Cheerleading & Dance: Machida’s Sports Academia #21 | Figure Skating

This time, we will be introducing cheerleading dance with teachers from USA Japan, who are working to popularize cheerleading dance in Japan.

Cheerleading and dancing evolved from cheering on others, and are sports that attract many people from two aspects: cheering and competition. USA Japan is working to popularize cheerleading and dance through seminars held across the country and the largest competition in the country. A major feature of the performance is a MIX program that combines the four sections of Cheerleading/Pom/Dance/Hip Hop, and the activities range from the latest techniques to entertaining choreography and even the mindset of a cheerleader.

Machida: There are many different genres of cheerleading and dance, but today I would like to focus on Pom. And these are the teachers who will be teaching Pom today.

Machida: I was truly overwhelmed by the power of the voices and dance. My heart sank. Thank you very much for letting me know about this Pom today. First of all, I think the name “Pom” comes from this pom-pom in the first place, and that’s what got me interested.

Next, I will give a lecture on basic arm movements and arm motions.

8 types of arm motions

First, I will explain the basic grip. Open your hands wide and add four fingers. From there, wrap your four fingers around it and place your thumb on top. Grip firmly so that all four fingers are straight and do not slip. This shape is called a “fist”. This is the basic of the basics, so let’s grasp it firmly and do it.

Let’s move on to the first arm motion: the clasp. It will look like your hands are clasped. There is a fixed height and there are many different heights, but today I will place it under the chin so that you can clearly see your smile, and I will tighten it tightly around the armpits. Keep a straight posture and tighten your stomach.

Next is “High V”. It is called a high V because it forms a V shape at a high diagonal position. Actually, at this time, the direction of the thumb is also decided, and the thumb side is in front of the high V. By aligning the fists properly, they will align later when you hold the pom-pom. In fact, the size has already been decided, and I would like to have it installed within my field of vision, and I would like to make sure that it is the same size.

Next is “Low V”. This is called a low V because it forms a V shape at a low position. Similarly, make sure your thumb side is facing forward.

Next is “T-motion”. It is called T-motion because when you close your legs, it forms a T-shape. Another technique is “Half T-motion,” which involves folding T-motion’s arm in half. “Box” where you make a square in front of your face with both arms. “Muscle Man” opens his arms to the left and right from a box position. “Nine” creates a shape like the number 9. The key to these arm motions is correct posture and sharp movements.

Click here to see how they performed together with the USA Japan instructors.