Sports teach you all kinds of lessons. You learn how to throw a ball. You learn how to shoot a basket, or score a goal. In my case, I learned how to catch a flyer so that she wouldn’t get hurt. But, there is one lesson that I learned through cheerleading that has stuck with me my entire life. It had nothing to do with how to get higher jumps, or how to throw a basket toss. Instead, the quality of being a team player is what has sat with me throughout my life, and I can attribute that to being a cheerleader. Whether it’s in my career, in my relationships, or maintaining my friendships, teamwork definitely is a quality that I learned from cheerleading. I will never forget my senior year of high school: it was the day before my 18th birthday, and we had a practice right before our Senior Night of basketball season. There was a lot going on. Earlier that week, we had gotten our mid-semester grades, and a teammate had failed off the team. Scrambling before our biggest basketball game of the season, and just a few days before our state competition, my coach began moving team members around, trying to fill in the spot we had just lost. My stunt group‚ who had been working together since summer practices‚ got picked apart. Some teammates became front spots for other groups, and I had been placed as a back spot to one of the weaker groups on the team. While my teammates were doing advanced stunt sequences, starting with tick ups and ending with twist downs, the extent of our skills was a solid liberty. I went home from practice upset, feeling overlooked and not needed. It was my senior year, and in my eyes, all that was important was being in the center stunt group so that I could do the hardest skills on the team. I explained to my brother‚ who had zero cheer experience‚ about what a terrible night I had, and I told him that he just couldn’t understand. But, he did understand, and what he said was harsh but true: in a team sport, it’s not about what’s best for each player; instead it’s what’s best for the team. Definitely a good lesson to learn my first day of being an “adult’. As I got older and began coaching myself, I started my season with this message to my teams: you are not here as a cheerleader, but as a team of athletes, and you are only as good as the lowest jumper on the team. Motivate and push each other to make each other better, for your team as a whole! You don’t get a score sheet at the end of a competition that says Jumps -2 (but that one girl in the front, you get a 7). You get one score as a team, so it doesn’t matter how good one person is. Being a team player is a quality you have to have for your entire life. Whether it is in sports, doing a task you don’t necessarily want to at work, or helping out a friend in a time of need, always remember the time you stepped into a stunt group you didn’t want to for the sake of the team as a whole. Do you think there are more important lessons you learn from cheerleading than teamwork? Tell us what you think in the comments!
So you want to stand out from the crowd, make an impact with your team’s mascot or name, or proudly display all your team colors in your
cheerleading uniform? Then you want a customized uniform! With so many options for customization, from embroidery, to tackle twill, to sublimation, how do you choose? Do you want something classic and time-tested, or something new and innovative?Before you decide, it may be helpful to know a little about each form of uniform customization. Which is which, and what’s the difference?
Tackle Twill
Tackle twill is the most often used form of customization for sideline cheerleading uniforms. It consists of cut-out letters placed on top of another material (typically a polyester fabric) that are then attached to the uniform with heat or are sewn on (some companies, like Omni Cheer and Campus Teamwear, do both to ensure a long-lasting design). There are many different options when it comes to tackle twill, including the choice of multiple layers, font styles, colors, and fabric types (sequin and foil are popular and eye-catching). Tackle twill is typically priced depending on your chosen options, and will vary depending on what fabric type you choose, and how many colors, letters, and pieces you require.Embroidery
Embroidery is when a word or design is stitched directly into the fabric using embroidery thread. Embroidery is occasionally used for sideline cheer uniforms (especially when a team is interested in a detailed, multi-color mascot design), and is most durable on double-knit polyester fabric (it can sometimes pucker or pull if done on thinner,
higher-stretch uniforms). Embroidery is also typically used for adding team members’ names to their uniforms for an even more personalized look.Sublimation
Sublimated uniforms are created using dye-sublimation, a process where the design is infused directly into the fabric using heat. It is not attached to the uniform, like embroidery or tackle twill; if you run your finger across a sublimated uniform, you will only feel the fabric itself. The sublimation process also ensures the design will not crack, peel, or fade. Sublimation is the up-and-coming choice in customizable garments, with more and more companies offering sublimation on uniforms, practice wear, warm-ups, and more. It is a very popular choice for competitive and All Star cheerleading squads, as the fabric itself is typically high-stretch and conforms to the body, making tumbling and stunting easier. There are countless options when it comes to sublimated uniforms, which also increases its appeal. For example, Chasse,
which premiered its line of sublimated uniforms this year, offers four styles, eight designs, and over 30 colors to make nearly-endless combinations. If you’re interested in a fully customized look, a sublimated uniform may be perfect for your squad.Whichever type of customization you choose, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Be sure before you buy. Most companies do not allow you to return or exchange customized items. It’s important to ensure that all aspects of your design are correct, such as the spelling of words and the colors being used. If you misspell something, it will be your mistake and you will have to pay to have it fixed. It’s also very important to make sure you’re ordering the correct sizes for your squad. If something doesn’t fit, you will most likely not be able to return it for the correct size” “you’ll need to buy, and wait for, a replacement.
- Plan it out. Most customization options are priced by quantity, and many companies will offer price breaks on larger orders, making team or bulk orders the most cost effective way to order uniforms. Customized uniforms not only require extra funds, they also require extra time. Depending on the customization you choose, production time can range from 2 weeks to 3 months. Order your uniforms before you need them, and ask for an estimated date of arrival so you know when to expect delivery. Choosing to order your uniforms from a reputable company with help ensure you’re receiving a quality product, but it’s still a good idea to give yourself extra time in case of mistakes. They can happen, and if they do, you don’t want to be stressing about replacement uniforms the eve of your big game!
- Take care. Customized uniforms can be just as long lasting as non-customized uniforms, as long as they are cared for correctly. You should make sure to follow any garment-specific directions that you receive with your uniforms, and ask the company you ordered from for any extra tips or advice. Most companies will not recommend washing customized items in hot water or with harsh detergent or any type of bleach, nor will they recommend putting the garments in the dryer. Treat customized uniforms with care, and you will get countless show-stopping performances out of them!
Classic, detailed, or contemporary, your options are nearly endless. Regardless of what type of customization you choose, your team is sure to stand out in a one-of-a-kind uniform!
How is your uniform customized? What’s your favorite time of customization?It’s no secret that we love cheerleading here on the blog. We love everything about cheerleading, from finally nailing stunts and cheering under stadium lights to the
early morning practices and hair spray-filled lungs. And we know our readers feel the same way.There’s something for everyone to love with cheerleading! It takes a lot of people to make our sport great,
from cheerleaders themselves to coaches, cheer parents, cheer fans, and supporters. Whether you’re the one cheering, making the routines come together, supporting the athletes, or enjoying the performance from the stands, you’re an integral part of cheer!If you love cheerleading as much as we do, you may have found yourself wondering if you love cheer
too much. Now there’s a quiz to find out.Take this very official cheerleading quiz to see if you love cheer
too much:
Well, do you love cheer too much? Tell us what you got in the comments!It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We roll out our brand new apparel items annually at unbeatable prices for cheerleaders and cheer enthusiasts alike, and the wait is finally over. All of our 2016 items are now available online and to order over the phone, with catalogs coming straight to the doors of our subscribers shortly. Please take a moment to look at our new landing page on our website that will direct you to all the new gear.
In addition to our catalog, our friends at CheerLiving Magazine are debuting their 2016 Spring Buyer’s Guide this month which is overflowing with products that we offer! The lifestyle magazine for cheerleaders is available as a free digital download on their website, or can be ordered to your door at no cost‚ just like our catalogs!
There are so many new arrivals this year! Even though we’re stoked on everything, there are some products in particular that make us excited beyond belief. This industry is always progressing, and this year really shows it! You can access all the new arrivals now on our site, but below you can see our absolute favorites that we think you should consider for your next cheer season:
Chasse Sublimation. Chasse has recently rolled out a whole new design center, complete with all new customization options for your orders. Not only does Chasse offer novel designs for 2016 (which is added to an already large selection), but you can now design sublimated practice wear items and sublimated DOUBLE KNIT uniforms. This changes EVERYTHING. Double knit sublimation means that you can take your custom designs to the sidelines, and never have to worry about fill-ins again! Not only that, but Chasse has gone coed! Sublimate your entire team’s uniforms and practice wear without having to look elsewhere for men’s items. It’s easy to see that Chasse really stepped up their sublimation game this year, and we can’t wait for teams to reap the rewards of their improved design center!
Screen-printed tees. The 2016 selection of screen-printed tees and tanks from Chasse is ON POINT. There are so many that are not just cute, but also speak to us on a personal level while reflecting the mantras of any lover of cheerleading. If you can’t decide which tee or tank design is your favorite, don’t feel bad‚ we want to own them all too!The Chasse HighLyte shoe. Alright, so this shoe isn’t quite available yet due to its release later this spring, but it can be ordered on backorder starting today. It’s the best shoe on the market for competitive cheerleaders‚ particularly, flyers‚ due to Tri-Knit‚Ñ¢ performance technology which allows it to only weigh 4.6 ounces. If you don’t know how light that is, try holding four and a half slices of bread in your hand; it’s that light. With unmatched flexibility, a breathable construction, a shock-attenuating outsole, and a cushioned insole, this shoe cannot get any better for flyers‚ especially with such an ultimate grip for their bases! Don’t get discouraged from the backorder: it’s worth the wait, and will be available well before your next cheer season.
What’s your favorite new Omni Cheer item for 2016? Let us know how you rock our new cheer gear on our social media pages or in the comments below!
You’ve survived all of the practices, and now you’re on the road–it’s competition time. While you’re en route, you might be wondering what to expect, especially if this is your first time around. One thing to remember is that even professional cheerleaders get nervous under pressure! So, whether you’re about to arrive at your first competition or your fortieth, it’s helpful to know what NOT to do when you get there! Make sure you don’t sabotage your competition score by avoiding these four things:
1. Having your nerves get the best of you. What most cheerleaders do not realize is that everyone at a competition has anxiety to deal with–all the coaches, parents, and (yes) even the judges are nervous too! You’re definitely not all alone in how you feel, but the worst possible thing you can do is freak out. By keeping your cool, you’ll not only feel better when you take the mat, but also not set off a chain reaction with your teammates (who are equally on edge)! You might spot other teams who let their emotions take over, but you better believe that that kind of behavior does not sit well with spectators. Or judges.
2. Skipping stretching. There may be a lot to see and take in when you arrive, but the last thing you want to do is forget to stretch before the high-impact, cardio-intensive outburst you call your ‚Äòroutine‚Äô. Your body needs to be just as prepared to perform as your mind does. And you can kill two birds with one stone by calming your pre-routine jitters through therapeutic stretching. Take long, deep breaths as you wake up your muscles from the long car-ride through stretching, and make sure you use this time to meditate on your motions while you‚Äôre at it. Now, doesn’t that feel better?
3. Forgetting to eat. As stated above, you are about to do a very demanding routine that requires a lot of energy. Of course eating right before your slot is a bad idea, but not eating at all is even worse. That means the best time to eat on competition day is at least a couple hours before, probably while you’re still traveling. Light snacks are great closer to when you perform if you didn’t have time for a full meal, but make sure they are easily digestible choices, like fruit or nuts. Once you’re full of necessary calories, your body won’t shut down unexpectedly when you push it to the maximum for the two minutes and thirty seconds that make up your routine.
4. Not engaging the judges. Yes, they are judging you and your team on every move made on the mat. But, that doesn’t mean they must be avoided–in fact, that should make you pay more attention to them! By maintaining eye contact, smiling, and waving at the judges, your team has a much better chance of getting higher marks; this is because the judges are supposed to be your only audience and not merely part of the audience. Most cheerleaders forget to direct their motions to the judges due to having a larger audience there, filling the entire auditorium. Keep your eyes on the prize, and realize who really holds the fate of your team.
What else is detrimental for a cheerleader at a competition? Tell other cheerleaders what hasn’t worked for your team in the comments below.
Now that the summer is coming to an end, it can only mean one thing: high school football season! As cheerleaders, it’s essential to have an understanding of the game and provide lots of spirit and encouragement for your team. Here are a few things to remember when cheering on the sidelines at football games:
1. When you’re on the sidelines it is your job to be aware of what’s going on during the game. Knowing whether your team is on offense or defense will help you determine which cheers are appropriate at that moment. Also, players tend to run out of bounds pretty often, so paying attention will help you avoid any unnecessary collisions!
2. Because football games are an outside event, it often gets very loud and hard to compete with the noise of the crowd, the players and coaches, and sometimes even the weather!
Using megaphones to lead the crowds in cheers will make things much easier for you. Cheering in unison with your team also provides a louder sound and more enthusiasm for the game.3.
Poms are also an essential accessory for football games! They accent each and every cheer you perform and let the audience know to join in on the cheers.4. As the season progresses, the weather starts to change, so
having appropriate warmup gear is essential. Sticking out the cold weather shows your school spirit and support for the team, and warmups make that possible! You can still look stylish and represent your team’s colors while staying warm and comfortable.Use these tips to make the best of your high school football games. Having loud and supportive cheerleaders is always appreciated by the football team and fans!
Cheerleading tryouts are usually held in the spring, so we have been talking a lot about them lately on the blog. Performing in front of people who decide whether you make the team can be intimidating, but as long as you come prepared, you have nothing to worry about. Here’s everything you need to know to do your best at tryouts:
- Preparing for tryouts weeks in advance is key to being at your best by the time tryouts roll around. Even knowing you are prepared doesn’t mean you won’t still have some nerves leading up to the big day though. We asked some of your favorite cheerleaders from Cheer Channel’s Superstars of All-Stars to share their tryout tips to ensure you have a great experience. See their advice and keep working hard to make the team!
- You are ready to work hard and make the cheer team, and you’re even getting an early start and giving yourself an edge by preparing early, but what do you work on? Hard work isn’t as effective when you don’t know where to focus it. Here is how to best direct your time and energy.
- Cheerleading tryouts are your opportunity to show off what you’ve been working so hard on, but if you’re trying out for a new team, tryouts can be nerve-wracking, too! If you’ve ever tried out for a new cheer squad, you know that there is no one word to describe what it’s like. You go back and forth over a whole range of emotions in that single day. Even though you know you should just go in calm and confident, you can’t help feeling a little (or a lot) nervous at times. These are the eight emotions you experience at cheer tryouts.
(Source: tumblr.com) - It’s one thing to be physically prepared for tryouts‚ and that’s something you’ve hopefully been taking care of already – but it’s easy to overlook mental preparation. No matter how much work you’ve put in getting your jumps and stunts ready for tryouts, you need the mental strength and clarity to perform them well when the time comes. That’s why mental preparation is so important! Here are six ways to mentally prepare for tryouts.
- Have you always wanted to try cheerleading but never gone out for the squad? Or maybe you’ve never really given cheerleading much thought, but recently started thinking it looked fun? Just because you didn’t start when you were a child doesn’t mean you can’t be a cheerleader!
When are your cheer tryouts? What team are you trying out for?
School isn’t everybody’s thing, but getting a good education is so important. If you don’t understand that right now, you really will someday, so do your future self a favor and
make school a priority. Once a cheerleader, always a cheerleader, but most people don’t
make careers out of cheerleading, so it’s important to stay balanced.Even if you love and excel at school, chances are there’s a class or two that you’d love to trade for a different subject (or a nap). So these are easy tips, not ones that ask you to force yourself to do things you REALLY don’t want to do. But they will require a little bit of effort, so this year, make it a goal to commit to these six practices:
- Pay attention. It sounds hard, but it really isn’t. The effort will be worth it later when you don’t have to dedicate that much time to studying because you actually remember things and aren’t attempting to teach them to yourself for the first time.
(Source: eonline.com) - Prioritize your interactions. Look, sometimes it really can’t wait and you need to let your bff know that the cute new guy has been looking at her. But don’t pass notes or text or talk in class just to do it‚ only when the fate of the free world truly hangs in the balance. This will help you with the first tip we talked about.
(Source: Tumblr.com) - Ask for help. If there’s something you don’t understand, raise your hand. Talk to the teacher after class if you’re more comfortable that way. That’s what they’re there for! Find a friend or tutor to help you. Don’t make it even harder on yourself by trying to go it alone.
(Source: imoviequotes.com) - Put in the time. You can’t complain about hard classes and low grades if you aren’t giving some effort. Just like with cheer, you can’t expect to do well without dedicating time and energy to it.
(Source: Tumblr.com) - Do your homework. Just do. Not completing an assignment is just laziness‚ and cheerleaders are anything but lazy!
(Source) - Make studying fun. Create games or fun songs or rhymes to help you retain information. Recruit friends or family members to help you. Make flashcards for your mom to quiz you with or get a group of friends together and take turns asking each other questions. If you really want to get into it, you can make a “Jeopardy” board or get a parent or sibling to play the host of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (or “Who Wants to Ace This Test”).
(Source: Buzzfeed.com)
Will you commit to these school goals for the rest of the year? What helps you succeed in school?
- Pay attention. It sounds hard, but it really isn’t. The effort will be worth it later when you don’t have to dedicate that much time to studying because you actually remember things and aren’t attempting to teach them to yourself for the first time.
Are you ready to suit up in one of the most iconic uniforms ever this Halloween? Let us help you get it right with this checklist!
The Clothes
The cheerleading skirt is a staple, mandatory part of being recognized as a cheerleader! You can shop the
Chasse cheer skirt collection to get affordable options like classic pleats, or some more updated styles!Next, you need to decide if you want to wear a retro cheerleading sweater, or a classic
cheerleading shell top. If you want a retro look, you can pair a sweater with a pleated skirt. For a more updated look, you can find a shell top that matches that skirt style you chose.Even though it is just a costume, you still want to consider what to wear under your uniform.
Classic or boy-cut briefs are part of an authentic cheer look, and they keep you covered. If you are worried about Halloween being a chilly night, purchase a bodysuit or crop top to go underneath your shell top. This will keep you warm and give you the cheerleading look!To finish off your costume, pick up a pair of
white cheerleading shoes!Hair and Makeup
No need for a wig – there are several hairstyles you can wear to look like a cheerleader! The classic look is a standard ponytail, with the pulled-back hair in curls. You can also pull the front of your hair back and create a poof, then curl the hair that remains down. Braids are also very popular with cheerleaders. Don’t forget to add a
jumbo cheer hairbow!Cheerleaders have a glitz and glamour side, so feel free to use glitter for your costume! Check out the glitter dust and adhesive stars and rhinestones from
Glitterbug Cosmetics – the face of cheer.Accessories
You’ve got the look down, and you’ll bring the attitude – but don’t forget the details! Pick up some
cheerleading pom poms, a colorful megaphone and make a “trick-or-treat” sign to take your costume to the next level!Wondering what’s the hottest accessories of the season? I’ll gladly break it down for you:
This year’s look is all about the bow! Ombre is the hottest new look everyone is in love with. For 2016, we launched a brand new exclusive ombre glitter bow. The bow comes in six different colors, and is guaranteed to turn heads every time you wear it! The bow is a larger bow, at 8 ” x 7 “, with an elastic ponytail holder attached. You are not going to see a look like this for the price anywhere else!
The chevron bow is back by popular demand! The Chevron Hair Bow by Chasse was a top-selling new product in 2015. With nine color options, you will find the perfect color for your team or maybe an extra bow just for you! The chevron is a classic and funky look that never goes out of style. If you are looking for a bow to spice up your uniform or practice wear, then this is your bow!
This two-tone glitter heart cheer bow is the perfect bow to round out your collection. It is absolutely adorable and is available in nine color options that you will want to wear on and off the field.
To complete your look from bow to toe, you cannot forget about those toes! With our brand new knee-high cheer socks, your look will be complete. These socks will keep you warm during those winter months, or add a little something extra to your camp gear. These socks are excellent quality, and make the perfect gift for that cheerleader in your life because they come in eight different colors, with white color blocking on the heel and toe for a fun retro look.
This brand new two-compartment backpack is perfect for cheer practice! This tenacious bag will be able to handle all of your cheer items with ease. With a blank front, you can easily add embroidery to customize the bag to reflect your team name and mascot, or add a personal touch by embroidering your name or nickname. The bag comes with two mesh pockets on the side, which is perfect for holding a water bottle while at training camps, practices, or competitions. The bag comes in eight different colors to match your team’s uniform.
Looking for a bag with more storage? Check out our new Primary backpack. This bag has three outside zipper pockets, and two mesh pockets on the side. The bottom pocket is left blank, allowing you to embroider a team logo or your name for a personal touch. The bag also comes with outside rings where you can attach a water bottle or keychains, too. The bag also includes padded shoulder straps for comfort when carrying all of you cheer items. This backpack is awesome, and will look good walking into a competition or heading out to your gym or field.
Canvas totes are totally in season! Round out your collection with the bow tote. This cheer tote has a glitter white cheer logo and pink bow design on the front, and “live love cheer ” repeated on the side in pink. This is the perfect bag for going to the beach, picking up groceries, or as an everyday bag. We all know cheerleading is not just a sport‚ it is a lifestyle. So, show your spirit wherever go!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we now offer pink Cheer For the Cause socks. Many of us know someone who has been touched by cancer, showing your support is the first step to starting a conversation about cancer screening and testing. But, you can wear these items any time of year if you want!
Forget about a slipper, this girl needs a cheer shoe! The Chasse Flip IV is an updated version of the Chasse Flip collection. Because of this, you can count on the same great quality and durability as the Flip III in the Flip IV‚ just with a sleek, updated look. This shoe is easy to clean, low profile, and has breathability and extra cushioning to protect your feet. These shoes would not be complete without interchangeable color cards to match your teams’ uniforms. Be sure to request a catalog for additional promotional options.
The Chasse HighLyte is a brand new lightweight, versatile performance shoe. This shoe features all new Tri-Knit‚Ñ¢ technology that was designed specifically for cheerleaders. Tri-Knit technology combines unmatched versatility and comfort. The stitching on the front gives the shoe a very modern and sleek feel, too! This shoe is recommended for indoor use ONLY, and is perfect for stunts. The hybrid outsole has competition-grade EVA Phulon that allow stability and shock absorption. Be sure to check out our catalog for introductory offers and additional promotion.
Author’s Pick:
Chasse’s mini-bow keychains are one of my personal favorite accessories. The keychains come in every combination and design they offer in their hair bows. These keychains are the perfect accessory to show your spirit, and are so cute, you can hardly say no! You can add these keychains to just about anything; I have made some of mine into Christmas ornaments as gifts for my friends and family. I currently have one bow on my car keys, and another on my rear view mirror in my car. These bow are so fun, and they make the perfect little add-on to any order!
