Behind The Beauty

"Cheerleaders aren't as bitchy as people think" University Coach tells all.

by Siobhan Gavin

Emma in her Hallam cheer uniform

Cheerleading may be associated with American ditzy, skinny, blondes chanting at football matches however this is not actually the case. 

Behind the Beauty spoke to Emma Hart who is studying Journalism alongside balancing performing, coaching and choreographing routines as a member of Sheffield Hallam’s University cheerleading team.  

“Before I came to university I didn’t know what cheerleading would be like, but when you’re part of real competitive cheerleading you understand it’s all about team work and strength in order to become successful. We constantly have to fight against the negative stereotype of cheerleaders.”

At the age of 20 Emma has been dancing since she was 5 and joined the cheerleading team as Hallam didn’t offer a dance group. In the last three years she has been part of a number of teams and this year coached both jazz and hip-hop whilst training for the Cheerleading Worlds champion competition, held in Florida.

“I never expected to get the chance to go to Florida and compete, when you warm up in England it’s scary, but when you’re stood waiting at Worlds to be called to represent England, the nerves and pressure is just unbelievable.”

The competition involved competing in front of American teams which are at a whole different level to UK teams. Hallam won bronze representing Great Britain.

Image is also a factor which comes with being part of cheerleading. Cheerleading incorporates gymnastics, stunting and dancing, however it is still not classed as a sport in the UK. Many injuries are sustained due to the dangerous stunts that are involved.

The Silver squad (lower level) competition routine pyramid

“It takes a lot of trust and you have to work as a team, we don’t have ‘pom pom’s’ like people assume, they are not part of competitive cheer.”

Cheerleading does entail the use of fake tan and layers of make-up however this is required to prevent dancers from looking washed out or pale under the lighting. Participants do feel the pressure to maintain a level of fitness however it isn’t about being skinny and blonde like the media portrays.

                                                                                         

Emma’s team uniform consists of a half top; as stomachs are on show it causes some girls to feel insecure. A lot of university teams are traditional using full tops and pleated skirts which make Hallam’s team stand out. Some girls keep their jackets on until performance time if they don’t feel comfortable, however full tops can be provided if preferred.  

Cheerleading is also a very expensive ‘sport’. For an entire team to enter a competition it can cost around £2000 with the uniform and trainers at £60 and training kit at £50. Luckily the union did lend a hand with Worlds providing half of the £1000 it would cost each team member to enter as the competition was abroad.

“We train really hard for competitions. Our higher level is defending national champions, the Worlds team are worlds bronze medallists and the lower level team are 2^nd in the country. We achieve success and deserved to be recognised more for this.”

‘Fixers’ is an organisation by young people who hold campaigns on issues they feel passionate about. They are currently working on a project lead by a member of the Manchester Diamonds cheerleading team called ‘challenging stereotypes of cheerleading’. The story has been covered by ITV and is helping to raise the profile of cheerleading in the country by getting people involved with the sport and showing them what it’s really like.

Emma feels wider awareness is essential if the negative stereotype for cheerleaders is to be beaten and in order for this to be achieved cheerleading must first be classed as a sport especially within University institutions.