Expert: James - 1/21/2008

Question
I have been wanting to be on a cheerleading squad since i was three!I love doing the jumps and stunts at my house with my friends! The bad thing is that I am not that flexible. I have been jogging every day that helps a little. Also I  was wondering on the tryouts for squads, what do the judges usually look for?
So if you would give me tip on these two things!
thanks a lot
Brittany

Answer
Flexibility is a difficult thing to teach, i'm a guy so i never really had to be that flexible as a stunter. One thing i've seen girls get more flexible by doing is (and it really sounds almost too easy to be true) is by just doing stretches over and over and practicign the stunts (for instance a heel stretch) on the ground countless times. As for what the judges look for it really varies from squad to squad. They definitely look for people who are outgoing, i mean they have to put you out in front of crowds and you have to interact with the people so not being shy is a HUGE thing. Also they look for potential to improve, for instance if the tryouts are over the span of a few days you improving from the first day til the last. If it is a coed squad they like people who can work with multiple partners, not just good with one or two partners they've practiced with alot. I had a college coach once tell me that their most valuable person every year was the guy who could stunt with the most girls (which luckily was me my senior year..lol) but that goes for girls as well. If its an all-girl squad and you're not so tiny that you're definitely a flyer or so strong that you're definitely a base, being versitile and able to do both helps. I would suggest politely asking the coach exactly what she and the judges look for that way you get specifics for your squad. I hope this helps some.