‘High School Musical’ Feels

Anybody who watches cheerleading competitions is familiar with this facial expression. Sometimes, coaches train their team to practice pronouncing and making the sound of vowels to mimic enthusiastic facials like this one. Moreover, their uniform reminds us of “High School Musical,” especially during the cast’s performance of “We’re All In This Together.”

Interestingly, it was Lawrence “Herkie” Herkimer, the National Cheerleaders Association founder and the grandfather of cheerleading, who is credited for introducing the modern cheerleading pom pom, which he patented and is still widely used today. The NCA delves into advanced tumbling, jumps, and dance. The Universal Cheerleaders Association focuses on pyramids and stunts.