How to cheerlead dance
CHEERLEADING AS CULTURAL COMMUNICATION: COGNITIVE, SOCIAL, AND POLITICAL ASPECTS OF AN AMERICAN DANCE FORM
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CHEERLEADING AS CULTURAL COMMUNICATION: COGNITIVE, SOCIAL, AND POLITICAL ASPECTS OF AN AMERICAN DANCE FORM. (2004). CHEERLEADING AS CULTURAL COMMUNICATION: COGNITIVE, SOCIAL, AND POLITICAL ASPECTS OF AN AMERICAN DANCE FORM.
Details
- Title
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CHEERLEADING AS CULTURAL COMMUNICATION: COGNITIVE, SOCIAL, AND POLITICAL ASPECTS OF AN AMERICAN DANCE FORM
- Creator
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Farugia, Nicole
- Department
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Sociology and Anthropology
- Type
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text
- Genre
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theses
- Date Issued
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2004-04-01
- Year
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2004
- Publisher
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Lehigh University
- Language
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eng
- Form
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electronic documents
- File Type
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application/pdf
- Abstract
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Cheerleading is a uniquely American cultural phenomenon.
Like jazz and baseball, cheerleading originated in America. Soon after cheerleading's inception, the cheerleader became a nationally recognized symbol invested with cultural significance. Cheerleading represents both positive and negative values in American culture. In fact, cheerleading has become central to American mainstream culture because the positive values it portrays. For example, during a September 11 memorial, a New York City cheerleading squad was asked to perform. Audience members wept during the routine, and the announcer kept repeating "beautiful" as the squad performed. It may seem strange that cheerleaders would perform a memorial tribute in response to a terrible national tragedy; however, the inclusion of cheerleaders in this memorial service represents an American spirit and emphasizes our uniquely American character and identity. Cheerleading is also a social and political form of dance: a form of human thought and behavior performed by the human body for human purposes.
According to Hanna, "dance interweaves with other aspects of human life, such as communication and learning, belief systems, social relations and political dynamics, loving and fighting, and urbanization and change" (1987: 3). Cheerleading is an American dance form that embodies these social, political, and cultural dimensions. Cheerleading is a ritualized dance performed in a public forum that has a communicative intent. Cheerleaders are American icons who communicate in three ways. First, cheerleaders individually organize their thoughts and actions performed in their cheers, stunts, and dance routines mentally. First, cheerleaders use spatial and temporal thought organization and also the rhythm of the dance and music to guide their movements. Secondly, the icon of the American cheerleader communicates cultural values primarily about proper social behavior and gender. These cultural values have changed over the last century, however the icon of the cheerleader has communicated these values from cheerleading's inception.
Lastly, cheerleaders communicate to their audience, school, and each other using language in cheers and through body movements. Although a fairly new phenomenon within American culture, cheerleading has nonetheless had a major impact on many communities throughout the United Sates. As a social scientist, I am writing this ethnography on cheerleading to show cheerleading's impact on American culture as a highly symbolic American dance form. The focus of my analysis is the cognitive, social and political communication that takes place within and surrounding modern day cheerleading. I begin my analysis of cheerleading with background information on this American cultural phenomenon. First, I define cheerleading as a dance form and as a form of communication. I then discuss the cognitive aspects of cheerleading. Next, my ethnography traces cheerleading from its origination to modern day difficulties plaguing cheerleaders. Furthermore, I examine two key social aspects of cheerleading: issues of gender and race.
Lastly I describe the politics of cheerleading and cheerleaders, and address the meanings, values, and symbolic communication associated with cheerleading. My examination of the complex communicative aspects in cheerleading started with introspection. Throughout part of my middle school and high school career, I was a cheerleader. Although I loved cheerleading, I was frustrated over the lack of respect cheerleaders received in comparison to other school sports. After earning second place in a national competition, and still receiving minimal school support and appreciation, I hung up my pom-poms forever. After I left the squad, I noticed the complexities of cheerleading that I had not noticed before. The behaviors of pettiness and shallowness, which were not seen on other athletic teams, seemed to proliferate in cheerleading. There was also a great amount of athleticism that went into performances; however, cheerleading is still mainly seen as an activity, not a sport. The complexities in cheerleading, coupled with the communicative messages in the performances and embodied in the cheerleaders themselves led me to my investigation of cheerleading culture and communication.
This paper is a culmination of literature, personal experiences and information provided from interviews with other cheerleaders. I interviewed nine females and two males that had experience cheerleading. Please tum to Appendix A to see what questions I asked my informants. All of my informants brought to my attention that they appreciated that someone was "taking cheerleaders seriously."
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What is the Difference Between Cheer Dance and Cheerleading?
Cheer Dance and Cheerleading are two sides of the same coin. While each has their own unique differences, they are built upon similar basic moves and actions. For those who wish to excel in the competitive sport of Cheer Dance, they will first need to learn the fundamentals of Cheerleading.
Cheerleading has been in America since the 1880s. The sport, which originated with men, began when universities thought it might increase crowd involvement during football games if a group of individuals could lead the spectators in simple chants throughout the course of the game.
Over almost the next one hundred years, cheerleading evolved to include more than hand clapping and chanting. Cheerleaders tumbled, jumped, kicked, and began performing complicated stunts, that often involved a larger number of participants.
In the 1960s, collegiate teams began to travel to competitions where they would perform Cheer Routines. With the creation of the Cheer Routine, Cheer Dance was born. While cheerleading still focused on the males or females engaging a crowd during a sporting event from the sidelines, cheer dance came to describe the complex routines that incorporated elements of dancing, cheering, tumbling, and stunting.
In the 1990s cheer dance took off as competitive squads formed outside of schools and participants could actively engage in cheer dance competitions throughout the year.
Cheerleading is still the proper title given to the sport in which a group of individuals work together to raise the spirit and pump up the crowd at an event.
Cheerleading mostly takes place during other sporting events, but cheerleaders also participate in parades, competitions, and other community-sponsored activities.
Most often, cheerleaders can be found clapping their hands, chanting in a energetic fashion, or stunting and tumbling up and down the sidelines. While adding to the enjoyment of a football game, the cheerleader is there to support the team and excite the crowd.
With Cheer Dance, a performer may not be associated with a different sport at all. Rather, the cheerleader who is a part of the Cheer Dance squad will be performing for a crowd or during a competition, without any outside involvement from sports like football or basketball.
A cheer dance performer will execute the same basic skills as a cheerleader: chanting, clapping, stunting, and tumbling. But the cheer dance squad member will do all of this in time as the routine they are performing has been meticulously choreographed and synchronized to upbeat music.
What is Cheer Dance? (How does it compare and contrast to Cheerleading?)
Cheer Dance is a competitive sport that was created to celebrate the unique routines cheerleaders practiced and then performed during special exhibitions or events. Cheer Dance, and its predecessor Cheerleading, have a great number of things in common, but there are also a few differences.
How are Cheer Dance and Cheerleading similar?
- Both allow any person, regardless of gender, to participate.
- Both require the participants to be physically fit and well-groomed.
- Both feature performers clad in tight-fitting uniforms. The uniforms tend to fit in a snug manner so as not to hinder the movements of the athlete.
- Both demand that the participant learn the basics of cheerleading, including the ability to clap, chant, jump, kick, stunt, tumble, and dance.
- For cheerleaders as well as those who participate in cheer dance, athletes must commit to a rigorous practice schedule.
While cheerleaders will work to build their endurance, cheer dance members will want to work on sharpening their skills and improving their techniques. - In each sport, a certain amount of memorization is required, as both cheerleaders and members of cheer dance squads must be able to recall several routines with ease.
How are Cheer Dance and Cheerleading Different?
- In Cheer Dance, participants must be able to expend a tremendous amount of energy in just a few short minutes. While cheerleaders are expected to perform throughout the length of an entire sporting event, some of which can last longer than three hours, a cheer dance squad member will only perform during brief bursts of time. When in a competition setting, most cheer dance squads are required to give a performance that will be over in less than three minutes. In that interval, they will combine all the skills they can to dazzle the crowd and leave their mark on the judges.
- Cheer Dance members are judged on their performances.
Outside of what the crowd thinks, cheerleaders are not subject to the same scrutiny. - Cheer Dance participants may win prizes, trophies, or other awards. While cheerleaders may attend camps, clinics, or exhibitions with their squads and they might achieve recognition for their hard work there, that is not always the case. But, for a cheer dance squad, competing and earning awards is at the heart of their sport.
- Cheer Dance athletes and their parents or guardians may pay a significant amount of money to participate. While many cheerleading squads are sponsored by local schools and some fees will be paid so athletes can have the appropriate equipment, like tennis shoes, most cheer dance squads are not funded publicly. To participate in a cheer dance squad, an individual will need to join an elite group and then pay for not only their uniform and the required equipment, but also for the training, the usage of the space, and entry fees for competitions.
- While both members of a cheerleading squad and cheer dance squad will be forced to submit to an audition process, cheerleading squads that are school sponsored tend to be open to all individuals.
In the world of cheer dance, individuals must seek out organizations and prove they are going to be an asset.
Which is Harder for Kids to Learn?
Since Cheerleading and Cheer Dance are built on the same basic skills, kids may pick up the techniques necessary to do both simultaneously. When kids attend cheer classes or clinics, their instructors will sprinkle in all the skills a student would need to be a cheerleader and as the young athletes show progress, the instructor may elect to create short cheer routines for the squad.
In that way, cheerleading will evolve naturally into cheer dance and children will be exposed to both styles.
Parents should not expect toddlers or those who are very young to begin learning cheer dance routines immediately. Not only do cheer dance routines require athletes to demonstrate a tremendous number of skills, but participants must also be able to memorize the choreography.
Young children, in most situations, are just not capable of doing these tasks.
Young children will be taught the fundamentals of cheerleading in the beginning. Parents should monitor their own youngsters’ abilities and eagerness to continue participating in the sport before seeking out cheer dance opportunities.
Is Cheer Dance offered in High School?
Cheer Dance is very popular in high school but interested athletes should not anticipate this option being offered by their local high school. Most high schools in America offer opportunities for students to participate in cheerleading and in some cases as a part of a dance team.
The American high schools tend to stick to the more traditional form of the sport, as cheerleaders and dancers will be asked to attend sporting events and lead the crowd. This does not mean that high school squads cannot transition into competition mode and then have the cheer squad become a cheer dance squad. This can and does occur, especially when athletes show a desire to begin competing.
For those who wish to participate in a cheer dance squad while in high school, but they would rather not spend their time on the sidelines at a dozen football games each fall, it will be prudent to search for local cheer dance organizations in the area.
Many cheer dance companies have special names, like “all stars” or “elite” in the title.
If the high school athlete can perform the basic cheerleading moves, and they are also able to succeed during the audition process, they should be welcomed into these privately operated cheer dance companies.
cheerleading what is it?
This dance style originated in the United States. The term appeared due to a combination of two English words: cheer - approve, support and lead - manage, lead.
Cheerleading is not just a kind of dance, but a sport. It combines the performance of dance, gymnastic elements and acrobatic tricks. As a rule, cheerleading is used to support athletes during team games, competitions, and so on.
History of origin
This direction in sports appeared in the second half of the nineteenth century. Officially, the concept of "cheerleading" was registered in 1898. It is worth noting that earlier this sport was more common among men than among the representatives of the beautiful half of humanity.
This is eloquently evidenced by the fact that the first cheerleader is Jack Campbell.
Cheerleading became less popular in the early twentieth century, but after World War II, cheerleading boomed again. Only at this time, mostly girls began to engage in it: according to statistics, more than 90% of all cheerleaders were female. In the 60s, in such large countries as the USA and Great Britain, cheerleading becomes an integral part of all sports competitions. This sport is beginning to be treated not as entertainment, but as a necessity, because support is the key to winning. Over time, thanks to women, gymnastic elements were added to cheerleading. Also in 1985, the pompom was invented. The performances of cheerleaders became more and more vivid and emotional, which contributed to the prosperity of this sport. To this day, cheerleading (which means supporting sports teams) is not losing ground.
Cheerleading directions
This sport is divided into two main directions:
- A competition between cheerleading teams that demonstrates the dance, gymnastic and acrobatic skills of athletes.
Thus, cheerleading has long ceased to be just an addition to such sports as football, basketball, hockey and so on. Today it has become an independent unit in the sports world.
International Cheerleading Federation
In today's world, some people still ask the question: "What is cheerleading?", While today there is even an international federation for this sport.
It was founded in 1998 as a result of the increased interest of the European population in the dance and gymnastic elements that are performed before and during the breaks between matches. The International Cheerleading Federation includes such countries as Russia, Ukraine, Sweden, Australia, Great Britain, Slovenia, Malaysia, Costa Rica, Brazil and other member countries of the European association. The world's first cheerleading championship was held in 2001 in Tokyo, Japan. Since then, the championship has been held annually. The competition is hosted by the winning country.
Cheerleading terms
Now that you know what cheerleading means, you might be wondering what terminology is associated with this sport:
- team number, which is based not on dancing, but on acrobatic and gymnastic elements. Athletes perform various lifts, rearrangements, pyramids, jumps, etc. When evaluating the number, the jury evaluates, first of all, the emotionality and synchronism of the show.
- Cheer mix is a number closely associated with the Cheer nomination. The only difference is that not only women, but also men participate in it.
- Cheer-dance - dance elements are welcome here rather than acrobatics. Be sure to use pompoms in the setting. The use of chants and acrobatic elements is prohibited.
- Individual cheerleading - the performance of one person from the team, usually the leader.
He can perform both gymnastic and dance numbers.
- Group stance – collective construction of a gymnastic pyramid. The group stunt is performed by several people from the team, most often by five people. Participants at the top of the pyramid are called flyers.
- Partner stunt is a setup in which a man lifts a woman, and she performs acrobatic and gymnastic elements on top.
These terms should be freely used by any person who is somehow connected with cheerleading.
Cheerleading costumes
Cheerleader outfits are one of the main elements of the production, because it determines how emotional the number of athletes will be. Accordingly, costumes should be bright and colorful. The fabric can be embroidered with shiny sequins or beads.
Since cheerleading is a team sport, all dancers wear the same clothes. Suits are sewn from elastic fabric, which fits snugly to the body and does not hinder movement.
It is worth noting that the cheerleader outfit should not reveal private parts of the body or show underwear (even though costumes are usually quite short and open). As for shoes, they, like clothes, should be the same. For the convenience of dancers, you should choose sneakers or sneakers with a stable sole, preferably without laces.
Cheerleader's Code
- Do not drink alcohol, drugs or doping substances.
- It is forbidden to use abusive language in your speech and swear.
- A cheerleader must treat his opponents, coach, jury members and fans with respect.
- A cheerleader is forbidden to smoke, as bad habits defame the honor of the team.
Now you not only know what cheerleading is, but also familiarize yourself with all the intricacies of this sport.
Advantages and disadvantages of cheerleading
Consider the advantages of cheerleading:
- It's beautiful.
In many countries, the cheerleader girl is a symbol of youth, youth, beauty and energy. And the members of the teams are really attractive: they are slender, dressed in the most open form, perky. - This is a relatively new sport for many countries and therefore an interesting, prestigious sport.
- You can not only do it for your own pleasure, but also take part in competitions.
- This is a great option for a girl, as regular workouts help to keep slim and look attractive.
- Cheerleading strengthens muscles, trains the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
- Professional classes teach to work in a team, develop leadership qualities.
- Coordination, endurance, flexibility, dexterity develop.
- Lessons at an early age strengthen the team spirit and promote socialization.
There are also disadvantages:
- High risk of injury. If you believe the statistics, then in America, about half of all injuries in sports occur in cheerleading.
And during the execution of complex elements, girls really often fall. - Professional activities require constant travel: to sports with a cheerleading team, to cheerleading competitions and other performances.
- Special equipment required.
- Not everyone can get into the team, there are restrictions.
- Intense exercise during training.
Cheerleading is a new sport. And to start doing it, find out all the nuances and weigh the pros and cons. Good luck!
Basic Cheerleading Hand Positions
Basic Cheerleading Hand Positions. General rules:
The hands are closed into fists, the thumb is pressed from above. The hand should not be bent, it is a continuation of the arm, the arms should be strong and tense, and their movements should be sharp and precise.
Body position:
the neck is extended, the shoulders are lowered, the eyes are raised up, the pelvis is turned forward and the lower back is even without deflection, the abs-buttocks-legs-back are maximally tense.
High V (high V)
Description:
straight arms are located "side-up" at an angle of approximately 40 ° to the vertical. The hands do not kink up/down, but are a smooth extension of the hands.
What the viewer should see:
fists on the side of the thumb.
Low V (low V)
Description:
straight arms are located "side-down" at an angle of approximately 40 ° to the vertical. The hands do not kink up/down, but are a smooth extension of the hands.
What the viewer should see:
fists from the side of the thumb.
High touchdown
Description:
arms extended upwards at an angle of approximately 40° to the vertical. The arms are parallel to each other and do not spread apart. The back sides of the hands are directed outward (in different directions).
What the viewer should see:
fists from the side of the little finger.
Low touchdown
Description:
arms extended downwards at an angle of approximately 40° to the vertical. The arms are parallel to each other and do not spread apart. The back sides of the hands are directed outward (in different directions).
What the viewer should see:
fists from the side of the thumb.
T
Description:
straight arms are placed to the sides and slightly forward. The brushes do not break, but are an extension of the hand. The backs of the hands are directed upwards.
What the viewer should see:
fists from the side of the thumb.
Broken T (broken T)
Description:
arms bent at the elbows from the “T” position.
The back of the hands is directed upwards.
What the viewer should see:
little finger fists.
Muscle man
Description:
arms bent at the elbows at an angle of 90°, spread apart, the hand is located above the elbow, the elbow opposite the shoulder. The back sides of the hands are directed outward (in different directions).
What the viewer should see:
fists from the side of the little finger.
Punch
Description:
combined position: one hand is in the “overhead touchdown” position, the other hand is in the “hands on the hips”.
What the viewer should see:
upper hand - fist on the side of the little finger, hand on the pelvic bone - fist on the side of the thumb.
Baskets
Description:
arms extended forward parallel to each other and parallel to the floor, the back of the hands pointing up (fingers down).
What the viewer should see:
fists on the side of four fingers (fingers pointing to the floor).
Candlesticks
Description:
arms extended forward parallel to each other and parallel to the floor, the backs of the hands are directed in different directions (outwards).
What the viewer should see:
fists on the side of four fingers (fingers pointing towards each other).
Karate
Description:
arms bent 90° back, the middle of the forearm is pressed to the body, the fists are directed towards each other from the side of the little fingers.
What the viewer should see:
fists on the side of four fingers (the back of the palms is directed to the floor).
Daggers (daggers)
Description:
arms are bent at the elbows and pressed to the body, the hand is located above the elbow and in line with the shoulder.
The back sides of the hands are directed in different directions (outward).
What the viewer should see:
fists from the side of the little finger.
Diagonal (diagonal)
Description:
combined movement: one hand is in the “low-vee” position, the other hand is in the “high-vee” position, while the body is directed straight forward, shoulders are even.
What the viewer should see:
fists on the thumb side of the lower and upper hands.
L
Description:
combined movement: one hand is in the “T” position, the other hand is in the “high touchdown” position.
What the viewer should see:
fist of the upper hand on the side of the little finger, fist of the hand pointing to the side on the side of the thumb.
Box
Description:
arms are directed straight forward and bent at the elbows at an angle of 90°, the hand is located above the elbow, the elbow is opposite the shoulder.
The back sides of the hands are directed outward (in different directions).
What the viewer should see:
fists from the side of the little finger.
K
Description:
combined position: one hand is in the “low-vee” position, the other hand is in the “high-vee” position. Both hands are directed in one direction (both to the right or both to the left), the body is turned towards the hands.
What the viewer should see:
fist of the upper hand from the side of the thumb, fist of the lower hand from the side of the little finger.
Scissors
Description:
combined position: one hand is in the top touchdown position, the other hand is in the bottom touchdown position.
What the viewer should see:
fist of the upper hand from the side of the little finger, fist of the lower hand from the side of the thumb.
Ginny
Description:
the arms are bent at the elbows at an angle of 90° and are located at shoulder level one above the other: the elbow is above the hand, the hand is above the elbow (they lie one on top of the other). The backs of the hands are directed upwards.
What the viewer should see:
fists from the side of the little finger.
Hips
Description:
arms bent at the elbows at an angle of 90° and pressed against the body. Elbows look strictly to the sides, shoulders are deployed.
What the viewer should see:
fists from the side of the thumb.
Double check
Description:
arms 0° and pressed against the body so that the body is completely clamped on both sides by the elbows. The forearms should not be turned to the sides, they should be directed forward into a diagonal.
What the viewer should see:
fists from the side of the little finger (fingers pointing up).
Check mark
Description:
combined position: one hand is in the “hi-vee” position, the other hand is in the “check” position.
What the viewer should see:
fist of the upper hand on the side of the thumb, fist of the lower hand on the side of the little finger.
Low check mark
Description:
combined position: one hand is in the “low-vee” position, the other hand is in the “check” position.
What the viewer should see:
fist of the upper hand from the side of the little finger, fist of the lower hand from the side of the thumb.
Cheerio
Description:
the arms from the “hi-vee” position are bent until the fists are on top of each other, while no additional movements or rotations of the hands occur.
