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.