will show you the expressions and energy we are looking from all of our CHEER PRO™ cheerleaders.
Once you have mastered the 5P technique (which you must master before adding styling), you need to focus on perfecting your TIMING, the PRECISION of your moves and your performance ENERGY.
You can take inspiration from the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (playlist below) who are an inspiration for professional cheerleading around the world.
The reason of their success is their impeccable technique blended with incredible energy and sex appeal that is always tasteful and has a 'girl next door' look which many other pro cheer teams manage to accomplish. Lose yourself in a bit of "Making The Team" series.