Part of what makes shopping for cheerleading uniforms so unique – especially today with the Internet on our side – is the fact that every year is something different. Cheerleaders face different circumstances every time they get out on that field or that competition stage. They may have just joined a new team that requires them to don completely different cheerleading apparel than they were previously wearing. Or the squad of which they have been a member for some time may be exploring some new styles that go along with a change in team color or logo. Whatever the changes that the cheerleader sees on a year to year basis, it is imperative that they are working with a cheerleading apparel vendor that can respond to the ever-changing needs of a growing squad.

What this really means is that the best cheerleading apparel vendors are ready and able to provide for whatever material needs are faced by their customers. So if the squad is in need of new skirts, new tops, or new cheerleading shoes, the vendor is easily able to fulfill that order with high quality products and affordable prices.

But such vendors should also be able to fulfill the need for comprehensive cheerleading uniforms – from top to bottom – through special packages that offer a full range of products at different price points. For instance, some standard packages available for cheerleading uniforms through reputable cheerleading apparel vendors may include:

• A basic package that includes a cheerleading skirt and shell top for one set price.

• A higher level package that, in addition to the skirt and top, includes a pair of briefs and socks for a slightly higher price.

• A comprehensive package that includes the skirt, top, brief, socks, cheerleading pom poms, and even additional accessories.

Cheerleading apparel vendors should be able to cover the gamut of what the modern cheerleading squad wants and needs on a year to year – and season to season – basis; without taking an eye off of quality and competitive pricing.

Popularity: 51% [?]

There are many things with which cheerleading squads must be concerned as we discussed in the last post; obviously their routines and stunting must be on point, as must their ability to perform cohesively as a unit. This cohesiveness, however, goes beyond performing well as it is also important that a cheerleading squad look their best on their field of play.

Luckily, online resources allow cheerleading squads to seek out the cheerleading apparel that will work the best for them on a number of different levels. Well chosen cheerleading uniforms look great in terms of branding a cheerleading squad; but they also do much to inspire a crowd. The following cheerleading apparel are sought out to pull the look of a cheerleading squad together:

*Cheerleading uniforms. The many components of cheerleading uniforms – skirts, tops, shorts, and the like – are chosen in school or team colors and are dependent upon a team’s overall style.

*Body basics. These may not inspire a crowd in terms of being seen but the body basics as a part of cheerleading apparel – including safe and stylish cheerleading shoes - help cheerleaders to perform comfortable and safe routines; all the better for elevating their overall performance and working to energize a crowd.

*Cheerleading pom poms. These simple pieces of cheerleading apparel are what are most often associated with cheerleaders and their performance. Cheerleading pom poms can work a crowd into an appropriate frenzy, punctuate cheers, and include the audience in the act of cheering on their team. Cheerleading pom poms are also used within cheerleading competition – as a fun and colorful piece of cheerleading apparel.

*Other cheerleading apparel. Everything from fun outerwear that identifies a team to megaphones can be found online and used to add to the overall look and performance of a cheerleading squad.

Popularity: 58% [?]

In the last post we talked about competition among cheerleading squads and how those squads that are given the opportunity to compete on a regional or national level must prepare diligently. Knowledge is key to preparation; in this case cheerleading squads would do well to understand in advance the criteria on which they will be judged during competition. Every competition differs according to level and a number of other factors but there are certain criteria that you can expect to see across the board in competition including a look at the stunts performed during the performance and the safety measures that are taken during the performance. Additionally, some of the other criteria include:

* Dance. Part of cheering is dancing; judges in competition look for well choreographed and executed dance routines that are in done in sync; uniformity, creativity, and skill level are all judged accordingly.

* Cheerleading uniforms. Part of being a cohesive team in competition is looking like a cohesive team in competition. To this end, having high-quality cheerleading uniforms and other cheerleading apparel that are in line with team colors and style is crucial for success. Remember that you are judged in all areas of competition and while your cheerleading uniforms may not receive a number score they surely make a significant impression on the judges.

* Timing. Cheerleading squads in competition are given time guidelines within which they should give their performance. It is important that every part of the routine – cheer, dance, and stunting – fall within this guideline. Going over in time will reflect badly on the squad.

* Cheering. Of course, the most important component for any cheerleading squad is their ability to perform high-spirited, motivating cheers that bring excitement to the room. Whether it’s with the use of their cheerleading pom poms or cheers done without the use of any props, cheers will ultimately set a great squad apart from their competition.

Popularity: 46% [?]

When most people think of cheerleaders they undoubtedly think of the squad of uniformed team members that stand on the side line of the big game, cheering between plays and then performing their full routine – complete with dance and stunting – during halftime. And cheerleaders may fit this definition in many cases. But there is another level to cheerleading that many people forget; and that is competition.

Cheerleading squads – either school teams or those teams that are formed through various cheerleading organizations for competition purposes only – enter into competition to go up against other teams of similar skill levels. This is where the athletic prowess of a cheerleading squad really shines as they have the opportunity to showcase their skills. Competitive squads will practice rigorously to perfect their routines including dance, stunting, and cheers. Elements that each cheerleading squad are judged on are different from competition to competition so it makes sense for the squad to find out ahead of time what they will be judged on once they get there. Everything after that is preparation.

Some of the common things that will be looked at in competition include:

* Stunting. People who think that cheerleaders do nothing except wave their cheerleading pom poms around and chant some cheers do not understand the nature of competitive cheerleading. Cheerleaders on this level are competitive athletes and skilled gymnasts. Stunting is a part of competitive cheerleading and judges look for well implemented stunts that are integrated into the overall routine. They will often judge a squad on the difficulty level of the stunts they perform during competition.

* Safety. Cheerleading – like any sport – can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. Competition judges look to make sure that any routines are done within safety guidelines – including spotting stunters - and that proper cheerleading apparel is used to facilitate safe routines including solid cheerleading shoes that help protect cheerleaders from injuries.

In the next post, we’ll continue to talk about some of the crucial elements that are judged in cheerleading competitions and what squads can do to prepare.

Popularity: 69% [?]

When organized cheerleading first came to this country in the late 1800s, it was unimaginable that it would become the American touchstone and measure of athleticism that it is today. Our first cheerleaders were men and they carried out their duties with far less accoutrement and fanfare that is par for the course today. Women joined the ranks of cheerleaders in the 1920s and each year that went by brought new cheerleading apparel on the scene – from cheerleading uniforms to cheerleading pom poms.

Cheerleading pom poms, for example, were first made from paper; a decidedly haphazard prop that was used to lead crowds through simple cheers and chants. By the mid 1950s, however, cheerleading pom poms had become so a part of the overall cheerleading experience that they began to be produced from vinyl and manufactured on a larger scale.

Today, of course, cheerleading pom poms are the quintessential cheerleading accessory; something that is as much a part of the cheerleading repertoire as the cheers themselves. Modern cheerleading pom poms can be purchased in any array of colors to coincide with school colors and the cheerleading uniforms being worn by the squad.

True cheerleading uniforms as we know them today didn’t really arrive on the scene until the 1950s as cheerleading pom poms and other cheerleading apparel began to gain in popularity. Today, cheerleading uniforms are the cutting edge of high quality clothing merchandise. The fact of the matter is that today’s cheerleaders are very different from those cheerleaders so long ago. Those who cheer on today’s cheerleading squads are dedicated athletes that are adept at all forms of gymnastics and dance. And as cheerleading has evolved into a competitive sport, the cheerleading uniforms, cheerleading shoes, and cheerleading apparel has adapted to offer cheerleaders comfortable pieces that showcase their style as well as their athleticism.

Popularity: 42% [?]

Prices have risen on just about every conceivable product these days; from fuel to food, we are all seeing an increase in costs. What does this say about our ability to still get high quality if we can’t afford the basics? Fortunately some products that have had a reputation for preserving quality are able to keep that quality consistent even through the inflation of prices.

Consider cheerleading uniforms – something that every cheerleading squad is in need of through the years. Cheerleading uniforms are an essential part of the team dynamic but they are not purchased by the school itself. Instead cheerleading uniforms and other cheerleading apparel are purchased by the squad members. In order to come up with this money the squad will hold fundraising events; the remainder of the money comes out of pocket.

What this means, of course, is that cheerleading squads must be very careful in terms of the companies that they work with and the cheerleading uniforms that they choose. Through some of the more reputable companies, cheerleading squads can find an extensive selection of high quality cheerleading uniforms and other cheerleading apparel at great prices. Better yet, those companies that are able to offer their cheer uniforms and other products – such as cheerleading shoes, cheerleading pom poms, and so forth – through their website are often able to provide even deeper discounts because they do not have overhead with which to be concerned.

Making sure that your squad finds cheerleading uniforms at affordable prices does not mean sacrificing quality. After all, cheerleading uniforms are what identify you as a team; they represent the squad and the school itself. All cheerleading uniforms and related cheerleading apparel should be of the highest quality without breaking the bank – something that can be found through exceptional online suppliers.

Popularity: 47% [?]

In the last post, we talked about how cheerleading squads are most noticed for their performance – which of course should be the case. And how cheerleading uniforms – while they may be largely noticed for their ability to pull a team together – are an essential part of a team’s overall performance. Cheerleading uniforms must serve a number of functions for a team. They have to look great and they have to perform well in terms of comfort and their ability to move. And cheerleading uniforms ultimately serve as branding for a team – people should be able to identify a team by their colors and their cheerleading uniforms.

As previously discussed, the best cheerleading uniforms are built one piece at a time. Without any one of them, the effectiveness of the entire presentation is certainly compromised. They include:

* Body Basics. This may include briefs, sports bras, and bodysuits that are designed to keep the body warm during those cold days.

* Cheerleading uniforms. This is the part of the outfit that everyone will see during the performance and they are therefore the most crucial piece of the puzzle. Obviously cheer uniforms need to look fantastic. But they also have to be comfortable and hold up under a variety of conditions.

* Outerwear. Traveling to and from a game may require a cheerleading team to go sans cheerleading uniforms. But this doesn’t mean they should look any less of a cohesive team. Cheerleading warm-up outfits are designed to be comfortable, look great, and allow teams to travel and warm-up in style.

* Cheerleading Shoes. These are a significant part of cheerleading uniforms as they offer the foundation from which cheerleaders can perform their stunts and routines. Look for suppliers that have high end, superior quality cheerleading shoes.

* Cheerleading apparel. Anything you can think of to go along with cheerleading uniforms can be found through online suppliers including shorts, shirts, and skirts for hanging out, cheerleading pom poms, accessories, and even bags.

Popularity: 69% [?]

As cheerleading tryouts come closer it’s only natural to feel some nerves setting in. When your tryout does finally come, you’re going to have to trust your training and skills to get you through. In the meantime though, take the time to adequately prepare and you can increase your chances of earning those cheerleading pom poms.

Always talk to current cheerleaders on the squad and those who have tried out in the past. They have been in your shoes before and know how tryouts run. Learning some of the simplest details, like exactly where they’re held or in what order they run can take a lot of unnecessary stress off the mind. More importantly though, know what types of moves and cheers you will need to perform during the tryouts. This information should be available from the cheer coach or captain.

Show up with the proper gear. Showing up with the right apparel for the job is important to being taken seriously and performing well. If you don’t have cheerleading apparel sitting around already, pick up a few of the essentials like cheer shorts and cheerleading shoes. Looking like you are supposed to be there won’t get you on the squad automatically, but it can’t hurt. A quick word of warning though, some schools have dress codes for their cheer tryouts, so make sure to check you are dressed according to the guidelines.

Prepare beforehand by stretching out and warming up. It’s hard to perform at your highest level if you don’t prepare physically beforehand. Don’t ever go out and perform stunts without stretching; it’s dangerous and can cause mistakes and injuries.

Most importantly, get excited for your tryout! Go into it with a glowing spirit that will win over the coaches and the other squad members. Half of cheerleading is attitude after all; score major points by coming in with the right one!

Popularity: 65% [?]

The closing ceremonies have ushered out yet another Olympics, but the spirit will remain in athletes all over the world. It is called the Olympic Effect - reminding people around the world what hard work and dedication to a sport will garner and reigniting the fire in many people to pursue those sports about which they are passionate. After having been inspired by the amazing accomplishments of the Olympic athletes in China, many people are going to want to get out and challenge themselves physically in a sport or activity that they truly love.

Ever think about getting a workout in some cheerleading uniforms?

For those who are still in school, trying out for the cheerleading squad can be a great way to experience competition first hand, while encouraging school spirit and participation.

So you’re interested but where do you begin?

Follow the cheerleading uniforms around school. Well, the people wearing them at least. The best way to start out is by talking to a current cheerleader or cheerleading coach at your school. Ask them what the sport is all about.

Do you have what it takes to make the squad?

At most schools, cheerleading tryouts are open for anyone who wants to go out for it. A dance or gymnastics background is helpful when competing for a spot on a squad, but the real determinant is how competitive the squad is and what types of events and competitions it participates in.

How difficult is cheerleading?

Cheerleading is as great a workout as any other competitive sport. Contrary to some stereotypes, there is a lot more to the sport than simply holding cheerleading pom poms and shouting. Cheerleading is a fast paced and physical activity. With complicated stunting and gymnastic maneuvers executed by some squads, it’s a sport that can require a lot of physicality and training.

If this information sounds intriguing to you, take the time to find out what cheerleading is all about and you too can feed your competitive spirit.

Popularity: 51% [?]

Cheerleading to be an Olympic sport? No, unfortunately the world won’t be debuting their country’s cheer uniforms just yet. Cheerleading will have to wait at least another four year to make its Olympic sporting debut. That’s not to say there won’t be cheerleaders in attendance this year though. A large number of cheerleaders will be out supporting the Olympians from around the world in their quest for gold.

For this year’s summer Olympics in China, the Chinese government has created an Olympic cheer squad comprised of 600 members selected from competitions and school squads around the country. These 600 get the honor of being official Olympic cheerleaders.

The 600-member squad has been trained by none other than the New England Patriots cheerleading squad. The Patriots cheerleaders are an NFL squad of the highest caliber. But don’t expect to see any of those New England cheerleading uniforms out at the events; the Patriots cheerleaders are only in town to train the Olympic squad.

The Patriots cheerleaders have been working with the Chinese squad members to learn various routines and dance moves. As a part of the training, the Olympic squad members are getting a course in cheer spirit, reminding them to keep a positive attitude and to keep a smile on their faces. These American cheerleaders hope to communicate the true nature of the sport and the positive sportsmanship that it facilitates.

This Olympic squad is yet another example of cheerleading’s growing significance in the world both as a sport in its own right and its role of energizing crowds at other sporting events. Even halfway around the world, sporting organizers knew they had a need for a well-trained cheer squad to get fans excited.

Turn on your TV now to see the Olympic cheerleading squad raise their cheerleading pom poms in the air during various events throughout the games.

Popularity: 76% [?]