S
standsonherhands
My dd left gymnastics this winter, but is ready to do something exciting again. She was invited to a trampoline team, but she doesn't seem interested. She took a trial tumbling class at a cheer facility, and they offered her a placement on their team. She loved the class and definitely wants to tumble, but neither of us know enough about competitive cheer to make a good decision about joining a team. They said she would do a youth level 2 team (because she doesn't have any cheering experience), and that she would likely be the best tumbler on that squad (they would put her in a level 3/4 tumbling class). Does any one have any information on cheer? Thanks.
We live in Texas so it's only a matter of time. I did competitive cheer when I was growing up. It was a lot of fun, I learned a lot, and stayed in shape. I think it can be a great activity for kids and is definitely an area that they could get a college scholarship for, as I did. It can get very, very expensive. I remember several practice uniforms, 3 competition uniforms, shoes, bags, accessories, fees for choreographers, camps, and competition fees. And the uniforms and practice outfits changes every year. I remember my Mom getting slammed with around a $1,000 bill at the beginning of every season. It's a nice mixture of dance and tumbling. I absolutely loved stunting! However, as a parent it makes me nervous just because of the risk of injury. I think just like gymnastics, as long as they're practicing in a safe environment it's a small risk. The cheer team at our gym practices 2 days a week for the little ones and have 2 competitions a month from November-May. I say give it a try and see how it goes. Some of my best memories of growing up are from cheer. 
