Haylie Cloud LAL102 College Composition II May 17, 2024 Evolution of Cheerleading: 1860’s to Now Cheerleading is not just about shouting “Yay, Lets Go!” and waving pom-poms. It started way back in 1860, and back then, it was pretty different. Guys used to lead the crowd from the sidelines at sports events. But now, cheer is a whole new world. It’s all about athletes doing extremely difficult and dangerous flips, jumps, and stunts to have the crowd shocked. Everyday it seems like there are new skills to try which continue to increase the difficulty, but when will they reach the top? I have been cheering since 2017 when I first signed up for the Optimist cheer team. At that point, just being able to get an elevator up was considered impressive, but nowadays the …show more content…
Cheering has undergone remarkable changes since Lawrence Herkimer’s creation of the National Cheerleaders Association in 1949. From its roots as a sideline activity focused on school spirit led by boys, cheerleading has evolved into a competitive sport that demands high levels of athleticism, coordination, and skill. The incorporation of gymnastics, the creation of all-star teams, and the introduction of global competitions have all contributed to the sports dynamic progression. As cheerleading continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in terms of stunts, tumbling, and choreography, it is clear that the future holds even more innovation and excitement. With each passing year, teams and individuals are redefining the limits, driven by passion that ensures the sport is constantly evolving. As I witness these changes first hand, I can’t help but be excited to see the future developments in cheerleading. With college cheer starting next year and the possibility of coaching cheer in my future, I can’t wait to see the next chapter in cheerleading