A cheerleader is a participant in the activity known as cheerleading, performing vocal chants, coordinated dance, and athletic skills to support sports teams or to compete in organized events. Cheerleaders work as individuals and as members of a squad to energize spectators, lead crowd responses, and present choreographed routines that combine movement, tumbling and partnered lifts.

Common elements and skills

Modern cheerleading draws on a mix of gymnastic and dance techniques. Typical components include:

  • Chants and cheers—short vocal calls designed to encourage a team or communicate support to a crowd.
  • Jumps and motions—athletic leaps and precise arm patterns that create visual effect.
  • Tumbling—floor skills such as handsprings and back tucks performed by individual members.
  • Stunting and pyramids—partnered lifts and multi-person formations requiring balance, timing and strength.

History and development

Cheerleading originated in North America in the late 19th century as organized vocal encouragement at athletic contests. Over decades it expanded from simple sideline calls into more elaborate pageantry that incorporated acrobatics and dance. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries competitive cheerleading developed its own events and rules, and the activity spread internationally.

Settings and formats

There are two common contexts for cheerleading: sideline roles at sporting events, where routines are tailored to engage spectators and support a team; and formal competition, where squads are judged on difficulty, execution and creativity. Teams exist at school, collegiate, club and professional levels and may be all-female, all-male or coeducational.

Importance and cultural role

Beyond crowd leadership, cheerleading offers physical conditioning, teamwork and performance experience. Many participants value the social community and the opportunities for scholarship or travel provided by competitive programs. The visual and performative aspects have also influenced popular culture and media portrayals of school and professional sports.

Safety and debate

As the activity became more athletic, concerns over safety, training standards and whether cheerleading should be classified as a sport have grown. Schools and governing bodies have implemented safety guidelines, coaching certifications and progressions for skills to reduce risk. Discussions continue about regulation, insurance and competitive recognition in different regions.