Expert: James - 5/15/2009

Question
Hi!
I am in 8th grade and i am required to do a project of a career we are
interested in pursuing when we grow up.  I really want to own my own all star
cheer gym. do you have any helpful information that could help me with my
project? i would like to find out more about the education required to star my
own cheer gym, the money you need to start and how much you would
usually make in a year, and more information that i could find helpful.  i also
have high school tryouts this week, (i am SUPER nervous) and i have to throw
my roundoff backhandspring without a spot.  i have never done it before and
i have been trying for 5 years.  the coach spotted me and told me i am really
good and that i definitely have it by myself, but i am still really nervous to
throw it by myself!  do you have any advice?
thank you so much!

Answer
Well as simple as it may sound you already answered your second question. It's all mental, the coach would not tell you that you have it on your own if you didn't for safety reasons. So you simply need to mentally get over your fear and believe him/her. As far as the first question unfortunately I'm not experienced enough to answer all of it but i will do my best. Education wise you definitely need experience giving tumbling/stunting lessons as well as scripting up your own routines etc...i would also suggest some business background because the all-stars are paying to be on the team and you have to order uniforms, coordinate trips and things of that nature. Cash wise to startup just like any other business you'd have to have enough money to begin with to either purchase the facility or lease it for a year up front and usually most businesses suggest having 2-3 months worth of cash to pay bills on hand.