Cheerleaders provide school spirit, unity and support, and are often at the heart of student activity. From coming up with ideas for great new cheers to pep rally inspiration, cheerleaders have a host of responsibilities.
Seven Ideas and Tips for Cheerleaders
Ideas for Pep Rallies
Pep rallies, school spirit assemblies and senior programs are all great spirit building activities, but it can be daunting to come up with unique cheerleader ideas for these events. Humor is often popular, as are unexpected twists to standard rally activities to get the school laughing and revved up for a big game.
Sponsor a funny contest, such as who can dress like the biggest nerd or wear the craziest hat.
Put together a skit to perform in front of the school. Getting teachers or staff involved in a skit can really add to the appeal.
Pass out items at lunch or in class, such as caramels when playing a team from "Carmel" and a note that says "chew Carmel up."
Get the band involved and play and sing the school song.
Hold a dance-off between cheerleaders and teachers.
Tips for Cheer Competitions
Whether your school participates in competitions or you are part of another competitive squad, there are some differences between how a squad prepares for performance and how it prepares for a competition. Some things to keep in mind, include:
Some moves may be illegal at a competition, so review the rule book.
Everyone should look exactly the same, right down to your hairstyle and shoes.
Facial expressions are important at a competition as cheerleaders are judged on presentation. Practice in front of a mirror to perfect your cheerleader attitude.
Judges and fans will see you from a distance, so stage makeup is appropriate.
Tumbling and stunting are vital if you plan to win.
Team Building Exercises
The underlying dynamics of a cheer squad naturally change from year to year as new cheerleaders come into the program, old ones leave or graduate and new personalities arrive on the scene. Starting the season off with some basic team building exercises can help create bonds between cheerleaders and avoid some of the conflict that might otherwise occur. Try one of these to start.
Each cheerleader takes a turn free falling backwards and trusts that the girls behind her will catch her.
Form groups of four and run relays around the gym, passing the spirit stick as each person is tagged.
Throw a lock-in and have the entire squad bring sleeping bags and spend the night in the school gym (get permission from faculty or hold at someone's house).
Place a piece of tape down the middle of the room. Make statements and instruct the girls to step over the line if the statement applies to them. For example, you might say, "This is my first year cheerleading," or "I dropped a spirit stick once."
Fundraiser Ideas
Whether it's for new uniforms and equipment, to help cover transportation costs and lodging for a competition, or some other need, cheerleaders typically need fundraising ideas to ensure that all the squad's needs are covered. Ideas to raise money for cheerleading include:
Car washes
Raffles
Reverse, silent or Chinese auctions
Brochure sales
Candy-grams, balloon-grams or flower sales for holidays like Valentine's Day
Bake sales
Selling coupon or entertainment books
Spirit/team logo item sales
Cheer/dance clinics for elementary students
Kids summer or cheer camp
Baby-sitting clinic
Team logo cookbooks
Snack/candy sales
Tickets for community dinners
Rummage sales
Cheerleading Hairstyle Suggestions
The classic ponytail with ribbons is always a favorite, but cheerleaders may also want to consider other hairstyle ideas. Single or double French braids woven with ribbon, low pigtails, twin braids, corn rows or micro braids with beads in school colors, twisted buns, and several mini buns are a few ideas to try. While hair does need to be secure and out of the face for cheering, there are many styles that can be functional and still look fresh and fun. Other hair ideas include:
Half braids
Star or glitter side clips with ponytails
Hair pieces or extensions for ponytails
Secured mini twists
Tight curled updos with ribbons
Half-up ponytails
Super high ponytails
Cheer Uniform Ideas
Although a traditional shell and skirt is a popular uniform, some squads prefer to think outside the box when it comes to creating a cheerleading uniform. Your squad can also have a uniform for games and a different outfit for halftime performances or school spirit days. Whatever uniform you choose, they should all match. For example:
Cheer shorts and T-shirt
Leggings and exercise crop top
Body suit with shorts and school logo
Shimmer boy cut briefs with shimmer long-sleeved crop top
Jazz pants and long-sleeved shell top or crop top
When it comes to putting together a unique uniform, your imagination is the only limit. Even dance outfits can provide inspiration, especially for halftime performance wear.
Cheer Accessories List
The finishing touches are what give cheerleaders that polished look. There are many accessories available online and at cheer competitions. Some ideas for accessories include:
Megaphones
Shoes
Pom poms
Bows
Hairpieces
Cheer bags
Glitter make-up
Cheerleading socks
Warm-up clothing
Jackets
Brainstorm Even More Ideas
As you go through the year, you'll likely come up with new ideas and unique cheer events on your own. Brainstorm with other cheerleaders and be willing to try different things to get fans excited about the team you're cheering for. A great way to find inspiration for cheers, pep rallies and showing school spirit is to pay attention to what other cheerleaders across the nation are doing.
