what do you need to know to be a cheerleader

Cheerleaders in general need to be very physically fit and athletic. They need a strong back ground in many different dance forms (like ballet, jazz, modern and hip hop). Many collage cheerleaders also need to be experienced in tumbling and gymnastics. To get on a cheerleading squad or team you will have try out, lean a routine an perform it in front of judges and the team leader.

If you are looking at being a professional cheerleader for the NFL or NBA you should be aware of the difficulties women in this field experience, from gender discrimination in pay, to sexual harassment.

"Cheerleaders for professional sports teams are often dancers with backgrounds in ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop and tap. After beating out dozens of other dancers for the job, they have a chance to show off the athletic and dancing skills they have honed for years.

But they quickly learn that performing at sporting events is only a small part of their job description. They are also required to fulfill what often is the unsavory side of the job: interacting with fans at games and other promotional events, where groping and sexual harassment are common." Pro Cheerleaders Say Groping and Sexual Harassment Are Part of the Job; The New York Times.

According to Money.com, 6 Things You Didn't Know About the Careers of NFL Cheerleaders; cheerleaders have demanding and strict schedules, they often work close to 40 hours a week, but the large sports organizations (like the NFL) see them only as part-time worker. Cheerleaders don't get paid per hour, but get paid per performance. Also, they have poor to no benefits like health insurance.

You can hear an interview with a professional cheerleader done by This American Life: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/530/mind-your-own-business