I just dug this up from another thread on here. I first posted it on the old boards over 6 years ago.
OK, I'll say it. "Competition" facials (for lack of a better term) are perhaps one of the worst things that were...um...'invented.' I know I've commented on this at least three times in prior message boards, but it definitely needs to be repeated. I have heard that some people want to see these types of facials (the reason for that will always alude me), but instead of just conforming to the idea of using these facials, think about WHY you are doing these facials. Who are you trying to impress?
Are you trying to impress the judges? If it is, I know I'm in VarsityJim's corner in saying that it's more of a impediment than a benefit. I can think of few things that are more annoying (or distracting) than watching cheerleaders contort their faces (
) in a variety of ways while they go through the motions of a routine. I say going through the motions because that's all those facials are...going through the motions. There is no feeling behind contrived facials ...they are just "practiced" like every other element of the routine. Real facials should not be practiced, they should come naturally when the athletes are comfortable with what they are doing and as they are having fun with their routine. One might argue that some competition judges encourage facials and I have even heard some coaches tell me this at camps and in meetings; however, I have
NEVER heard of a judge who takes a look at a natural smile from an athlete who is honestly having a great time performing and said, "Ew, she really needs to do some 'competition' facials."
Are you trying to impress the crowd at a game/pep rally/school function/parade/appearance? If this is your goal, I can almost guarantee that screwing up your face like you're suking on a lemon, blinking/winking incessantly, mouthing the vowels, doing your best impression of a bobble head doll, blowing kisses, or having a maalox moment will do nothing but get you laughed at by everyone except your best friends and family, and if you're saying that's all that matters to you, then you have lost sight of your role as a cheerleader. You cannot earn respect by representing yourself in a way that will make you a laughing stock, and you cannot represent your school well if people can't get past your contrived facials.
Overall, facials should be natural; however, that does not mean that they don't take work. Some people are great at smiling and looking like they are having fun when they perform. Others have to work hard to smile while performing. Either way, the smile should be natural (just have fun), not forced or fake.
I'm off my soapbox.
Kong
