If you’ve watched "Bring it On" more than once, admire the way Marissa inspires the OC as Social Chair, or if you’ve ever wondered how you’d look as a blond, you have a few untapped dreams we need to talk about – like, the cheerleading squad!

Did you not just see yourself in a cute little skirt, inspiring a stadium of fans, cheering your team on to victory? Then stop dreaming, girl, and start doing!

"But how?" you ask. "I could never be a cheerleader – I’m uncoordinated, not that pretty... besides, those girls don’t even like me!"

They will! Just take a crash course in the following and get ready to make the squad!

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Learn From the Current Cheerleading Squad

  Merriam-Webster defines a squad as "a small group engaged in a common effort or occupation." It’s important to study the people that make up this group you plan to be a part of.

• Train for the Team – Mentally and Physically

  Stop for a moment and take a look at Sarah Jessica Parker, one of the most successful, stylish women around. Is she pretty? Not traditionally! But that girl works hard and believes in herself and her talent... so we believe it, too!

• Develop an Image for Success

  Have you noticed how the contestants on American Idol blossom into polished performers? That’s not coincidence, that’s coiffing! It works for them and it’s gonna work for you!

Learn from the Current Cheerleading Squad

If you worked for a corporation, you would wear a suit everyday. If you were an intern at a hospital, you’d be walking around in scrubs. If you were on the cheerleading squad, you would... "Wear a cheerleading outfit?" YES! But not until you make the team. For now, simply study this group you plan to be a part of.

Pick a Secret Guru

• Choose someone you admire who’s already on the team – this person will be your Secret Guru.

  • Watch how she does her hair. Learn from it.
  • Watch how she dresses. Copy it.
  • Watch how she talks. You got it!

Pick a Not-So-Secret Guru

Choose someone you admire who’s already on the team – preferably the nicest one. This person will be your Not-So-Secret Guru.

• Ask her about the squad. What’s it like? What are the try-outs like? What made her want to be a cheerleader?
• Yes, this person can be older than you. If you plan to come in as a freshman, there’s nothing better than picking an older guru to talk to.
• Flattery will get you everywhere. If she asks if you’re planning to try out, tell her the truth but don’t dwell on it. You’re interested in her experience.

Pick up a Copy of the Game

Now that you’ve learned by watching, learn by doing!

• Get your hands on a copy of last year’s game.
• Just like Pilates, learn the routine and practice in front of your television.
• Notice a move you’re not that good at? Work until you get it right.

Train for the Team

Consider Sarah Jessica Parker. A performer since she was little, Sarah Jessica Parker did not have a hit series handed to her. She earned it with years of hard work and persistence. It’s that kind of dedication that will get you your place on the squad.

Fake It ‘Til You Make It

Performers don’t stop performing when the lights go down! If you are a cheerleader, you are a cheerleader from the moment you wake up until the moment you go to sleep. Use what you’ve learned from your Secret Guru and...

• Dress like a cheerleader.
• Talk like a cheerleader.
• Smile at people in the hallways like a cheerleader.

When it comes time to try-out, people will say, "For some reason, she already seemed like a cheerleader to me!"

Vocal Preparation

Hollywood acting and vocal coach Wayne Dvorak insists that "building up your stomach muscles helps support the diaphragm, making it possible for talent to use the voice without strain."

Cheerleaders do just that – lead cheers.

• Do sit-ups to build up your stomach muscles.
• Practice cheers while pushing your stomach in with your hand.
• Now try cheering without your diaphragm. Ouch! Shouting from your throat is bad for you and painful on your audience’s ears. Learn to do it right!

Body Training

Cheerleading is a sport. You need to be flexible, strong, and coordinated in order to do your best!

• Take a dance class. Ballet is best for coordination.
• Pop in a yoga video – perfect for flexibility.
• Gymnastics is a huge part of cheerleading – take a class or learn the basics on your own. (Safety tip – always use a spot).

And before you diet, consider getting in shape instead. A thirty minute jog will keep you toned, healthy, and ready to compete.

Develop an Image for Success

Watch American Idol and learn from the contestants. Those kids are fighting for their dream with everything they’ve got. If you do the same, you’ll always come out a winner!

Mental Preparation

Do you think American Idol contestants get onstage without so much as a pep talk? No way! Same goes for you.

• Practice your cheers and routines until you can do them in your sleep.
Speak in positives. "I can’t wait to be on the squad!" or "When I’m on the cheerleading squad..."
• Develop a daydream where you ace the try-out. Replay it over and over until you’re ready to live it!

Grooming

You’ve learned from your Secret Guru, know what the look is for the cheerleaders, and are doing what you can to achieve it. But have you gone that extra mile? Those kids on American Idol have someone coaching them through their grooming – pay attention to these little but important details on your own.

• Only leave the house looking your best.
• Invest in a manicure, self-tanner, or teeth whitening. Learn what looks best on you.
• Make your hair your best feature. Short or long, find the right products to keep it shiny and smooth.

Sometimes life isn’t fair and even if you did everything right, you may not make the squad – this time! If that happens...

• Persist. Work even harder to make it next year.
• Attend the games and cheer for the squad.
• Volunteer for fundraising activities.

Make yourself indispensable and the cheerleading squad will have no choice but to realize how dedicated you are. One day it will pay off. After all, Clay Aiken came in second to, ah, Reuben who?

You Can Do It!

Good luck. You’re on your way to inspiring a stadium full of fans! With hard work and enthusiasm, anything is possible. I’m rooting for you!