Name: Aliezel kett G.
Sayson Year/Program:BSED- English 3
Origin and History of Cheerdance
Cheerdance, commonly known as cheerleading, originated in the United States. In the late 19th
century. It was a way to encourage school spirit and support athletic teams, primarily American
football.
Origins (Late 1800s - Early 1900s)
●The first recorded instance of organized cheerleading occurred in 1898 at the University of
Minnesota, when a student named Johnny Campbell led a crowd in a synchronized cheer. This
event is considered the birth of cheerleading.
●Originally, cheerleading was a male-dominated activity, with men leading chants and cheers to
boost team morale.
Evolution (1920s - 1950s)
●In the 1920s, women started participating in cheerleading, and by the 1940s,they became the
majority due to men leaving for World War II.
●During this time, cheerleading expanded beyond simple chants to include gymnastics, stunts,
and dance moves, making it more dynamic.
●In 1948, Lawrence "Herkie" Herkimer founded the first cheerleading camp, which helped
standardize cheer techniques and created the "Herkie jump",one of the most iconic
cheerleading moves.
The Rise of Cheerdance (1970s - Present)
●By the1970s, cheerleading had evolved into what is now known as cheerdance, which
combined traditional cheerleading with elements of jazz,hip-hop, and contemporary dance
.
●The introduction of competitive cheerleading in the 1980s and 1990s further popularized the
sport, leading to the creation of organizations like the Universal Cheerleaders Association
(UCA)andInternational Cheer Union (ICU)
Essentials of a Cheerdance
Starting Positions
These are the foundational postures that set the tone and readiness for the routine.
● Beginning Stance
○ Description: Feet together, arms straight down at the sides, hands in
blade position.
○ Purpose: Used at the start and end of routines for clean transitions and
discipline.
● Cheer Stance
○ Description: Feet shoulder-width apart, arms at the sides, slightly bent
and ready.
○ Purpose: A neutral "ready" position to quickly launch into motions or
jumps.
Arm & Hand Movements
Arm motions are central to cheerleading; they create strong visual effects and
help keep rhythm.
● Clasp & Clap
○ Clasp: Hands held together at the chin used in quiet parts or to transition.
○ Clap: A sharp clap, usually overhead or in front of the chest to emphasize
beats.
● High V & Low V
○ High V: Arms extended diagonally upward in a “V” shape, fists tight.
○ Low V: Same as High V but pointing downward.
○ Purpose: Strong visual lines that highlight height and openness.
● Touchdown & Low Touchdown
○ Touchdown: Arms extended straight above the head.
○ Low Touchdown: Arms straight down, close to the body.
○ Purpose: Common in motion sequences and pyramid stunts.
● T & Half T
○ T: Arms stretched straight out to the sides, creating a “T” shape.
○ Half T: Elbows bent at 90 degrees, fists at shoulder height.
○ Purpose: Used for sharp transitions and strong emphasis in chants.
● Other Motions (Punch, L, Diagonal, Tabletop):
○ Punch: One arm straight up, the other on the hip.
○ L: One arm up, one out to the side—forms an “L” shape.
○ Diagonal: One arm high, one low, forming a diagonal line.
○ Tabletop: Elbows bent forward, fists parallel to the ground.
Leg & Foot Positions
Proper lower body technique supports balance, strength, and elevation.
● Feet Together / Feet Apart:
○ Used to mark beginning or transitional positions.
● Dig (Front and Side):
○ Front Dig: One foot pointed forward, heel lifted.
○ Side Dig: One foot pointed to the side.
○ Purpose: Used in prepping for jumps, turns, or stylized motions.
● Lunge (Front and Side):
○ Front Lunge: Front leg bent, back leg straight.
○ Side Lunge: Weight shifted to bent leg, other extended to the side.
○ Purpose: Adds dynamic power and directional motion.
● Stunt Poses (Hitch, Liberty, Scale):
○ Hitch: One leg bent with foot placed beside the knee of the supporting
leg.
○ Liberty: Balancing on one leg with the other bent and lifted.
○ Scale: Standing on one leg while extending the other behind or to the
side, held by the hand.
○ Purpose: Key poses for flyers in pyramid stunts.
Dance Techniques
Cheerdance incorporates techniques from other dance forms to add style and variety.
● Ballet-Based Techniques:
○ Tendu: Sliding one foot out with toes pointed.
○ Plie: Bending the knees, often in preparation for jumps.
○ Releve: Rising onto the balls of the feet for height and control.
○ Pique: A quick turn or step onto a straight leg.
○ Battement: A high kick or sharp leg extension.
● Jazz & Hip-Hop Techniques:
○ Toprock: A footwork step commonly seen in hip-hop.
○ Chaine Turn: A series of rapid turns in a straight line.
○ Chasse: A gliding step (step-together-step).
○ Pirouette: A full turn on one leg with the other in passé position.
Cheering Elements
The vocal and expressive side of cheer that builds energy and crowd involvement.
● Yells & Chants
○ Short, punchy phrases with rhythm to engage the audience.
○ Usually accompanied by strong arm motions and claps.
● Facial Expressions
○ Bright smiles, wide eyes, and expressive looks enhance energy.
○ Eye contact and enthusiasm create a connection with the crowd and
judges.
