Believe it or not, but cheerleaders were originally all male. Of course that was way back 150 years ago when the whole thing started. The idea was always the same. They wanted to make their team's support more voluble so they encouraged them to shout and yell in unison by making up slogans. This was much more effective than one person shouting for one player and another yelling something else. To start with there would be just one or two students at each match but gradually the idea grew and became an integral part of baseball, football, basketball and indeed any American sport. That is when cheerleading uniforms were introduced for girls.
Once the girls took over when the boys had to go to war, things started to change. The music and attitudes of the 1920s probably had a lot to do with it. Girls were determined to be seen and heard and get their vote, so the sport was another outlet for them to show they were as good if not better than their male counterparts. Now it is considered a sport in its own right and a growth industry too.
Not surprisingly, perhaps, there are now competitions at national level and there are squads which exist only to compete and are not attached to any team or College. And with the huge growth in the popularity of cheerleading all over the world from Japan and Canada to Australia, international competition has inevitably followed. The Cheerleaders World Championship was last held in 2014 in Hong Kong.
The main base however remains however in American schools and colleges where each season girls vie to be on the squad. It is almost as cutthroat as becoming President. Then it is a case of non-stop practice and the choosing and fitting of uniforms prior to the debut at the commencement of the appropriate season.
First thing is to decide the style of uniform if this is a new squad or a change is dictated possibly because earlier outfits were considered too revealing. Very short skirts and exposed midriffs are fine for university but maybe not for school girls. If they are to perform all year round, the weather must also be taken into consideration. Then the all important color or color combination has to be decided.
Not all the performers will be the same size or a standard size but the uniforms must fit comfortably. It is also wise to draw their attention to what is worn under the uniform. No girl can complete her routine if she is forever tugging at some part of her costume which is too tight, too loose or just uncomfortable. They must wear good quality sports bras which are designed for gymnastic activity. All their underwear should be close fitting but not tight.
Cheerleading shoes are generally white with the proviso to add team color flashes. Again it is of paramount importance that shoes fit comfortably and are not going to cut or pinch. Ideally they should be worn during practice so that any problems can be rectified before the first performance. Lightweight shoes with good support are available but maybe a little expensive.
Cheerleading uniforms are not complete without pompoms. Where there are still co-ed squads the guys must have their megaphones too. What a marvelous gift America has given to the world.
Once the girls took over when the boys had to go to war, things started to change. The music and attitudes of the 1920s probably had a lot to do with it. Girls were determined to be seen and heard and get their vote, so the sport was another outlet for them to show they were as good if not better than their male counterparts. Now it is considered a sport in its own right and a growth industry too.
Not surprisingly, perhaps, there are now competitions at national level and there are squads which exist only to compete and are not attached to any team or College. And with the huge growth in the popularity of cheerleading all over the world from Japan and Canada to Australia, international competition has inevitably followed. The Cheerleaders World Championship was last held in 2014 in Hong Kong.
The main base however remains however in American schools and colleges where each season girls vie to be on the squad. It is almost as cutthroat as becoming President. Then it is a case of non-stop practice and the choosing and fitting of uniforms prior to the debut at the commencement of the appropriate season.
First thing is to decide the style of uniform if this is a new squad or a change is dictated possibly because earlier outfits were considered too revealing. Very short skirts and exposed midriffs are fine for university but maybe not for school girls. If they are to perform all year round, the weather must also be taken into consideration. Then the all important color or color combination has to be decided.
Not all the performers will be the same size or a standard size but the uniforms must fit comfortably. It is also wise to draw their attention to what is worn under the uniform. No girl can complete her routine if she is forever tugging at some part of her costume which is too tight, too loose or just uncomfortable. They must wear good quality sports bras which are designed for gymnastic activity. All their underwear should be close fitting but not tight.
Cheerleading shoes are generally white with the proviso to add team color flashes. Again it is of paramount importance that shoes fit comfortably and are not going to cut or pinch. Ideally they should be worn during practice so that any problems can be rectified before the first performance. Lightweight shoes with good support are available but maybe a little expensive.
Cheerleading uniforms are not complete without pompoms. Where there are still co-ed squads the guys must have their megaphones too. What a marvelous gift America has given to the world.