Helena Frye
Cheerleading is a sport that involves cheering, supporting, and hyping up the crowd at basketball games, with squads often performing at pep rallies and competitions. Basketball cheerleading is a dream for many, but it can be challenging to land a spot on a professional team. To become a basketball cheerleader, you must be at least 18 years old and proficient in multiple dance styles, including jazz and hip-hop. Auditions are highly competitive, and it is beneficial to have prior dance or cheerleading experience, although not a requirement. Those aspiring to become basketball cheerleaders should be prepared to put in the work, attend auditions, and focus on their individual dance journeys.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | Must be at least 18 years old |
| Dance Styles | Proficiency in multiple styles with a focus on jazz and hip-hop |
| Training | Many dancers have trained their whole lives, but this is not a requirement |
| Auditions | Hundreds of dancers show up to auditions for around 18 spots each season |
| Mindset | Dedication, talent, know-how, and a positive mindset are key |
| Practice | Squads practice at least 3 days a week for about 2 hours each during the summer |
| Tumbling | Tumbling skills are important, and some colleges have specific tumbling requirements |
| Stunts | Stunts and pyramids are crucial for bringing in points during competitions |
| Flexibility | Coaches evaluate flexibility through specific moves like the heel stretch and scorpion |
| Core Strength | A strong core is essential for maintaining proper lines during stunts |
| Research | It's important to research the specific requirements of the team you're interested in |
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What You'll Learn
Be at least 18 years old
To become a basketball cheerleader, you must be at least 18 years old by the start of the NBA season. While some cheerleaders have been training in dance their whole lives, others started later in life. If you are learning to dance at an older age, be prepared to put in the work to get to a professional level.
There are countless NBA dancers and NFL cheerleaders who have started dancing later in life. If you are a more beginner dancer or feel that you are too old to start, do not be discouraged. While having a background in dance is helpful, the majority of the skills needed to make the team are teachable and learnable.
If you are interested in becoming a college cheerleader, it is recommended that you visit a gymnastics gym in your area to learn cheerleading fundamentals, such as correct body positioning and tumbling skills, strengthen your core, and improve your flexibility. You can also research programs with teams that are split into JV and Varsity, as you will have a better opportunity to train and grow at the college level.
If you are interested in becoming a professional NBA dancer, it is important to remember that everyone has their own individual dance journey. Some dancers have been training their whole lives in different types of dance styles, while others started dancing later in life. Some dancers audition multiple times, while others make it on their first attempt. It is important to focus on your own dance journey and not get discouraged by someone else's.
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Have a background in dance
While it is not strictly necessary to have a background in dance to become a basketball cheerleader, it is certainly advantageous. Cheerleading, particularly at the college and professional levels, is an incredibly competitive activity that requires a diverse skill set.
Dance skills are highly prized in cheerleading. NBA cheerleading, for example, is described as focusing on "technical dance skills with some cheer and stunt components woven in". The large space of a basketball court allows for more advanced choreography, tricks, and dance moves.
Having a background in dance will help you develop the skills that are essential for cheerleading, such as body control, balance, flexibility, and strength. Dance experience will also help you learn the choreography that is so important to synchronised cheerleading performances.
If you are a more beginner dancer, do not be discouraged. There are many resources available to help you develop your dance skills to a professional level. GeNienne Samuels, a former NBA and NFL cheerleader, founded Sideline Prep, a company that helps dancers develop the skills they need to make professional sports teams. Many NBA dancers have also started dancing later in life.
It is important to remember that everyone has their own individual dance journey in becoming a cheerleader. Some dancers have been training in different styles, such as ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop, their whole lives, while others started dancing later in life. Some dancers audition multiple times, while others make it on their first attempt. Focus on your own journey and don't get discouraged by others.
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Learn cheer fundamentals
Learning cheer fundamentals is a crucial step in becoming a basketball cheerleader. Cheerleading involves a combination of dance, stunts, tumbling, and gymnastics, and mastering the fundamentals will help you build a solid foundation for more advanced skills. Here are some key areas to focus on:
Basic Stunts and Progressing to Advanced Stunts
Start by learning the basic stunts commonly used in cheerleading, such as a cupie, a prep-level one leg, and tick-tocks. As you become more comfortable, you can progress to more advanced stunts like a double-down from two legs and a double-twisting toss. Elite programs may even include skills like single-based cupies, tuck tosses, and full-twist tosses.
Tumbling Skills
Tumbling is an integral part of cheerleading, and you should aim to develop skills in this area. This includes learning how to perform various rolls, flips, and twists. Gymnasts often have an easier time transitioning into cheerleading due to their existing tumbling foundation. If you're new to tumbling, consider joining a gymnastics gym or club to develop these skills.
Body Control and Flexibility
As a cheerleader, you'll need to be aware of your body positioning and control. Focus on improving your flexibility, balance, and strength. Coaches often evaluate flexibility through specific poses like the heel stretch, bow and arrow, and scorpion. Additionally, core strength is crucial, especially for maintaining proper lines during stunts.
Dance Skills
Since basketball cheerleading involves a lot of dancing, it's essential to be proficient in multiple dance styles. Jazz and hip-hop are commonly performed on the court, but other styles like ballet, contemporary, and modern dance can also be beneficial. Practice your dance skills and work on synchronizing your moves with your teammates.
Safety Considerations
Cheerleading can be physically demanding, and it's important to prioritize safety. Ensure that you learn proper safety techniques and follow guidelines set by organizations like the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors (AACCA). This will help reduce the risk of injuries associated with stunts, pyramids, and tumbling passes.
Remember, while some people have been training in dance and cheerleading from a young age, it's never too late to start. Focus on your individual journey, be dedicated, and continue improving your skills. With practice and perseverance, you'll be well on your way to becoming a basketball cheerleader.
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Join a cheer gym
Joining a cheer gym is a great way to develop your skills and increase your chances of becoming a basketball cheerleader. Cheer gyms, also known as cheer clubs, offer structured training programs that can help you learn and perfect the necessary skills for cheerleading.
Firstly, look for a reputable cheer gym in your area that offers programs tailored to your skill level. If you're a beginner, look for a gym that provides fundamental cheerleading and tumbling classes. If you have previous experience, consider a gym with more advanced programs to refine your technique and learn more complex stunts.
When joining a cheer gym, expect to attend regular practices, typically held multiple days a week. These practices will cover various aspects of cheerleading, including stunts, pyramids, choreography, tumbling, and dance routines. The frequency and duration of practices may vary depending on the gym and the level of the team.
Cheer gyms often provide opportunities to work with experienced coaches who can guide and mentor you. These coaches will evaluate your performance, provide feedback, and help you improve your skills. They may also offer guidance on nutrition, fitness, and mental preparation, which are all essential aspects of becoming a successful basketball cheerleader.
Additionally, being part of a cheer gym allows you to connect with other athletes who share your passion. This supportive community can help boost your confidence, foster teamwork, and provide a network of like-minded individuals who can motivate and inspire you throughout your journey to becoming a basketball cheerleader.
Remember, joining a cheer gym is a great step towards achieving your goal, but it's also important to stay dedicated, open to learning, and adaptable to feedback as you work towards becoming a basketball cheerleader.
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Audition with confidence
Auditioning for a basketball cheerleading squad can be daunting, but there are several things you can do to boost your confidence and give yourself the best chance of success. Firstly, remember that everyone has their own unique journey to becoming a cheerleader. While some people have been training in dance their whole lives, others started dancing later in life and still became successful cheerleaders. Focus on your own dance journey and don't compare yourself to others.
It's also important to be prepared for your audition. Make sure you research the specific requirements of the squad you're auditioning for, as different squads may have different styles and expectations. For example, NBA cheerleading squads tend to focus on technical dance skills with some cheer and stunt components, so proficiency in multiple dance types, especially jazz and hip-hop, is often advantageous. You can also attend classes or join a club to learn and perfect the fundamental cheerleading skills, such as correct body positioning, tumbling skills, strength training, and flexibility.
Additionally, consider reaching out to the cheerleading coaches or squad members to ask any questions you may have and gain a better understanding of what they are looking for in new members. This can help you feel more confident that you are a good fit for the squad and give you specific areas to focus on during your preparation. If you know anyone who has auditioned or been a part of a cheerleading squad before, don't be afraid to ask for their advice and insights as well.
Finally, maintain a positive mindset and don't be too hard on yourself if you don't succeed on your first try. Remember that auditioning is a skill in itself, and it may take a few attempts to get used to the process. Each audition is an opportunity to learn and grow, so use any feedback you receive to improve and come back even stronger the next time.
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Frequently asked questions
You must be 18 years or older and be proficient in multiple dance types, especially jazz and hip-hop.
You need to have body control, balance, flexibility, and strength. It is also important to have a positive mindset and dedication to the role.
You can prepare by learning the fundamentals of cheerleading, such as correct body positioning and tumbling skills, strengthening your core, and improving your flexibility. You should also research the specific team you are auditioning for.
You can expect to practice at least three days a week for about two hours each during the summer. During the competition season, practices may increase to twice a day. You will also be expected to perform at games, charity events, or fundraisers.
