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Dynamite Dave
Master make-up
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AUSSIES’ NEW WORLD RECORD Performance
101 COVER PHOTO: COMM23.COM
Healthy eating plan
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November 2013
Contents
On the cover Tanya Kretschmann, athlete and coach at Zoo Southern Allstars Cheerleading in Brisbane. Tan is point flyer for ZSA’s level 4 squad, Wildcats.
Features
Regulars
4 Worlds Summary 6 It’s Our Sport SportAccord recognises cheerleading as a sport 8 Performance 101 Great tips from National Institute of Performing Arts 14 Australia’s Dynamite Cheerlebrity Dave from Cheer Factor 18 Learning to Avoid Injury 21 Straight from the Judge’s Mouth 22 Cheer Chick Charlie 26 Who’s Your Mamma? 28 Training Tinies 31 Perfecting Pirouettes 36 Beginners’ Guide to Fundraising Plan for next year’s competition travel now! 37 Working the Core 58 Shopping
24 Featured Gym Royal All Stars 32 Poster Awesome Cheerleading 34 News 38 Featured Cheerleader Sydney’s Jojo Low 40 Lifestyle Healthy eating plan, competition chow down and a focus on flexibility 46 Beauty Master the art of make-up 48 Mascot Starlets Starman 49 Community Charity fundraisers and more! 54 Entertainment Find out which lucky squad had its uniforms designed by Vera Wang 60 Social Photos 62 Charlie’s FUN Page Meet Cheer Chick Charlie for puzzles! 64 Behind the Clip Dream Big 66 Squad Directory
TEAM ACM p60
Australian Cheerleader Magazine: uniting our region’s cheerleading community. We aim to bring you the best content, opportunities and entertainment while representing cheerleaders as the enthusiastic and hard-working athletes we are! ACM is 100% owned and operated by Australian cheerleaders.
Enquiries
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Special thanks to our advertisers
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We would like to give special thanks to our advertisers and squad listers without whom Australian Cheerleader Magazine would not be possible.
Super special thanks to the ACM team
Thank you Celeste Villani for planning, writing, compiling and editing this entire issue! Thank you Gem Carroll for organising our advertising and squad listing.
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All content remains copyright of Australian Cheerleader Magazine and may not be used without permission from the publishers. Australian Cheerleader Magazine does the utmost to ensure that all content is correct and appropriate. No responsibility for loss or damage cause to any person acting as a result of any information contained in any articles is accepted by the writers and publishers of Australian Cheerleader Magazine. ACN: 143 940 738.
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Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 5
From the Editor
A
FTER a year of planning it’s hard to believe that it’s finally here—issue 6 of Australian Cheerleader Magazine in a brand new digital format! There’s more news, more feature stories and more about cheerleading issues that matter to you! I haven’t been able to cheer this year, so being able to edit this magazine has definitely kept my cheer brain sane! I’ve been able to keep up-to-date on national and international news, stay in touch with the cheerleading community and even promote Australian cheerleading with our friends overseas! It’s also been great to talk to cheer coaches and gym owners around Australia about their own club’s cheer news too! Needless to say, it’s definitely a busy time for cheerleading in Australia. I would like to extend my thanks to the contributors and advertisers who support ACM, many on a regular basis. It would be impossible to put this magazine together without you! A big thank you to my amazing parents and partner who continually supported me throughout this endeavour. And last, but not least, a big thank you must also go out to Rianna as I couldn’t have done this without her guidance. Well that’s all for now! I hope you enjoy reading the magazine as much as I enjoyed putting it together!
A
T THE International Cheerleading Union Worlds (ICU) in April, Team Australia earned its best ever placings. Team Australia All Girl (AG) Cheer Elite coach and choreographer, Rosemary Sims-James, said the standard of competition improves every year. “Australia should be incredibly proud of the talent and hard work from the Aussie teams. This year Team Australia’s results proved to be our most successful with three silver medals and one bronze medal,” she said. “Our Jazz team [represented by NSW’s Bradshaw Elite] competed first, reinforcing Australia’s reputation as a cheer and dance nation punching above its weight with its bronze medal-winning performance.” Ms Sims-James said the Pom team, represented by VIC’s Pride Dance Team, showcased a brilliant highenergy and clean routine, placing fifth and the Hip Hop team (Bradshaw Elite) performed a visually stunning routine for seventh place. “We were just out of the medals with our Dance Doubles with both Jazz and Hip Hop a very close fourth, while our Pom Double came sixth,” Ms Sims-James said.
In all things cheer,
Celeste Villani TELL US YOUR STORY! It’s easy to be included in ACM! Simply email your idea and high quality photos to editor@ australiancheerleader.com.au
ICU Worlds
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The Cheer teams also placed very well with two silver medals awarded to both the Level 6 Coed Partner Stunt and Level 6 AG Group Stunt (both represented by East Coast Allstars, NSW). “Our AG Cheer Elite team overcame some last-minute routine changes due to injuries and came away with a silver medal,” Ms SimsJames said. “Coed Cheer Elite had an incredibly difficult routine which unfortunately had some falls but still placed a fantastic fifth.” Ms Sims-James, said the cheer teams were a representation from all over Australia with athletes from five different states and 14 programs. Dance teams were judged and selected by a cooperative judging panel from across the country. “It is an honour to coach and work with the inspiring Australian athletes. I will never forget any of the athletes I have worked with for the ICU Worlds, they will all stay in my heart forever,” she said.
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USASF/IASF Cheerleading and Dance Worlds
HE Cheerleading and Dance Worlds immediately follows the ICU Worlds and allows national bid-winning teams to compete. Australia was represented by seven programs in Cheer and Dance this year. NSW-based East Coast Allstars’ Open Coed team, Eagles, placed 10th and Open All Girl (AG) team, Ladybirds, placed seventh. Coach Kassandra Turner said just qualifying for and attending Worlds was an honour. “You put everything you have into it,” she said. “It requires total dedication...it is physically and mentally difficult, but rewarding and fun in the end.” Bradshaw Elite (NSW) placed third in Open Coed Pom, Open Coed Jazz, and in the Nations Cup.
Coach Coralie Bradshaw said 2013 was Bradshaw’s most successful and inspiring Worlds trip. “It’s a dream come true and a testament to the teams’ work ethic, positivity and determination,” she said. Coach Jasmine Crowsley of Pride Dance Team (VIC) said her team give their all every training session leading up to Worlds, but had no expectations other to enjoy every minute. Ms Crowsley said that after their great ICU results, to go on and win Australia’s first silver medal in any discipline at Worlds [Open Pom] was incredible. SM Cheer & Dance’s Liz Gardiner (WA) said her Open Coed team’s peformance was amazing. “They bettered the club’s placing from 30th position in 2011 to
15th in the world. We’re very proud of each and every athlete,” she said. Gymstars (NSW) Open AG team placed 12th and coach Nicole Holmes said they were all happy with the result. “A lot of our girls...breathe, live and sleep cheer. So to win a bid and go overseas to compete their routine in front of the best in the world was a huge accolade,” she said. EOD Allstars (NSW) placed fifth in Open Hip Hop and sixth in Open Jazz. Coach Alissa Mears said the experience gave her students the drive and passion needed for a successful team. Athlete Ryan Chance of Outlaws Fugitives (VIC) said there was a hunger and intensity at his team’s training, which earned them second place in their division [Open Cheer]: the highest score of any international team. “If we wanted to perform the best, we had to practice the best,” he said. “Words cannot describe the feeling of competing in the most prestigious arena of our sport”.
Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 7
PHOTO: COURTESY COMM23.COM
IT’S OUR SPORT BY KATE WEBER AND CELESTE VILLANI
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T HAS finally happened—cheerleading has been recognised as a sport by SportAccord, the umbrella organisation for all Olympic and nonOlympic international sports federations. The International Cheer Union (ICU) presented a strong case to over 100 international members of the SportAccord Union that demonstrated cheerleading’s strengths and organised structure. The meeting allowed the ICU to demonstrate to the rest of the world the athleticism of cheerleading and what we’re really all about. So now we hand the microphone over to you Australia, what do you
think about cheerleading becoming a sport?
“I was absolutely thrilled when I heard this news! It will be so great to have people who are not familiar with the sport finally stop asking what sport we cheer for!” Susan Cheo, head coach, Royal All Stars Cheerleading Academy. “Cheerleading being recognised as a sport means that the time invested by cheerleaders and coaches [in areas like] training, skilling, conditioning and performing can stand proudly alongside other sports requiring the same level of dedication and commitment from their athletes,” Tan Nguyen, coach, Good Shepherd Cheerleading. “I believe that having SportsAccord accept
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cheerleading goes back to what cheerleaders have known for a very long time—that All Star Cheerleading is a sport. I hope to see the Australian governing body of cheerleading now do more for the sport and support one of the fastest growing sports in Australia,” Tamara Manning, gym owner, Awesome Cheerleading. “I think that’s an amazing break through for the sport. The cheer athletes train just as hard [as other athletes] at strength, flexibility, fitness and skills and the level of difficulty is increasing at such a fast rate,” Yvette Goldberg, mother of international athlete, Stephanie Goldberg. “We train just as hard, and sometimes even harder than any other
sport so it’s amazing to be able to tell people that cheerleading is a sport now,” Andjela Mijajlovic, athlete, Fit 2 Cheer. “In my opinion, it was already a sport but now it’s official. I think that it should’ve been acknowledged ages ago,” Aimee Halliday, athlete, NRG Cheerleaders.
“Cheerleading offers more thrills than most sports as it’s unisex so all can join in, requires strength, stability, timing and trust in your team. Also the fans are loving it, so that speaks for itself being recognised as a sport,” Louise Di Trapani, cheer mum, FAD the Gap. “It’s about time all the hard training, sweat and tears is recognised for what it is—a sport,” Ange Whitson, cheer mum, Cheertastic.
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Feature
PERFORMANCE BY EMMA NEWMAN
M
ASTERING the art of performance is a difficult task and something that Lucy Ellis and Jacqui Rinaldi know too well. Both Lucy and Jacqui have made it their life goal to teach others the basics of performance at their new dance school, The National Institute of Performing Arts (NIPA). The girls travel across the country to educate young Australian performers about various facets of dance, including stage presentation. Emma Newman, a veteran performer herself, was lucky enough to speak to Lucy and Jacqui about the basics of performance and what to do when your routine doesn’t go to plan.
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101
Put a smile on your dial
The old saying goes that a smile is worth 1000 words, so what better way to communicate your excitement than a genuine, cheesy grin! Lucy and Jacqui say that a smile can show spectators how enthusiastic you are about stepping out on the mat, conveys your confidence and shows you are ready for the routine ahead. “It is important when smiling to smile through your eyes, not just your mouth, as this is when a smile becomes fake or forced,” Lucy and Jacqui said. “Always remember to use your facial expressions the whole way through a routine, especially towards the end when you are getting tired.”
It’s all in the face As a cheerleader, you’ll learn at a very young age the importance of a ‘cheer face’ and how it should be perfected. Although the basic smile forms its foundation, be sure to add your own personality, like a wink, nod or pout, to give it that extra dimension.
they are having fun, the audience members will have fun also,” the girls said. “We ask our students to practice their faces in front of a mirror to the music without the choreography … to allow the faces to become second nature.”
smooth, remember to keep good posture, eye contact with the audience and remain connected facially to the routine.”
If the wrong music plays, don’t move a muscle
Transitions are important too
It’s every team’s worst nightmare, taking to the floor only to have the wrong music play.
If you are feeling a little adventurous, you could even flick your ponytail around—creativity of expression is exciting to watch and helps keep you energised.
Many cheerleaders have no problems smiling through the most difficult of stunts, however show a look of exhaustion or concern when it’s time to transition.
If this happens to you, don’t talk, yell out at the audience, touch your hair or fix your uniform, but hold your opening position as strong as you can.
The audience can see every move you make, so always make sure that you’re smiling through transitions and tumbling breaks.
Lucy and Jacqui say that facial expressions are central elements of any routine as they create a connection between the performer and audience.
Lucy and Jacqui explain that nothing will impress the judges more than a professional and wellcontrolled squad that is solely focused on their routine.
Lucy and Jacqui explain that it is the responsibility of both the performer and choreographer to keep transitions as interesting as possible.
“Continue to hold the opening position, as the sound technician may have accidentally put the wrong track number on, but your coach or choreographer can sort this out for you.
“If the performer looks like
“To ensure that transitions are
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“Avoid laughing or getting angry as technical mistakes sometimes happen.”
Don’t stop moving A stunt may fall and a kick may not go as high as you anticipated, but the most important thing on the floor is to keep going. There are no second chances or moments to rest in a
before you hit the floor. Make sure your spankies aren’t too small and use hairspray, safety pins or anything else you can think of to ensure you stay decent on the mat. Lucy and Jacqui explain that touching costumes breaks the mood of the performance and makes your team look amateur and unprofessional. “At NIPA we are very strict about touching costumes on stage—it is b no-no,” explained Lucy and a big Jac Jacqui. ““If the dancer thinks that the co costume malfunction will become a danger to them or the other da dancers on stage, it would be im x important to subtly fix o remove it.” or
Cheer on We all cheer and dance not just for the he thrill, but because we love it!
performance, so if a stunt falls, talk to your group members and get the stunt back in the air both quickly and safely. Lucy and Jacqui say that the show must go on and performers should try to cover all mistakes and accidents as quickly as possible.
n Performances can be stressful, but rem remember why you’re f. there and enjoy yourself. Support your team members and make sure to go back into the audience and support other teams too!
“Ideally if a dancer was to fall, they should recover as fast as possible and continue the routine as if no mistake had occurred,” Lucy and Jacqui said. “If the recovery is smooth, nine times out of ten the audience will think it was all part of the choreography or wont even notice.”
You can’t touch this! They look beautiful from afar, but we all know that some uniforms are nothing but trouble when trying to perform your routine! Your uniform should be in place
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Lucy and Jacqui say that nothing builds a strong team like being proud of each other’s achievements. “Encouraging each other by giving compliments and congratulating milestones or successes will create a positive learning environment, which will therefore lead to a more united team.” For more information about NIPA or to have the girls host a dance workshop at your club, email NIPerformingArts@hotmail.com. Special thanks to NIPA dancers Shanae Holland, Sophie Beaty, Jessica Nolan and Teagan Hogben. The girls are wearing the DBK lace set from Dancewear Oz.
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Profile
COMP PHOTOS: COURTESY COMM23.COM
BY KELLY PRIEST
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F THERE is one man who has captured the hearts of cheerleaders across the nation, it’s Dynamite Dave who is no doubt Australia’s first ‘cheerlebrity.’ His dedication to the sport, coupled with his passion when he hits the mat, has portrayed to the whole cheerleading community that anything is possible, no matter your circumstances. Kelly Priest was fortunate to speak to Dave, and his father Pete, about his love of the sport, and of course, that one-handed push-up!
David Pizarcoff, or as he’s better known, Dynamite Dave, is one man whose passion for cheerleading is unmistakable. With over 1600 fans on Facebook, and an incredible crowd reaction whenever he hits the competition floor, it’s fair to say that Dave has definitely made his mark on Australian cheerleading.
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Born with Down Syndrome, Dave, 22, has experienced limitations in his life, but has managed to show his true colours through his love of cheerleading. “Cheerleading is a sport that doesn’t have any boundaries. You can be short, tall, small or big, but if you commit yourself, you can achieve,” said his proud dad Peter, better known as AASCF’s man behind the microphone on competition
day. So when Sonia Roarty, owner of Melbourne-based club Cheer Factor All Stars, suggested Dave give cheerleading a go 18 months ago, he was prepared to to achieve anything. “She saw the natural strength Dave possesses,” explained Peter, “and she visualised him using it alongside some off h her amazing Cheer i Ch Factor cheerleaders.” Sonia took Dave under her wing and was excited by the prospect of having him cheer with the athletes on her team. They soon established an unbreakable student-teacher relationship where Dave was taught the basics of the sport he grew to love. “I feel very close to her and I love how she talks to me,” Dave said with a grin. Sonia also introduced Dave to fellow Cheer Factor cheerleaders who were also infected by his positive demeanor. “All the friends I’ve made are great,” explained an excitable Dave. “Cheerleading is a lot of fun; I really enjoy learning new stunts.” While cheerleading started as a bit of fun for Dave,, no one could have predicted what a sensation he would become. Having worked diligently iligently on his stunting skills, Dave and his team decided ecided to take their routine to AASCF’s 2012 Winterfest est competition, a firsttime experience for Dave. Competing with his stunt group, Dave showed off his signature single-handed push-up and d got a huge response from the crowd—beyond —beyond what he ever expected. “Dave has as always been a performer,” said Peter who o explained that his son was a bit of a natural ral when he hit the mat. “He loves getting out on the floor with his team and showing owing what he can do.” Dave got such a rush from m performing that he had to do it again — except this time in n front of a bigger audience — at AASCF Nationals. It was here that Dave caught the eye of Network Ten’s The Project, which produced d a feature story on Dave’s achievements. “Nationals were fantastic,” explained a reminiscent Dave. “There was a huge crowd and the applause was amazing.” If the audience ence didn’t know his name then,,
they definitely would no now as Dave managed to get the crowd cheerin cheering! His difficult stunts and energetic performa performance captured the attention of everyone in the arena who were in awe of his inc incredible talent. As such a natural performer, it’s no surprise that Dave Dave’s future ambitions include music an and performing. With a background in performing arts, DJ’ing and now cheerleading, Dave’s strengths speak for themselves. “I’d like to keep ccheerleading,” said Dave. “I go to TAFE and have been doing different courses at a recording studio. I want to do s something inv involving music.” For now, Dave Dav is still cheering, but with a n new flyer, Dani. th anyone can As proof that gre achieve greatness in the sport cheer of cheerleading, Australian cheer cheerleaders are eager to see him back on the competition floor. Who knows what we’ll see at Nat Nationals this year!
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HORIZONS SPORTING EVENTS
CHEER & DANCE
TRAVEL SPECIALIST
Looking to take your team interstate or overseas to compete, Horizons are the endorsed Tour and Travel Suppler of Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation (AASCF). For an inclusive travel package or a quote for flights, accommodation or transport contact Natalie on (02) 9764 3421 or natalie@horizons-sport.com.au. Travel packages are available for the Duel in the Desert, 2014 Worlds, 2014 Nationals and a number of other events.
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Learning to Avoid BY JOJO LOW
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S CHEERLEADERS fly high, so does their risk of injury, so every care must be taken to avoid potential sidelining accidents. Serious injuries can affect overall progress and can cause major setbacks in competitive cheerleading careers, especially if the athlete is very young. However like any other sport, accidents sometimes happen, so Jojo Low finds out how cheerleaders can cope with a sidelining injury. Although considered a beautiful form of artistic expression, cheer and dance can be physically taxing on the human body. While data from cheersafe. org suggests catastrophic injuries have declined over the past five years, cheerleaders need to be aware of injuries, even just minor, that could disrupt their cheer careers. While each person is predisposed to different ailments, common injuries include broken bones, joint dislocations, sprains, neck pain and pulled hamstrings.
Did you know? 80% of dancers will experience some form of restricting injury during their career. 65% of injuries are related to overuse. 90% are a result of being fatigued.
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Physiotherapist at Kensington Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic in Sydney, Roisin McNulty, has treated many cheerleaders, gymnasts and acrobats. She says while most of her cheerleader clients are flyers, it isn’t uncommon to see a base or spotter with an injury. “Flyers tend to get knocked around a bit,” said Ms McNulty. “[I’ve seen] a few back injuries from flyers not being caught properly from a stunt that their bases don’t absorb. “Bases, on the other hand, tend to come in with shoulder injuries.” And it isn’t just stunting that puts the athlete at risk of injury, but tumbling too can be dangerous if not executed correctly. Ms McNulty says that while tumbling can cause injuries like bone breakages, a more common type of injury is the jarring of joints. These are sudden jolting movements of joints sitting in compromised positions They can include twists, dislocations or any other injury that causes sudden joint pain.
Feature
d Injury
“Common injuries [among all cheerleaders] also result from the jarring of joints. This is probably from tumbling,” said Ms McNulty.
Flyer for the University of New South Wales Warriors Cheerleading Society, Tina He, knows the physical and mental pain associated with injury too well. Ms He injured her arm after falling out of a stunt and hated watching her team from the sidelines.
Some injuries can become reoccurring, so athletes should take care when training or exercising. Some choose to use braces or bandages to stabilise the respective joint and reduce the likelihood of further injury. Ms He says that when training
She says that while she knew training with an injury was dangerous, she was very concerned about her progress as a flyer and didn’t want to let her team down.
becomes too strenuous, she will
“I really felt like I couldn’t do anything and that I was going to fall behind,” Ms He said.
to ensure she doesn’t do any
“But instead of thinking about all the set backs that happens after an injury, I used it as motivation to get better. It can be hard trying to accept what has happened and move on… but thinking positively really helps,” Ms He said. Although all you’ll want to do is cheer with the rest of your team when injured, it’s important to weigh up the pros and the cons of training too soon. If you’re seriously injured and in pain, it is always best to seek professional advice then wait until the injury has healed. Not witholding from training could further damage the injured area and subsequently delay recovery. Ms He says that it is important to focus on the recovery process so your body can recuperate and return to optimum condition. “The recovery process isn’t easy but it is how you apply yourself and approach the situation which will determine how fast you get better,” Ms He said. It’s also important to be aware of your body’s limitations after completing your recovery time.
RICER method
Another great tool to help cheerleaders who are injured is the RICER method, an abbreviation for: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Referral
listen to her body and take rests more damage. “The injury was a learning experience for me. I’ve [learnt to] listen to my body and I now take rests at appropriate times.”
Other resources include:
Emergency Response Plan – AASCF have devised a plan for coaches to follow should one of their athletes be injured… right down to what to say to the ambos!
1 2 3 4 5
Stunt Safety Code – Another great tool from AASCF, this time they explain every stunting rule that coaches should comply with to ensure athletes remain safe.
Emergency Preparedness Program – A recourse compiled by the American Association of Cheer Coaches and Administrators to help coaches prepare for emergency. Remember, make sure you call 000, not 911!
AASCF Injury Report – Coaches should fill out this form for their own/AASCF records should a cheerleader become injured.
AASCF Cheerleading Safety Guidelines – AASCF has prepared ten safety rules to prevent the risk of injury.
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Straight from the Judge’s Mouth
PHOTO: COURTESY AASCF.COM.AU
BY REBECCA TODESCO
T
HE flipping, stunting and flying through the air that cheerleading brings is enough to send an outsider running away in fear. But for cheerleaders, it’s not the stunts that are frightening, it’s the cluster of people sitting in front of the mat—the judging panel. Rebecca Todesco was lucky to speak to Rosemary Sims-James, Australian All-Star Cheerleading Federation program director and judge, about what she looks for on competition day.
Wouldn’t it be great if cheerleaders were mind readers? They could take to the mat, perform their routine and know exactly what’s going on in the heads of the judges. Unfortunately, that’s too good to be true, so athletes need to try their best to perform a unique, rule-compliant routine that wows their adjudicators. Only once you receive your scorecard do you find out exactly what the judges were thinking. And sometimes what you were doing can significantly differ to what the judging panel were expecting. The possibility of negative feedback often puts cheerleaders off their game, but renowned cheerleading coach and choreographer, AASCF Program Director Rosemary SimsJames, says athletes should use comments as constructive criticism. She says both athletes and coaches should appreciate every piece of advice the judging panel gives, including criticism, to improve team performance. “There’s no such thing as negative feedback, it’s called educating,” Ms Sims-James said. “The judges are here to help the coaches be the best they can be…
their feedback is invaluable. The coaches that listen hard to the judges are coming up with great results.” Judging a cheer performance isn’t as simple as giving a number based on how complex stunts and dance routines appear. In fact, it’s a much more complicated process involving as many as 11 people, and not every judge evaluates the same element. The overall evaluation of a performance comes from the numerous performance judges seated at the table. They are in charge of giving points, however they are not entitled to deduct points for rule violations. This is the responsibility of the legality judge who penalises squads performing illegal or potentially dangerous stunts. Ms Sims-James says the judging team appraises many different elements of a performance, and no element is more important than the other. This way, everything is looked at equally and the squad is fairly adjudicated. Ms Sims-James said that judges look for routines that are clean, safe, creative and appropriate to age and level of the athletes.
Although most adjudicators sit at an elevated table in front of the mat, there are some members of the judging panel that can be found within the performance area. Line judges can be found in two of the four corners of the performance area, ensuring that performers do not step over the marked boundaries of the competition area. Stepping over these boundaries constitutes a rule violation and the squad will be penalised. Finally, the head judge oversees the entire judging panel, and although they take notes on performance, they are not required to submit a formal score sheet. When evaluating a performance, Ms Sims-James says that she looks for routines that are detailed, original and safe, rather than just awarding the most points to the more difficult routines. This is because coaches and judges aim to show that, in a competition, winning is not the number one goal. “It’s never about the win,” Ms Sims-James said. “It’s about having the athletes be their best no matter where they end up.”
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Feature
Cheer Chick Charlie BY JESSICA GRIFFIN
W
RITTEN by Australian author Leanne Shea Langdown, the Cheer Chick Charlie series has taken the Australian cheer community by storm. The books, online resources and mobile application focus on developing a child’s confidence and resilience, and as ACM reporter Jessica Griffin discovered, Charlie has many qualities that make her the perfect friend for any little girl.
How did Cheer Chick Charlie come about? Cheer Chick Charlie was a repercussion of my own daughter’s dream to become a cheerleader. Firstly, her dream led to the creation of Good Shepherd Cheerleading club, the official sport of Good Shepherd Primary School in the Australian Capital Territory. This program saw students participate in competitive cheerleading classes that had a huge impact on students’ confidence and self-esteem. I wondered how I could tap into this to help kids outside my local community and Cheer Chick Charlie was the answer!
How did you go about
bringing Cheer Chick Charlie to life?
A lot of commitment, spirit and belief went into the creation of Cheer Chick Charlie. Turning my vision into a reality took a great deal of focus and quite a bit of sacrifice. To be honest though, Charlie herself has kind of taken over. She has jumped off the pages of the books as I’ve written them and I often feel as though I am chasing her in an attempt to catch up!
What do you want children to gain from these books and other resources? To be honest, I just want kids to celebrate being themselves. I want to encourage them to be the best they can be and feel good about what they can offer to the world. At the same time I would like to teach kids how to encourage each other and to believe that anything is
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possible if you have commitment, spirit and belief. Finally, I’d like to get the message across that we can all be cheerleaders—every single one of us has a little cheerleader inside just bursting to get out!
How has the Australian cheer community responded to the series? Charlie is being embraced by the Aussie cheer community. The first time we took the Charlie costumed character to an event she was mobbed! Parents and kids alike are giving me the big thumbs up. We’ve also had exposure in national children’s magazines, local press and we recently introduced the brand to the USA. We’ve got some great support from within Australia and around the world.
the way some people outside of the cheer community view cheerleading. The sport is sometimes perceived a little negatively because of the stereotypical movies that just show cheerleaders on the sidelines.
How has merchandise and your strong online presence helped Cheer Chick Charlie?
What does Cheer Chick Charlie bring to the Australian cheerleading community? I think she brings a spirit of friendship, encouragement and fun as she’s relatable and inspiring. I hope she inspires kids from all walks of life to join the sport. More than that, I think she will help change
Charlie is more than just a children’s book character—she is a brand. We specialise in motivational products, fitness gear and books. Plus we have recently released the Cheer Chick Charlie doll and mobile application that is super exciting. The app really brings Charlie to life and further encourages children into a life of health and fitness through dance and cheer. Kids can choreograph their own routine with motions, kicks and jumps, and then dance with Charlie as she performs the routine. The Charlie brand is supported by an interactive website with healthy
eating options, fitness and dance videos, printable activities and other fun stuff to encourage kids. By engaging with activities, children are rewarded with ‘Charlie Cash’ that they can then spend on the site’s online store.
What can we expect from Charlie in the future? We have lots of plans for Charlie that will include more clothing options, more motivational products and some cool games. We’re even looking at TV. The sky is the limit!
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Featured Gym
ROYAL ALL
Program name: Royals All Stars Cheerleading Academy Year founded: 2011 Location: Narre Warren, Victoria Classes offered: Competitive Cheerleading,
Recreational Cheerleading, Pom, Open Dance, Flex and Technique, Open Gym, Tumbling/Core Strength/ Flexi Class, Private Classes, Disability Program, Cheer Workshops and Birthday Parties. The club also facilitates classes at South Eastern Academy of Dance and Deakin University.
Coaches:
Susan Cheo, Kayti Hore, Tamsin Oski, Amy Pyke, Michelle Cumming and Tenielle Blizzard.
Greatest achievement:
Increasing the number of athletes at the club by 900 per cent in 2 years.
Values:
The Royals All Stars Cheerleading Academy is committed to excellence in both cheer and dance. The club strives to build self-confidence, character and a proactive nature, while valuing effort, diligence and good sportsmanship.
24 Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013
STARS A Royal Endeavour
F
ROM a mere 15 students in 2011, to 150 students in 2013, The Royal All Stars Cheerleading Academy has come a long way in just two years. Beginning their cheer journey at a Victorian leisure centre, the club has since gone on to open the first fully equipped gym in Melbourne’s City of Casey district. Head coach and former Australia’s DreamGirls member, Susan Cheo, says she has been overwhelmed by the club’s growth, which she believes is related to her perfection before progression mantra. “We try to build the foundation and fundamentals of a skill before an athlete can move to the next [cheer] level,” said Miss Cheo. “This is especially important as a lot of our students are brand new and have never done cheerleading before.” Currently, the club offers level 1 and 2 cheer classes, but will next year offer level 3 for advanced athletes. Many athletes are also encouraged to shadow current cheer coaches in order to instruct their own team in the future. Not only does this provide cheerleaders with career prospects, but Miss Cheo believes it helps students better their own skills. “Having junior students help teach classes not only grows their own skills, but also shows them how to become a dedicated [cheer or dance] coach. “This way, in the long run, we’ll always have coaches to contribute to both Royals and Australian cheerleading in general.” While the club strives to train up-and-coming coaches, Miss Cheo explains that the dedication of her current instructors has been exceptional. Some especially keen coaches have even introduced their own programs at the club, many that have been well-received by their local community.
Following the success of the special needs program at Victorian club Cheer Factor, head dance coach, Tamsin Oski, decided to implement a similar program for students of all ages. Currently there are four students aged between 12 and 21 years old in the free program, however this number is expected to rise with support from local schools and community groups. Miss Oski says the program has been very beneficial for students, especially with regards to self-confidence. “The confidence level of the students has definitely increased as when they came they came in they were quite timid and not sure about their surroundings,” explained Miss Oski. “But within three to four weeks they were running around, interacting with each other and having a go at everything.” The program begins by introducing athletes to the sport, and then gradually progresses to tumbling and basic stunting. Miss Oski says the students’ enthusiasm has been overwhelming, and some students will even transition into competitive teams in the near future. “Seeing their faces light up when they achieve a skill makes me feel really happy, as I am helping these people achieve things they didn’t think were possible. “There’s even one girl who is getting forward hand springs which is just amazing,” Miss Oski said. The club runs their special needs program every Friday night at their Narre Warren gym. For more information, contact Susan Cheo via email on info@royalcheerleading. com.au.
Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 25
Who’s Your Mamma? She is your biggest fan, your best friend and the one person who will offer her unconditional support, but what happens when your mother becomes a fanatical sideline cheerleader? It’s a tricky situation and one that many Aussie cheer mums are trying to avoid. However, some Australian cheerleaders say that the stereotypical American cheer mum is present at their clubs.
BY RIKKI-LEE BURLEY
F
IFTEEN-year-old Casey* is your average Aussie cheerleader. She goes to training after school, competes in a team with some of her best friends and will always give 110 per cent, no matter what the situation. Her mum, Jenny*, too loves cheerleading and is always by her daughter’s side on competition or performance day. Some athletes say her mum’s behaviour is cute, but Casey knows it’s a little more complex. Behind the scenes, Jenny changes from a doting little puppy dog into a competition-obsessed woman that only has her eyes on the prize. She expects her daughter to win and will do anything to ensure this happens. Jenny is what some may call a ‘cheer mum’, and she’s in it for herself just as much as she is for her daughter.
Cheer mums, a popular term in the US due to reality television shows like Dance Moms, describes mothers who are obsessed with winning and their own children’s success. Mothers on the program are shown to stomp their way to the top, dragging their kids behind them and stilettoing anyone that gets in their way. Cheerleader at Prestige Cheer Panthers, 19-year-old Jessica Danson, says cheer mums can be found at some competitions and performances across Australia. She says many of them are overdressed, over-the-top and try too hard to live through their children. “The ones [that I would label cheer mums have] fake tans, are wearing tight pants and high heels,” Ms Danson said. “It’s hilarious to watch the [mothers who] try too hard to live
26 Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013
vicariously through their children.” While the stereotypical U.S cheer mum might be on display at some gyms, many Aussie mothers have explained that the cheer mum is in fact a rare breed of woman here in Australia. Most Australian mothers’ passion is not for beating competitors, but instead their own child’s enjoyment. Proud cheer mum, Ange Witson, follows a strict routine to ensure her two cheerleading children get the most out of competitions. She constantly reiterates to her children that win or lose, she is always proud of their success. “I want my children to know that I am with them every step of the way,” Ms Witson said. “I make sure they know exactly where I am so they can see and hear me cheering them on.” *Names have been changed.
Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 27
Feature
Training Tinies
BY KATHLEEN SMITH
F
ROM building self-confidence to sparking creativity— cheerleading and dance classes can have an unparalleled positive impact on a child’s physical, emotional and social development. However, for a child to reap the benefits, their coach must be fully committed to their age-specific needs. High school teacher and Tiny Cheer coach, Kathleen Smith, explains to ACM readers how one can successfully manage a Tiny Cheer team. They might lo adorable look w when they shake t their pom poms u on the mat, up b there is more but t coaching to a Tiny Cheer t team than just p preparing for performances. Coaches must keep their students engaged, entertained, and above all, oc occupied, which b a challenging h ll i task t k when h ttrying i to manage a can be group of students under five years old! Planning, coupled with research and exciting training aids, can make teaching Tinies all the more rewarding. Coach at Splitz Gym in Brisbane, Naomi Marsh, says that young students respond well to creativity, so
R
EY Lozano, acclaimed choreographer and owner of
coaches shouldn’t shy away from adding imaginative elements to their classes. “Give everyone a fun name as young children often think that the flyer is the only important role within a stunt group,” Naomi said. “You could call spotters superwoman or superman, and the front spot could be the boss of the world.” ntertained However, while the team is entertained ns and occupied now, what happens d lose when students become tired and concentration? al This is a common behavioural attribute for children under fivee ome years old, and one that can become ctively. problematic if not handled effectively. Tiny Cheer coach at Aussie Cheer and Dance, Julie Tickner, says that teaching a tired or bored Tiny can be a very difficult task. She says that coaches should familiarise themselves with various behavioural scenarios they may encounter by attending accredited coaching clinics. “There are lots of coaching clinics and workshops that coaches can attend to better id their teaching Tinies skills,” said Ms Tickner. oa “I would advise coaches to do
Create Team Etiquette If you were to observe a group of
U.S. Spiritleaders Cheerleading and kindergarteners in their classroom, you would see that their teacher gives Dance Camps, has been coaching award-winning teams around the
them detailed instructions and visual cues. For example, the class might
world for 35 years. Earlier this year, quietly sit on a mat while waiting for Rey spoke at the 2013 Aussie Cheer direction or put their hands over their Conference and offered coaches useful advice about how to teach Tiny Cheer teams.
lips when told to be quiet. As the child is already familiar with these cues, coaches should integrate them into their classes.
28 Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013
Time Most coaches would agree that Tiny Cheer should never run for more than 45 minutes per week. Anything longer and the class will lose concentration. For overly keen Tiny Cheerleaders, you could run an optional 30-minute tumbling class, but reiterate to both the athlete and their parents that this class is not compulsory.
clinic where they can ask someone face to face about their concerns.” While coaching clinics are the most reliable source of information, there are also websites that coaches may find useful. Government sites and websites like www. parenting.about.com can be useful, but coaches should carefully research and select information. Ms Tickner says that only accredited coaches should use online information as they have sufficient background knowledge to support acquired facts. “Some things on these websites may be helpful to coaches,” explained Ms Tickner. “But I would not advise anyone who doesn’t have coaching accreditation to go by what is on these websites.”
Discipline Dis Wh While it’s not your role to formally disc discipline the child, it is important to explain to th the Tiny Cheerleader that while they are at training, you are in charge. If the child is being mischievous gently tell the child to behave, just like their teacher would, but if they still refuse, issue a timeout. However, if the child is well behaved, show them that you are noticing their hard work by offering a reward, like a sticker. Other cheer-related content like colouring pages and mazes, can be found at www.cheerchickcharlie.com/ competitions-fun-stuff/.
Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 29
bradshawdanceandcheer.com.au
2013 ICU Bronze Medalist Jazz 2013 IASF Worlds Bronze Medalist Coed Pom
LIVE THE DREAM
2013 IASF Worlds Bronze Medalist Coed Jazz AASCF National Dance Grand Champions 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 30 Australian Cheerleader
Magazine t November
Perfecting Pirouettes BY SARAH MIHALOPOULOS
A
MONG one of the most delicate ballet steps to ever hit the stage, the pirouette is one of the most technically challenging turns a dancer or cheerleader can perform. It requires control, balance and lopoulos strength, but as Dance Team Masterclass owner Sarah Mihalopoulos explains, you don’t need to be a prima ballerina to master the move. Sarah offers ACM readers five often overlooked master tips to help perfect their pirouette. Dancer: Belle Cocksedge, National Institute of Performing Arts
Practice your balances regularly It’s important to p practice balances, or ‘preps’, while learning how to pirouette, but it’s just as important to ke keep practicing them long afterwards. This w will ensure you’re developing maintainin the correct technique. It’s and maintaining easy to fake a single pirouette by just whipping yourself around, but once you start aiming es, triples and for doubles, ev quadruple ruple turns, even y ce technique your balance b becomes all the more nt. important.
Relax your head and neck It’s easy to accidentally tense the muscles in your head and neck when you’re focused on engaging the muscles in the rest of your body. This often makes the performer forget about spotting their head, which makes the spinning manoeuvre difficult to neatly achieve. Keep your shoulders down and relax from the neck up for effective spotting. If you’re really struggling, forget pirouettes for a while and just focus on spotting.
Shoulders over hips, hips over toes Think of it like physics, but without the letters and numbers! Leaning back or forward will distort your centre of gravity, put you off-balance and could even slow down rotations. To keep yourself aligned, you should be able to draw an imaginary rectangle between your shoulders and hips. If you’re leaning off to the side, you’ll end up with a parallelogram, which is what you don’tt want.
Strengthen your ankles Y Your ankles support your relevé, which is a vvital piece of the pirouette puzzle. Your team’s cconditioning regimen should include exercises that ttarget and strengthen your ankles for this reason. E Even something as simple as incorporating a short pl plié and relevé combination into your regular warm u up routine will do wonders in the long-term. If you find yourself wobbling on relevé, master the exercise at the barre first. No barre? No problem, u use a chair or wall instead.
Don’t hold your breath or close your eyes It sounds silly, but you’ll be surprised how many people fall victim to this while trying to concentrate. If you don’t provide your body with the oxygen it requires, your body will become tired, increasing the likelihood of injury.
Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 31
32 Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013
Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 33
News
AASCF Sees Rapid Growth
T
HE Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation (AASCF) has recorded a significant growth in participant numbers at State and National competitions since 2012. Overall numbers at State competitions have risen by 40 per cent, while current figures suggest that
numbers at Nationals will rise by at least 25 per cent. Executive Director at AASCF, Stephen James, says that the increase is largely due to the efforts of the entire cheerleading community, especially coaches. “I think the growth is because of our efforts at
AASCF, and the efforts of so many of the young coaches out there,” said Mr James. While all states have recorded an increase in athlete numbers, Mr James says that cheer community in Melbourne has become significantly larger. “About eight new gyms have opened up in the past
School Cheers A
US Cheer, Active AfterSchool Communities and Gymnastics Australia have developed a seven-week program that will introduce students aged between five and 12 years old the basics of cheerleading and dance. The program focuses on encouraging children to participate in extracurricular programs, while improving coordination and fitness. It has been designed so that facilitators do not need
a background in cheer and dance—parents, teachers and other community leaders can run the initiative. Every centre that registers will be provided with an extensive kit of resources to guide the instructor through each of the lessons. The end of the program will see the development of a pre-choreographed cheerleading or dance routine.
34 Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013
year which has helped our numbers.” And it doesn’t stop here—2014 is expected to be AASCF’s biggest year yet, with Nationals being held in two venues. One venue will be used for dance sections, whereas the other will be used for cheerleading.
Australia Soars into Records T
HE Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation (AASCF) has soared into the Guinness Book of World Records after throwing the highest cheerleading basket toss in Beijing, China. Made up of four athletes from the East Coast All Stars and one from Outlaws All Stars, the team threw an astounding 5.5 metres at an event televised to more than 50 million viewers via the Chinese Central Television station (CCTV). Front spot of the basket and East Coast All Stars athlete, Carlos Condack, says the team was initially unaware of how high they were throwing.
so we just always tried to touch it,” explained Mr Condack. “We just hoped that height was high enough.”
However, they thought they had the potential to break the previous record of 5.4 metres set by another group of AASCF representatives in 2008.
Under the direction of Derrick Turner, the team practiced for a few weeks leading up the event to determine the best team combination.
“We didn’t really know how high we were throwing the basket, but we knew the roof was pretty high
East Coast All Star athlete, Natasha Tullipan, was selected as flyer, with Derrick Turner and Blake Jahnke as bases, Kenny La as back spot and Outlaw Jayden Sims as a back-up if the team was struck by injury. On their first basket toss attempt the team only threw 5.3 metres, but on their second they hit the recording-breaking 5.5 metres. Mr Condack says that he hopes that the team’s efforts would encourage countries like America to contest their record, adding more competition to the now single-team category. “I hope people in America [saw] our basket and try to contest it to get some more competition,” explained Mr Condack. While the directors at AASCF didn’t travel with the team to Beijing, they assisted with administrative matters like providing flights and accommodation. Executive Director at ASSCF,
Stephen James, says team positively represented the Federation at the event and couldn’t be prouder of their efforts. He explains that participants were committed to the endeavour and their dedication was a testament to cheerleading in Australia. “We are extremely proud of their achievements,” said Mr James. “I think it brings the entire cheerleading community within Australia together knowing that we hold this record.” Mr James also explains that the team’s achievement has also enhanced the profile of cheerleading across Australia. He says that many Australians do not understand the athletic side to the sport, with many individuals under the impression that the sport only entails dancing with pom poms. “It’s a common stereotype we are battling, as many people don’t realise how athletic the sport is and they are quite shocked when they watch it,” explained Mr James. “But [Australian cheerleading is] growing by about 40 per cent every year, so slowly this perception will change.” To witness that record-breaking moment visit http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=1aRPhtg7weo.
Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 35
Feature
THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO FUNDRAISING
I
T GOES without saying that every Australian cheerleader wants to compete at Nationals, but what happens when the only thing standing in the way of glory is the price tag? Luckily, there are a variety of fundraising options out there to help squads ease the financial pressures that competing brings. Kate Webber has a list of ideas to help teams kick-start their fundraising goals.
1
1. Get your car washed today While a cheerleading carwash may sound cliché, it can be quite the money turner if managed effectively. Restaurants, shopping centres and many other local businesses are usually willing to lend teams a space in their car park to help reach fundraising targets. Be sure to set a fixed price per car and create a roster of shifts to ensure every athlete participates.
2 3 4 5
2. Chuck a snag on the barbie
Another great fundraiser is the classic sausage sizzle as not many people can resist the smell of fried sausages and onions! Shopping centres are notorious for drawing large crowds, so liaise with centre management to find out if you can set up near the entrance. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for donations! Many local butchers, bakeries and supermarkets are willing to donate food to the cause as it boosts their public profile and builds positive community relations.
3. And the winner is…
Raffles have long been considered a fundraiser’s dream as they are both easy to coordinate and well-received by the local community. Before you begin selling tickets, ask athletes and other local businesses around your club to donate prizes to the cause. Once you have enough, start grouping them into major and minor prizes then you can start selling tickets. Be sure to keep ticketholders up-to-date with raffle news by posting on social media or sending emails when the prizes have been drawn.
4. Spread a little cheer
Let that special person know you are thinking of them by sending a ‘cheer-o-gram’—an interactive greeting card where the message is performed by a group of cheerleaders! Use your Facebook or Twitter page to advertise your cheer-o-gram services, and when you are hired, liaise with your client about where the mini performance should be staged. Most clients like their cheer-o-grams performed in busy, public spaces, so not only will someone receive an extraordinary message, but the team will also gain some extra publicity within the local community.
5. Show off your intelligence
A little bit of healthy competition has never hurt anyone, so why not get your team together for a night of trivia! You could hold the event in your own gym, but if it’s too small, approach nearby restaurants and community centres that are for hire. Send out invites through the team’s Facebook or Twitter page and encourage attendees to pre-purchase their quiz night tickets. You could even integrate a raffle or sausage sizzle with your quiz night to raise more funds.
36 Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013
When
Where
Hotel Grand Chancellor Cnr Surfers Paradise Boulevard & Hanlan Street Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Friday 24 th Jan Saturday 25 th Jan Sunday 26 th Jan Monday 27 th Jan
Registration & Drinks Conference/Dinner Conference Coaches Credentialing
We’re flying in some of the biggest names in the business for the Aussie Gold Coaches Conference and Spirit Expo on the fabulous Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.
Ray Jasper: Ray Jasper has worked in the cheerleading industry for more than 20 years. Most famously known as lead Choreographer for the major motion picture 'Bring It On", Ray has since established a reputation as one of the most sought-after and well respected choreographers in the competitive cheerleading industry, both domestically and internationally. In 2012, Ray won the prestigious 'Choreographer of the Year' at the Worlds V.I.P. Gala. In addition to working as an independent choreographer, Ray owns Action Spirit, a unique company specializing in customized choreography/skills camps for both school and all-star cheerleading programs Kelvin Lam:
Kelvin has been involved in cheerleading for over 15 years and is currently the Head Coach at San Jose State University. Kelvin’s career highlights include NCA collegiate national champion with HPU (2004), NCA partner stunt champion with UH (2009) and three time ICU world champion with Team USA (2010-2012). Kelvin is also the owner of “Cheer Moxie”, a cheerleading services company offering camps and clinics to high school, college and all-star teams in the United States and abroad.
Les Stella: As the Executive Director of Safety and Ethics for the U.S. All Star Federation (USASF) and Administrative Director of The Cheerleading Worlds, Les is one of the most respected and well-known cheerleading industry professionals and has played an instrumental part in the evolution of all star cheerleading. A speaker at many state and national coaching conventions plus his years of experience as a cheerleader, coach & gym owner have given Les a wealth of knowledge that he is eager to share. Also known as the “rules guy”, Les travels extensively to train safety judges on interpreting the USASF rules.
Local and international exhibitors will also be there to help your team get ready for 2014. Nerine Cooper & Kelvin Lam DIRECTORS
Conference Price $295.00 includes Registration & welcome drink 2 day conference Conference pack & handouts Goody bag 2 Lunches 1 Dinner (including a fashion parade with the latest trends in cheer uniforms and training gear)
Contact Aussie Gold Cheer & Dance today for a Coach or Exhibitor’s Registration Packet Contact581 Aussie Gold Cheer & Dance today Packet INFO @ Afor U SaSCoach I Australian E G OorL Exhibitor’s DCheerleader C H A MRegistration PMagazine S . C O MNovember . A U 2013 37 0412 501
t
Featured Cheerleader
The Secret Life of a Sydney Sixer Cheerleader BY JOJO LOW
T
HE road to becoming a professional cheerleader is difficult, but with a little motivation, determination and persistence, it’s a goal that anyone can achieve. I had only been cheering for eight short months when I decided to audition for the 2012–13 Twenty20 Sydney Sixers Cheer Squad, and let me tell you, it was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. To my dismay, four flyers, including myself, attended tryouts and I thought I was way out of my league when I saw their advanced-level cheer abilities. But I came, I saw, I conquered, and luckily for me, I made the team. Working with 11 experienced cheerleaders made learning new stunts extremely easy, as everyone was helpful and encouraging. Like any other cheer squad, we trained in an intimate environment, though when we were on the field, we performed like professionals. We knew we didn’t have many training sessions to hit our stunts and learn our dances, so we always had to bring our A-game to training, regardless of the situation. Performing at games was both intense and stressful at times, as we had to play close attention to the game to know when we should get up and perform. Also, due to the unpredictable nature of stunting, we always needed to be ready to improvise if a stunt sequence failed. However, like being a competitive cheerleader, the most gratifying part of being considered a professional is the reaction of the crowd. Seeing their eyes widen and jaws drop as you pull a heel-stretch makes you realise why you chose the sport in the first place. Overall, my experience with the Sydney Sixers Cheer Squad is one that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Not only have I grown as a person and cheerleader, but I’ve also made lifelong friendships that I will always cherish. Cheerleading can be a very rewarding profession, especially if you are extremely passionate. So to anyone thinking of trying out for a professional squad, remember to be confident, be prepared and above all, be true to yourself!
38 Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013
W
g n i k r Wo Core the
BY KATE WEBER
W
HETHER you are a base, spot or flyer, there is no doubt that core strength is must-have ability for a strong cheerleader. From maximising the height of jumps to displaying better posture—a solid abdominal centre will help improve individual performance, as well as take the team to a higher standard. Personal trainer, Elizabeth Yorkston, lets Australian Cheerleader Magazine in on three tips for a strong core that will help cheerleaders both build and maintain strength. Yorkston’s first tip is a manoeuvre that some cheerleaders may dread, but the front bridge, better known as a plank, will target the abdominals, back and shoulders. The correct way to hold this position is to place elbows on the ground at 90 degrees, supporting bodyweight through the toes, elbows and forearms. Keep the hips well aligned, then hold for 45 seconds. For those who are after more of a challenge, look no further than Elizabeth’s second tip, the side bridge. Considered a variation of the front bridge, this exercise will promote arm and shoulder strength, while improving balance and stretching the wrists. To perform this exercise, start in the front bridge then slowly twist
the body so the right hip is facing the floor. The arm should resemble an ‘L’ shape with bodyweight held firmly around the forearm.
either side of your hips.
Keeping the hips up and feet on top of each other, hold for 30 seconds then switch to the other side.
Remember, a strong core doesn’t just happen overnight and requires ongoing dedication to achieve desired results. So what are you waitingg for—work that core!
Elizabeth’s third and final tip is n the a little more traditional than ned planks, but can still aforementioned astic results. provide fantastic e The sit-up iss a very useful exercise ore strength, bu ut by to increase core but adding a littlee extra weight, one can U a also enhance muscle tone. Using iate medicine balll of an appropri appropriate weight, start by performing a sit-up, but when your chest is near your he knees, drop the medicine ball to
Repeat this exercise 12 times for each side.
www.obeauty.com.au | info@obeauty.com.au www.facebook.com/pages/Zigi-jane-Cosmetics Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 39
YOUR HEALTHY
Lifestyle
BY JENNA OBEID
F
ROM vigorous stunting to poses that show off flexibility— cheerleading is a physically demanding sport that requires extreme athleticism. Like any other sport, cheerleaders need to fuel their bodies not just for energy, but also for proper recovery between training sessions and performances. Jenna Obeid, a Canberra-based nutritionist and two-time Worlds athlete, gives ACM readers an insight into what she defines as a healthy diet.
1. Carbs for energy
Knowing what to eat and when to eat it can be a difficult task, especially for cheerleaders with a heavy training schedule. Cheerleaders should aim to have three meals, as well as three small snacks, each day to maintain optimum health.
Carbohydrates are the body’s main preference for energy. For an athlete with a
This gives the body enough energy to properly function, but also allows the body to recover after a strenuous training session.
busy training load, it is essential that you have enough carbohydrates to
Each serving has a unique blend of nutrients and minerals, so have a look at the food guide below to see if you are correctly nourishing your body.
support high-energy demands. Wholegrain carbohydrates are the best kind, for example grainy bread, brown rice, whole oats.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY FRIDAY
SATURDAY SUNDAY
Breakfast
Two Weetbix with skim milk.
One egg on multigrain toast with glass of Sustagen in skim milk.
One piece multigrain toast with natural peanut butter & a piece of fruit.
Avocado on toast with one glass of Sustagen in skim milk.
Two pieces wholemeal toast with natural peanut butter.
French toast with fresh fruit and cinnamon.
Scrambled eggs with spinach and multigrain toast.
Morning Tea
One apple.
One banana. One small tub of low fat yoghurt.
10 raw almonds.
One mandarin.
Bigger breakfast so no snack needed.
Bigger breakfast so no snack needed.
Lunch
Lean turkey and salad sandwich.
Chicken breast and spinach wrap.
Leftovers Salad greens Ham and from last with a can salad night’s dinner. of corn, sandwich. four bean mix and chickpeas.
40 Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013
Penne pasta Homemade & low fat beef and cheese. salad burgers.
EATING PLAN 2. Fill up on protein Research has shown that protein-rich foods satisfy hunger for a substantial amount of time. Make sure you are having different protein-rich foods throughout your day to keep full in between meal and snack times.
3. Give me an S Snacks are just as important as main meals as they give you an energy boost that helps you complete day-today tasks. Low fat yoghurts and flavoured low fat milk drinks are great as snacks or straight after training sessions. Typical family meals tend to be low in dairy products, so be sure to include the food group in your snacks. Fruit is another great snack! MONDAY
4. Fat is good! Not all fats are bad. Keep animal fats, such as full fat dairy products and fatty meat cuts out of your diet and instead include good fats. Healthy fats include nuts, seeds, natural nut spreads (with no added sugar or salt) and fish.
5. High V Different types of vegetables are needed in everyone’s diet as they are high in vitamins and minerals. Try to include at least one serving with lunch and dinner and don’t be afraid to eat them as in-between snacks too.
6. H2Go! Drink water all day, every day. Water is lost from the body during intense training sessions which means you’ll need to drink more than you usually would on days you don’t train.
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY FRIDAY
SATURDAY SUNDAY
Afternoon Fresh carrot and Tea cucumber sticks.
Low fat cheese on one or two VitaWeats.
Air popped, plain popcorn.
Steamed broccoli.
Plain One pear. tomato, cucumber and lettuce salad.
Sustagen in skim milk.
Dinner
Pumpkin and white bean soup cooked with skim milk.
Chicken and vegetable stir-fry.
Grilled fish with sautéed asparagus and green beans.
Lean steak with mashed potato and steamed vegetables.
Homemade pizzas.
Sunday pork roast with roasted potatoes and beetroot.
Supper
Handful dried cranberries.
Nut butter Hot milo on a Corn with skim Thin. milk.
Couscous cooked in chicken stock with pumpkin & sultanas.
One small Grilled Berries tub of low banana with with fat yoghurt. yoghurt. low fat custard.
Apples stewed in water and cinnamon.
Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 41
Lifestyle
Focusing
C
ONSIDERED an important attribute of any cheerleader or dancer, flexibility is a quality that can easily be transferred from the stage to everyday life. Not only does it prevent injuries, but flexibility will also increase a joint’s range of motion and minimise muscle stress and tension. So whether you are a base, flyer or spotter, Demi Poon explains how one can improve their flexibility to better their overall performance.
PHOTOS: COURTESY EK PHOTOGRAPHY
CHEST STRETCH WHY?
The pectoralis major, commonly called the ‘pec’, is a thick, fan-shaped muscle of the front upper torso. The muscle is predominantly used to control arm movement by pulling on the humerus, a long bone that runs from the shoulder to the elbow. Stretching this muscle improves the arm’s range of lateral, vertical and rotational motion.
HOW? Place your right forearm against a wall at a 90-degree angle, keeping your left arm near the left side of your body. Push the inside of your arm into the wall, and then slowly push your weight into the stretch. Hold for 30 seconds then repeat with the opposite arm.
42 Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013
on Flexibility LAT STRETCH WHY?
The latissimus dorsi, better know as ‘lats’, is a flat, triangular muscle that covers most of the back. It generates a huge amount of power that is excellent for stunting and tumbling. Tight lats can lead to internal rotation of the shoulders, making overhead exercises like extensions and basket tosses very difficult, especially for bases.
HOW? Hold on to a fixed object at about hip height, then push your bottom out and bend. Move your head in-between your arms, and then gently twist your torso so your face is pointing towards the right. Shift your weight onto your heels and pull back. You should feel a stretch down the side of your body. Repeat the exercise again, but this time face the left.
UPPER BACK STRETCH WHY?
Believe it or not, it’s possible to stretch the spine! Stretching the back betters thoracic (upper back) extension, which helps improve spinal posture and flexibility.
HOW? Lie down on a foam roller, positioning it so it is placed horizontally against your shoulder blade. Put your hands behind your head, as if you were preparing to do a sit-up, then bring your elbows close together. Inhale, then as you exhale, move up as if you were doing a sit-up. Move back to the original position, but this time curl your upper torso over the roller and pivot back. As this is an upper body stretch, your lower back should not arch at all. Repeat between three to five times.
Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 43
CloBo’s CloBo’s is owned by Chloe Tickner a former rmer cheerleader and current cheerleading coach. She fell trong passion in love with cheer bows and with her strong for cheerleading decided to share her very own hand made bows with the cheer world. d Chloe to take Her little 2 year old niece Ruby inspired mall bows, clip CloBo’s to the next level by making small es. bows, headband bows and ba baby beanies.
* Cheerr Bows * Small Bows Bows * Clip Bo ows Headbands * Headb bandss * Baby Beanies Beanie es * Phone e
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Cases
Competition Chow Down
Lifestyle
BY JENNA OBEID
K
NOWING what to pack in your lunchbox on competition day can be a difficult task, especially when you have no idea what you should bring! Do you need carbohydrates to perform at your best? How much protein do you need for muscle recovery? There are lots of different elements to consider, so nutritionist and Worlds athlete, Jenna Obeid, explains to ACM readers what they should eat prior to stepping in front of the judges.
C
HEERLEADERS and dancers are a unique blend of athlete, artist and performer, meaning they must properly fuel their bodies, especially prior to competition. If the cheerleader doesn’t consume enough healthy, nutritious food their body could become susceptible
to fatigue-related injury— something that could be easily prevented. We know it’s difficult, especially when you are nervous, so we’re here to tell you what you should bring as competition chow.
Pack em’ Small, healthy snacks are best. Non-messy snacks aree recommended as they y will keep you fuelled throughout hroughout the day, especially cially if you don’tt want to reapply apply your make-up!
Eatt lightt Eating too much could result in nausea which could make performing very uncomfortable.
Think natural Apples, pears and other easy-to-eat fresh fruits are perfect for a hit of natural sugar to power your body.
Bulk up Protein bars are great to eat in between meals and usually aren’t too heavy. You can either go for a low carbohydrate bar or an energy-rich bar that contains carbs. Either way, a small bar won’t be too heavy in the stomach!
Merry muesli Muesli bars are made predominantly of carbohydrate, ideal for athletes on competition day.. ath Try Uncle Toby’s Bodywise bars ba for a controlled serve of carbohydrate that will keep you energised throughout the day.
Carrot crunch If you’re organised enough, chop up some carrot sticks. Carrots are a good, light snack ack for when you have v the ve s s! munchies!
H2Go Stay hydrated throughout the day so yourr body can perform at its peak. k k. There’s also nothing like pulling a cheer face with a dry mouth and your lips stick together!
Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 45
Beauty
Mastering the
BY EMMA NEWMAN
D
ECIDING how to wear your make-up on a regular day can be tough, let alone facing the ins and outs of competition day cosmetics. Not only do you need to make sure you look presentable, but you also need to consider various external factors, like light and sweat, that could make your make-up melt. Make-up artist and managing director of Zigi Jane Cosmetics, Amanda Mackay, understands the stress that some cheerleaders experience when trying to apply competition make-up. With over 25 years of experience, she shared some of her make-up tips with ACM writer, Emma Newman.
Tip #1 Prime your face
Just like you prime a wall before painting, you too need to prime your face before applying make-up. Make-up primers not only give a flawless finish, but also prevent the skin from absorbing talc and pigment from your foundation—two substances that can make the face oily and shiny. Ms Mackay says that a primer is a make-up kit must-have as it serves as a layer between the skin and foundation, creating a smoother surface to ease application. “During a performance cheerleaders work hard and so does their make-up, so it’s imperative to use a quality primer before applying foundation,” Ms Mackay said. “A make-up primer will hold foundation longer, make application easier, prevent moisture loss and reduce the likelihood of an oily t-zone.”
Tip #2 Find a base
Like the base in your stunt group is an important part of your team, your make-up base, or foundation, is an essential part of your make-up combo.
For optimum results, and to make the process simpler, eyeliner, mascara and false lashes should all be put on the eyelid prior to glitter application. Ms Mackay says that proper application of glitter shadow in the first instance won’t only prevent the need for reapplication, but will also give eyes a striking, dramatic effect. “For maximum effect, mix eye glitter in a small glass bowl with eyeliner activator,” Ms Mackay said. “Apply the glitter with an eye shadow brush and then line the lower lids too using a fine eyeliner brush. “Remember to discard any unused glitter as reusing after some time may result in eye irritation.”
Your foundation should always match your skin tone, so if you choose to get a spray tan, make sure it matches your ‘new’ skin tone to prevent looking washed out. Ms Mackay says that once you have found the perfect foundation, you should practice applying the product to your skin. Not knowing how to properly apply your make-up can sometimes look worse than wearing the wrong shade! “Choosing the correct foundation is key to a winning competition make-up,” Ms Mackay said. “Cream foundation applied evenly with a foundation brush with a setting powder over it gives complete long lasting coverage.”
Tip #3 Keep sparkling
Although it looks beautiful from afar, applying glitter to your eyelids is a difficult and often very messy task.
46 Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013
Tip #4 Get cheeky
There’s nothing wrong with being a little cheeky, well, when it comes to make-up at least! The amount of colour you need on your cheekbones is dependent on the intensity of eye colour and fake tan, so it’s one of the last things you should apply. Amanda says that highlighting the cheeks can be a hit or miss situation. Too little will be lost under the bright stage lights, whereas too much will leave the make-up looking unbalanced.
Art of Make-up Tip #5 Lip service
“Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks with a big soft blush brush, then up along the cheekbones toward the top of your ear and blend,” Ms Mackay said.
liner after their base of primer, foundation and powder…[and] cover [all of their] lips,” Ms Mackay said.
To complete your competition makeup, be sure to apply lipstick for a pucker-worthy pout!
“Line the lips with your pencil then fill them in, lipstick will stick to the pencil and give great definition.”
Some teams opt for glitter lips to complement sparkling eyes, and if this is the case, it is something you should do an hour or so before competing.
And there you have it—perfect make-up with minimal fuss. Now all you need to do is hit the floor and perform knowing you look fabulous. And remember, don’t forget to sparkle!
This way you’ll be able to eat and drink without consuming a serve of glitter in the process. Ms Mackay says that for big, defined lips, athletes should use lip liner to ensure their lipstick holds. “The athlete should apply lip
Amanda’s Top Five Products 1.
Refillable magnetic myipalette RRP $45 – Only ever carry the cosmetics you need with this fantastic palette. Great for competition and performance days when you only need certain colours and products.
2.
Starburst Face Powder RRP $43.95 – Used to neutralize imperfections and create a healthy glow, these corrective cover powders are available in five different shades. Can also be used as a blush or bronzer.
3.
Luscious Lipstick RRP $19.95 – Fortified with vitamin E to heal and protect the lips, this lipstick provides a striking, silky smooth texture. Available in five different colours.
4.
Zigi Glitz RRP $19.95 – For ultimate glittery glamour, look no further than Zigi Glitz. Available in 19 different colours.
5. Graduated Lashes RRP $5.00 – Get dramatic
looking eyes by applying these gorgeous granulated lashes that will make you stand out from the crowd.
Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 47
Mascot The Star Treatment
BY CELESTE VILLANI
T
HE Starlets don’t need to wait until night time to wish upon a star, they’ve got StarMan, and he’ll give them all the encouragement they’ll ever need! Celeste Villani was able to speak to StarMan about good sportsmanship, competition day routine, and of course, how it feels to be a mascot for The Starlets!
How does it feel to be a competition day icon?
South Wales State Championships in 2012.
It feels extremely special to be a member of the Starlets team. Not only do I love warming up with them, but I also love running out on the mat and acting like a bit of a silly star before every routine.
It all started when a grandmother of one of the junior girls made the StarMan costume, and for a whole year, no one was using it! Then someone asked me to give it a go for an hour and I ended up spending the entire weekend in it!
What makes everything worthwhile is when I see smiles on faces of athletes, and not just from the Starlets, but from competitors at other clubs too! It’s really the main reason I am there—to make athletes happy and excited about performing.
When did StarMan become an honorary Starlet? I became an official Starlet at the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation’s (AASCF) New
What is the primary objective of StarMan? My aim is to support and encourage each and every athlete— no matter what club they represent. It’s about all about teams having fun and competing to the best of their ability. Part of my role on competition day is to calm the athletes down before they go on stage because a lot of them tend to get nervous and worried. I just tell them that you’ve trained for this, so just go out there and do your best!
How exciting is it to travel with the Starlets?
PHOTO: COUTESY KATHRYN JOLLY 48 Australian Cheerleader Magazine
I love travelling to competitions! I went to Nationals in Sydney last year and this year I’m going to Melbourne.
t November 2013
the Starlets didn’t go to Worlds this year, but I’m hoping I’ll get to go next year!
How do you prepare for competition day? I’ll have a healthy breakfast, practice my star jumps, do my stretches and then slip into my teal tights. On competition day I’ll spend most of my time in the warm-up area with the team and give them lots of encouragement before they compete. Before the team goes on stage we’ll get into a huddle, do a chant then I’ll run out on stage with them and dance about like a fool.
Why is it important to support every team competing at national or state competitions? It’s simple, because there is no I in team! At Starlets we encourage good sportsmanship, not just among the Starlets, but among all athletes that share the same passion and commitment to the sport. StarMan loves meeting new athletes, coaches and clubs! Follow him on: Facebook: www.facebook.com/starlets. starman Twitter: @StarletsStarMan Instagram: @starletsstarman
Australia’s California Girl F
OLLOWING the likes of Carlos Condack, 19-year-old Stephanie Goldberg is fulfilling her dream of cheering with the California All Stars ‘Sparkle Team’. The former Gymstars cheerleader decided to move to The Golden State after seeing the team perform at Worlds earlier this year. She says that her desire to work with the International All Girl Level 5 team fuelled her desire to audition for the team.
The talented base, backspot and tumbler is the sole Australian on the team this year. Although she says it was hard to leave her friends and family behind, she had to take the plunge to build her cheerleading career.
Community “I know this is an amazing opportunity and I would have done anything to come here and be a part of California All Stars,” said Ms Goldberg. “I want to get the chance to work and become a world champion.”
“I wanted to be a world champion or at least get to be a part of a hardworking world champion team,” explained Ms Goldberg. “So I asked Tannaz, the owner of California All Stars if I could try out [by sending] a video of my skills.”
Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 49
Community
A DIRTY wa
F
ORGET the bake sales l and d movie nights, a mother-daughter duo in Mississippi has devised a new, muddy way for teams to fundraise. The Muddy Cheer Challenge, created by Morgan Fairley and
her h mother h Debbie, bbi iis an untimed, i d non-competitive obstacle course for cheerleaders and their extended communities. Designed to remove the work and worry associated with fundraising, the event allows American
cheerleaders h l d to raise i money ffor their h i club, while negotiating pools of mud at the same time! Former All Star cheerleader and coach, Morgan Fairley, designed the one-of-a-kind event after realising the US cheer industry needed something new and innovative. The 21-year-old says the primary goal of the challenge is to create an enjoyable experience for all participants, while raising team morale at the same time. “Having first-hand knowledge, I know that cheerleaders are always looking for new and fun ways to raise money,” Morgan said. “I came up with this concept to unite gyms, promote team bonding [while] at the same time raising money for their team.” The challenge sees cheerleading clubs organise teams of runners, and for every person that signs up, the squad receives a portion of the registration fee. Morgan and Debbie also donate some of their own profits to charity, and in lieu of an entry fee, ask that spectators bring a can of food to donate to the local animal shelter. Runs are usually held on motorsport tracks, which can be anywhere between 2.5 and 5km long, and obstacles are specially designed by obstacle course designer and personal trainer, Brett Stewart. The US designer created the women a one-of-a-kind cheerthemed course, including obstacles like a ‘slip and slide’ into a mud pit and a ‘cheer wash’ where competitors run underneath a row of muddy pom poms. Morgan says that the company decided to use Brett’s expertise as he is renowned for creating courses that everyone can enjoy.
50 Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013
ay y to Fundraise “We decided to use Brett’s knowledge because of his love for family, giving back to the community and special needs athletes.
Australian squads would appreciate the hassle-free nature of ‘The Muddy Cheer Challenge’.
“He understands that this is a familyoriented event with different age groups so the obstacles…[need to be] fun, but challenging as well.”
She says that while the BBQ and bake sale fundraisers her squad coordinates are very successful, seeking food and drink donations is often a tedious task.
While bringing the event down under is high on the priority list, many Australians are already getting behind the event, explaining that it would benefit cheerleading communities.
“If The Muddy Cheer Challenge were to come here, it is definitely something we would consider as it would make fundraising a lot easier,” said Ms Melville.
President of the University of New South Wales Cheerleading Society, Olivia Melville, agrees and says many
“We are all studying at university, so it would alleviate the pressure [of organising events] and would help
provide the funds we need for state competitions, Nationals and Worlds.” Ms Melville also believes that the challenge would help build morale, not just among cheerleaders, but university-wide. “We struggle with getting people outside our society involved in our fundraisers, so this would make things more efficient,” Ms Melville explained. Follow The Muddy Cheer Challenge on Facebook at facebook.com/ MuddyCheerChallenge or on Twitter @fun5kruns
Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 51
52 Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013
Jasmine Shaves the Standards N
RG Cheersports’ Jasmine Hirst has inspired the cheerleading community by shaving off her hair to raise money for children with leukaemia. The 15-year-old NRG cheerleader took on the shave in front of a crowd of hundreds at the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation’s (AASCF) Western Australia State competition last month. Jasmine, who has been raising money since August 2013, began the initiative when she found out her sevenyear-old cousin, Sienna, was diagnosed with the disease. Jasmine says that she started fundraising for the Princess Margaret Hospital to make life bearable not just for Sienna, but for all children receiving treatment at the hospital. “After hearing about what happened to my cousin, I thought I should not only do something for her, but for all kids out there with leukaemia,” said Miss Hirst. “The money raised goes straight to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation and they can use it for [whatever] they need. “Some of it even goes to a playground within the hospital so when kids are in for treatment they can go there… but still be monitored.” Jasmine set her sights on raising $5000 dollars and started her journey by organising sausage sizzles and selling homemade cheer bows at NRG Cheersports’ East facility. Each fundraiser was well-received by athletes and their parents who continually supported Jasmine by offering very generous donations. Their support so overwhelming that Jasmine decided to stage her shave at State competitions and seek donations from the wider Western Australian cheer community. Miss Hirst says she was glad she chose this location as the kindness of attendees saw her surpass her target by $1500. “It was really good how everyone was just so generous and willing to help me out and donate,” explained Miss Hirst. “Everyone was so supportive… so the feeling after I shaved
Community
my head was just incredible!” Head Coach at NRG Cheersports at South Lake, Monique Magodo, supported the athlete throughout the fundraiser and says she wasn’t surprised the young athlete embarked on the selfless cause. She says that Miss Hirst is a wholehearted, dedicated young woman who has become an inspiration for all athletes at the club. “She is so amazing,” explained Mrs Magodo. “She’s just so inspirational and has the best heart; I’m proud to be her coach.” Assisting the young athlete reach her $5000 target was the primary goal of Mrs Magodo, who offered Jasmine ongoing guidance throughout the course of the fundraiser. She encouraged the entire NRG community to support Jasmine, but also prompted the local community to contribute to the cause. She planned cross-promotional activities with many organisations to ensure Jasmine and her fundraiser received maximum exposure. “I did everything I could to get other organisations involved, especially community radio stations,” explained Mrs Magodo. “Sonshine FM, which is a Christian radio station in Western Australia, got behind her so I organised her an interview… and they asked for donations on their Facebook page.” Overall, the support and contribution of the entire NRG and Western Australian cheer community helped a courageous young woman fulfil her goal of helping others in need. If you would like to help Jasmine, good news, you still have time! Head to her Everyday Hero page via https://give. everydayhero.com/au/jasmine-5 to contribute to the fundraiser.
Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 53
Entertainment
Gridiron from the Sidelines A
DALLAS teen has become the first American to take up duel roles on match day, as both a gridiron player and cheerleader. The 17-year-old Episcopal School of Dallas student, Armand Fernandaz-Pierre, began playing gridiron in the eigth grade, but his career was unfortunately cut short by a neck injury. Mr Fernandaz-Pierre was involved in a collision on field that broke his neck and partially severed his spinal cord, leaving him hemiplegic for 10 months. “I severed my spinal cord,” Mr Fernandaz-Pierre told ABC News. “I was paralysed on the right-hand side.”
Game Day A
T ACM we’re always up for new cheerleading games, and we think we have found some of the best online challenges to date! Presented by Mad Science Industries and AddictingGames, High School Cheerleader, is all about copying the captain’s moves in order to make the cheer squad. The game, available in both one and two-player formats, sees participants use the arrow keys on their keyboard to fulfil a variety of dance challenges. The more moves you hit, the more points you gain, allowing you to progress to the next level. If you get as addicted as us, good news, the game is now available on iPhone and iPod touch so you can take it anywhere! Play the game via www.addictinggames.com/ girl-games/highschoolcheerleader.jsp
After he recovered and regained movement, FernandazPierre decided to leave the shoulder pads behind to take up cheerleading and soon became a valuable asset to his school’s team.
For the younger cheerleader, or maybe just the young at heart, Barbie’s Pom Pom Squad tests if you have what it takes to perform the ultimate stunt.
He could lift and hurl girls in the air, which caught the attention of the senior school’s gridiron coach, Clayton Sanders, who approached him about playing gridiron again.
To play the game, you must first pick a formation, like ‘The Super’, then use your mouse to direct Barbie to the loading zone and hit the stunt.
Fernandaz-Pierre accepted Sanders’ offer, but on one condition, he could run to the sidelines and cheer on his teammates at halftime. The school’s cheer coach, Eric Daboa, explained to myfoxdfw.com that be couldn’t bear to lose the strong and dedicated athlete. “He’s the big brother of the entire team,” said Mr Daboa. “He never lets anyone fall, never lets anyone hit the ground. “But we realised what a good athlete he is and understand the opportunities that he would have with football.” However, gridiron and cheerleading are just a few pastimes of the dedicated student. Fernandaz-Pierre also participates in choir classes, theatre, the school’s robotics club, lacrosse, power lifts and also fixes students’ computers with the ‘Geek Squad.’
You’ve only got 12 cheerleaders at your disposal, so make sure you have Barbie’s alignment perfect before directing her to the pyramid. It can be a little tricky at first, but before long you become a pro and can’t wait to see Barbie tumble through the air. To play the game, visit http://icanbe.barbie.com/ en_us/games/pom-pom-squad.html
Cheer Monopoly W
HO needs a house on Mayfair when you can buy, sell and trade some of the United States’ most prestigious cheerleading competitions! Monopoly—The Cheerleading Edition is similar to the traditional game, but is designed specifically with the cheerleader in mind.
He hopes that his commitment to both teams, plus participation in extra-curricular activities, will land him a college scholarship.
Start your own cheerleading empire by collecting competitions, or take it a step futher and own your own gymnasium and even your own convention centres!
Many institutions have already expressed interest in the defender that will hopefully see him study medicine in the future.
Unfortunately, the game isn’t available in Australia, so if you’re going to competitions in America, be sure to get your paws on the game!
54 Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013
Fashion on the Field G
ONE are the days of oversized hair bows and cute white sneakers, the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders have opted for haute couture uniforms, created by worldrenowned designer Vera Wang. Acclaimed for her stunning wedding dresses worn by the likes of Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Wang has updated her 2003 signature pieces for the NFL cheerleaders. Vera, a former figure skater herself, says that she enjoyed creating a contemporary and distinctive look for the cheerleaders. “It was an honour to create the uniform design that has now become synonymous with the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders,” Ms Wang said. “I always embrace the opportunity to work on extensions of my original creations and enjoyed designing new signature pieces for the beautiful and talented cheerleaders to wear this year.”
PHOTOS: COURTESY PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
When Wang designed the team’s uniforms 10 years ago, it was the first time a high-fashion designer had lent their skills to an NFL team.
Each piece is comfortable, moves easily with the body, and as Eagles squad captain Jessica Gonzalez explains, allows cheerleaders to mix-and-match their outfits come game day.
The team’s 2003 uniform was a simple black, white and midnight green bra-and-boy-shorts combo with a sexy, yet sporty style.
“The new signature pieces give us even more options for our ensembles,” explained Ms Gonzalez.
While the updated uniform incorporates elements of the 2003 design, it also contains a variety of other interchangeable pieces like pants, sweaters, cropped jackets and even black sparkly sneakers.
“All of the pieces can be worn with one another, so the choices are endless for us.” It’s not just the cheerleaders that have taken well to the new designs, the response from Eagles executives has also been overwhelmingly positive. President of the Eagles Youth Partnership and Social Responsibility sectors, Christina Weiss Lurie, says Vera’s new signature pieces are modern and sexy, yet still actively represent the Eagles brand. “Vera beautifully achieved our vision for the signature pieces with a fashion forward and sporty look that represents our style,” explained Ms Weiss Lurie. “She beautifully achieved the vision for the uniforms, creating sleek and cutting-edge ensembles with the perfect combination of function and elegance.”
Australian Cheerleade Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 55
Entertainment
Cheer Must-Follows BY RIKKI-LEE BURLEY
S
INCE Twitter launched way back in 2006, it’s spent a considerable amount of time in Facebook’s shadow. Now it’s become one of the most used social media platforms across the globe with about 340 million tweets sent out each day! The cheerleading world has definitely embraced Twitter, so refine your feed with ACM’s top 10 cheer must-follows.
1. cheerUPDATES (@cheerUPDATES) – They don’t call themselves an industry leader in cheer news for no reason—tweets are churned out like rapid-fire! An essential resource if you want to keep up-to-date with American cheer news! 2. Cheer is Everything (@FierceSport) – New Jersey’s World Cup All Stars’ handle offers links to photos and videos, as well as candid comments that only the cheerleader would understand. 3. All Star Cheerleader (@allstarnz) – The largest cheerleading gym in New Zealand, All Star Cheerleaders proudly brought home fifth place for Level Five Co-Ed and All Girl sections at 2012 Cheerleading Worlds. You can also follow them on Instagram using the same handle. 4. Inside Cheerleading (@InsideCheer) – An American cheerleading magazine based in Atlanta, Georgia. Follow for hilarious cheer memes and the latest competition results from the US. 5. Cheer Chick Charlie (@CheerChickChar) – Protagonist of the children’s book series of
the same name, Cheer Chick Charlie encourages children to build confidence and resilience, while maintaining a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle.
6. Cheerleading Company (@Cheerco) – Your one-stop-shop for t-shirts, uniforms, poms,
accessories and more. We love their item of the week tweet—usually it’s a unique piece of merchandise that we can’t help but put on our wishlist!
7. International Cheer Union (@ICUcheer) – With the help of 103 National Federation
members, the International Cheer Union is doing its bit to spread a love and appreciation of cheer to the world.
8. Dolphin Cheerleaders (@MDCheer) – The official Twitter page of the Miami Dolphin Cheerleaders. Go behind the scenes with the girls and find out what happens before they hit the pitch. 9. Cowboys Cheerleaders (@DCCheerleaders) – Official Twitter page of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. A must-follow for those who aspire to become the next Angela Rena! 10. American Cheerleader (@cheerleadermag) – While you can’t buy hard copies of this New York publication here in Oz, you can keep track of all their latest stories and news by following them on Twitter.
WIN! W
IN a Zigi jane Cosmetics prize pack valued at $72! To enter the draw: ‘like’ the Zigi jane Cosmetics Facebook page, tag your school on the wall and share the page with friends. The winner
56 Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013
will be chosen at random. Entries close 31 Dec 2013. The pack includes: 1 x graduated lashes, 2 x Zigi glitz, 1 x activator, 1 x mixing bowl, 6 x application brushes.
Listen to the Music M
USIC production company CustomTrax.net has set up a grant scheme for clubs that cannot afford to purchase customised cheer music. The CustomTrax.net Music Fund will give four up-andcoming Australian clubs a $250 grant that can be put towards the production of a high-quality cheer track. CustomTrax.net Director, Peter Pizarcoff, encourages all new clubs to apply for the grant to assist with initial business development. “Finances can be a problem in the early days of any business,” explained Mr Pizarcoff. “We don’t want schools and gyms having to settle with poor quality music from websites around the world [and] end up having the same tracks as their competition.” To apply for the grant, clubs must submit a formal application stating how long the club has been operating, the number of athletes enrolled and a statement explaining why their team should receive the grant. To be considered for a grant, please direct all applications to peter@customtrax.net by 31 December 2013.
The Cheer Trade A
N AMERICAN company is helping cheerleaders keep track of their cheer and dance memories by offering keepsake pins during competitions and camps. Varsity, an organisation offering educational camps, clinics, competitions and uniforms, has designed tradable pins to bring the cheer and dance community together. Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, Jenni Parrish, says that although competitors wear opposing uniforms, there’s always common ground to be found. “In 2010, Varsity Pin Trading launched with the goal of providing athletes who attend Varsity camps and competitions a fun way to
interact with each other,” explained Ms Parrish. “It serves as a great icebreaker to meet other people from across the country and world who obviously have similar interests.” The initiative sees traders purchase pins through the Varsity shop at selected Varsity competitions and camps. Traders can then swap the pins with each other or with Varsity Pin Trading staff who wear lanyards weighed down with pins at events. Ms Parrish says the initiative has been well-received by athletes, many who use the pins as a way of building a network of contacts within the wide cheer community.
Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 57
Shopping
Cheer-Chin
BY MARION ALEXANDER
Y
OU asked for it, so you got it! Australian Cheerleader
Magazine has found some of the very best cheer and dance merchandise on the market right now. From cute training tees, to spacious bags perfect for competition season—you can’t go past our Top 10. Marion Alexander explains to ACM readers what’s missing from your cheer wardrobe.
1
CheerleaderFrom Bow to Toe Available from First Cheer $25.50
If you’re a cheerleader who
4 2 Dream Duffel
Available from Trimfoot Company Distributor
Between $150 and $223.
I Heart Cheer Shorts Available from First Cheer $27.20
Let there be no doubt about who your first love is with these ‘I Heart Cheer’ shorts. They’re available in purple, black, blue, fuchsia and grey, so they can be mixed and matched with anything in your cheer wardrobe. Like the ‘Bow to Toe’ Tee, for a small fee, these shorts can too be personalised. Worldwide shipping is also available.
wears a different bow to every training session, then this is the T-shirt for you! This cute, purple tee is great to wear as a training shirt, or for those who dare, throw it over a pair of blue jeans to show the world your love of cheer!
For those who want their shirt
to be a little more individual, for between $8.00 and $15.00 extra, you can personalise it with your name, team name or even your position within the team.
Competing in two sections at competitions can be a difficult task, especially when you have two different costumes to negotiate. They get tangled, creased, and sometimes even lost! The ‘Dream Duffel’ bag, available from Dancer’s Dream, is here to help and will make competition wardrobe changes a whole lot easier! It features a pull out garment rack to hang all your outfits, a pocket for your make-up and cheer bow, and an insulated pocket for snacks to get you through the day. There’s also a pocket for a stool, which can be purchased separately.
35 I Heart Cheer Bag Available from First Cheer $39.15
There is nothing worse than trying to find your cheer bag during a quick drink break, but fear no more, we have the solution! This bag from First Cheer, measuring at 70cm x 26cm x 27cm, is so wonderfully bright that you’ll never misplace it at training!
58 Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013
Sequinz Star Cheer Short
Order through northpac@ bigpond.net.au. $26.10
If you feel like shining like a star on the cheer mat, look no further than these gorgeous shorts! They’re made from DryTech fabric, so they will absorb moisture and remain breathable while you work up a sweat. The sequins on these shorts are all flat, so no need to be concerned about scratching your teammates during cradles.
ng!
ACM’s Christmas shopping guide
9 6 7 10 0 8 Wild Zebra Pyjamass
Electric Racerback Cheer Top Order through northpac@bigpond.net.au.
Available from Cheer West $35
Whether it reminds you of your favourite cheer movie, or your attitude to competition season, this crop top will make you smile on the mat. Couple it with the matching pink shorts, and you’ve got yourself an awesome training outfit that proves you’re ready for anything! Looking your best while working your hardest? ACM says bring it on!
Have you always got cheer on the brain, even when you sleep? If so, then these are definitely the PJs for you! Drift off to sleep in these Wild Zebra Pyjamas from Cheer Westt that feature an ‘I Heart Cheer’ top,, and drawstring zebra print pants.. You won’t need to o count sheep to get et to sleep anymore… e… maybe you could d count backsprings? Whatever hatever you’re counting, sweet cheer dreams!
Wild Range - claw 3/4 leggings
Cheerleader Duffle Bags
Show off your tone and flex with this top from US supplier GK Elite Sportswear. It’s a great mix of comfort and style with DryTech fabric and Swarovski jewels that will definitely make you stand out from the crowd. We love the design and turquoise colour of this one, and if you love it too, check out the matching shorts on GK’s website.
Bring it On Crop Top and Shorts Available from Cheer West Both $25 each.
Available from Cheer West $35
We have found the item that’s been missing from your cheer wardrobe! These cheer leggings are perfect for training in the cooler months, and are an exciting new product from Western Australia’s Cheer West shop. Featuring a claw print, these leggings are part of Cheer West’s very popular ‘wild’ range. Paired with the FIERCE crop top (pictured), everyone will know that you’re a force to be reckoned with.
Available from Cheer West $20
Simple, yet bold, this bag shows the world that you’re here and ready to train hard. Made of durable waterresistant fabric, and featuring an adjustable and removable shoulder strap, this bag is just as strong as you are. Available in four colours— navy blue (pictured), royal blue, purple and green.
Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 59
MasqueCHE
Hosted by the Melbourne U
PHOTOS COURTESY: Sheng Photography - photographymst@gmail.com and DJ Photography - deep.golder@gmail.com 60 Australian Cheerleader Magazine November 2013
t
EERade Ball
University Cheerleading Club
Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 61
Charlie’ss FUN Page WORD JUMBLE
Charlie’ss books!
Un Unjumble these words to fin find 6 of Charlie’s favourite cheer words! With your parents permission email your answer, along with your name, address & t-shirt size to charlie@cheerchick.com for a chance to win a Cheer Chick t-shirt!
OMRFNIU SIXREECE RSITPI BULEMT NUSTT THWELACER
Charlie’ss Quick Quiz What is the name of Charlie’s Cheerleading Squad? a) Cotter Primary School b) Carter Primary School c) Casey Primary School What is the name of Charlie’s pet rabbit? a) Gonzo b) Gizmo c) Groucho arlie? How old is Charlie? a) 8 years old b) 9 years old c) 10 years old With your parents permission W email your answers, along with your name and address to charlie@cheerchick.com for a chance to win a Cheer Chick Charlie Bow!
www.CheerChickCharlie.com 62 Australian Cheerleader Magazine 2013 All entries due by 31/01/2014. Winners will be notified d via vi email by 15/02/2014. t November
Charlie’ss FUN Page SPOT CHARLIE Count how many Charlie’s you see on Charlies Fun Page and you could win a Cheer Chick Charlie book! Look carefully , she can be tricky!!
S T U
With your parents permission email your answer, along with your name, address and the book you would like to charlie@cheerchick.com for a chance to win a signed copy of a Cheer Chick Charlie book of your choice.
OMA E
S N O
Make a Charlie Super Snack!
P O
Ice Cream Sandwiches
CHARLIE’S S CHEERIFIC SNEAKY SNAKE PUZZLE
Fill in the missing letters to find 9 words about cheerleading. The dark blue squares are the beginning of each word. Unscramble the letters in the highlighted squares to discover the one thing a cheerleader can’t do without!
O T R A
N
JOKES…J JOKES…J JOKES
O N A L S M
You’ll need some chocolate chip cookies, cookies and cream ice cream, mixed berries (frozen are fine), peanut butter, an ice cream scoop and a spoon
Spr Spread some peanut butter on the under side of the cookies and put them to one side. Then put your ice cream and berries in a bowl and mix them together.
L Q. Who can jump higher than an 8 story building? A. Anyone. Buildings can’t jump! Q. Why can’t Cinderella play soccer? A. Because she is always running away from the ball! airs Q. Why did the golfer wear two pairs of pants? A. In case he got a hole in one!
Check out the Cheer Chick Charlie App at the iTunes App Store!
N E R
Then all that’s left to do is pile the ice cream and berry mixture onto one of the cookies, and place another cookie on top! There you have it – a very yummy icecream sandwich.
Y
www.CheerChickCharlie.com
Your friends will love these! I know mine do ! YUM!
Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 63 All entries due by 31/01/2014. Winners will be notified via email by 15/02/2014.
Entertainment
BEHIND Cheer Sounds THE CLIP Dream Big BY CELESTE VILLANI
F
ROM a college cheerleader at Boston’s Northeastern University, to the owner of the largest cheer music company, Carmine Silano knows the importance of dreaming big. Based in Melbourne, Florida, Mr Silano and his team at CheerSounds Music + Training set a goal of producing the most astounding cheerleading clip to date. The team succeeded and were able to produce the ‘Dream Big’ video, displaying the many talents of athletes at Daytona Beach’s Stuntfest event. ACM reporter Celeste Villani was able to speak to Carmine about the video that has become an Internet sensation.
The video you have created is certainly inspirational. What prompted you to create such a motivational clip? While I wanted to give cheerleaders a message that dreaming of accomplishments is just another way of setting goals, the video is a representation of my own dreams. My dream was that cheer music would develop enough credibility to be considered its own genre of music, and now it’s quite the reality. So now I’m inviting cheerleading teams and coaches to ‘dream big’ with me. Approximately two million people have watched this video and it has been shared on Facebook more than 8000 times—did you expect it to go viral? The Dream Big video had over a million views on YouTube within 48 hours, which wouldn’t have been possible without social media. Realistically, I expected the video to acquire about 100 000 views on YouTube and about 10 000 shares
64 Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013
on Facebook, but I filmed and edited the video as if I was making the best cheer video in the world. I didn’t actually expect it to go viral, but I do believe it’s the best representation of StuntFest to date. The stunts displayed in the video are very impressive. How did you decide what to film? I filmed everything I could until my batteries died, then I charged them up in the hotel lobby and filmed again! I have hours of footage, and it took a long time to sort through than edit the video into 2.5 minutes. Every clip in the video is my favorite for one reason or another. How does it feel to have people like Queen Latifah inquire about the video? Having people like Queen Latifah contact me about the video is pretty awesome. Our video is fun and I’m proud of it, but it’s nothing to inflate my ego over. The music, however, is a different story!
Check out youtube.com/watch?v=kdsioXA9rAQ for the Dream Big clip!
How do you think your video has impacted the cheer community worldwide? The Dream Big video has made the cheer community even prouder of the sport, but it affects everyone differently. For cheerleaders, this clip is a tribute to the athletes in the video and it’s a source of inspiration for upcoming generations of cheerleaders. For others, it’s an eye-opener to help break the stereotype that cheerleaders are just pom-waving, sideline enthusiasts, as one news anchor recently called them. Why is it important for cheerleaders to ‘dream big’? It’s important to dream big because it’s an easy way of figuring out what you want to be, where you want to be, and it gives you the motivation to work towards that goal. So dream big, in one sentence, means to set your sights wherever you want and allow no obstacle, including yourself, prevent you from hitting that mark.
However, from another angle it means not to limit yourself. Most people in the video probably never imagined they would be as good as they are, but achieved their level of performance by continuously trying to better themselves. Do you have any tips for aspiring filmmakers? If you’re interested in doing something great, start by referencing something great! I modelled my editing style off of Nike, Gatorade and Adidas videos. It’s humbling, motivational and educational all at the same time. Also, capture as much as you can, then edit, edit, edit! Dream Big was made from several hundred video clips and then I edited it for days—you have to do this kind of thing if you want an interesting video! If your team is interested in having Carmine Silano and his team create your cheer music, contact CheerSounds + Training via info@ cheersounds.com.
Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 65
Squad Directory AUSTRALIA WIDE
Sirens Cheerleaders Mitchell 0419 366 405
Fitness and Dance Studio 1300 362 728
dance@fitnessanddance.com.au
www.fitnessanddance.com.au
QUEENSLAND
rianna@cheerleadersaustralia.com.au www.cheerleadersaustralia.com.au
Gold Coast RAW Allstars
Warner 0423 578 993 admin@nmdstudios.com.au facebook.com/5thelementcheerleading
Wantirna 03 9837 5784 info@cheerleading.com.au www.cheerleading.com.au
TASMANIA
Benowa & Burleigh 0409 899 388 Karenraw@bigpond.net.au www.justforkids.com.au
Cheersport Tasmania 5th Element Cheerleading
Outlaws Allstars
Sunshine Coast Cheerleading Warana 0423 501 564
Southern Cross Cheerleading
Various locations 0409 442 137
Fitzroy North 0425 406 396
cheersport.tasmania@gmail.com
eddie@australiancheerleading.com
www.cheersporttasmania.com
www.australiancheerleading.com
VICTORIA
NEW SOUTH WALES
sunshinecoastcheerleading@gmail.com www.sunshinecoastcheerleading.com.au
Aussie Allstars Cheer Gym
Rockhampton & Yeppoon 0419 760 123 ticknerpj@hotmail.com
Queensland Cheer Elite Geebung & Logan (07) 3161 5069
Cheer ‘N’ Dance
Bendigo 0421 803 602 info@cheerndance.com.au www.cheerndance.com.au
N.R.G. Studios Illawarra 0400 952 203 N.R.G.Studios@hotmail.com
www.nrgstudios.net.com
www.queenslandcheerelite. com.au info@queenslandcheerelite.com.au
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Awesome Cheerleading
Cairns 0402 225 630 info@awesomecheerleading.com www.awesomecheerleading.com
Brisbane All Star Cheerleading
Brisbane 0451 052 621 www.brisbanecheerleading.com.au info@brisbanecheerleading.com.au
Canberra City Cheerleading Weston Creek 0405 136 181 enquiries.ccc@gmail.com
Cheer Factor All Stars Tullamarine 03 9338 5567
cheerfactorallstars@bigpond.com
www.cheerfactor.com.au
Oxygen All Stars Thornton 0408 341 640 courtney@oxygenallstars.com
www.oxygenallstars.com
www.canberracitycheerleading.com
Good Shepherd Cheer Amaroo 0421 998 894 Leanne@AchieveBeyond.com
66 Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013
DreamTyme All Stars Ferntree Gully 0411 236 949
info@dreamtymeallstars.com.au www.dreamtymeallstars.com.au
Power Cheer Academy Liverpool 0406 226 761 powercheeracademy@gmail.com Facebook.com/powercheeranddance
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Starlets Cheerleading Castle Hill 0404 851 849 dani@starletscheerleading.com
www.starletscheerleading.com
Visual Energy Studios Cheer & Dance
Royal Park 0411 294 070 info@visualenergystudios.com www.visualenergystudios.com NORTHERN TERRITORY
Steps 2 Stardom Performing Arts Academy Smeaton Grange and
Sirens Cheerleaders Berrimah 0409 822 811 www.cheerleadersaustralia.com.au
Ambarvale 0414 619 125 steps2stardompaa@gmail.com www.steps2stardom.com.au
To advertise your squad, email: advertise@ australiancheerleader. com.au. Now only $15!
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
CheerTumble’n’Fly Dance Crew High Wycombe 0417 224 932 info@cheertumblenfly.com www.cheertumblenfly.com
Evolution Cheer and Dance Gooseberry Hill 0419 009 494 evolutioncheer@hotmail.com facebook.com/pages/ Evolution-Cheer-and-Dance/
www.queenslandcheerelite.com.au info@queenslandcheerelite.com.au (07) 3161 5069 Geebung | Logan Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013 67
SIRENS CHE
STUNT t JUMP t
68 Australian Cheerleader Magazine t November 2013
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AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER CHEERLEADING PHOTOGRAPHERS