Beginnings (Late 19th Century): The roots of cheerleading can be traced back to the late 19th century, with its first organized appearance in the United States. The University of Minnesota is often credited with having the first organized cheerleading squad in 1898. However, at this time, cheerleading was predominantly a male activity. Johnny took the idea of cheerleading even farther. He decided to coordinate an entire team of people to lead the crowd. He was named the first official cheerleader.
Introduction of Women (Early 20th Century): Women became involved in cheerleading in the early 20th century, and their participation gradually increased. By the 1920s, women began taking on more prominent roles in cheer squads.
Evolution as a Collegiate Activity (1920s-1930s): Cheerleading became an essential part of college football games during the 1920s and 1930s. It continued to grow in popularity and became more formalized as an activity.
Megaphones and Pom-Poms (1940s-1950s): The introduction of megaphones and pom-poms during the 1940s and 1950s added more visual and vocal elements to cheerleading routines, making them more exciting and captivating for audiences.
The Birth of Competitive Cheerleading (1960s-1970s): Cheerleading took a competitive turn, with cheer squads participating in local and regional competitions. The first national cheerleading competition was held in 1978.
Growth in Popularity (1980s-1990s): During the 1980s and 1990s, cheerleading continued to gain popularity and expanded beyond football game s. It became a recognized sport in its own right, with more focus on gymnastics, stunts, and choreography.
Recognition as an Athletic Activity (2000s): In the early 2000s, cheerleading gained recognition as an athletic activity, leading to greater safety standards and regulations for participants.
All-Star Cheerleading and Global Expansion: All-star cheerleading, which focuses solely on competitive aspects rather than supporting a specific team, gained prominence in the late 20th century and continued to grow in the 2000s. Cheerleading also began to spread internationally, with countries around the world adopting the sport.
Cheerleading in the Modern Era: Today, cheerleading has become a highly competitive and physically demanding sport, requiring strength, flexibility, and teamwork. It includes a variety of elements such as stunting, tumbling, dance, jumps, and cheers.
