The Shake Up

The Fair is loud, fast-paced and addicted to a good show. So, it was only fitting for the Fair to play host to another event that appreciates similar interests. This year’s America’s Best Cheerleading and Dance Championship sponsored by JAM Brands was held in the South Wing. More than 45 teams comprised of more than 600 athletes came from around Kentucky and Southern Indiana to showcase their talent.

Athleticism is rarely found amongst bows and bouncing curls, but these competitors take pride in their ability to perform a 2 minute and 30 second acrobatic routine with a smile on their faces. While watching the competition, it would be hard for anyone to deny that cheerleading has evolved from an extracurricular activity into a full-on sport.

Matching uniforms moved all about on the blue carpet mats. Nerves were not shown as the teams stood waiting for their music; their cue to start a routine they had been practicing for close to a year. In unison, hands moved, tumbling passes were thrown and stunts flew up in the air. Proud parents watched in the audience sporting shirts with “insert name here’s MOM” on the back.

When the routine was over, the competitors’ faces stayed lit, no matter how well their performance had gone. Girls hugged one another excitedly before exiting the stage, something that should probably catch on in the other sport’s worlds.

Sure the cheerleading competition was loud, fun and thrilling. But it was also humbling in a way that one could never expect. A valiant rule was to be learned: No matter what happens, just keep smiling.