Advancing through the different levels in All Star Cheer is an exciting journey. It involves learning new skills, practicing regularly, and competing at various events.

The first thing that is important to do is to understand the different Levels themselves.

From Level 1 to Level 7 each Level has specific skills that athletes must master. The Levels get more challenging as the number increases.

Here is a brief description of each:

• Level 1: Tumbling skills like back walkovers and basic partner stunts.
• Level 2: Skills like back handsprings and higher-level stunts.
• Level 3: Even more complex tumbling like tucks and advanced stunts.
• Level 4: Advanced skills such as layouts and high-flying stunts.
• Level 5: Tumbling skills such as fulls as well as difficult stunts.
• Level 6: Skills include double fulls in tumbling and intricate stunting.
• Level 7: The highest level, involving the most complex tumbling and stunting.

Most athletes begin at Level 1, especially if they are new to the sport or even if they have not competed in an All Star Cheer environment in the past.

Coaches evaluate each athlete’s current skills to determine the appropriate starting Level. Sometimes, experienced athletes might start at a higher level if they already have some skills.

A VERY important note, it is highly possible to be a higher level tumbler and be placed on a team that may not seem to on the surface align with the athlete’s current tumble skills because of where the athlete may be in their development of being able to execute higher level stunts and other associated skills.

To move up a level, cheerleaders must learn and perfect new skills. This involves regular practice, usually several times a week.

Suggestions of focus for skill development would be:

Practicing Tumbling: Tumbling includes flips, rolls, and handsprings. Athletes start with basic moves and gradually learn more complex ones.

Stunting: Stunting involves lifting other athletes in the air. Athletes should learn as much about stunting as possible – i.e. how to be both bases (lifting others) and flyers (being lifted), even if they have the intention of focusing solely on one of these positions.

Jumps: Cheerleaders practice different jumps like toe touches and hurdlers. These moves require flexibility and strength.

Dance: Cheer routines include a dance, practicing rhythm and coordination can be extremely helpful.

Coaches play a big role in helping athletes advance. They provide guidance, teach new skills, and ensure safety during practices. Athletes also support each other, working as a team to perfect routines.

Competitions are a key part of advancing. At competitions, athletes perform routines that include tumbling, stunting, and dance. Judges score these routines based on difficulty, execution, and creativity.

After competitions, coaches review the scores and feedback. They use this information to help athletes get better. For example, if judges note that a certain stunt was not stable, the team will focus more on strengthening those stunt-related skills in order to improve.

Before moving to the next level, athletes must demonstrate their new skills to their coaches. This might happen during regular practice sessions or special testing days. Coaches look for consistency, safety, and proper technique.

When an athlete is ready, the coach will move them to the next level (assuming there is an open spot).

This is an exciting moment because it shows that the athlete has worked hard and improved.

Sometimes, the whole team might move up together, or individual athletes might advance on their own.

Advancing in All Star Cheer requires commitment. Athletes must attend practices regularly, stay focused, and work hard. It’s also important to stay healthy and avoid injuries. Athletes often do extra conditioning exercises to build strength and flexibility.

While moving up a level can be a goal, it’s also important for athletes to enjoy the journey. Celebrating small achievements, making friends, and having fun are all part of the All Star Cheer experience.

This whole process takes patience, determination, and a whole lot of effort – why not enjoy the journey along the way???

Advancing through the levels in All Star Cheer is a step-by-step process that involves learning new skills, regular practice, support from coaches and teammates, competing, and demonstrating readiness to move up.

With dedication and hard work, athletes can progress through the Levels, achieving new heights in their cheerleading journey while at the same time creating tons of terrific memories along the way!