How to Improve Cheer, Dance and Stunts

A major focus at many sporting events, cheerleaders and dance teams represent their school and help keep both the audience and players enthused. Though college and high school teams are not the Dallas Cowboys, they still work hard on choreography, stunts and other crowd-pleasing aspects of their performances. But even hard-working teams can get stuck in a performance rut, where their routines seem to hit a plateau or become rife with mistakes. Taking rehearsal back to some learning basics can help improve routines.

Instructions

    • 1

      Practice counting out loud as a group with and without music. This helps make sure everyone has the counts right, and helps group members find their trouble spots.

    • 2

      Practice in front of a mirror so you have instant feedback on how the routine looks. Also, practice facing away from a mirror so no one is relying on the reflections of other dancers to know choreography.

    • 3

      Videotape your rehearsal or performance, then watch the video to see which problem spots you need to address at the next rehearsal.

    • 4

      Split the group into small groups or individuals, and have them rehearse by themselves to ensure each person actually knows the choreography.

    • 5

      Go to a competition, showcase or other related show. In addition to being fun, you can watch other teams and groups to see what they do well and where their skills are lacking.

    • 6

      Practice in the outfits you will be performing in, so group members get used to differences in costume movement, material grip and shoe stability.

    • 7

      Use the skills of the people in the group. For example, let your great swing dancer teach the group some swing to use in a piece, or let him have a solo.

    • 8

      Rehearse enough that everyone knows the steps and routine, but does not lose interest or overexert their bodies.

    • 9

      Make sure rehearsal is safe. This is especially important for stunts, but if you practice on a bad floor or in bad weather or other unsafe conditions, your group members likely will be holding back to prevent injury or sickness.