Perfecting Your “Cheer Face”

Facial expressions can add an enjoyable element to a cheerleading routine.  But over-exaggerated facials can actually take away from a performance.  Many judges like to see natural facials on high school cheerleaders that show they are having fun.  So, throw away the stereotypical, “a-e-i-o-u” facials and let your pearly whites show!

 

DO show your teeth and let your smile be contagious!  Show the crowd that you are having the time of your life.  Make them wish they were out there on that mat with you!

 

 

 

 

 

DON’T open your mouth like you’re sitting in the dentist chair.  The only thing that this is going to accomplish is giving you a dry mouth.

 

 

DO show an all-American image.  Somewhere in those stands there’s a little girl/boy watching you, so be the role-model that he/she deserves having.

DON’T make a duck face.  You’re not taking a “selfie,” so keep in mind that your whole family is in the stands watching you. Awkward!

 

 

 

 

 

Shari Tarburton is Cheer360’s Co-Founder and Director of Educational Programming.  She is a New York State Certified Health and Physical Education Teacher, a certified Personal Trainer and Mental Game Coach, and a Varsity cheerleading coach.