As Wikipedia states it, “cheerleading is an activity in which the participants cheer for their team as a form of encouragement” (1) and it began in the late 18th century. The biggest thing cheerleaders are probably known for is cheering at football or basketball games (which personally, was my least favorite part about the sport).

Cheerleading originated in the United States. After the biggest cheer movie, Bring It On came out cheerleading scattered across the world in countries such as China, France, Japan and so many others.

Professional cheerleading started in the 1950’s, and they were the cheerleaders for the NFL, the Baltimore Colts. This was when cheerleading started to get bigger than before, it put on a whole new perspective for the sport. The way that the women cheering were selected was based on who their targeted market was, men.

Having professional cheerleading was what sexualized cheerleading so much. The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders started in the 70’s and wore their revealing outfits, “establishing cheerleaders as ‘American icons of wholesome sex appeal'” (1).

The 1980’s was when the stunting and gymnastic sequences started to begin. Then all-star cheerleading was created by the United States All-Star Federation (USASF). To this day, the USASF is the biggest part of cheerleading, and this is the federation that hosts many cheerleading competitions, including almost all of the competitions I have competed in.

Whether you realize it or not, when you go to any type of game, you are more than likely cheering for someone or the team as a whole. Maybe it’s not even a game you go to, it can extend to you passing a test, watching someone complete a challenge, and so many other events that might happen in your life that you’re excited for. Everyone has a little cheerleader in their own body!

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheerleading