LESSON 5- CHEER DANCING: NATURE AND
BACKGROUND
Dancing
- is part of human culture.
- It is performed during celebrations or rituals.
- is a form of recreation and a way to express oneself.
“Cheerleading is an art and a sport that develops a
person's coordination, balance, and flexibility. It
requires precise movements with inclusion of
gymnastics skills such as split, stunts, and jumps
 Cheerleading continues to grow throughout the
years because of its Popularity.
 People of both sexes and of all ages participate
in this sport.
 cheerleaders develop not only lifetime fitness
but also teach life values.
Differences and Similarities between Cheerleading and
Cheer dancing:
Cheerleading
- requires precise movements; stunts and gymnastics
skills.
- It is an art and a sport with a combination of dynamic
movements.
Cheer dancing
- is where cheerleaders dance that has chants;
- and provides popular music to make the presentation
more exciting and fun
Cheerleading and Cheer dancing:
 Both allow any person, regardless of gender, to
participate.
 Both require the participants to be physically fit
and well-groomed.
 Both feature performers clad in tight-fitting
uniforms.
 Both demand that the participant learn the
basics of cheerleading, including the ability to
clap, chant, jump, kick, stunt, and tumble.
Some of the Motions Used in Cheerleading
Split
- is a position in which the legs form an angle of 180
degrees and are stretched and extended in opposite
directions.
The following are the two forms of Split:
A. Front splits
- One leg Is extended in front and the other leg it is at
the rear of the torso
B. Side split
- Legs are extended to the left and right torso. A This is
commonly called straddle splits.
JUMP
To improve jumps, do these:
A. Do some stretching before and after the jumps
Make sure to execute jumps on a soft surface and wear
appropriate shoes to avoid knee injuries.
The following are examples of stretching exercises:
1. Sitting Straddle - Sit on the floor forming a ‘V' shape
with the legs. Lean forward and reach the legs without
bending the knees.
2. Sitting Pike - Sit on the floor placing both legs in
front. Grab your feet and feel the stretch in your
hamstring muscles. Put your head on your knees for 10
seconds and sit up again.
3. Butterfly Sit - Sit on the floor and close the legs
pointing outward with the soles together. Lean forward,
making your face near the feet. Do this for 10 seconds
and sit up again.
B. Identify the types of jumps
1. Toe-touch - Arms out straight to both sides and
hands are in fists, legs coming up into 3 full straddles,
toes pointed, and back straight.
2. Pike - Arms are straight forward and hands are in
fists, legs straight out, and knees are locked.
3. Herkie left - Arms are opposite of the positions of the
legs; the right leg is bent flat and the left leg straight in a
half straddle position