Cheer routines are usually performed in cheer uniforms and may or may not have the use of pom-poms. Tumbling is permitted within the safety guidelines. Stunting however, is NOT permitted in pom. What is pom dance? Pom dance is an energetic and dynamic style of dance that places emphasis on precise and synchronized arm movements, formations, jumps, and skills. It is characterized by its use of poms, which dancers hold in their hands throughout the routine.

Key Characteristics

Cheerleading:

Team Spirit: Cheerleading involves cheering on a sports team or performance group, often with chants, cheers, and synchronized movements to motivate spectators and support the team.
Athleticism: Cheerleaders perform stunts, jumps, tumbling, and pyramids that require strength, flexibility, and coordination. Safety and proper technique are crucial due to the physical demands.
Cheer Skills: These include motions (specific arm and hand movements), jumps (such as toe touches and herkies), tumbling (gymnastic flips and passes), and stunting (lifting and holding other cheerleaders in the air).
Competitions: Many cheerleading squads compete in regional, national, and international competitions, showcasing their skills in routines that combine dance, tumbling, and stunts.
Spiritual Leadership: Cheerleaders often act as ambassadors for their school or organization, promoting sportsmanship, leadership, and school spirit both on and off the field.

Pom Dance:

Dance Focus: Pom dance emphasizes synchronized dance movements, often performed in formation with a team. It combines elements of jazz dance with cheerleading techniques.
Precision: Pom routines feature sharp, precise movements, including kicks, turns, leaps, and synchronized arm gestures, typically performed to upbeat music.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear uniforms adorned with pom-poms (hence the name), and sometimes incorporate props like ribbons or flags to enhance the visual appeal of the routine.
Choreography: Pom routines are choreographed to showcase teamwork, synchronization, and artistic expression. Choreographers design routines that highlight the strengths and skills of the dancers.
Competitions: Pom dance teams also compete in competitions, where they are judged on technique, synchronization, creativity, and overall performance quality.

Similarities and Differences:

Similarities: Both cheerleading and pom dance involve teamwork, athleticism, and performance. They often perform at sporting events and competitions, requiring dedication and practice.
Differences: Cheerleading focuses on cheering for teams and includes stunting and tumbling, while pom dance is more dance-focused with precision movements and choreography.

Cheer Warm Up and Stretch

20 minute Warm Up

Warm Up/ No Equipment

Strength and Flexibility

Flexibility Video

Bridge Stretches

Jump Workout

Sitting Jumping Drills

Standing Jump Drills

Jumps :Flexibility and Extension

Motion Drill

Motions

High V: For the High V, both arms extend up at about a 45 degree angle. Hands should be in tight fists, wrists straight, with big circles facing the front. The motion should be slightly in front of the body, so that the hands can be seen from the corner of the eyes.

Low V: For the Low V, both arms extend down at about a 45 degree angle. Hands should be in tight fists, wrists straight, with big circles facing the front. The motion should be slightly in front of the body.

Goal Post: Just like the hand signal referees do when there is a score, a touch down motion consists of both arms extending straight overhead parallel to each other. Fists should be flat on the top with little circles facing the front, and the arms should stay tucked in close to the ears. Take care to not shrug the shoulders too high.

Daggers: This motion is essentially a broken low touchdown. Though daggers is probably the more common name, I generally do refer to it as table top when teaching younger cheerleaders. Make sure the elbows stay in tight to avoid it becoming a broken low V, and that the top of the fists stay flat.

Half T: Take the T and simply bend the elbows all the way in. Fists should hit right in front of the armpits with little circles facing out.

Full T: In a T, both arms extend straight out to the sides parallel to the ground. Big circles should face the front and the arms should be slightly in front.

Box: This motion is essentially like daggers. The box is more in front of your face and elbows are extended.

Prayer Clap : A prayer clap is very similar to the clasp, however, this time the hands are in blades. Prayer claps are not very loud and should be used more for stylistic purposes rather than for sound.

Clasp: A clasp should be just below the chin with hands cupped. The clasp is used during chants and cheers to create sound. Keep the elbows tucked closely into the sides at all times and never open the hands wider than the shoulders. The tighter, the better!

Pom Basics

Pom Basic #2

Pom Positions

Pom Combo/ Excercises

Pom Jazzy Combo

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Key Characteristics

Cheerleading:

Pom Dance:

Similarities and Differences:

Motions

For further assistance please contact:

Heidy Freedman

Email: heidy.freedman@lausd.net