Since its origination at the University of Minnesota in 1889
cheerleading has drastically evolved. Where once cheerleading was
considered only a hobby, it is now considered a sport and many people
choose to dedicate their lives to it. With cheerleading’s history
cheerleaders have many expectations to live up to. Cheerleading is a
sport that must stay in tune with the changes in trends and style.
From changing the music of their routine to the most popular song of
the time, and even changing their cheer wear to fit popular trends;
cheerleading changes a lot on a regular basis.
Currently appropriate cheer wear can be separated into three
categories; uniforms, shoes, and accessories. While the style of all
of these things can change from squad to squad, the same basic design
and purpose applies to all squads. Cheerleading uniforms are essential
for expressing team spirit and providing an overall consistency
throughout the entire squad. Shoes assist cheerleaders in executing
the perfect moves while providing them support and comfort. Lastly
cheerleading accessories can make or break a uniform and a
performance; they are key components to creating the perfect uniform.
Cheerleading uniforms have two different components; the top and the
bottom. For each there are many different styles that are popular and
in style. Cheer tops are commonly called shells; there is an array of
different shells available to cheer squads of any age. Shells can have
no sleeves or even sleeves that extend to the wrist. In addition
shells can show the midriff of the cheerleader or they can be designed
to cover the midriff. Often times older cheerleaders choose to wear
midriff shells while younger cheerleaders choose to wear longer
shells. The other component of cheerleading uniforms is the bottoms.
The most popular form of cheerleading bottoms are skirts, however
there are many other options as well. Many male cheerleaders choose to
wear cheer pants or cheer shorts. Additionally many female
cheerleaders choose to wear cheer pants or shorts in appropriate
situations. Regardless of the type of cheer wear that is chosen for
the cheer squad, colors and designs can be chosen to represent the
school or area the squad is from. It is common for squads to include
the initials of their school or even their schools mascot on their
uniform with the color’s of their school.
Cheer shoes are not commonly thought of as important items of cheer
wear, however they are essential to cheerleaders safety and
performance. All cheerleaders perform extensive routines that often
times require complex movements and precise accuracy. Because they are
doing all of this on their feet it is important that they have the
best support possible. Cheer shoes are designed to provide support and
comfort for the cheerleaders during their performance. Often times
they have special insertions or features that are designed
specifically for cheerleading. High arches, padded heels, and insole
supports are just a few examples of common features in cheer shoes.
Additionally many types of cheer shoes are designed to enhance
performance. Cheerleaders are often doing flips and jumps that require
them to land safely and securely on their feet. Cheer shoes often
times have enhanced grip and traction on their soles to enable
cheerleaders to perform advanced moves.
The last components of a perfect set of cheer wear are cheer
accessories. Accessories complete every cheer uniform and can even
bring excitement to a performance. There are two types of cheerleading
accessories; mandatory and non mandatory accessories. Mandatory
accessories are used routinely by all cheerleaders for performances.
The most common mandatory accessory is a pom-pon. It is unlikely that
you will ever come across a cheerleading squad that does not have
pom-pons. Other mandatory accessories include spankies, tights, and
even shoes. Many cheerleading squads also choose to utilize non
mandatory items to create a complete uniformity to their attire. Hair
ties and bows, megaphones and even cheer props are great examples of
commonly used non mandatory cheer accessories.