How to Do an Elevator Cheer Stunt

Cheerleaders are known for their various pyramids and stunts that make up their routines. These stunts take a lot of practice and proper supervision to execute properly. The elevator stunt is one of the most basic stunts and is often the base for other stunts. To perform an elevator, you need four cheerleaders: two for the base, one to be lifted and one to spot. It is also helpful to practice on a soft surface in case someone falls, which can easily happen when learning this stunt.

Instructions

    • 1

      Position the two base cheerleaders about 2 feet apart, facing each other and standing with their feet shoulder-width apart. They bend slightly at the knees with backs straight and hold out their hands cupped together about waist high.

    • 2

      Stand the cheerleader to be lifted behind the base cheerleaders, facing the audience. She should place her hands on the back shoulders of the base cheerleaders. The spotter should grip her waist to help with the mount.

    • 3

      Lift one foot into the hands of one of the base cheerleaders. Push off with that foot and bring the other foot into the other base cheerleader's hands. The spotter can help the top cheerleader by lifting her from the waist. The lifted cheerleader should keep her knees bent.

    • 4

      Raise the lifted cheerleader to shoulder height by instructing each base cheerleader to lift up with her hands while simultaneously twisting her hands to grip the lifted cheerleader's foot. When twisting her hands, keep the heels of the hands together and turn the fingers out so one hand grips the front of the lifted cheerleader's foot and the other hand grips the back of the foot. The lift should be done in one smooth, simultaneous motion. As the base cheerleaders lift, all three cheerleaders should straighten their legs. The support person should now help support the lifted cheerleader's ankles.

    • 5

      Perform an extension by lifting the top cheerleader over the base cheerleader's heads. The spotter should hold the back wrists of the base cheerleaders for extra support for this move. In one fluid motion, both base cheerleaders should straighten their arms above their heads to raise the lifted cheerleader up higher.

    • 6

      Lower the lifted cheerleader slowly back to shoulder height before performing a dismount. Professional cheerleading squads may be able to dismount from the extended position. To dismount, the lifted cheerleader can either jump off with the help of the support person or the squad can perform a basket catch. For a basket catch, the base cheerleaders must throw the lifted cheerleader's legs forward and slightly upward and quickly move their arms across between themselves to catch the cheerleader as she falls. The support cheerleader should also extend her arms to catch under the lifted cheerleader's arms.