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Nov
By Steve Pawlyk
Published November 1, 2024
Creating a cheer routine that captivates both the audience and judges takes more than technical skill; it requires creativity, smart use of transitions, and an understanding of how to maximize your team’s strengths. For example, the routine by Cheer Extreme Senior Elite at Worlds 2023 stood out due to its seamless transitions and creative use of musical cues, which kept the audience engaged from start to finish. Here are some actionable tips to help you design a standout cheer routine from beginning to end.
1. Prioritize Unique Transitions
Transitions can make or break the flow of your routine. The key is to keep movements seamless and visually engaging while transitioning between stunts, tumbling passes, or formations. For example, Cheer Athletics used a creative rolling transition to shift from a pyramid to a tumbling pass in their 2023 Nationals routine, which kept the movement dynamic and surprised the judges. Try integrating elements like cartwheels, spins, or even high-energy choreographed runs to shift athletes across the mat. Unexpected, smooth transitions make the entire routine feel polished and add another layer of sophistication.
2. Emphasize Visual Formations
The formation of your team at any point during the routine impacts how the entire performance looks to judges. Mix up your formations frequently, ensuring that there’s a dynamic visual effect for every big stunt or movement. Consider using video review during practice to identify gaps or inconsistencies in formations and make necessary adjustments to keep everything looking sharp. Create different levels by incorporating jumps or using flyers for height, which adds dimension to your routine and prevents any dull moments.
3. Musical Cues for Maximum Impact
Choreographing to the beat is expected, but choreographing to specific musical cues can elevate your performance. Use key lyrics, sound effects, or beat drops as cues for powerful moments, like throwing a basket toss or hitting a perfect stunt. For example, using a mix with a beat drop similar to the one in Beyoncé’s ‘Run the World (Girls)’ for a perfectly timed tumbling pass can create an impactful moment that energizes both the audience and judges. These connections make your routine feel in sync with the music and help the audience stay engaged.
4. Integrate Signature Stunts
Including a signature stunt that defines your team can help set you apart. To create a signature stunt, start by evaluating what makes your team unique—whether it’s their exceptional flexibility, strength, or speed. Identify your team’s standout qualities and design a stunt that highlights these attributes. You could begin by experimenting with different variations of existing stunts and adding unique twists that only your athletes can execute confidently. Once you’ve created a stunt that feels unique, practice it until it becomes second nature and consistently wows the judges. This could be a unique pyramid, a creative partner stunt, or a move that only your athletes can pull off with style. Think about what makes your team unique—maybe it’s their flexibility, their speed, or their strength—and design a stunt around those assets that the judges won’t forget.
5. Keep Pacing Varied
A great routine keeps the audience on their toes. Alternate between high-energy tumbling passes and slower, dramatic moments like a breathtaking pyramid. To ensure athletes are conditioned for these changes, practice pacing by running sections of the routine at full speed, then review video footage to identify moments where athletes need extra conditioning or adjustments to keep energy levels consistent. This ebb and flow in pacing keeps the judges’ attention and gives athletes a chance to catch their breath while still keeping the routine visually and emotionally impactful.
6. Leverage Unexpected Elements
The judges have seen thousands of routines. To stand out, try incorporating unexpected elements like partner work, tumbling passes initiated from stunts, or cheer-specific dance elements. Mixing in traditional cheer components with newer, more innovative twists can keep the judges guessing and make your routine one to remember. For example, incorporating a traditional pyramid structure but adding a twist where flyers perform a synchronized spin before transitioning into a basket toss can provide an unexpected wow factor that elevates the routine.
7. Be Intentional with Every Move
Every single move should have a purpose—whether it’s setting up the next big element or showing off an athlete’s strength. Avoid filler movements just to kill time. Instead, each step should flow into the next with intention, creating a cohesive performance where all elements build upon one another for a final, showstopping impression. One effective drill is to video the entire routine and have athletes identify and eliminate any unnecessary movements, ensuring each move serves a purpose. Additionally, practicing short segments repeatedly with focused intention can help athletes become more aware of how every movement contributes to the overall routine.
8. Practice Timing to Perfection
The entire team hitting stunts and movements at exactly the same time is vital for that “wow” factor. Make timing a priority during practice by breaking down each section of the routine and using counts to ensure precision. A helpful timing exercise is to use an 8-count track and have athletes perform specific actions on each count, repeating until every movement is synchronized. Additionally, counting out loud as a team during stunts and tumbling passes can reinforce timing consistency. Synchronization is one of the key components that judges look for, and it’s an easy way to make your routine feel sharp and professional.
9. Involve the Whole Team in Creative Moments
Get creative input from your athletes! They may have unique stunt ideas or interesting transitions that can enhance the routine. For example, you could dedicate a ‘creative brainstorming’ session during practice where athletes work in small groups to develop new transitions or stunts. Involving them in the creative process can boost morale and ensure they feel personally invested in making the routine the best it can be.
10. Finish Strong with a Memorable End Pose
The end of your routine is your final chance to leave an impression. Make sure it’s visually strong and clearly punctuates the performance. Whether it’s a dramatic group pose, a held pyramid, or a coordinated tumble-out, the ending should leave the judges with a powerful last image of your team. For example, Top Gun All Stars ended their 2023 Nationals routine with a dynamic, multi-level pyramid combined with a tumbling-out sequence that featured perfectly timed flips and high-energy poses, creating a lasting impact. Consider using a mix of different levels, unique poses, or even a surprise element like a split or jump to finish on an exciting note.
Choreographing a cheer routine that stands out is all about maximizing what makes your team unique, using creative transitions, and making sure each part of your routine connects with the audience. Use these tips to help your team shine on the mat, and turn every performance into an unforgettable experience.
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