Cheerleading Archives

Best Week of my LIFE!

by DE TEAM on January 23, 2020

My All American London trip can be summed up in one word….FAMILY! My Varsity family, new friends, Robbie our group leader, my teammates and my mom all made this experience a senior year highlight.

For most of us the trip to London started at camp, but for me you could say my trip started 27 years ago. My mom told me stories about her love of UCA Camp when she was in high school and college. She told me about her All-American year and how sad she was that could not go when she had the chance. When it was my turn to try out I felt the burden of making it so we could go together. It was incredible getting to call her to say we needed passports! It was an honor to walk the London New Year’s Day Parade for us both.

Here is a rundown of my London experience:

Day 1: The flight was long but worth it. Even being in the airport was exciting. Our hotel had the most incredible view of the Thames River and Tower Bridge. We got checked in, had dinner and our first meeting. We learned the lay of the land, got our tickets, subway pass and food cards.

Day 2: The real fun began with a bus tour of historic downtown. Taking in sights like Westminster Abbey, Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Victoria & Albert Museum, eating at a pub and seeing Wicked were my highlights.

Day 3: A free day to explore on our own.

Day 4: This was my second favorite, Windsor Castle. The little town and grounds were just breathtaking. I also got to blog for Varsity.com and host UCA’s Instagram story.

Day 5 was another free day— for me it meant shopping! They have a four story Victoria’s Secret that I had to see. We also walked Kensington Palace and saw the crown jewels in Tower Castle. I made sure to get in obligatory phone booth shots. It was NYE and they threw us a great party back at the hotel.

Day 6: My favorite… PARADE DAY! We got up early to get into our Varsity uniforms, took lots of pictures and loaded the coaches to the warm up area. The energy was electric. Once the parade started I didn’t want it to end. Performing in front of the grandstands was like being on a competition mat.

Day 7: We squeezed in some last minute shopping before heading back to Heathrow. It was so sad to leave.

The Varsity Spirit team who ran the London New Year’s Day Trip were first class. Everyone made sure we were well taken care of and had a great time- they delivered! I take home with me memories that will last a life time with my mom by my side. Thank you to everyone involved with planning and executing this adventure. I would not have wanted to ring in 2020 with anyone or anywhere else!

– Tori Olchawa, Varsity Fashionista & IT Girl

The post Best Week of my LIFE! appeared first on American Cheerleader Magazine.

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Cheerleading

Beating the Winter Blues – American Cheerleader Magazine

by DE TEAM on January 21, 2020

Do you ever feel like the winter has you in a slump? No worries, you are not alone! It is normal to feel blue during this time of year, but how can you change it? Follow these 4 simple tips to stay motivated for months to come.

Tip 1) Get up, get out, get moving! Being active is a great way to release endorphins and uplift your mood almost immediately. Whether it’s cold and rainy, or freezing and snowy, bundle up and venture outside for a brighter day.

Tip 2) Stock up on Vitamin D. During winter months the sun is less visible, meaning we absorb less Vitamin D. It wouldn’t hurt to take supplements during this season every year, as well as adjusting your diet to include Vitamin D enriched foods.

Tip 3) Do something productive! Now is the time to de-clutter and organize your life. Take this time to check off the to-dos that have been put on the back burner. There’s no better feeling than a sense of accomplishment.

Tip 4) Plan something fun. Having something to look forward to creates excitement. Anticipation alone can give you a boost of happiness and provide a bit of eagerness during this slow time of year.

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Cheerleading

Auburn’s Traditions Run Deep – American Cheerleader Magazine

by DE TEAM on January 17, 2020

From rolling the trees in Toomers Corner after a win, to yelling “WAR EAGLE,” the traditions at Auburn University are like no other— and cheerleading is no exception.

During rivalry weekend in November, Auburn plays Alabama in the Iron Bowl. Since 1985 the Auburn cheerleaders have worn their traditional Varsity Spirit Fashion orange and navy striped rugby style sweaters for this special game day.

The university and its fans love this tradition so much that even their mascot Aubie has his very own rugby style sweater!

Spirit Coordinator Latisha Durroh shared this picture of the tiger cheer team from the Iron Bowl in 2013. This picture was taken as tiger fans stormed the field in what is now known as the Kick 6 game. Auburn scored a 100-yard touchdown to conquer Alabama in a heart breaking loss.

If you love this #VintageVarsity look as much as we do, this style has made a comeback in the 2020 Varsity Spirit Fashion Catalog. Be sure to check it out!

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Cheerleading

New Year- New Decade- New York!

by DE TEAM on January 15, 2020

To ring in 2020, six Varsity All Star Fashionistas traveled to the Big Apple to start the year in style.

Once they arrived in the city, the Fashionistas headed out for some shopping and sight-seeing. One of their favorite destinations was Rockefeller Center to see the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree. Fashion Fact: Last year the Fashionistas filmed a special project with Swarovski at this iconic spot! Check out scenes from that sparkling video shoot here.

The second day in the city was full of more fun for the Fashionistas! More shopping and a carriage ride around Central Park were just a few of the day’s highlights. The Fashionistas ended the day with an experience they’ll never forget—attending the famous Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. But the surprises didn’t stop there. Following the show, the Fashionistas got to meet one of the Rockettes, Heather Langham, who is a former NDA high school and college camp instructor.

“The Rockettes were incredible! I had never been and it wasn’t anything like I expected. My jaw literally dropped 30 times! The choreography and props were so good. I can’t wait to go back,” Caroline Trindel remarked on the experience.

After a few fun-filled days, it was time to get down to work in the studio. The Fashionistas couldn’t have been more excited to step in front of the camera again to showcase the incredible uniforms for Varsity’s upcoming collections.

“This photoshoot was different because there was only a few of us, so we got to appreciate the moment more and enjoy spending time with each other,” said World Cup’s Kayla Francisco.

While the previous days were filled with adventures around the city, Laci Wilson reminisced about the trip and said “My favorite part of the NYC trip, believe it or not, was being in the studio with some of my new best friends doing what we love. We had lots of laughs, so much fun in front of the camera, including taking a few selfies!”

The day finished with dinner at The Sugar Factory for a sweet ending to an amazing trip. “My favorite part of the trip was going to The Sugar Factory with the other Fashionistas,” said Francisco. “We got to know each other better and had so much fun just being ourselves.”

Since Varsity’s photo shoots are traditionally held near their home base in Texas this trip was extra special for Dallas native Kate Heindselman.

“This photoshoot was especially exciting for me because I live in Dallas, where all the other shoots are, so I got to fly for the first time to a shoot. This trip as a Fashionista was a complete dream come true and was the best experience ever!”

Although the 2020 Collections can’t be shared just yet (you wouldn’t want us to ruin the surprise, right?), the Fashionistas describe the latest styles from Varsity All Star Fashion as stunning, incredible, remarkable, sensational, fabulous, and beautifully detailed.

The post New Year- New Decade- New York! appeared first on American Cheerleader Magazine.

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Routine Clean Up Tips – American Cheerleader Magazine

by DE TEAM on January 13, 2020

Nationals season is in full swing and teams across the nation are gearing up to put out the best routines of their lives on the biggest stage. When routines packed with difficult skills go ahead to head, hitting a clean routine can be the edge that separates who moves on to the next round or even who takes home the title. Use the tips below to clean up your routine to put on a performance you can be proud of!

One Step at a Time

When cleaning your stunt sequence(s), take it one skill at a time. Do the first skill in your stunt sequence until it you’ve got it down. Then add in the next skill, focusing on the technique you just cleaned from the first skill while working on improving the second. Continue to add in each skill until the entire sequence looks clean.

Also, take your routine one step at a time. Clean up your opening motions/tumbling— focusing on technique. Once that section is perfected, add in your stunt sequence, your jumps, etc. Breaking your routine down piece by piece will give you time to focus on cleaning each section as needed instead of rushing to clean the whole routine at once.

Fresh Eyes

Do your routine in front of someone who hasn’t seen you perform before. Fresh eyes will help point out mistakes that you may have gotten used to. A great way to get a set of new eyes on your routine is with a V!ROC Clean Sweep! Some of the nation’s top choreographers will work with your team one-on-one to fine tune and make improvements to your competition routine. You can also sign up for a V!ROC Showcase. Your team will get the chance to perform (twice) in front of choreographers and judges to get valuable feedback and critiques to make needed changes before your biggest performance.

You can find V!ROC Clean Sweep & Showcase dates and locations near you here.

Perform for Each Other

During your routine, you’re focused on what your doing in the moment as are your teammates. Have each stunt group perform their part in front of the rest of your team. This gives your group the chance to do more reps in front of people and allows your teammates to provide feedback and swap tricks of the trade.

Timing is Everything

Stay in synch with your squad! Work tumbling timing drills with smaller groups. As the small group timing gets better you can combine groups to work timing as a team. Do the same with your jump section!

Back to the Basics

When you have a routine jam-packed with difficult skills, it’s easy to forget the basics. Take a time out to review your motions. It may sound silly, but your skills look less impressive when your stunts end with bad motions. Break down your dance motion by motion to make sure your team uses proper placement and stays sharp.

Also take time to work on correct use of your spirit raising props. The cheer can make or break your routine, so spirit raising props are a vital part of your routine’s success. Are your sign girls all flipping their signs the same way? Are you hitting your signs sharp? Are you going through the motions of using a megaphone or are you using it correctly? A great way to check is to have your team watch as those who use signs perform the section together.

Make It Fun

Preparing for nationals can be stressful. Don’t forget to have fun with your team while you’re cleaning your routine! Remember the dancing diva game from camp? This is a great way to have fun AND work on your dance.

Hitting a skilled AND clean routine at your next competition is sure to put your team one step above the rest!

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Cheerleading Trending News

Teen Cheerleading Phenom: Megan Stacy

by DE TEAM on January 8, 2020

Hello everyone we had the wonderful opportunity to interview Megan. Megan is a teen cheerleader, she is a great role model for teen cheerleading as well. Teen Cheerleading is growing and getting bigger and bigger.

Everyone make sure you go check her out on instagram. She currently has 8k followers on instagram. Make sure you give her a follow.

How old are you?

I’m 15 years old.

What are you thoughts on teen cheerleading?

I believe that teen Cheerleading can teach an athlete discipline and also help teens gain skills that they might have never thought they could accomplish.

How has cheerleading changed your life?

Cheerleading has led me to meet so many amazing people, led me to modeling, and strengthened me mentally and physically.

What are some of your goals for the future?

My goals for the future are to expand my modeling portfolio, book more jobs, and grow my Instagram.

Do you have any advice for teens in your field?

My advice for teens in my field is to always remember that at the end of the day, you should do what makes you happy. There’s always going to be someone trying to stop you from doing what you love, but you just need to ignore them and keep being you.

For more postive teen news checkout Durrelliott.com!

Cheerleading Fashion Trending News

Mia The Amazing Model Who Also Cheers

by DE TEAM on January 4, 2020

Hello everyone it was a pleasure to interview Mia. Mia can model and she cheers, thats an amazing combo. She even cheers for a national championshhip winning team.

She currently has 158k followers on instagram. Make sure you checkout her page.

How does it feel to be a national cheerleading champ?

When it was announced National Cheerleading Champion, it was one of the most amazing feelings in the world. A goal that most Cheerleaders wish to accomplish. Definitely a highlight in my cheerleading career so far.

How has modeling been going for you?

Modeling is a glamorous but tough industry. I love modelling and it has been amazing so far. It has made me grow and learn so much just about life.

What are your plans for the future?

My plans for the future are to be a World Champion Cheerleader. Travel to the states and compete in a Top Cheerleading Gym. I would also love to be a world famous model. Last but not least study sports nutrition and travel the world.

Do you have any advice for teens in your field?

Advice for teens in my field. When it comes to Cheerleading always give your best and try your hardest. If you have setbacks don’t give up. You have to keep pushing through no matter how hard it gets. Champions aren’t quitters.

As for modelling, you will receive criticism. You need to learn to either ignore it or use it to your advantage. There will always be people out there that are unhappy within themselves and jealous of your success. Remember to just be you and never give up. Never let anyone or anything change the person you are.

For more interesting positive teen news Durrelliott.com!

Cheerleading Trending News

Cheer and Modeling Star: Emilia Danielle

by DE TEAM on December 31, 2019

Hello everyone we had the chance to interview Emilia. Emilia loves to cheer and model. She is a very talented cheerleader as you can see on her instagram.

Cheerleading has recently been growing over the years as well. She is an awesome model as we she is very professional for her age. She technically isn’t a teen yet but she has a bright future. Emilia is a great person to look up to as well for girls her age.

She has gained a humongous following on instagram. She currently at the moment has 174k followers on instagram.

How old are you?

11 in a few days.

We can see on your page that you cheer. Please describe what you like most about it?

I love the friendships that you make. Learning to work as a team and having to trust people. It’s great for keeping fit because there are different parts, including dance and tumbling.

You have some great photos on your IG. What’s it like modeling at your age?

I love modeling and getting to work with such talented people from fashion labels to photographers. I keep my modeling and private life very seperate, to my friends I’m just a normal kid that likes Tik Toks and makeup challenges. My family keep me very grounded.

What are you plans for the future?

I would love to work overseas with my modeling and also get to work on an action film. I am skilled in Tae Kwon Do so would love to be able to do this on screen.

Do you have any advice for teens in your field?

Take everyday as it comes, don’t take it too seriously. Have fun with it. You never know what’s next.

For more interesting news checkout Durrelliott.com!

Cheerleading

How Cheerleading Has Risen

by DE TEAM on December 26, 2019

Cheerleading has been around for several years. Generally I used to think of it as just the a team that cheers for either the football team or basketball team. They usually get the crowd pumped with their cheer uniforms and pom poms but I was wrong.

Is cheerleading a sport?

Well I was wrong it’s definitely not that. Yes it’s a sport It is a worldwide national sport.

This sport has tournaments and events just like any other sports, you can win awards and trophies and they have cheerleading uniforms just like any other team has uniforms.

How this sport has grown overtime

Cheerleading has evolved immensely. Especially in the United States, according to Wikipedia it has an estimated 1.5 million participants. Many of cheerleading competitions have even been covered by ESPN which is a big deal. ESPN also host a worldwide national cheering competition every year in Florida.

Another big influence in my opinion are cheerleading movies for example the bring it on movies. Besides those movies being really good they brought a better idea of what this sport really about which is competing and family.

The movies also did a good job of casting popular characters which made this sport for kids popular.A major takeaway that I noticed was that the movie included male cheerleaders which made it cool for guys to start cheering.

What it’s future is looking like

I expect these numbers for the sport to double in the near future.

Nearly every school ranging from middle school to college has a competitive cheerleading program. It has become a universal and growing sport.

For more interesting teen news checkout Durrelliott.com!

Cheerleading Fashion Trending News

Kendal The Cheerleading Model

by DE TEAM on November 28, 2019

Hello everyone we had the chance to interview Kendal. She is a 15 year old who loves to cheer and model. Kendal is an amazing girl who is very nice and positive. She currently has 23.8k followers on instagram. Make sure you checkout her page.

How old are you?

I am 15 years old. I turn 16 on February 14.

You model for rebel athletics what’s that like?

I love modeling for Rebel Athletic. They are such an incredible company and truly have become my family. They’ve given me once in a lifetime opportunities and I am forever grateful and blessed to be part of such an amazing company.

Anything new happening soon?

I also do competitive cheerleading which is how I initially got into modeling, and my season is about to start so I will be busy with practices and competitions but will always make time for modeling because that is my true passion.

What are some of your plans for the future?

As far as plans for my future. I would love to continue modeling and plan to work hard to make that happen. I would love to do any type of modeling – from fitness, to fashion to runway so we will see what the future has in store for me.

Do you have any advice for teens in your field?

The advice that I would give to other teens in the industry is to never give up on your dreams. You can achieve anything you set your mind to, so believe in yourself and love the skin you’re in. True beauty comes from within so never forget that. Always be grateful and humble and most importantly to love and support each other. Everyone is unique and has something amazing to offer so don’t get caught up in comparing yourself to anyone else. Being you is what makes you so special. ❤️

For more interesting news checkout Durrelliott.com!