In early January, Netflix launched the 6-part docuseries entitled ‘Cheer,’ which follows the ups and downs of the Navarro College cheerleading team as they prepare for the US Nationals. Its popularity has been massive across streaming, mainstream and social media platforms. Although a wee bit over the top at times, it offers an interesting view of cheer, and we at the Power Cheer Gym (PCG) expect to see a surge in interest in our sport over the next six months.
Here are some compressed notes on what is real, what is edited for TV, and what the heck they are talking about …
Making Mat. This means ‘being in the starting line-up,’ as it were, when the team goes onto the mat to compete. Unlike the TV show, EVERY athlete at PCG ‘Makes Mat’ for every competition.
Coaches Don’t Sit. In the real world, cheer coaches are on the mat with the athletes during practice – spotting, lifting, guiding and teaching in a very hands-on and active role. The TV coach? Chair, boots, iPad and lovely hair. No.
Bumps and Bruises. The TV show seems obsessed with injuries and contrived drama created when the athlete affected may be bumped off the performance group because of it. Keep in mind that the show compresses 10 months of filming into a 6-hour series and that while, yes, injuries do happen in every sport, the TV timeline is wildly excessive.
All PCG coaches stress safety and proper progression of skills, and every team is acutely aware of safety regulations and guidelines and actively strives to always be injury-free. Bottom line? TV is not real life.
Jerry. The show features one particularly ‘expressive’ team member named Jerry. He is infectiously over-the-top positive/supportive and energetic – almost to the point of being unreal. He quickly became an internet meme, as well as a guest on the Ellen DeGeneres show, and ‘Be A Jerry’ has become a thing. Is he real? Yes. Is he realistic? You can decide. But the main thing is – every gym has a Jerry or two who will build up your child and bind teams together. While our respective Jerrys may never be guests of Ellen at the Oscars, they will ensure that your kid(s) are enjoying the sport.
Spring Tryouts
The Power Cheer Gym spring tryouts happen in May, but we encourage all potential future cheer athletes to contact the gym and drop by for a walkthrough and to meet the staff. Phone 519-667-0565 or email pcg@powercheergym.com for specific dates, times and age groupings. It is never too early to come visit or to get started!
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Submitted by Power Cheer Gym
