cheer history essay

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History of cheerleading

The cheerleading renaissance, contemporary cheerleading.

cheerleading

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cheerleading , team activity in which elements of dance and acrobatics are combined with shouted slogans in order to entertain spectators at sporting events and to encourage louder and more enthusiastic cheering. Once exclusively a sideline activity geared toward supporting school sports, cheerleading has gained recognition as a sport in its own right and often operates outside the school context altogether. Cheerleading has long been considered an iconic American activity symbolizing school spirit, leadership, youthfulness, and sex appeal. The southern United States (including Texas) is usually considered the heart of modern cheerleading, although the activity is well established throughout the United States as well as abroad, having gained a foothold in countries around the world.

Although cheerleading is today predominantly associated with femininity, the original cheerleaders were men. Cheerleading was connected to the emergence of gridiron football at Ivy League colleges and universities in the United States in the mid-1800s, and the growth and formalization of cheerleading paralleled that of football . Over the latter half of the 19th century, as attendance at college games grew, large stadiums were constructed, and spectators were distanced from the playing field. Cheerleaders—or “yell leaders,” as they were then called—led cheers from the sidelines both to encourage the spectators and to serve as a form of crowd control. By the 1920s cheerleading had become a formal extracurricular activity for boys in high schools, colleges, and communities across the country, related to but distinct from other spirit programs such as marching bands , drum corps, and drill teams. As ambassadors for their schools and communities, cheerleaders were associated with such character-building traits as discipline , cooperation, leadership, and sportsmanship.

Women and people of colour were excluded from the private all-male schools where collegiate sports and cheerleading first developed, but many state-supported institutions began to admit women at the turn of the century, opening the way for their participation in sporting events. Women began joining cheer squads during the 1920s and ’30s as collegiate sports proliferated and men and women began socializing more in public. A separate cheerleading tradition evolved within black educational institutions during the same period, with a similar emphasis on character building and leadership. Overall, however, cheerleading remained an overwhelmingly white enterprise, and evidence suggests that it became even “whiter” after desegregation, because the total number of black schools diminished and black students were rarely elected as cheerleaders in the newly integrated , predominantly white schools. It was not until the 1960s and ’70s, well after scholastic athletic programs had diversified, that cheer squads began to reflect the ethnic and racial composition of schools. That shift was in part the result of protest activity on the part of black and Latino students.

The mobilization of college-age men during World War II opened up new opportunities for women in cheerleading and ultimately led to the “feminization” of cheerleading in the 1960s and ’70s, when the proportion of female cheerleaders rose to roughly 95 percent. Female involvement changed the nature of cheerleading, spurring greater emphasis on physical attractiveness and sex appeal. That, in turn, may have led to the trivialization and devaluation of cheerleading.

Cheerleading experienced a decline in popularity in the late 1970s and ’80s, brought on by second-wave feminism , which challenged traditional ideas about gender roles, and by the passage of Title IX , which guaranteed girls and women equal access to sports in schools that received U.S. federal funds. Cheerleading was criticized for its supportive auxiliary function in men’s sporting events and thus was blamed for perpetuating gender inequality. The introduction of cheerleading squads for professional sports teams, such as the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders and the Laker Girls, fueled criticism , since those squads’ performances generally consisted of overtly sexualized dance routines.

The decline of cheerleading was short-lived, however, and it soon rebounded to become more popular and more profitable than ever before. The reasons for its recovery included the increasingly athletic nature of cheerleading and the adoption of sportlike elements such as competitions, summer training camps, and rigorous practice schedules. Most cheerleading squads no longer simply led cheers or danced on the sidelines. They also performed jumps and stunts, built pyramids, and executed elaborate tumbling passes, whether at sporting events or in cheerleading competitions. Those changes served to make cheerleading more appealing for a generation of girls and women who had more options for athletic involvement than past ones, and they led to a resurgence of male participation, particularly at the college level. The introduction of difficult acrobatics was not without drawbacks, however; studies in the first decade of the 21st century showed that cheerleading had become the leading cause of catastrophic sports injuries (meaning serious injuries to the brain or spine) to American girls and women, ahead of gymnastics and track.

Although the notion of competition was not new—interscholastic high-school contests were organized as early as 1944—from the 1990s there was an increasing emphasis on competition relative to other dimensions of cheerleading. The rapid rise of all-star cheerleading in the late 1990s was both a cause and a consequence of that development. All-star clubs are private for-profit programs where children as young as six years old receive intensive instruction in cheerleading, including gymnastics. They compete with other all-star cheer clubs within their own extensive network of competitions. As a nonscholastic site for learning cheerleading skills, all-star programs initially served as a training ground for high-school and college cheer programs but soon became popular in their own right.

The first college cheerleading championship was televised in 1978, with several more following in the early 1980s. Since then, cable networks have broadcast a wide range of cheer championships to national and international audiences, and competitive cheerleading has been the focus of Hollywood films, reality TV shows, and news reports.

None of that could have happened without the growth and involvement of the modern cheerleading industry. In all parts of the United States, squads are affiliated with different cheerleading companies, or associations, which run competitions, summer camps, coaching clinics, safety certification seminars, and their own product lines for uniforms and apparel. The “founding father” of that industry, Lawrence Herkimer, was himself a cheerleader at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. In 1948 Herkimer started the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), which is headquartered in Dallas, and the younger but larger Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) is based in Memphis.

Cheerleading remains “feminine” not only in terms of its supportive sideline function but also in the performance and appearance demands placed on women: short skirts, hair ribbons, and makeup and the expectation to smile constantly and express enthusiasm. Competitive cheerleading is even more highly feminized than sideline cheerleading insofar as there is a heightened emphasis on showmanship and performativity. Although there are stylistic variations among the cheerleading companies that oversee competitions, competition routines are typically loud, fast, and energetic. They exude glitz, glamour, and glitter, particularly in the all-star context: bows are extra large, makeup is extra sparkly, and dance moves are brash and sexy.

Since the 1990s, “alternative” forms of cheerleading have emerged alongside the mainstream variants discussed above. An extensive national network of adult LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex) teams (modeled after Cheer San Francisco, the oldest and largest) perform at community and gay pride events, and “radical cheerleaders,” groups of young feminist activists, use cheerleading as a vehicle for protesting social injustice. Although less popular and less visible than mainstream cheerleading, such alternative groups similarly use the energy, spirit, and performativity of cheerleading to communicate with and influence audiences.

Cheerleading History: Timeline & How it started

Jessica D’Addabbo

January 27, 2024

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Cheerleading history, an essential component of American sports culture, has evolved significantly since its inception.

Dive into the fascinating world of cheerleading history and explore its origins, growth, and impact on sports today!

Let’s cheer on!

Table of Contents

Cheerleading History Summary

1970s – 1980s, 2000s – 2010s, who invented cheerleading, how did cheerleading become so popular, where did cheerleading originate.

• ⏳ Origins and Evolution: Cheerleading began in the late 19th century as an all-male activity to support college sports teams. Women joined the scene in the 1920s, and cheerleading transformed into a dynamic performance art combining gymnastics, dance, and elaborate stunts.
• 🚀   Rise to Prominence: The birth of professional cheerleading teams in the 1960s and the formation of competitive cheerleading organizations in the 1970s and 1980s propelled cheerleading to new heights. Today, it is a highly-regarded competitive sport with worldwide recognition and participation.
• 🥇   Noteworthy Growth and Adaptation: Cheerleading has continuously evolved through incorporating diverse influences, incorporating new techniques, and embracing advancements in safety and training. The sport’s outreach programs and recognition as a provisional Olympic sport underscore its lasting impact on the global sports stage.

Cheerleading History Timeline

Considered the birthplace of cheerleading, the University of Minnesota is where student Johnny Campbell led the first organized cheer at a college football game. With his fellow student supporters, Campbell formed the school’s first spirit squad to cheer on their team.

This event marked the beginning of cheerleading as an organized sport in the United States. Cheerleading squads quickly became more common among colleges and universities across the nation.

In the 1920s, women started joining cheerleading squads, and all-female cheer teams began to form. At this time, cheerleading underwent a significant transformation, becoming more focused on gymnastics and dance elements.

Also, during this decade, the initial cheerleading uniforms were introduced, consisting of sweaters, skirts, and saddle shoes. These uniforms established a recognizable visual identity for cheerleading and set the foundation for the athletic wear we see today.

In 1948, Lawrence “Herkie” Herkimer, a former cheerleader at Southern Methodist University, founded the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) . By conducting workshops and cheerleading camps across the nation, the NCA played a vital role in standardizing and promoting the sport of cheerleading.

Herkimer is also credited with inventing the “Herkie” jump, the popular spirit stick, and the iconic pom-poms widely associated with cheerleading today.

The 1960s marked the beginning of professional cheerleading teams. In 1961, the Baltimore Colts became the first National Football League (NFL) team to have an official cheerleading squad. This development significantly raised the profile of cheerleading within the national sports landscape.

Later in the decade, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders debuted their iconic uniforms and elaborate routines, setting a new standard for professional cheerleading and helping to elevate the sport’s reputation and popularity.

In the late 1970s, cheerleading took a competitive turn with the establishment of the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) and the American Cheerleading Association (ACA) . These organizations facilitated the growth of competitive cheerleading as a distinct sport apart from sideline cheering.

Throughout the 1980s, cheerleading continued to integrate advanced choreography, gymnastics, and stunts, significantly raising the bar for competitive cheerleading teams. Competitions like the National High School Cheerleading Championship helped to popularize and define the sport.

In the 1990s, competitive cheerleading experienced significant international growth. Countries such as Australia, Canada, and Japan started introducing cheerleading into their schools and forming national competitive cheer organizations.

This decade also saw a rise in all-star cheerleading teams, which were not associated with schools or sports teams. These privately-run clubs focused solely on competitive cheerleading and produced highly skilled athletes.

In the early 2000s, the sport of cheerleading gained even more recognition as ESPN began broadcasting competitions to a wider audience. This increased exposure led to greater public awareness of cheerleading as a competitive sport.

The 2010s witnessed further advancements in cheerleading, including the establishment of the International Cheer Union (ICU) and its recognized status as a member of the International Olympic Committee, supporting the sport’s potential inclusion in future Olympic Games.

Johnny Campbell, an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota, invented Cheerleading. He led the crowd in a cheer during a football game in 1898, marking the birth of cheerleading.

Cheerleading’s popularity grew with its spread to high schools, colleges, and professional sports. Key factors include the inclusion of acrobatic stunts, dance routines, and the introduction of competitive cheerleading.

Cheerleading originated in the United States, specifically at the University of Minnesota, as a way to generate crowd participation and support for sports teams.

Jessica D'Addabbo, originally from California, has excelled in competitive cheerleading for six years, notably as a flyer and tumbler, winning first place at a national competition. Transitioning from her athletic achievements, she is now graduating from medical school in the Midwest and ready to apply her unique blend of discipline and teamwork in her future endeavors. She's also the creator behind the travel blog, travelandtannins.com

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Home — Essay Samples — Arts & Culture — Cultural Anthropology — The Evolution of Cheerleading: History, Culture, and the Sport Debate

The Evolution of Cheerleading: History, Culture, and The Sport Debate

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Published: Mar 8, 2024

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Essay on Cheerleading

Students are often asked to write an essay on Cheerleading in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Cheerleading

What is cheerleading.

Cheerleading is a lively activity where teams cheer for their sports team and entertain audiences. It combines dance, jumps, cheers, and stunts to lead the crowd to support their team. Cheerleaders wear matching uniforms and use pom-poms.

The History of Cheerleading

Cheerleading started in the United States around 1898. It was first an all-male activity, but now it is mostly females. Over time, it has become more complex with difficult stunts and gymnastics included.

Types of Cheerleading

There are two main types of cheerleading: school cheerleading and competitive cheerleading. School cheerleaders cheer for their school’s sports teams, while competitive cheerleaders compete against other teams.

Skills Required

Cheerleaders must be fit, strong, and flexible. They need to work as a team and have the ability to perform under pressure. Being positive and energetic is also important to be a good cheerleader.

Benefits of Cheerleading

250 words essay on cheerleading.

Cheerleading is a lively activity where teams shout out special cheers and perform high-energy routines to support sports teams and entertain audiences. It includes dance, jumps, tumbling, and stunts. Cheerleaders wear bright, matching outfits and use pom-poms, banners, and megaphones to grab everyone’s attention.

Cheerleading started in the United States around the late 1800s. It was first an all-male activity, with men leading crowds at football games. Women joined in when most young men went to fight in World War II. Since then, cheerleading has grown a lot and is now a mostly female sport, though men still participate.

Competitions and Teams

Cheerleading isn’t just about supporting other sports. Teams also compete against each other. They work hard to create perfect routines that they perform in front of judges. The judges look at how well they do their stunts, dance, and tumbling. The teams try to be the best and win trophies.

The Importance of Teamwork

Being a cheerleader means you have to work well with others. Team members must trust each other, especially when doing dangerous stunts. Everyone has a special role, and they must all practice a lot to make sure their routines are safe and look good.

Cheerleading is a fun and exciting sport that helps people feel the spirit of a game and entertains them. It teaches teamwork, dedication, and athleticism. Whether cheerleaders are lifting the crowd’s spirit or competing, they bring energy and joy wherever they go.

500 Words Essay on Cheerleading

Cheerleading started in the United States over 100 years ago. It began as an all-male activity at university football games, with students leading the crowd in cheers to support their team. Over time, cheerleading transformed and women became the majority. Now, it’s a sport that both boys and girls enjoy all over the world.

There are two main types of cheerleading: sideline and competitive. Sideline cheerleading is what you see at sports games, where cheerleaders lead cheers and perform routines to support a team. Competitive cheerleading is different. Teams compete against each other, showing off their best jumps, stunts, and dance moves. They work on a routine, set to music, that they perform at competitions.

The Skills Needed

Teamwork is at the heart of cheerleading. Each member of the team has a role to play, and they must trust each other to perform stunts and routines safely. They practice together for hours to make sure everyone knows the routine perfectly. When they perform, they rely on each other to do their part so the whole routine looks smooth and impressive.

Safety in Cheerleading

Cheerleading can be risky because of the high-flying stunts and complex moves. That’s why safety is very important. Cheerleaders use mats when they practice stunts, and they learn how to fall without getting hurt. They also have coaches who teach them the correct way to perform each move. By practicing safely, cheerleaders can avoid injuries and have fun.

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History of Cheerleading

Campbell stood in front of the crowd and directed them in a chant. Campbell became the first ever cheerleader. Therefore, cheerleading officially began on November 2, 1898. Soon after that, the university organized a “yell leader” squad consisting of four males. Cheerleading was dominated by men in its early years. However, when large numbers of young men went off to fight in World War II, the tables turned. More than 90% of cheerleaders were female from that point on. The evolution of cheerleading as a sport, again led by The University of Minnesota, started in the 1920’s.

During this time, the first cheerleader fraternity was organized, an all-male organization called Gamma Sigma. Women finally came into the scene in the late 1930’s. Paper pom pons were also discovered in the 1930’s. They were brightly colored strips of crepe paper in the school’s colors. The poms made the arm movements stand out so that fans even in the highest and farthest seats from the field could see the cheerleaders. Paper pom pons did not hold up in rainy whether. In the 1960’s Fred Gastoff invented the vinyl pom pon. It remains the cheerleader’s most used prop.

Who would have guessed a man would have the largest impact on the growth of cheerleading. Well its true and his name is Lawrence Herkimer. Herkimer has done much for cheerleading in the United States . He founded the National Cheerleading Association at Southern Methodist University. He also taught the first cheerleading camp at Sam Houston College. The first year fifty two girls attended and by the next year the size of the camp had grown to 350. Herkimer had no idea that he would end up with 20,000 girls attending cheerleading camp in the summertime.

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