Blair County Respiratory Disease Society, PO Box 1954, 111 Lakemont Park Blvd, Altoona, PA 16602, 814-944-8222
Our Mission: To eradicate and prevent all respiratory disease and to educate and support all persons affected. 		Some Helpful Hints to Help Increase the "Overall Effect" of Your Cheerleading and Dance Routine

The "Crowd Appeal/Showmanship" category on our score sheets reflects the squad's ability to present a routine which is effective in cleanly executing all skills in that particular routine.  Here are some helpful hints that might increase a squad's "overall effect" score.

Things Judges Like to See

  • Natural smiles and facials

  • Comfort and knowledge of the routine

  • Variety of stunts and tumbling

  • Clean and tight tumbling, stunts, jumps, motions cradles

  • Smooth transitions

  • Age appropriate music and dance

  • Level changes in dances and cheers

  • Flyers that ride their cradles, bases who use their legs to prop!

  • High basket tosses that ride and snap

  • Finish builds by placing your flyer, not "dumping or dropping"

  • Having fun with the routine, showing spirit!

  • Skills within teams ability (sometimes less is more)

  • Confidence in self/team and in routine

  • Flyers who fight to save a stunt (shouldn't bail)

  • Creative routine and original music

  • High energy throughout the routine

  • Synchronization throughout the routine

  • Well executed routine

  • Hyper-extended jumps and pointed toes

  • Combination tumbling passes

What to Avoid

  • Sneering, jeering, mocking or taunting attitudes and gestures

  • Inappropriate and/or sexually suggestive dance moves

  • Inappropriate music

  • Facial expressions—including poking of the tongue—to add “sexiness” (???) during dance

  • Cheer choreographed (organized) squad entrances and exits

  • Using the ‘warm-up’ time and locations to practice new stunts and gymnastic skills

  • Exaggerated facial expressions including head-bobbing and flagrant mouthed smiles detract from the overall effect

  • Substituting difficulty for cleanliness and consistency

  • Crowding of the judges and judging table by coaching staff and parents—this is a distraction

  • Displeasing uniforms and hair accessories should not be worn

  • Throwing of signs and props (i.e. poms)  throughout the competition area

  • Rushing, cornering or approaching of the judging staff before, during and after a division or competition

  • Always remember the cleaner the routine the better

 

We wish you all the best of luck as you prepare your team for the BCRDS Competition!!