Cheerleading Through the Years
Cheerleading today is very different from how it used to be. We’ve found some old photos of cheerleaders that might make you wish you were part of a different era!
A Tough Job
Cheerleaders spend many hours practicing to get their moves right. They also need to stay fit and eat well. Coaches in the past put cheerleaders on strict diets to make sure they had enough energy for their performances.
Staying Warm
Today’s cheerleading outfits are tight-fitting and made from flexible materials, but that wasn’t always the case. This old photo of an Iowa State cheerleader shows a thick wool sweater, which was needed for the cold Midwest winters. But if they cheered in the summer, they might have needed something lighter!
Cheerleaders in Movies
This picture comes from the 1960 movie Tall Story, featuring Jane Fonda in her first film role. The 1960s brought changes to cheerleading uniforms, introducing miniskirts that made it easier to move and perform routines.
An American Tradition
Cheerleading is now popular worldwide, but it has always been a big part of American culture. It starts in high school and college, with some making it to the professional level. Many people don’t realize that professional cheerleaders often have college degrees and other skills.
A Risky Sport
Cheerleading can be dangerous because of stunts and acrobatics. In 2006, a cheerleader at Southern Illinois University fell from a pyramid and broke her vertebrae, bruised her lung, and got a concussion. Amazingly, she kept cheering as she was carried away on a stretcher.
Unique Uniforms
This 1959 photo of Louisiana State University’s cheerleaders shows some of the most stylish uniforms of the time, featuring gold fabric, capes, and miniskirts. The cheerleaders must have felt like superheroes performing their routines.
Intense Training
This 1960s photo shows cheerleaders training under Bill Horan, a well-known coach who led the American Cheerleaders Association. His training sessions were strict, making cheerleaders follow disciplined routines.
Strict Rules
In the 1980s and 1990s, cheerleaders had to follow unusual rules. They had to dress a certain way in public and were not allowed to wear jeans or chew gum. These rules were meant to make them seem “unattainable,” but today, they would likely be challenged.
A More Modern Look
This 1988 photo of Los Angeles Lakers cheerleaders shows a shift in uniform style. Unlike football cheerleaders, they wore loose shirts and athletic shorts, making it easier to move while performing.
A Changing Industry
Over the years, cheerleaders have helped make the sport fairer. Today, they don’t have to pay for their own uniforms or travel expenses. While cheerleading is still demanding, many love it and have great memories from their time on the squad.
