There will be no pom poms when the Hume Dance School’s cheerleaders take to the national championships in Melbourne, instead children and teens will be showing off their honed athleticism and precision.
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Coach Ren Wyatt said the sport was growing in popularity but there were still many misconceptions with few recognising the skill and athleticism of the sport.
She said cheerleaders weren’t the supporting act to footballers but the main event themselves.
“People think it’s all pom poms but it’s the complete opposite of that,” she said.
“When people come along and see they recognise it’s gymnastics and acrobatics and stunts.
“You have to be very cardio fit and really strong, it’s a really strength based sport and very athletic.
“There’ll be no pom poms in sight.”
Ms Wyatt said the sport was quickly gaining popularity and a reputation as a serious sport.
“Absolutely it’s increasing (in popularity), it’s been recognised as an Olympic sport and we’re hoping to see it in at the 2024 Olympics,” she said.
Last December, the International Olympic Committee voted to provisionally recognize cheerleading as a potential Olympic sport.
For the three years, the Committee will provide the International Cheer Union with funding to promote the sport across the world and allow the cheer union to apply for full recognition to be a part of the summer Olympics.
About 29 Border youngster aged from eight to 17, will attend the 2017 Australian All Start Cheerleader Federation national cheer and dance championships at the Melbourne Convention Centre from November 24 to 26.
Ms Wyatt said the boys and girls would test their skill against more than 10,600 competitors from across the nation. Three separate teams from Hume Dance School - Wildfire, White Lightning and Frost – will represent the Border at Cheerleading’s major event.
The Frost team, who are aged between seven and eleven, are undefeated going into the national championship.
Throughout the year, Hume Dance School Storm cheerleaders have competed against big name teams from gyms in Melbourne.
Ms Wyatt said it was the fourth year Hume Dance School cheerleaders had competed in the national championship.
She said students had been preparing all year, with the event known as the pinnacle of the Australian cheerleading calendar.
“It’s a huge competition,” she said.
“Teams compete from all over Australia from Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia – it’s a huge competition against the best of the best across the nation.
“The teams are over the moon, they have all worked very hard.”
The Federation said the cheerleading and dance event was an exciting and social occasion combining sports and theatre which showcase superior technical athleticism and creativity through cheerleading performances.