Cheerleading VS. Cheerdancing

We have seen the best Cheerleading Competition Videos in YouTube! From the University of Kentucky down to the Bangkok University and the Braves of Japan. But do we really know the difference between Cheerleading and Cheerdancing?

Cheerleading as we all know developed in the United States of America. But did you know that the Philippines has had developed Cheerdancing?

Cheerdancing in the Elementary, High School and College levels has always been the opening salvo for intramurals in campuses in the Philippines. The difference between Cheerleading and Cheerdancing is that cheerleading has its foundation in Gymnastics. And as for Cheerdance, it's foundation lies in the Choreography where Ballet seems to be its foundation.

When Cheerleading was introduced in the Philippines we were in shock that we didn't think stunts could be so effective in pumping the crowd. Thereby, the dilemma of schools in the Philippines from whether focusing on stunts or the choreography.

I think the epitome for a perfect squad is that strike of a perfect balance from stunts and choreography.

The Philippines and Thailand has always been creative with their choreographies. But one thing that cripples the Philippines is the foundation of formal training in Gymnastics. Except for one squad in the Philippines that focuses its bachelors degree in body movements which is the College of Kinesthetics in the University of the Philippines.

The University of the Philippines Pep Squad is a perfect example of Stunts and the given nature of Filipinos to be creative in choreography. Sixty percent of the country's brightest students study in the University of the Philippines. That means not only are the UP Pep Squad are our best chance to go neck to neck with Japan but they are also exceptionally good scholars balancing extra-curricular activites with their college studies.

A formidable competitor of the University of the Philippines is a dance troupe known as "Salinggawi". This dance troupe has strong foundation in dances and have been dominating the Cheerdance Competitions for straight years. But is it really a Cheerdance Competition or a Cheerleading Competition in the Philippine setting?

Only one squad rose to the occasion of the further development of Cheerleading in the Philippines. And all the credits goes to the UP Pep Squad.

Although the UP Pep Squad is notorious for their bad sense of style with their uniform but they are open to innovative uniforms. We can't blame them if they love the culture of the Philippines and still bring in some touches of Filipino Culture in their costumes in the past. Which is also visible in the music they use in the competition they join in. They truely love their country and shows the world that the Filipino Pop Culture is now!

Asians are usually petit in their structure but comes as an asset for their flyers. The caucasians maybe strong but we have the grace and creativity that would tickle the minds of the audiences.

It's funny how generations could be united by the mere appreciation of this sport. That's why Cheerleading is so universal in its appeal which pictures the very spirit of sports for to unite the divided.