Tag Archives: competitions

The 5 Best Cheer Bags for Competitive Cheer in 2023

The 5 Best Cheer Bags for Competitive Cheer in 2023

By Steve Pawlyk

Published August 9, 2023

Every competitive cheerleader knows the importance of a reliable cheer bag. While cheerleaders invest hours into perfecting their routines, it’s important they equally invest in the perfect gear. A crucial accessory for any cheerleader is a reliable, fashionable, and functional cheer backpack. From holding uniforms, to shoes, to makeup and other essentials, the perfect cheer bag ensures everything is in its place and easily accessed at competitions. In this guide, we’re gonna explore the 5 best cheer bags on the market in 2023 for competitive cheerleaders.

5-best-cheer-bags

Quick Recommendation

In a rush? For budget-friendly options, consider the Chassé Glitter Cheer Backpack. For long-term durability and style, the Nfinity Black Sparkle Backpack reigns supreme.

Understanding Cheer Backpacks

Specifically designed for cheerleaders, cheer backpacks cater to their unique requirements. They accommodate everything, from cheer shoes to water bottles, hair bows, makeup, and pompoms, ensuring organized and convenient practice sessions.

Why Every Cheerleader Needs One

Just like an artist needs their toolkit, cheerleaders need their backpacks. It’s not just about carrying items; it’s about being organized, prepared, and stylish. With compartments tailored for shoes, towels, snacks, and even pain-relieving sprays, these backpacks ensure a cheerleader never finds herself without her essentials. More than just a utility item, these backpacks embody the cheerleader’s personality – colorful, vibrant, and ever so stylish.

Duffel or Backpack?

When traveling for competitions or events, the age-old debate arises: duffel bag or backpack? While duffel bags offer more space, they can be cumbersome. Backpacks, especially those tailored for cheerleaders, offer a mix of style and practicality with compartments designed for ease and organization; some even include shoe sections. For those who find themselves frequently on the move, a cheerleading backpack is the way to go. If considering a duffel, try the REDCAMP 85L Foldable Duffle Bag with Wheels.

cheer competition music cheap
Licensed Cheer Music for Competition Cheer Music

Top Cheer Backpacks for Every Budget

  • Below $30: The basic cheer backpack with drawstrings is a staple for beginners, available in varied colors and fun captions.
  • $30 – $40: The Chassé Glitter Cheer Backpack is perfect for those seeking style and functionality.
  • $40 – $50: The Chassé Spotlight Glitter Cheerleading Backpack offers ample space and a glittery finish.
  • $50 – $80: The Pink Classic Backpack from Nfinity blends color with utility.
  • $80 to $100: The Nfinity Black Sparkle Backpack is a mix of glam and practicality.

Cheer Backpacks With Shoe Compartments

Competitions require more gear, and often, an additional pair of shoes. Backpacks with dedicated shoe compartments, like the Kalesi Backpack and Shipe Sports/Cheer Backpack, are perfect for such events. These provide ample space, organization, and, most importantly, keep those shoes away from other items.

OSU-Cheer-Backpack
Chassé-Glitter-Cheer-Backpack
  • Chassé Glitter Cheer Backpack

    • Description: This glitzy backpack is a budget-friendly option that combines style with function. Made of 600 Denier polyester fabric, it has a spacious main compartment, a front pocket, and a secure zip closure system. The glitter design exudes cheer spirit, perfect for young cheerleaders.
  • Nfinity Black Sparkle Backpack

    • Description: This vibrant, purple backpack not only captures attention with its non-transferrable sparkle but is also high on utility. Featuring a large main compartment with a padded laptop sleeve, three small compartments, two mesh bottle holders, and a lightweight design, it’s suitable for cheerleaders seeking both glam and functionality
 
sparkle-backpack-nfinity
  • Stylish Oversized Chassé Spotlight Glitter Cheerleading Backpack

    • Description: This oversized glitter backpack is tailor-made for cheerleaders. Made of non-transferrable glitter fabric and 600 Denier polyester, it offers four compartments for organization, two water bottle holders, and a cell phone pocket, merging style with convenience.
  • Kalesi Backpack with Shoe Compartment

    • Description: A versatile duffle-cum-backpack with a cosmic-themed design. Its multi-compartment structure includes a shoe compartment, a waterproof exterior, and padded straps for comfort. Ideal for cheerleaders who pack multiple items, including shoes.
Kalesi Backpack with Shoe Compartment
Shipe Cheer Backpack
  • Shipe Sports/Cheer Backpack

    • Description: This classy pink backpack, available in various shades, is a perfect blend of elegance and utility. It has a durable polyester lining, water-resistant exterior, and an independent shoe compartment, making it a top pick for traveling cheerleaders.

A cheer backpack isn’t just an accessory; it’s a statement. It embodies the cheerleader’s spirit, ensuring they’re always prepared, always stylish, and always ready to dazzle.

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Need Competition Music Blue

IPP's Premade Mixes are USA Cheer Compliant and customizable!  Add Sound FX, swap songs, & more!  Add your Team Name to the mix for only $10! 

SLAM artwork
Full_Out_130 mp3 image
1 minute cheer mix
WAKE UP THE FIRE
SLAM artwork
WAKE UP THE FIRE
Full_Out_130 mp3 image
1 minute cheer mix

CHEERLEADING REACHES OLYMPIC STATUS

CHEERLEADING REACHES OLYMPIC STATUS

By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 20, 2021

The day has finally come!  Cheerleading reaches Olympic status.

At the close of the 138th session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) meeting, the International Cheer Union (ICU) received “Full Sport Recognition”.  So what does this mean moving forward? 

As a result of receiving full sport recognition, cheerleading will now be eligible  to petition to not only be included in the Olympic games and other multi-game events, but will also help to ensure more funding, education and support to help develop cheerleading in other countries who seek to participate.

CHEERLEADING REACHES OLYMPIC STATUS

This is such a momentous occasion because it’s been 11 years in the making.  The ICU was founded in 2004 with the goal of positively impacting cheerleading and cheerleaders throughout the world.  Shortly after it’s formation, the ICU applied for recognition by the OIC.  It wasn’t until 2016 that ICU was granted provisional recognition.

Jeff Webb, President of the ICU recently stated, ““The IOC’s actions have created a monumental milestone for cheerleading. We are truly honored to receive this recognition by the IOC,” said Jeff Webb, President of the International Cheer Union. “This decision will greatly assist us as we strive to create opportunities for healthy participation and competition for millions of cheerleading athletes worldwide.”

We look forward to the coming years and are excited for cheerleaders from all nations to take the stage at the Olympics and perform the routines and choreography the world has been waiting to see!


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Your Mix Can Now Have Audio on Varsity TV

Your-Mix-Can-Now-Have-Audio-on-Varsity-TV-ippmusic

By Steve Pawlyk

Published September 21, 2020

We have some good news!

Your mix can now have audio on Varsity TV.  Fear of copyright law violation and potential lawsuits have burdened the cheer community with having to watch videos of their favorite teams in silence.  Moreover, viewers have been paying subscription fees year after year for an incomplete service.  However, this season Varsity TV, Flo Cheer and a few music production companies, such as IPP,  have come up with a solution!  I can almost see the excitement on your face.  I bet you’re saying, “about time” right now.

Want your mix to be streamed with audio?  Here’s what you have to do.  First, you’ll need to choose content for your mix that comes with synchronization rights.  More specifically, transferable synchronization rights.  You’re scratching your head right now. I know.  Bear with me though. I’ll help you out.  Without getting into some technical mumbo jumbo regarding licensing it can be summed up easily:

1@1x

Avoid cover songs

2@1x

Purchase a full custom mix or select content from a licensing platform such as  www.songsforcheer.com

3@1x

Work with a cheer music production company, such as IPP, who has a synchronization agreement in place with FloCheer

Technically, you’ll be all set if you work with one of the cheer music companies who have an agreement in place.  Just let your production company know that you want your mix to have audio when streamed.        

yhz music at varsity events

The only question we have left to answer for you is, which production companies have an agreement with FloCheer?  There are only 4 companies (IPP is one) that I know of at the time of this blog. My best advice would be to contact your production company and ask them. If they do not have an agreement with FloCheer then you should encourage them to reach out to get a contract in place. You’ll definitely be disappointed if every team in your division has audio on their stream except for you.  Your music is a major part of your routine and the whole world should hear it!            

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Varsity Summer League

Varsity All Star Summer League IPP Cheer Music 2020

By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 13, 2020

As Allstar cheer programs around the country are beginning their summer practices, it seems like cheerleading is going to make an unbelievable comeback. Despite the huge setback caused by Covid-19, Varsity is giving the allstar world something bright and sunny to look forward to! Just last week we saw the release of the Varsity Allstar Summer League.

What is Summer League?

Varsity Summer League

The main goal of the summer league is to keep athletes active in allstars all summer long. Athletes of all skill levels will get the chance to learn compulsory routines created by Jennifer Cooper of Big Red Choreography and will be able to challenge other groups in both live and virtual competitions. 

Two different routine options were developed to help abide by state-by-state social distancing guidelines. One set of routines will include stunts and pyramids for those who can practice in such a manner and the other will focus on choreography only. All routines are set to music created by Innovative Performance Productions (IPP Music). 8 count sheets are also available for each routine.





Rules and Levels

The summer league routines are categorized by level and include levels 1&2, 3&4 and 5&6. Each level was purposely created to highlight level appropriate skills. For example, according to the Varsity website:

The Level 1/2 Routines were designed to highlight the execution of basic building skills while introducing all star elite athletes to beginner level choreography and transitional elements. This program provides great Summer building blocks to set your lower level teams up for success in the coming season.

The Level 3/4 Routines were designed to elevate athletes knowledge of key level appropriate building skills and highlight tumbling and jump progression mixed with unique transitional choreography. This program provides great Summer building blocks to set your mid-level teams up for success in the coming season.

The Level 5/6 Routines were designed to challenge top level athletes with intricate building sequences, stamina-driven tumbling & innovative choreography. This program provides great Summer building blocks & a challenge to your most advanced teams, to set them for success in the coming season.

The Level 1/2 Routines were designed to highlight the execution of basic building skills while introducing all star elite athletes to beginner level choreography and transitional elements. This program provides great Summer building blocks to set your lower level teams up for success in the coming season.

The Level 3/4 Routines were designed to elevate athletes knowledge of key level appropriate building skills and highlight tumbling and jump progression mixed with unique transitional choreography. This program provides great Summer building blocks to set your mid-level teams up for success in the coming season.

The Level 5/6 Routines were designed to challenge top level athletes with intricate building sequences, stamina-driven tumbling & innovative choreography. This program provides great Summer building blocks & a challenge to your most advanced teams, to set them for success in the coming season.

For more information or to register your athletes for Varsity Summer League click here

To download the music for your level click here

For choreography tutorials and 8 count sheet click here

Summer League music mixes free mp3 downloads ippmusic no logo

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Cheerleading and the Coronavirus: Schools with Travel Restriction (LIVE UPDATES)

cheerleading and the coronavirus schools with travel restrictions

By Steve Pawlyk

Published March 13, 2020

updated 11:31 a.m. (EST)
Sunday March 15, 2020

The cheerleading world has seen a tidal wave of competition cancellations in the last 24 hours.  In an effort to help you stay up to date on what’s going on with your team and your competitions, this post will serve as our official list of which colleges and schools have announced travel restrictions for their student body and extra curricular programs.

We will do our best to update this throughout the day so check back to be sure your school has not announced a ban on travel or any other restrictions.

To stay up to date with which competitions have been cancelled or postponed and which ones are still occurring as scheduled, check out our post, “Cheerleading and the Coronavirus: What’s Cancelled as of now”

Cheer Competitions & Coronavirus – What’s Cancelled as of now (LIVE UPDATES)

There is an obvious concern at the moment regarding cheerleading competitions cancelations due to the [Read More...]

SCHOOLS WITH TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS:

updated 10:45 am (EST) Friday, March 13 2020

  • Boston college
  • University of Louisville
  • University of Texas at San Antonio
  • Harvard University
  • Framingham State University
  • University of Central Oklahoma
  • Florida International University
  • Radford University
  • Fitchburg State
  • University of San Diego
  • West Virginia University
  • Cal State Stanislaus 
  • Holy Cross
  • Valley State
  • Umass Lowell
  • UW – Milwaukee *pending
  • New York University (NYU)
  • College of Charleston
  • Merrimack College

updated 2:29 pm (EST) Friday March 13, 2020

  • UMKC
  • American University
  • Penn State – Behrend
  • Brenau University
  • University of Michigan
  • Eastern Kentucky University
  • Alderson Broaddus University *pending
  • Elon University
  • Virginia commonwealth university
  • University of New England
  • Oakland University
  • University of Maryland
  • University of North Carolina Wilmington
  • Saint Joseph’s University
  • University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
  • Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville (decision will be made monday)
  • CalU of PA *pending
  • Limestone College
  • Wingate University
  • Stan State University

updated 5:10 pm (EST) Friday March 13, 2020

  • University of maine
  • Arkansas State
  • Southern Arkansas University
  • Endicott College
  • Bellamine University 

updated 8:45 pm (EST) Friday March 13, 2020

  • University of South Carolina
  • Oklahoma State University
  • Young Harris College

 

updated 10:50 a.m. (EST) Saturday March 14, 2020

  • University of North Texas
  • Georgia College
  • North Carolina Wesleyan

last updated 6:35 a.m. (EST) Saturday March 14, 2020

  • Utah Valley University

updated 11:31 a.m. (EST) Sunday March 15, 2020

  • University of Arkansas at Fort Smith
  • Ohio State University

We will continue to stay on top of this and update the list throughout the day as schools announce travel restrictions for athletic programs.

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updated 11:31 a.m. (EST) Sunday March 15, 2020

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