Cheerleader Nation - Episode 7 review - ‘Team With a Dream (1)’
On today’s episode, the team leaves for nationals, but after months of hard work, will the team coming crashing down at the final hurdle?
The show began with the teams’ coaches - Saleem and Donna - bringing the girls to a local school showcase which involved them showing off their skills. However, one of the teams showcasing their skills was local rivals Tates Creek. Luckily though, they were in a different category so they were not showcasing with them.
As the girls took to the stage, they felt confident with their routine. However, Megan tried her full but unfortunately did not stick it. But this was not the only mistake, Ayrica’s stunt group fell and Jordan stumbled on her back tuck. Also, Chelsea fell during the pyramid which ruined the ending. This was not their best performance and the team cannot afford to have any of these mistakes during nationals as it could cost them a ranking place.
The show then followed the stress the girls and their families went through (and a lot of all-star cheerleaders can relate to) which is packing for nationals. You must make sure you have the entire uniform otherwise people may not be able to afford.
That night the girls went for another practice rehearsal at the gym. Megan was trying to land her full that she missed during her performance but was inconsistent with landing it. However, a full is an advanced tumbling move and it is hard to flip yourself upside down while also doing an entire 360 degree rotation. At one attempt, she landed fully on her head and needed medical attention. This mistake just shows how dangerous some of the skills are.
Megan’s fall was the topic of conversation for the other girls as they met up for a meal.
The teams main goal was to clean the performance up, e.g. straight arms, facial expressions. However, one stunt group could not “stick it” i.e. keep the girl up in the air. Saleem and Donna were constantly yelling at the girls for not nailing the performance but after 2 hours of stunting, tumbling and jumping, wouldn’t you be tired as well and make mistakes? On top of everything, Ryan sprained her ankle which is a major injury in cheerleading. She was told to keep off from cheerleading from 2 weeks but she ignored his advice and decided to go ahead with nationals.
The night before nationals- as tradition- the girls put on a showcase performance. This is one of the most important practices as it is the last full practice before nationals. Everything went perfectly and Megan even managed to throw her full!
The next day the girls set of for nationals in Orlando, Florida. Donna had left her hair dryer at home which lead her to knock on all the girls door asking for one. The team then all set off to the canteen where we learnt just how superstitious the team was. They were all hoping for red jelly as whenever they win, red jelly is being served- weird.
The team then went for yet another practice before the nationals competition and this gave the girls a chance to see what the other teams had come up with. Other teams quickly came up to them and wished them good luck. Dunbar have always been seen as the team that “sets the standard”, but will they be setting the standard this year yet again and win their 3rd national title or will little mistakes cost them the top spot?
You can catch episodes of Cheerleader Nation every Tuesday at 9pm on Living2 in the UK. If you do not live in the UK then you can download the series through iTunes by going to the official Cheerleader Nation website:
http://www.lifetimetv.com/on-tv/shows/cheerleader-nation
Luke Read
Official Cheerleader Nation Reviewer for Talented Young People
www.talentedyoungpeople.com
“envisage it, believe it achieve it”