What is cheerleading: the meaning and origin of the word

Dances occupy a lasting place in a person's life. They help to relax and have fun. In addition, dances are used in various commercials and videos to attract the audience. Many people like to move to music, but even more enjoy contemplating professional dancers. To date, there are many types of dances. It is worth noting that now cheerleading is gaining popularity. The meaning of the word is not known to all. Nevertheless, we often encounter it. Let's find out what the word "cheerleading" means, the history of the origin of this concept and what terms are associated with it.

Meaning of the word

People who ask the question: "What is cheerleading?" Often do not know that this word originated from the English language, because this dance direction originated in the United States. The term appeared due to a combination of two English words: cheer - approve, support and lead - manage, lead.

Many people mistakenly believe that the concept of "cheerleading", the origin of which we have discussed above, is not a simple form of dance, but a sporting trend. It combines performing dance, gymnastic elements and acrobatic stunts. As a rule, cheerleading is used to support athletes during team games, competitions and so on.

History of origin

Now that you know what cheerleading is, it will be useful to get acquainted with the history of the origin of the concept. For sure you will be surprised that this direction in sports appeared in the second half of the nineteenth century. Officially, the term "cheerleading" was registered in 1898. It is worth noting that earlier this sport was more common among men than among the representatives of the beautiful half of humanity. The fact that the first cheerleader is Jack Campbell speaks eloquently about this.

Cheerleading (the meaning of the word we discussed above) became less popular in the early twentieth century, but after the Second World War the cheerleading boom again occurred. Only at this time, for the most part, girls began to engage in it: according to statistics, more than 90% of all cheerleaders were female.

In the 60s in such large countries as the United States and Britain, cheerleading becomes an integral part of all sports competitions. This sport is beginning to be treated not as entertainment, but as a necessity, because support is the key to winning.

Over time, thanks to women, gymnastic elements were added to cheerleading. Also in 1985, a pompon was invented. Performances cheerleaders became more vivid and emotional, which contributed to the prosperity of this sport. To this day, cheerleading (which means supporting sports teams) is not losing ground.

Destinations of cheerleading

This sport is divided into two main areas:

1. Cooperation with sports teams to attract more fans, moral support to athletes, create a favorable atmosphere in the competition;
2. Competitions between teams of cheerleaders, which demonstrate the dancing, gymnastic and acrobatic skills of athletes.

Thus, cheerleading has long ceased to be just an addition to such sports as football, basketball, hockey and so on. To date, it has become an independent unit in the sports world.

International Cheerleading Federation

In the modern world, some people are still asking the question: "What is cheerleading?", Whereas today there is even an international federation for this sport. It was founded in 1998, as a result of the increased interest of the European population in the dance and gymnastic elements that are performed before matches and in between.

The International Federation of Cheerleading includes such countries as Russia, Ukraine, Sweden, Australia, Great Britain, Slovenia, Malaysia, Costa Rica, Brazil and other member countries of the European association. The world's first cheerleading championship was held in 2001 in Tokyo, Japan. Since then, the championship is held annually. Competition takes the country-winner.

Terms associated with cheerleading

Now that you know what "cheerleading" means, you will probably be interested to know what terminology is associated with this sport:

• Chir is a team number, which is built not on dances, but on acrobatic and gymnastic elements. Athletes perform various climbs, adjustments, pyramids, jumps, etc. When assessing the number of the jury evaluates, in the first place, the emotionality and synchronicity of the show.
• Chir-mix - number closely associated with the nomination of chir. The only difference is that not only women but also men participate in it.
• Chir-dance - dancing elements are welcome here, rather than acrobatics. Required use of pompoms in the formulation. It is forbidden to use chants and acrobatic elements.
• Individual cheerleading is the performance of one person from a team, usually a leader. He can perform both a gymnastic and a dance number.
• Group stand is the collective construction of a gymnastic pyramid. The group will be performed by several people from the team, most often by five people. Participants at the top of the pyramid are called flyers.
• Affiliate stand is a setting in which a man lifts a woman, and the one above does acrobatic and gymnastic elements.

These terms should be freely operated by any person who is somehow connected with cheerleading.

Costumes for cheerleading

Dresses cheerleaders - one of the main elements of the production, because it depends on how emotional the number of athletes will be. Accordingly, the costumes should be bright and colorful. The fabric can be shiny paillettes or beads. Since cheerleading is a team sport, all dancers are dressed in the same clothes. Costumes are made from elastic fabric, which fits snugly to the body and does not hinder movement.

It is worth noting that the outfit cheerleaders should not open intimate body parts or show underwear (even though suits are usually short and open).

As for shoes, it should be the same as clothes. For the convenience of dancers, you should choose sneakers or sneakers on a firm sole, preferably without laces.

Cheerleader Code

• You can not drink alcohol, take drugs or drugs for doping.
• It is forbidden to use abusive language in your speech and swear by mate.
• Cheerleader should respect his rivals, the coach, jury members and fans with respect.
• The cheerleader is forbidden to smoke, as bad habits discredit the honor of the team.

Now you not only know what cheerleading is, but you are also familiar with all the subtleties of this sport.