Newbies explode into cheerleading

A NEW cheer team for ten to eighteen year olds is exploding in Delacombe.

Now Pressure Cheerleading and Dance’s latest youth squad, Explosion, is inviting young people with limited or no cheerleading experience to have a go.

Meeting one-hour per week on a Tuesday evening for the rest of the year, studio owner Tara Schmidt said each team member is equal in her training space, and has their own unique opportunity to shine.

The level one introductory squad will focus on stunt skills and a performance routine.

“We will use any tumbling skills the boys or girls already have, and work on anything from learning to do a forward roll, to a walk-over,” she said.

“In cheerleading, there are bases, flyers, and tumblers. If you’re strong in one area, but not another, that’s okay, because the whole team doesn’t have to be able to do every skill.

“There is a spot for everyone, regardless of how tall, fit or strong you are.”

Schmidt is looking for 15 to 20 participants for the team which will run for the rest of the year, with performances at the Pressure Showcase, and at the National Championships at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

She expects prospective members will enjoy the true team nature of the sport, which requires a lot of trust.

“In most team sports, you can replace someone, but that doesn’t happen with cheerleading.

“Every single person in a team plays an equal role, and if you’re not there, your group can’t do what they need to do,” she said.

Membership in the Explosion team costs $15 a week. The studio launched two years ago and has just under 50 members. To express interest, contact 0419 162 781.