We Cover Cheer and Dance
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Ask A Pro
We Cover Cheer is proud to have Laura Eilers who answers all your questions for us!
Laura Eilers is an audition consultant for professional cheer and dance candidates with Going Pro Entertainment. Laura's professional experience includes Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders (5 years), Kansas City Wizards Girls, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader auditions, and instructing for Universal Dance Assocation. Laura can be contacted at laura@goingproentertainment.com
Trisha in Granite City, Ill:
Hi! I am wanting to try out for the St. Louis Rams. I've been a cheerleader my
whole life but I know professional cheerleading is more about dance. What dance
moves do I need to practice and are there any training videos out there you can
recommend?
Congratulations on your decision to audition for a pro team! Be sure to check
the official team website and join their mailing list to be notified of audition
prep classes, dance classes, and other audition requirements. Login at www.sidelinestar.com to
learn a variety of choreography,with videos coming soon by the Pro Cheer All
Stars, an elitegroup of alumni pro cheerleaders and dancers. Remember that a pro
cheer squad is much more than just a dance team. Pro cheerleaders must have the
whole package - fitness, glamour, personality, communication skills, and
professionalism! To learn more about independent audition consulting, workshops
and online assistance, visit www.goingproentertainment.com. Best of luck to you!
Meredith in Nebraska:
Hi, so i'm at JV cheerleader at my school and my toe touches are alright but I want to make Varsity next year. What are the best ways to condition myself and/or become more flexible?
Hi Meredith! Jumps require not only flexibility but muscle strength as well. Here are my top tips: 1. Stretch every day! Apply static stretching, holding each stretch at least 20-30 seconds. Stretch standing feet apart then with feet together, legs straight with hands on the ground. Stretch on the ground in straddle and pike positions. Work on single-leg and middle splits. 2. Strengthen the muscles in your inner thighs with straddle lifts. Sit in a straddle position with your back straigh, be sure to turn your knees out and point your toes. Keeping your legs straight, lift your heels off the ground. Repeat 10 times. 3. Strengthen your abs and work on flexibility with "V-ups." Lie flat on the ground with arms straight overhead, legs straight with your whole body tight. Lift arms to a "T" and legs to a toe-touch position while keeping your tailbone on the floor. Toes should be pointed and legs straight, chest up, just like the in-air toe-touch position. Repeat 10 times. 4. Other good strengthening exercises are squats, lunges, crunches, and tuck jumps.
Make a schedule for yourself to devote 15-20 minutes every day to flexibility and strengthening. If you stay committed, you will notice a difference! Work on your jumps in a mirror to correct your form, and attend private lessons if you can. Keep up the hard work! - Laura
Shelbi in Kansas:
Hello, I am going into 9th grade h.s. and I am on the JV cheer squad and was in a competitive team in Liberty. I went to KU cheer camp and learned alot and saw that they do partner stunting and I think I would really enjoy that. My goal to to go to KU and be on the cheer squad and I would like some advice to how to get there and is there a gym in Lawrence or in the KC area that works on the partner stunting?
Hi Shelbi, I know of two all star gyms in the KC area: All American Cheer and Stunt, and Kansas City Athletic Cheer. You can also contact the KU cheer coach for their recommendations. They may even have private lesson opportunities with their squad members. Since KU is very competitive, I advise you attend as many regional college stunting camps as you can to get a feel for second and third choice programs. Plus it never hurts to get another hands on opportunity to stunt with the experts!
Jacklyn in Indiana:
What truly does it take to become a pro cheerleader?
Each program is completely different for what they seek in dance style, image, level of commitment, and more. Some attributes that are generally universal in pro cheerleading are professionalism, glamour, the ability to entertain, and fitness. It's important to remember that pro cheerleaders are not just performers, they are representatives of that sports league, franchise and community. The cheer programs are seeking women with great integrity who can also appeal to the crowd. My advice is to really study the squad for which you are auditioning, attend their prep classes, and get in touch with a current or former team member.
Katsumi in Japan:
I'm looking for white, low heeled boot which redskins cheerleader and wizard daners are wearing. But, i can't find it. What shop can I buy it?
www.dancecheer.net offers a couple of great styles - the Pro Vinyl GoGo Boot and the Classic Vinyl Knee Boot!
Kori in Nebraska:
how to do a back flip?
.... I'd like to know also!! :)
Lauren in Iowa:
Do you recommend any cheer camps to go to over the summer?
Hey Lauren! It depends on your age and if you are attending individually or as a group. For junior high and high school I highly recommend UCA summer camps, you can find their schedule at www.varsity.com. Depending on where you are in Iowa, you can enroll in the St Louis Rams or the Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders youth programs and travel to their stadiums. You might also check your local dance studios, gyms, colleges and high schools to see if they offer cheerleading classes or day camps.
Jamie in Nebraska:
My daughter made the cheerleading squad at school. How do I keep her motivated all year?
Congratulations to your daughter! What a great question... Cheerleading is usually a full-year program, so it is easy to get burned out! One of the best motivations is getting a mentor, like a high school, college or pro cheerleader. Mentors guide new cheerleaders and help them to realize a cheerleader's future potential to earn scholarships or make the pros! Also, as a parent, be sure to attend the games when she is cheering and get to know the other parents. Parents are a great support system, hosting post-game parties, socials, traveling to competitions, and always showing the cheerleaders some love. :)
Zoey in Colorado:
After a long day of competing I always have really sore feet. Do you have any suggestions for improving this? Do you wear any type of shoe inserts?
Hi Zoey! What you are feeling is completely normal. That is what makes auditions exciting, knowing that you are challenging yourself to reach a goal. The fact that you don't know anyone should be a great reason to go through cheerleading auditions. I guarantee you will walk away with at least one new friend. Don't be scared about the results, because trying new things is how you find your strengths, and if you do not make the team this year, you will be more prepared next time. I did not make middle school cheerleading, then returned in high school and made the varsity team! Please let me know how things turn out, and send photos!
Melissa in Nebraska:
Hi, so i'm at JV cheerleader at my school and my toe touches are alright but I want to make Varsity next year. What are the best ways to condition myself and/or become more flexible?
Hi Meredith! Jumps require not only flexibility but muscle strength as well. Here are my top tips: 1. Stretch every day! Apply static stretching, holding each stretch at least 20-30 seconds. Stretch standing feet apart then with feet together, legs straight with hands on the ground. Stretch on the ground in straddle and pike positions. Work on single-leg and middle splits. 2. Strengthen the muscles in your inner thighs with straddle lifts. Sit in a straddle position with your back straigh, be sure to turn your knees out and point your toes. Keeping your legs straight, lift your heels off the ground. Repeat 10 times. 3. Strengthen your abs and work on flexibility with "V-ups." Lie flat on the ground with arms straight overhead, legs straight with your whole body tight. Lift arms to a "T" and legs to a toe-touch position while keeping your tailbone on the floor. Toes should be pointed and legs straight, chest up, just like the in-air toe-touch position. Repeat 10 times. 4. Other good strengthening exercises are squats, lunges, crunches, and tuck jumps.
Make a schedule for yourself to devote 15-20 minutes every day to flexibility and strengthening. If you stay committed, you will notice a difference! Work on your jumps in a mirror to correct your form, and attend private lessons if you can. Keep up the hard work! - Laura
Shelbi in Kansas:
Hello, I am going into 9th grade h.s. and I am on the JV cheer squad and was in a competitive team in Liberty. I went to KU cheer camp and learned alot and saw that they do partner stunting and I think I would really enjoy that. My goal to to go to KU and be on the cheer squad and I would like some advice to how to get there and is there a gym in Lawrence or in the KC area that works on the partner stunting?
Hi Shelbi, I know of two all star gyms in the KC area: All American Cheer and Stunt, and Kansas City Athletic Cheer. You can also contact the KU cheer coach for their recommendations. They may even have private lesson opportunities with their squad members. Since KU is very competitive, I advise you attend as many regional college stunting camps as you can to get a feel for second and third choice programs. Plus it never hurts to get another hands on opportunity to stunt with the experts!
Jacklyn in Indiana:
What truly does it take to become a pro cheerleader?
Each program is completely different for what they seek in dance style, image, level of commitment, and more. Some attributes that are generally universal in pro cheerleading are professionalism, glamour, the ability to entertain, and fitness. It's important to remember that pro cheerleaders are not just performers, they are representatives of that sports league, franchise and community. The cheer programs are seeking women with great integrity who can also appeal to the crowd. My advice is to really study the squad for which you are auditioning, attend their prep classes, and get in touch with a current or former team member.
Katsumi in Japan:
I'm looking for white, low heeled boot which redskins cheerleader and wizard daners are wearing. But, i can't find it. What shop can I buy it?
www.dancecheer.net offers a couple of great styles - the Pro Vinyl GoGo Boot and the Classic Vinyl Knee Boot!
Kori in Nebraska:
how to do a back flip?
.... I'd like to know also!! :)
Lauren in Iowa:
Do you recommend any cheer camps to go to over the summer?
Hey Lauren! It depends on your age and if you are attending individually or as a group. For junior high and high school I highly recommend UCA summer camps, you can find their schedule at www.varsity.com. Depending on where you are in Iowa, you can enroll in the St Louis Rams or the Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders youth programs and travel to their stadiums. You might also check your local dance studios, gyms, colleges and high schools to see if they offer cheerleading classes or day camps.
Jamie in Nebraska:
My daughter made the cheerleading squad at school. How do I keep her motivated all year?
Congratulations to your daughter! What a great question... Cheerleading is usually a full-year program, so it is easy to get burned out! One of the best motivations is getting a mentor, like a high school, college or pro cheerleader. Mentors guide new cheerleaders and help them to realize a cheerleader's future potential to earn scholarships or make the pros! Also, as a parent, be sure to attend the games when she is cheering and get to know the other parents. Parents are a great support system, hosting post-game parties, socials, traveling to competitions, and always showing the cheerleaders some love. :)
Zoey in Colorado:
After a long day of competing I always have really sore feet. Do you have any suggestions for improving this? Do you wear any type of shoe inserts?
Hi Zoey! What you are feeling is completely normal. That is what makes auditions exciting, knowing that you are challenging yourself to reach a goal. The fact that you don't know anyone should be a great reason to go through cheerleading auditions. I guarantee you will walk away with at least one new friend. Don't be scared about the results, because trying new things is how you find your strengths, and if you do not make the team this year, you will be more prepared next time. I did not make middle school cheerleading, then returned in high school and made the varsity team! Please let me know how things turn out, and send photos!
Melissa in Nebraska:
After a long day of competing I always have really sore feet. Do you have any suggestions for improving this? Do you wear any type of shoe inserts?
When I was an NFL cheerleader, we had to be on our feet for 6 hours in 2-inch heeled boots, walking on concrete, performing, kicking!! It was agony by the end, so I feel your pain. :( I have found that insoles generally crowded the shoes and made my feet even more uncomfortable, but taping the balls of my feet with athletic tape helped. You need to be careful not to limit your movement so you can fully point and flex your feet! Be sure to try this at practice before going to a competition to make sure that precautionary measure works for you.
Alyssa in Nebraska:
Alyssa in Nebraska:
Laura thank you for taking questions. I was wondering, to be a professional dancer, what techniques of dance should I be working on to perfect?
This is a great question, because pro dancing is indeed very different from competitive cheerleading and dance. Dance technique is still crucial; most teams include double or triple pirouettes, leaps, jumps, axels, and high kicks in their choreography. You'll find one squad's dance style really varies from the next, so research the team for which you are auditioning and take class from their choreographer or attend one of their prep classes a few months before auditions. Usually pro dancing requires more exaggerated movements and a great deal of personality. We call it "hair-ography" because you learn to work with your hair while dancing!!
Craig in Kansas: Whats it like being tossed up in the air? I play football and see the cheerleaders on the sidelines and always wondered what its like being tossed so high?
Craig in Kansas: Whats it like being tossed up in the air? I play football and see the cheerleaders on the sidelines and always wondered what its like being tossed so high?
Haha... Craig, honestly I have only been a top flyer once or twice and that was back in high school! I remember it being an adrenaline rush, but too scary for me. Flyers must have a great deal of trust in their teammates! In fact, pro cheerleaders rarely are involved in stunting. The only NFL stunt team is the Baltimore Ravens, but it is more popular in the NBA as seen with the Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers.
Samantha in Nebraska:
I'm on a level 4 all star team in Nebraska and we're really good! Just last year we won Nationals down in South Dakota. I'm a junior in highschool and i've been on the varsity squad for two years now. My highschool is private so we can stunt and tumble, which are two things that I'm pretty strong in. I really wana continue cheering in college and I've been looking into colleges around and in Nebraska but I"m not aware of colleges around that have good cheer programs. I wana go to a school that has tumbling and stunting and who has a great cheer team but I don't know of any. Can you please help me out?
Many Nebraska colleges have recently become ground-bound, so that is a great question. I have heard great things about University of Nebraska-Omaha, which is one of the only Nebraska colleges that still allows stunting and tumbling. But don't be scared to look out of state! There are several schools within a short drive with nationally competitive cheer programs including Avila (Kansas City, MO), University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS), and Missouri Valley (Marshall, MO).
Kristin in Iowa:
What is a good song to do a cheer/dance routine to?
My favorite songs so far this year are Beyonce's "Single Ladies," Miley Cyrus "Fly on the Wall," Kevin Rudolf "Let It Rock" and Flo Rida/Will I Am "In the Ayer." Cheer music is usually a little more complicated, so I recommend buying pre-cut music. Two good sites are www.cheermusicstore.com and www.routinemixes.com.
Stacy in Nebraska:
I am on the reserve team for my school but I want to compete more so I have been thinking about contacting a cheer and dance school in town to see about joining an all-star team. Do you know if I would have to quit my school's team? If so, what do you think would be better to do?
Hi Stacy, it is great that you are trying to get extra training and competition experience! Every coach can determine if she will allow athletes to dance/cheer in an outside program, but if the policy has not been made clear, it doesn't hurt to ask! You should find out the practice times of the all star team, and if they conflict with your school's practices or games, be prepared to make a decision. If you are able to make both teams work, will it hurt your studies? Can you fully dedicate yourself to both teams? Will there be expenses with each program? All star vs school squads are very different environments, and if your goal is to perform in college or in the pros, maybe that competitive experience is exactly what you need! Good luck!
Meg in Nebraska:
What is your favorite part about cheering?
Hi Meg, being from Nebraska, you can probably relate to my love for my football team - you Cornhuskers fans are crazy! Well, I was raised as a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan, tailgating, watching every game, spending time with family wearing red! So my favorite part of professional cheerleading has been the honor of working for the NFL and cheering in the great Arrowhead Stadium. It gives me goose bumps every time!
Alyssa in Illinois:
We have to wear our hair down when we dance. Is there a good way to keep it from falling in your face during a routine?
Oh, Alyssa, I feel your pain! In college, our team had a strict rule to dance with our hair pulled back, so my transition to professional cheerleading, where the girls always perform with their hair down, was quite an adjustment! With some hair styles, you pretty much can't avoid hair falling in your face, so work on using your hair as an extension of your performance. Pinpoint moves in the routine where you can toss your head without taking away from the choreography. The more you move, the more your hair will keep out of your eyes! Oh, and don't ever wear lip gloss, which will cause your hair to stick to your lips and act like a glue no matter how much you flip your lovely locks around!
Older questions.
1. Question- Kate in Kansas: What's the best way to deal with a coach that you really can't stand?
Answer- Tania Syracuse University: If you come across a coach who is not the nicest you really cannot avoid it. all you have to do is smile and always do what you are told. I mean they are your coach for a reason. And if things don't get better than talk to you coach and express your concerns, but never be rude.
Answer- Stephanie Syracuse University: First if you are getting frustrated try to channel your feelings into your performance or working harder. Try to minimize gestures that might be seen as disrespectful instead show your coach your passion for cheerleading. Your coach's ultimate goal is for your team to perform and work to its best ability. You have to give her your utmost respect because she is your leader. If this is a mutual feeling among your other teammates this is your chance to step up and show your support for your coach. This means doing what you are told and encouraging others to respect your coach's decisions as well. Taking this action will help influence others to follow, creating better relationships between your whole team and your coach. If you continue to have problems talk to her and express your feeling in a calm respectful manner.
2. Question- Lindsay in Nebraska: I have Freshman tryouts coming up in the spring time, how many nights a week would you say I should practice my cheers?
Answer- Tania Syracuse University: First off Congrats on deciding to try out, and good luck. I personally think that every night you have a chance you should practice, you want to be prepared and ready, you can never over practice. And make sure you work on facials because you want to stand out in the crowd !
Answer- Stephanie Syracuse University: Practice your cheers as often as you can in a mirror. This will help you work on sharpness of motions and facial expressions. If you have other components that will be involved in tryouts for example tumbling make sure you are working on those skills too. The judges at tryouts will be able to spot your hard work through your knowledge and confidence in tryout materials. Good Luck!