cheerleader

A girl - in some cases a male - who cheers on her school's athletic teams. Although this is the most popular type of cheerleader, there are also competition cheerleaders, who do not cheer for teams, but rather against other squads.

Though female cheerleaders are stereotypically known as stuck up, airheaded bimbos, this is not true in all cases. These girls would have the same personality whether they are cheerleaders or not. It just so happens that they are cheerleaders.

Male cheerleaders are usually considered "gay" which is, again, not always the case.

Though many outside of the cheerleading community consider it to be a sport for those who are not athletically inclined, in reality it is a very challenging sport. For many squads, you must have a background in tumbling (gymnastics) and must be able to do at least a back handspring.
There are many different cheers which you must remember at any given moment during a cheerleading function (whether it's a pep rally, game, etc.). You need to be able to lift girls up in the air when asked and be ready to catch them in case something goes wrong. For some squads, it's necessary to have at least a rudimentary knowledge of different types of dance, and you'll need to be able to perform in sync with the other girls on your squad.
Most squads practice 2 or more times a week, and it's a large responsiblity to show up at every practice on time or early.
Jumps are also very important for cheerleading purposes, and are also required for most squads, in order to try out. One must perfect their toe-touch (also known as a Russian), herkie, and pike, to name a few.

In addition, most cheerleading squads are responsible for painting all signs (including run-through signs, which the atheletic teams run through at the begining of the game) which are used at games. This requires at least a little bit of artistic knowledge.

There are a few different "positions" (so to say) which cheerleaders may be assigned. Some are flyers (those which are lifted up in the air in mounts, pyramids, and lifts), there are bases (the mainframe of bases and mounts), backs (they direct the lifts and help the bases), spotters (those who stand behind and/or around lifts, mounts and bases, and are there to catch the fliers in the case that something happens). There are also tumblers, who perform gymnastics.
Depending on the size of the squad, different girls may switch positions (some bases can also be used as backs, some fliers can be used as tumblers, etc.).

In conclusion, cheerleaders are very dedicated to their sport and teams. In many cases, cheerleaders create lifetime friendships because of their closeness and sense of unity through cheerleading practices, games, etc.

Kate: Are you trying out for cheerleading this year, Amy?
Amy: Definitely - I had so much fun last year, and I think I'll be able to make it onto the Varsity squad, this year.
Kate: That's good, I hope you make it! The Varsity cheerleaders are great.

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