MABALACAT CITY COLLEGE

INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES CHEER DANCE

Essential Basic Skills in Cheer Dance

Sustainable Development Goals:

SDG No. 3 – Good Health and Well-Being

Learning Objectives

At the end of this lesson, student must be able to:

1. Discuss the techniques and safety in performing stunts
2. Appreciate the benefits of Cheer Dance.
3. Demonstrate the basic skills and show the techniques in cheer dancing.

Concept Notes

Cheer dance is an energetic and dynamic form of performance that fuses traditional
cheerleading with dance elements. It combines athleticism, creativity, and rhythm to engage
audiences and support sports teams. This concept note explores the core components of cheer
dance, its educational benefits, and considerations for teaching it effectively.

1
 MABALACAT CITY COLLEGE
INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES CHEER DANCE

Cheerleading is a beloved activity that combines dance, stunts, tumbling, and cheers to rally
crowds and teams at events. Mastering the fundamentals of cheerleading is key to becoming an
effective cheerleader and performer. This guide will provide an overview of the basic cheerleading
skills that form the foundation of the sport.
The basic cheerleading skills covered in this article include jumps, kicks, dance moves,
partner stunts, pyramids, tosses, tumbling, leading cheers and chants, teamwork, timing, and
safety. While cheerleading routines incorporate advanced skills and complex choreography,
developing proficiency in the basics is the first step for any cheerleader. With consistent practice
and training, these fundamental cheerleading skills will become second nature.
Understanding the basics allows cheerleaders to sharpen their technique, expand their
capabilities, and safely progress to more difficult skills. Coaches emphasize proper form and
execution when first teaching the basic motions, stunts, and tumbling skills. Establishing this base
will help prepare cheerleaders for more challenging routines.
Whether you’re new to cheerleading or want to improve your existing skills, a focus on the
fundamentals is key. This article will provide an in-depth look at the various basic cheerleading
skills that are integral to the sport. With dedication and proper training, consistent practice of
these cheerleading basics will lead to confidence, strength, and success on the mat.

Basic Motions
The foundational cheerleading motions involve jumps, kicks, and dance moves. Mastering these
basic techniques provides the springboard for more advanced skills down the road.
 Jumps: Jumping is essential in cheerleading for stunts, tumbling passes, and overall
visual appeal. Basic jumps include tuck jumps, pike jumps, spread eagles, and herkies.
Proper technique, such as pointing toes and keeping legs straight, is key for optimal
height and form.
 Kicks: Kicks come in many variations like front kicks, sidekicks, fan kicks, and hook kicks.
Building flexibility through stretching will help execute controlled, high kicks. Keeping
the supporting leg slightly bent while kicking is important.
 Dance Moves: Incorporating dance into cheerleading fosters rhythm and coordination.
Basic steps like pivots, hip circles, toe touches, and floor splits require balance and control.
Maintaining good posture and pointed toes helps polish dance moves.
Practicing these three motion fundamentals develops muscle memory. With training,
cheerleaders can seamlessly blend jumps, kicks, and dance moves for dynamic
performances. A mastery of motion basics is critical before advancing to more difficult
physical skills.

2
 MABALACAT CITY COLLEGE
INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES CHEER DANCE

Stunts
Stunts involve technical precision, strength, and teamwork. Mastering basic partner stunts and
pyramids provides an important foundation.
 Partner Stunts: The most common cheerleading stunts are done with a base supporting
a flyer. Static stunts like a shoulder sit and liberty teach balance. Dynamic stunts like the
elevator and helicopter work on smooth transitions. Proper hand and foot placement, along
with tight core muscles, helps stabilize partner stunts.
 Pyramids: Pyramids require close coordination between bases and flyers. Basic two-leg
stunts like the extension prep and shoulder stand set the stage for more elaborate
pyramids. Verbal cues, timing, and defined choreography is essential for pyramid execution.
 Tosses: Tossing a flyer into the air demands focus and skill. A straight ride up and straight
ride down is a standard baseline toss. Bases must firmly grip flyers’ feet to provide a steady,
secure throw. Flyers keep legs and body straight for optimal height and form.

Tumbling
Gymnastic abilities like rolls, cartwheels, and roundoffs are hallmarks of
cheerleading. Tumbling fundamentals instill confidence for more difficult passes.
 Forward/Backward Rolls: Rolls are vital for learning to transfer momentum into skills.
Absorbing force at the shoulder while tucking the head helps perform smooth rolls.
Keeping the back rounded and knees bent also aids proper technique.
 Cartwheels/Roundoffs: Cartwheels and roundoffs rely on upper body strength.
Maintaining hands planted and core tight enables straight-line execution. Spotting the
ground ahead encourages proper head/eye placement. Roundoffs add momentum for
specialty passes.
A foundation of rolls, cartwheels, and roundoffs establishes essential muscle memory
for tumbling. With conditioning and practice, more advanced somersaults, handsprings,
and flips can be added to routines.

Cheers and Chants

Leading interactive cheers and chants is a core part of cheerleading. Projecting enthusiasm and
emphasizing motions keeps crowds engaged.
 Leading Cheers: Cheer captains often initiate cheers and clap patterns. Maintaining
energy and eye contact pulls the crowd in. Simple call-and-response chants allow
participants to follow along.
 Motion Placement: Incorporating motions like arm movements and jumps
accentuates cheers. Timing motions to match rhythm and words amplifies audience
response.

3
 MABALACAT CITY COLLEGE
INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES CHEER DANCE

 Projecting Voice: Volume and enunciation are crucial for audience-facing cheers.
Proper breathing support enables voices to carry. Cupping hands around the mouth
also helps projection.

Teamwork and Coordination

Cheerleading requires close collaboration to achieve synchronized routines. Working cohesively
highlights individual strengths.
 Working Together: Spotting and supporting fellow cheerleaders build trust. Learning
to constructively give and receive feedback fosters team growth.
 Timing: Sharp, punctual transitions between stunts, tumbling, and motions rely on
timing alignment. Internalizing rhythm and counts create cohesion.
 Spacing: Strategic formation positioning enables seamless transitions between
visuals. Maintaining awareness of spacing ensures cleaner routines.
Safety and Training
Practicing proper technique and conditioning reduces injury risk and builds skills. Coaches
promote safe habits through training.
 Proper Technique: Learning the proper form for motions, stunts, and tumbling
prevents injury. Spotters provide support until skills are mastered.
 Conditioning: Building strength, balance, and flexibility through training enables
skill progression. Core work, cross-training, and drills improve overall fitness.
 Equipment: Using mats, harnesses, ankle/wrist braces, and grip aids facilitates
skill development. Supportive footwear also prevents rolled ankles or slips.

4
 MABALACAT CITY COLLEGE
INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES CHEER DANCE

BASIC CHEER MOTION

Type of Cheer Motion Demonstration Procedure

Feet together, hands down by the

Beginning Stance
sides in blades.

Feet more than shoulder width apart,

Cheer Stance
hands down by the sides in blades.

Clasp Hands clasped, at the chin, elbows in.

5
MABALACAT CITY COLLEGE
INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES CHEER DANCE

Hands in blades, at the chin,

Clap
elbows in.

Arms extended up forming a ‘’V’’,

High V
relax the shoulders.

Low V Arms extending down forming ‘’V’’

Arms extended straight and parallel

Touch Down
to each other, fist facing in.

6
MABALACAT CITY COLLEGE
INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES CHEER DANCE

Arms extended straight down and

Low Touch Down
parallel to each other, fist facing in.

One arm extended to side with

Bow and Arrow other arm bent at elbow in half ‘’T’’
motion.

Arms are straight, above the head in

Overhead Clasp a clasp and slightly in front of the
face.

Arms extended straight down, in a

Low Clasp
clasp and slightly in front of the body.

7
MABALACAT CITY COLLEGE
INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES CHEER DANCE

Arms bent at elbow, fists in front of

Tabletop
shoulder.

One arm extended straight up, one

Punch
arm on hip, in a fist.

One arm extended to the side with

L Motion other arm extended in a punch
motion (Left L shown)

One arm extended in a high ‘’V’’ and

Diagonal the other arm extended in a Low ‘’V’’
(Right Diagonal Shown)

8
MABALACAT CITY COLLEGE
INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES CHEER DANCE

Both arms extended straight out to

T Motion the side and parallel to the
ground, relax the shoulders.

Both arms parallel to the ground and

Half T bent at the elbows, fists into
shoulders.

Lead leg bent with the knee over the

Side Lunge ankle, back leg straight, feet
perpendicular to each other.

Lead leg bent with the knee over the

Front Lunge ankle, back leg straight, feet
perpendicular to each other.

9
 MABALACAT CITY COLLEGE CHEER DANCE

Activity 1: Individual Demonstration

Instruction: Demonstrate or execute 10 basic cheer motion. Student will pick 10 cheer motion in a
bottle and execute in front of the class.

Execute 10 cheer motion 50 points

Execute 9 cheer motion 47 points
Execute 8 cheer motion 43 points
Execute 7 cheer motion 40 points
Execute 6 cheer motion 37 points
Execute 5 cheer motion 32 points
Execute 4 cheer motion 28 points
Execute 3 cheer motion 22 points
Execute 2 cheer motion 18 points
Execute 1 cheer motion 15 points

1
 MABALACAT CITY COLLEGE CHEER DANCE

Activity 2: Cheer Dance Choreography

Instruction: Use the 19 basic cheer motion with music, formation and choreography. Using stunts
is prohibited.

Cheer Dance Performance Rubric

Needs Improvement
Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2)
(1)
Innovative and Creative and Basic choreography;
Lacks creativity; simple
original; complex and interesting; some minimal complexity;
Choreography movements; choppy
engaging; seamless complexity; generally occasional awkward
or disjointed
transitions. smooth transitions. transitions.
transitions.
Frequent errors
Precise and Generally precise
Some accuracy issues; and inaccuracies;
accurate; all with minor errors;
Execution noticeable errors in poor execution of
movements and most movements and
movements and stunts. movements and
stunts executed stunts well-executed.
stunts.
flawlessly.
High energy; Good
Moderate energy; Low energy;
captivating and energy;
Performance occasional lapses in unengaging
engaging; strong engaging
Quality engagement; limited performance; poor
connection with the performance; some
audience interaction. audience connection.
audience. connection with the
audience.
Excellent rhythm;
Good rhythm; most Some issues with Poor rhythm;
movements perfectly
movements match rhythm; occasional movements often do
Musicality match music;
music; generally mismatches with music; not match music; lack
expressive and fitting
expressive. limited expressiveness. of expressiveness.
to the music’s mood.
Fully adheres to all Adheres to most rules Some deviations from Frequent violations of
Adherence to
rules and guidelines; and guidelines; minor rules and guidelines; rules and guidelines;
Guidelines
no violations. violations. noticeable violations. significant deviations.
Scoring
 Excellent (4): Demonstrates superior performance and meets or exceeds expectations in
all areas.
 Good (3): Shows strong performance with minor issues or areas for improvement.
 Fair (2): Adequate performance with noticeable areas needing improvement.
 Needs Improvement (1): Significant issues impacting overall performance;
major improvements needed.

1
 MABALACAT CITY COLLEGE CHEER DANCE
INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

References:

https://allaboutcheerleading.com/basic-cheerleading-skills/
https://files.leagueathletics.com/Images/Club/5502/Cheer_Motions.pdf

OFFICIAL MCC TEACHER’S GUIDE DISCLAIMER

It is not the intention of the author/s nor the publisher of this teacher’s guide to have monetary gain in
using the textual information, imageries, and other references used in its production. This guide is only for the
exclusive use of a bona fide student of Mabalacat City College.

In addition, this teacher’s guide or no part of it thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, and/or otherwise, without the
prior permission of Mabalacat City College.

1
2