All-Stars Rant...Skimpy Uniforms, Inappropriate Dances, and Front Spots

[ucaCHEERalum]

I tried to explain the difference between Allstars and Cheerleading to someone the other day and this is the analogy that I came up with (follow me on this one):  Allstar Cheerleading is to REAL Cheerleading as Professional Wrestling is to REAL Wrestling. (The kind of wrestling that you would see in collegiate & highschool gymnasiums)

I came to this conclusion after some careful pondering:  1.) Allstar Cheerleaders aren't really "Cheerleaders" - they are performers/entertainers as has been admitted in this very thread, 2.) There is plenty of athleticism needed to "perform", and 3.) participants often where sequins, skimpy oufits, outrageous makeup, and even make faces at the crowd to get a reaction.  Who knew that the two were so similar.

So now that you know where I stand...you can guess the kind of chuckle I got when I read that "Allstars have MADE high school cheerleaders 'up their game'", especially since the two are NEVER in direct competition with each other.

You have to really stretch to come up with reasons that Allstars has MADE highschools more competitive.

One possible scenario:

Now, I'll give you that Allstars has increased the number of highschool age kids with some kind of "cheerleading" skill.  More highschoolers with "cheerleading" skills may equal a larger pool of kids that might think of trying out for their highschool squads.  An increased number of kids trying out (with a limited roster) could lead a coach to require higher levels of skill to narrow down their field.

A more likely reason for high school's "upping their game" is an increased level of competition at the state level.  I know that in states that have recently made cheerleading a sport that the level of competition has grown quite a bit...it also helps that there is a state championship up for grabs.

Its more likely that highschools have "upped their game" by choice - not out of necessity - because they want the best cheerleaders on their squads (for obvious reasons).  I for one think its kind of ironic that in every other sport "Allstars" are supposed to be the best of the best - but in most Allstar Cheerleading programs you need only be willing to pay a fee and show up for practice.

I still agree with AceDad that that we need a new name for Allstar cheerleaders...but will never agree that Allstars has forced school cheerleading to do anything but try to distance itself from Allstars.

[coachamie]

I still agree with AceDad that that we need a new name for Allstar cheerleaders

It kind of already has its own name though. I don't know many people who don't just call it allstars.

[ucaCHEERalum]

It kind of already has its own name though. I don't know many people who don't just call it allstars.

You're right...most of us rah rahs already just refer to it as allstars.  But we've been talking about the misconception that non-cheer folks have about allstars and cheerleading being the same thing. 

Which they aren't.

[ACEDAD]

It kind of already has its own name though. I don't know many people who don't just call it allstars.

You're right...most of us rah rahs already just refer to it as allstars.  But we've been talking about the misconception that non-cheer folks have about allstars and cheerleading being the same thing. 

Which they aren't.

And for which we are both happy.  But I don't think for the same reason!

 

[pouncer the panther]

i agree! it is so sad i saw 8 year olds dancing to lovegame by lady gaga which in the lyrics say "i wanna take a ride on your disco stick" they were doing the most provocative things ever!

[ACEDAD]

i agree! it is so sad i saw 8 year olds dancing to lovegame by lady gaga which in the lyrics say "i wanna take a ride on your disco stick" they were doing the most provocative things ever!

Just like all school cheerleaders don't live up to the standards you would like, not all All Stars live up to the standards I would like.

Also, remember that if we could only use songs that are G rated through the whole song, all teams would likely be dancing to choices from the local Hymnal.

[ucaCHEERalum]

Just like all school cheerleaders don't live up to the standards you would like, not all All Stars live up to the standards I would like.

Agreed.  Ditto.  Yeah, what that guy said.

Both institutions have some folks that could use work.

[dccheergrl15]

I am extremely late on this but on the original topic, short skirts aren't terrible.  I mean if you want us to wear knee length skirts so when we do jumps we can't do them correctly than okay.  Let's get those knee length skirts.  But they should be where you're seeing your bloomers either(just saying my brother would murder me if I ever thought about wearing a skirt that short).  Also on some stunts we honestly need a front spot, like baskets.  It's illegal to do them without front spots in any level.  Also my couch would agree, she dislikes the middriff shirts as well and would never make us where them.  As for our hair it's half up and half down with a simple bow.  I believe that all-star teams did nothing to hurt cheerleading.  My highschool has one or two people on the team that can tumble.  Now that they had a coach that went to worlds last year they're all being taught more tumbling skill so it's helped it more than hurt it.

[coachamie]

Also on some stunts we honestly need a front spot, like baskets.  It's illegal to do them without front spots in any level. 

It's not illegal to do a basket without a front spot. You are allowed to do them without, they just typically don't go as high.

[ucaCHEERalum]

Also on some stunts we honestly need a front spot, like baskets.  It's illegal to do them without front spots in any level. 

It's not illegal to do a basket without a front spot. You are allowed to do them without, they just typically don't go as high.

Actually, your basket group should have done a three person toss before ever adding a fourth. 

My personal feeling on the front spot (for anything but the basket) is that Allstars (and highschools too) have added them because they don't have anywhere else to put the girl.  And in the case of the Allstars - if you can't put the girl out there...her parents won't pay.  That spot really IS NOT NECESSARY.

[ACEDAD]

My personal feeling on the front spot (for anything but the basket) is that Allstars (and highschools too) have added them because they don't have anywhere else to put the girl.  And in the case of the Allstars - if you can't put the girl out there...her parents won't pay.  That spot really IS NOT NECESSARY.

For what it's worth, I despise front spots.   And the high schools that I've seen use just as many front spots.  I don't think either group is without shame.

[melpv1]

I think it's ludicrous to suggest that using non-provocative and appropriate songs would make the music sound like a hymnal.  I have NEVER used suggestive lyrics for my high school team, and our music is AWESOME--full of pop punk some years, 80's songs other years, but always high-energy APPROPRIATE music. 

[ucaCHEERalum]

My personal feeling on the front spot (for anything but the basket) is that Allstars (and highschools too) have added them because they don't have anywhere else to put the girl.  And in the case of the Allstars - if you can't put the girl out there...her parents won't pay.  That spot really IS NOT NECESSARY.

For what it's worth, I despise front spots.   And the high schools that I've seen use just as many front spots.  I don't think either group is without shame.

Ditto Ace - see, there's a little solidarity here.   

[Kong]

And a little addition too.  A split transition does require a front spot (don't need any rotisserie cheerleaders).  To the best of my knowledge, that is the only stunt that requires a front spot. 

Ditto to what ucaCHEERalum said about baskets...the front does get more height, but the group should learn to throw with good technique before trying to throw higher.

Kong