Cheer Dance

→ Also known as cheerleading, refers to a type of

grouped dance that intends to give a motivation CLAP- Hands in blades, at the chin, elbows In
and support to a sporting team, entertainment to
audience, or competition.
→ consists of dancers, both male and female, HIGH V- Arms extended up
executing different formations and acrobatics. forming a “V”, relax the shoulders
→ Most cheer dance are ‘’boosters’’ who leads the
supporting crowd to make the chants, yells and
simple but
creative dance movement to motivate their
sporting teams. LOW V- Arms extended down forming a “V”
HISTORY OF CHEER DANCE
Cheerleading originated in the 1860s in Great GOALPOST (or
Britain and spread to the US in the 1880s, initially TOUCHDOWN)- Arms extended
led by men. Princeton University introduced crowd straight and parallel to each other, fist facing in
chanting at football games in 1884, and in 1898,
Johnny Campbell of the University of Minnesota LOW TOUCH DOWN- Arms
became the first organized "cheerleader." The extended straight down and parallel
University of Minnesota also founded the first to each other, fist facing in
cheer fraternity, Gamma Sigma, in 1903. Women
joined cheerleading in the 1920s,
incorporating gymnastics, dance, and stunts, with 3/4 T (or BOW AND
routines evolving further by the 1930s with the ARROW)- One arm
use of paper pom-poms. By the 1940s, women extended to side with other arm bent at elbow in a
dominated cheerleading, adding unique voices and half “T” motion
creativity to routines.
OVERHEAD CONE- Arms are
ELEMENTS OF CHEER DANCE straight, above the head in a clasp
• Yells/ Chants – are usually done by the and slightly in front of the face
performers with pride and
confidence. This element helps to
encourage the supportive spectators to cheer
along and bring the prideful
message to the competitors. The basic technique DAGGERS (or
in yelling and chanting is the use of diaphragm TABLETOP)- Arms bent at elbow, fists in front of
instead of the throat. It is done also while doing shoulders
the other elements of cheer dancing.
• 3/4 T (or BOW AND ARROW)- One arm extended
to side with other arm bent at elbow in a half
Motions Basic LOW CONE - Arms extended
Hand-body Movements
BEGINNING STANCE- Feet
together, hands down by the
side in blades straight down, in a clasp and
slightly in front of the body
CHEER STANCE- Feet more than
shoulder width apart, hands down PUNCH - One arm extended
by the side in blade
straight up, one arm on hip,
in a fist
CLASP- Hands clasped, at the chin,
elbows in
L MOTION - One arm
extended to the side with
 other arm extended in a common – jumps used in
punch motion, (Left L shown) cheerleading. Legs are
straddled, straight and
parallel to the ground
DIAGONAL - One arm forming V= figure. Knees
extended in a high “T” and the face the sky, toes pointed,
other arm extended in a low arms form
“T” (Right Diagonal shown) o Hurdle- One leg is straight
facing forward (front hurdle)
or facing outward (side
T MOTION - Both arms hurdle) with arms forming
extended straight out to the
side and parallel to the
ground, relax the shoulders
• Stunts
HALF T - Both arms parallel to Most stunts are done by flyers (usually female)
the ground and bent at the with bases (male lifters) and spotters. It is
elbows, fists into shoulders essential to know the proper execution of the
stunts to secure the safety of both flyers and
lifters.
SIDE LUNGE- Lead leg bent
with the knee over the ankle, Bases
back leg straight, feet These are the athletes (usually male cheer
perpendicular to each other.
dancers) that hold, lift, and toss a flyer up to
FRONT LUNGE - Lead leg bent the
with the knee over the ankle,
back leg straight, feet air during stunts. Bases must be strong an
perpendicular to each other alert
at all times. They make sure that the flyer will
land safely and secured. There is no gender
requirement for a base.
• Jumps

Basic Types of Jumps: o Flyers

Spread Eagle simply swing Flyers are the athletes being held, lifted, and
and – jump with arms of tossed up to perform certain stunts in
doing high “V” figure and height or
legs apart. Knees facing
forward but not toward the in the air. Female cheer dancers are usually
sky. This jump is used as
progression to learn more assigned to be the flyers. They are usually,
advance jumps. but not always, the smallest person in the
group. They are flexible, and balance efficient
Tuck Jump Legs in front while being lifted up. Before performing air
while – knees tucked to the
chest. Closed fist and arms stunts, flyers must learn first the proper
spreading forming “T” or “V” techniques
figure.

Toe Touch one of the most

 your hands on the ground.
- Lift the behind leg up to kick
- Kick foot over the head,
- Push the ground, and feet intact
again together
- Snap down and Land in luge with both
feet together

→ Tumble

Including tumbling skills in your cheer dance

routine is an excellent way to add extreme,
thrill and excitement. Safety and security must
be observed at all times to avoid injury
especially tumble skill involve gravity-defying
and intense ground impact. BASIC FORMATIONS
Types of tumbling skills: Formations play a vital role in cheer dance
since most of the cheer dance competitions are
Standing – completing tumble in a viewed from the top by the spectators.
stationary position. Formations may vary depending on the dances
Running – completing a tumble from and stunts choreographed. It is important to
a running start. have creative formations that will create
excellent visual effects to enhance the dance
Cartwheel – A type of tumble in which routine. Synchronization must be always
the body moves sideways imitating a observed in making formations in the cheer
wheel. dance.

Steps
- Start in a lunge
- Allow upper body to fall down and put
your hands on the ground.
- Lift the behind leg up to kick
- Kick foot over the head (the kicking
foot should land first) Land in lunge.

Round off – this tumble is similar to

cartwheel but the difference is, landing must
be in both feet together. BALLROOM DANCE
Steps What is Ballroom Dance?
- Start in a lunge → Ballroom dance refers to a set of
partner dances, which are enjoyed
- Allow upper body to fall down and put
 both socially and competitively around and oft-rehearsed, they influenced
the world. Because of its performance greatly ballroom dancing’s acclaim
and entertainment aspects, ballroom and acceptance.
dance is also widely enjoyed on stage,
film, and television. Types of Ballroom Dancing
→ Ballroom dance may refer, at its
1. Cha cha is widely recognizable by its
widest, to almost any type of social catchy rhythm – one, two, cha, cha, cha.
dancing as recreation. It's easy to learn and fun to
Two Styles of Ballroom Dancing: dance.
- Cha-cha originated in Cuba, developed
1. Smooth or Standard by composer and violinist Enrique
Jorrin in the mid-1950s.
2. Rhythm or Latin - Initially known as a slowed-down
Brief History of Ballroom Dance mambo or "the triple mambo" due to
its three quick steps.
- “Ballroom dancing” as a term hails - Gained instant popularity for its
from the Latin word “ballare” which, simplicity.
coincidentally, means “to dance.” - Originally called cha-cha-cha, the
- Thus, a ballroom is a room in which to name was later shortened to cha-cha. -
dance. Makes sense, right? Can be danced to various music genres,
- Centuries ago, ballroom dancing was including traditional Latin
primarily for the privileged and well todo, rhythms, club music, country, and
while the commoners had to pop.
make do with folk dancing; however, - Frequently featured in music by Ricky
these boundaries have since Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony,
disappeared, leaving ballroom dancing Tom Jones, Carlos Santana, and
a fun hobby for everyone. others.
- Today, ballroom dancing applies to - Cha-cha remains. a popular and
numerous dances in which a “leader” contemporary dance style
and a “follower” dance together in Basic Steps
close proximity, usually with some - Cha cha music is composed in 4/4
degree of physical contact. This time (four beats to a bar of music).
closeness is to permit the leader to get - For each bar of music there are 2 slow
the follower to, well, follow along. and 3 quick steps, which may be
Early Ballroom Dancing counted as – one, two, cha, cha, cha
or step, step, step, quick step, quick
- The first documented authority of step.
early ballroom dancing is Jehan - The footwork is simple and mostly
Thoinot’ Arbeau’s Orchesographie focuses on just shifting weight from
(1588) that discussed 16th-century one foot to another.
French social dance. In 1650, Jean - Remember, five steps are taken to four
Baptiste Lully introduced the Minuet beats of music. Also don't forget that the
to Paris—a dance that would dominate movements tend to be somewhat
ballroom until the end of the 18th flirtatious. This is definitely a party
century. dance!
- The Waltz came about in England in
the early 1800s despite initial Instructions and Diagrams:
opposition to the closed dance hold. Partners face each other. Gentleman starts
By 1840, the Polka, Mazurka, and with the left foot, lady starts with the right
Schottische emerged. foot. Basic ballroom hold.
Ballroom Dancing Emerges in US Basic Side Step for Men
- In the early 20th century, ballroom 1. Sidestep to the left with your left foot
dancing experienced massive 2. Step backward & left with your right
popularity in the US with the foot
extremely successful dancing of Fred 3. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it 4.
Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Even Sidestep to the right with your right foot 5.
though most of their numbers were Move your left foot to your right foot 6.
meticulously choreographed, staged,
 Sidestep to the right with your right foot 7. fall action similar to the waltz.
Step forward & right with your left foot 8. The basic box step is also similar to
Right foot in place, weight shifts to it 9. waltz steps, but the timing is different:
Sidestep to the left with your left foot 10. foxtrot is 4/4, while waltz is ¾
Move your right foot to your left foot
• The basic rhythm is slow, slow, quick,
quick. The slow steps take two beats of
music, while the quick steps take one.
The slow steps are long and
elegant, while the quick steps are
short and energetic. Foxtrot is danced
in a closed position, facing your
partner and holding them close.

Instruction & Diagrams:

Basic Side Step for Women Stand upright with your feet together. Face
1. Sidestep to the right with your right foot each other, lady puts her right hand in his left.
2. Step forward & right with your left foot His right hand is on her left shoulder blade,
3. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it 4. her left hand is on his right arm.
Sidestep to the left with your left foot 5. Basic Steps Men
Move your right foot to your left foot 6. 1. Basic forward
Sidestep to the right with your left foot 7. 2. Step forward with your left foot (slow step)
Step backward & left with your right foot 3. Step forward with your right foot (slow step)
8. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it 9. 4. Sidestep to the left with your left foot (quick
Sidestep to the right with your right foot step)
10. Move your left foot to your right foot 5. Move your right foot to your left foot (quick
2. Foxtrot is a smooth, elegant, easy to step)
learn dance, very popular at wide 6. Basic backward
variety of social events, including 7. Step backward with your left foot (slow step)
wedding receptions. It's one of the 8. Step backward with your right foot (slow
most beautiful ballroom dances step)
characterized by long, flowing 9. Sidestep to the left with your left foot (quick
movements. step)
- Named after its originator, Harry Fox, a 10. Move your right foot to your left foot
Vaudeville performer in New York (quick step)
during the 1910s. Basic Steps for Women
- Developed when Harry Fox
incorporated trotting steps into 1. Basic forward
ragtime music to simplify the two-step 2. Step backward with your right foot (slow
for female dancers. step)
- Originally called "Fox's Trot" by 3. Step backward with your left foot (slow step)
observers. 4. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
- Foxtrot includes basic elements found in (quick step)
most dances, providing a strong 5. Move your left foot to your right foot (quick
foundation for learning other dance step)
styles. 6. Basic backward
- Can be danced to various musical 7. Step forward with your right foot (slow step)
styles and tempos, ranging from slow 8. Step forward with your left foot (slow step)
and romantic to quick and jazzy. 9. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
- Commonly danced to music by Frank (quick step)
Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Billie Holiday, Nat 10. Move your left foot to your right foot (quick
King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis step)
Armstrong, Dinah Shore, and others.
3. Salsa is a sensual Latin dance, similar
Basic Steps to mambo. Both have a pattern of six
steps over eight counts of music and they
• Foxtrot is a dance with a smooth, flowing both share many of the same
rhythm. It's based on walking steps moves.
and side steps, with a subtle rise and
 - Salsa can be learned by anyone; if you + pause on fourth beat)
can walk, you can salsa.
- Gained immense popularity over the last 4. Tango, also referred to as the "Dance
few decades and is now danced in of Love", is a passionate and dramatic
nightclubs worldwide. dance. It's a dialogue between
- Combines various Latin and Afro partners, an expressive form of
Caribbean dances, including Cuban, communication through movements. -
Puerto Rican, and African rhythms. Tango originated in 19th century
- Follows a quick, quick, slow pattern; Buenos Aires, Argentina, and is now
specifically, 1,2,3 and 5,6,7 beats one of the world's most popular
(beats 4 and 8 are skipped). dances. Unlike traditional ballroom
- Typically around 180 beats per dances, tango features no rise and fall
minute, but can vary in speed. or swaying, emphasizing quick, sharp
Basic steps movements.
• Salsa is a popular Latin American - There are various styles, with the
dance that's easy to learn, with basic main ones being Argentine and
steps taking less than 10 minutes to ballroom tango, the former known for
master. Dancers make three steps for its staccato movements and head
every four beats, skipping one beat snaps. Tango is accessible to people of
known as a tag, tap, kick, or flick. all sizes and ages, embodying the idea that "if
Steps can move side to side, forward you can walk, you can dance." Basic Steps
backward, or in circles. • Tango Basic is made of five steps
• When dancing, maintain a straight taken to 8 counts of music. The
upper body posture and emphasize rhythm is slow, slow, quick, quick,
hip movement. Salsa is performed slow. The slow steps consume two
with partners facing each other, in beats of music and the quick steps
either closed or open positions. one. Tango music is usually written in
Instructions & Diagrams: 4/4 time (but also in 2/4 time) and
Because Salsa allows for a lot of creative played at a tempo of 30-33 measures
improvisation, many different styles have per minute.
developed over time. But regardless of different
styles the basic steps are essentially the same. Instructions & Diagrams:
As a beginner, you should always start at the - Tango is danced in a closed position,
beginning usually closer than in other dances.
The man's left hand is holding the
Basic Steps for Men: lady's right hand. His right hand is
1. Step forward with your left foot (first placed on her back, along the bottom
beat) 2. Right foot in place, weight shifts to of her ribcage. The lady's left hand is
it (second beat) placed on his right shoulder. You
3. Step backward with your left foot always bent your knees. Remember,
4. (third beat + pause on fourth beat) 5. this dance is the most bent of all the
Step backward with your right foot (first ballroom dances.
beat) - The lead and follow mirror each other’s
6. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it (second steps. The lead begins with the left foot,
beat) the follow with the right. Walks usually
7. Step forward with your right foot curve gradually to the left.
8. (third beat + pause on fourth beat) You Basic Steps for Men
need to start with both feet together. 1. Step forward with your left foot 2.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Step forward with your right foot
Basic Steps for Women: passing the left foot
1. Step backward with your right foot (first 3. Step forward again with your left foot
beat) this time passing the
2. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it (second right foot
beat) 4. Step forward and to the right with your
3. Step forward with your right foot (third beat right foot
+ pause on fourth beat) 5. Left foot close to right foot
4. Step forward with your left foot (first Basic Steps for Women
beat) 5. Right foot in place, weight shifts to 1. Step back with your
it (second beat) right foot
6. Step backward with your left foot (third beat 2. Step back with your left foot passing the
right foot 5. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
3. Step back again with your right foot this 6. Move your left foot to your right foot
time passing the
left foot 6. Samba is a lively dance of Brazilian
4. Step back and to the left with your left origin. It's a popular party dance,
foot characterized by simple forward and
5. Right foot close to left foot backward steps and rhythmic hip
movements.
5. Rumba, or sometimes 'rhumba', is a slow - Samba is the national dance of Brazil,
and flirtatious dance. Some say it is the some say the spirit and soul of the
spirit and soul of Latin country. In Brazil, it is a solo dance,
American dance. It's certainly a dance performed at street festivals and
of romance and always a good choice carnivals.
for weddings. - Ballroom samba, on the other hand, is a
- Rumba is generally regarded as the "dance partner dance that has little in
of romance", but also known as the common with the original form.
"Latin waltz" or the "waltz with a wiggle". Although in Brazil samba remains a
- Due to its slow rhythm and sensual solo form, in other countries it evolved
movements, some call it the most into a partner dance and was
intimate and passionate dance there standardized as a ballroom dance in
is. 1956. Today it's one of the most
Basic Steps common Latin American dances.
• Rumba is usually danced to music Basic Steps
written in 4/4 time, with four • Ballroom samba is usually danced to
beats to each measure. The basic music written in 2/4 time,
step is a very simple box step. It meaning there are two beats in
consists of three basic steps - two each measure. The basic box step
quick side steps and a slow consists of three steps. This
forward or backward step. means that three steps are
• The rhythm of the steps is slow, performed in two beats of music.
quick, quick. A slow step is • The basic rhythm is 1 & 2, 3 & 4, 5
danced over two counts of music, & 6, 7 & 8, commonly described
while a quick step is danced over as "one, uh two", "three, uh four",
one count. and so on. Usually you count 8
Instructions & Diagrams: beats before resuming the count.
You start dancing in a closed dance position. • The most characteristic element of
The man's left hand is holding the lady's right samba is probably the so-called
hand with the elbows almost touching. The samba bounce, which is achieved
man's right hand is placed underneath the through rhythmic bending and
lady's shoulder blade. The lady's left hand is straightening of the knees. See the
placed right behind the man's shoulder, flat on video below for detailed
his back. explanation.
Instructions & Diagrams
Basic Steps for Men - Ballroom samba is danced in a closed
The gentleman starts with his left foot position, with partners slightly apart. The
stepping forward. The man's steps are as lady's right hand and the man's left hand
follows: are held about the lady's eye level. The
1. Step forward with your left foot man's right hand is placed on the lady's
2. Sidestep to the right with your right foot shoulder blade. The
3. Move your left foot to your right foot 4. lady's left hand is placed flat on the
Step back with your right foot man's back. Basic step is a very
5. Sidestep to the left with your left foot 6. simple box step
Move your right foot to your left foot Basic - Remember, the - -rhythm is 1-uh-2, 3-
Steps for Women uh-4...
The lady starts with her right foot stepping
backward. The woman's steps are as follows: Basic Steps for Men
1. Step back with your right foot 1. Step forward with your left foot (count 1)
2. Sidestep to the left with your left foot 2. Move your right foot to your left foot (uh)
3. Move your right foot to your left foot 4. 3. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it (count
Step forward with your left foot
2) The man leads starting with his left
4. Step backward with your right foot (count 3) foot and the lady follows his
5. Move your left foot to your right foot (uh) 6. movements.
Right foot in place, weight shifts to it (count 4)
Basic Steps for Ladies Basic Steps for Men
1. Step backward with your right foot (count 1) 1. Step back with your left foot (Rockb
2. Move your left foot to your right foot (uh) 3. step)
Right foot in place, weight shifts to it (count 2) 2. Right foot in place, weight shifts to
4. Step forward with your left foot (count 3) 5. it
Move your right foot to your left foot (uh) 6. 3. Sidestep to the left with your left
Left foot in place, weight shifts to it (count 4 foot
(Chasse to the left)
7. Jive is an exciting partner dance, fun, 4. Move your right foot to your left foot
easy to learn, and playful in nature. 5. Sidestep to the left with your left
Because it's fast and energy foot
consuming, it's also an excellent form 6. Right foot in place, weight shifts to
of exercise. Plus, it looks great on a it
dance floor. (Chasse to the right)
- Jive is a fast-paced version of swing, 7. Sidestep to the right with your left
sharing similar footwork and foot
movements, and evolved from early 8. Sidestep to the right with your right
swing dances like Boogie-Woogie and foot
Jitterbug. Introduced to Europe by Basic Steps for Women
American soldiers during WWII, it 1. Step back with your right foot
gained popularity, especially among 2. (Rock step)
youth, and was added as the fifth 3. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it 4.
Latin dance in international Sidestep to the right with your right foot
competitions in 1968. (Chasse to the right)
- Characterized by bouncy movements, 5. Move your left foot to your right foot 6.
knee lifts, and kicks, jive is one of the Sidestep to the right with your right foot
most energetic dances. It is typically 7. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it
danced to 4/4 music across a range of (Chasse to the left)
tempos, making it versatile enough to be 8. Sidestep to the left with your right foot
performed to various genres, 9. Sidestep to the left with your left foot
including swing, rock 'n' roll, country, 10. Practice these steps until you are able
electronic, and pop. to do
- them in time with music. Don't forget
Basic Steps to count: 1-2-3-a-4-5-a-6.
basic steps for jive follow a six-beat
sequence: 1-2-3-a-4-5-a-6. It begins with a 8. Swing is a lively, non-progressive
rock step (left foot steps back, right foot in partner dance that can be danced to a
place), followed by two triple steps (chasse): wide variety of music, from blues to
3-a-4 and 5-a-6. rock & roll. Non-progressive means it's
• Rock Step: Shifting weight from one mostly performed in one spot, so it's
foot to the other, taking a small step very convenient on a crowded dance
backward rather than to the side. floor.
• Chasse: A series of three steps to the Basic steps (East Coast Swing)
side. • Beginners usually start with East Coast
Jive is danced to four-beat-per-bar music Swing, because it is the easiest of all
with bouncy rhythms and easy melodies. swing styles. Here we will show you the
The basic step for men starts with a rock basic 6 count step for East
step, followed by a triple step to the left Coast Swing.
(left, right, left) and a triple step to the • East Coast Swing has a basic count of
right (right, left, right). The lady mirrors 1&2, 3&4, 5,6. It's known as a triple step
the man. Timing is 1, 2, 3 & 4, 5 & 6. swing. The basic pattern is triple step,
triple step, and a rock step.
Instructions & Diagrams • When you're starting out you can
- Jive is danced with the lady and man replace the triple step with a single
facing each other. The man's left hand step. In that case the pattern would be
loosely holds the lady's right hand. step, step, rock step or rock step, step,
 step, depending on how you start lead and someone has to follow.
counting. The overall progression is, of Usually, the man will lead and the
course, the same. woman will follow.
Basic Steps for Men:
1. Step forward with the left foot
Basic Steps for Men: The man starts with 2. Right foot step sideways to the right
his left foot. 3. Bring your left foot next to your right
1. 1&2: Triple step (chasse) to the left (left foot
right-left) 4. Step back with the right foot
2. 3&4: Triple step to the right (right-left 5. Step back sideways with the left foot
right) 6. Bring your right foot next to your left
3. 5: Step backward with your left foot
foot 4. 6: Weight shifts to your right Basic Steps for Women:
foot 1. Step back with the right foot
2. Left foot steps sideways to the left 3.
Basic Steps for Women: The woman Bring your right foot next to your left
starts with her right foot. foot
1. 1&2: Triple step (chasse) to the right 4. Step forward with the left foot
(right-left-right) 5. Step forward sideways with the right
2. 3&4: Triple step to the left (left-right foot
left) 6. Bring your left foot next to your right
3. 5: Step backward with your right foot
foot 5. 6: Weight shifts to your left foot
9. Waltz is an elegant, nearly universal
dance, perfect for weddings, or almost
any social occasion. It's not as hard to
learn as most people think.
- Waltz dates back to the late 17th
century Europe, but has never really
been out of fashion and clearly stood
the test of time. It should probably be
one of the first ballroom dances you
learn.
- It is a smooth and graceful dance
with long, flowing movements,
characterized by rise & fall motion. It
has a unique 3/4 timing and a simple
rhythmic pattern which blends with
the music.
Basic Steps
The basic step for the waltz is the box
step, named for the square pattern it
creates on the floor. It consists of two
parts:
• Forward half box: Step forward, step to
the side, close feet together.
• Backward half box: Step backward, step
to the side, close feet together. The leader
starts with the left foot for a forward half
box, followed by a backward half box. The
follower mirrors this, starting with the
right foot.
The box step follows a slow, quick,
quick rhythm, repeated twice, with
timing: 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6.
Instructions & Diagrams:
- When dancing waltz someone has to