Cheerdance class ideas for beginners: motions, jumps and routines

For a beginner cheerdance class, teach a handful of sharp arm motions, one or two simple jumps and a short routine built on counts of eight. Go slowly first, hit every position cleanly, then add music. Keep everything on the floor, with no stunts, lifts or tumbling, and build up a little each week.

What cheerdance is, and what it isn’t

Cheerdance is the floor-based side of cheerleading. UKAdance describes it as focusing on dance rather than stunts or tumbling, with strong arm and hand placements, precise footwork and dynamic movement patterns. That is good news if you teach in a hall, a studio or a school gym, because you don’t need mats, spotters or any special equipment to start.

If you’d like the bigger picture, our post on why cheerdance belongs in your studio covers where the style comes from and how it fits alongside exams and competitions. Here we’ll stay practical and look at what to put in your first few classes. These cheerdance class ideas for beginners keep everything on the floor: sharp motions, simple jumps and a short counted routine.

A simple shape for a beginner class

You can adapt this to any length of class. Keep the order and change the amount of time you give each part.

1. Welcome and warm up. Start with a few easy moves that raise the heart rate, such as marching, step touches and arm circles, then gentle stretches for the legs, back and shoulders.
2. Motions. Teach three or four arm positions, then link them together.
3. Footwork and jumps. Add a simple step pattern, then one jump.
4. Routine. Put it all together in a short routine, 16 to 32 counts long.
5. Game and cool down. Finish with a game, then a calm stretch and a quick “what did we learn?” chat.

Short, repeated chunks work well. Beginners, especially younger ones, learn faster when they do a thing three times in a row and then move on.

Cheerdance motions to teach first

Arm motions are the heart of the style, so give them plenty of time. Start with the cues below. Names and small details vary a little between teachers and organisations, so if you’re planning to enter exams or competitions, check how your organisation likes each one to look.

• High V. Both arms up and out in a V, slightly in front of the head.
• Low V. Both arms down and out in a V, slightly in front of the body.
• T. Arms straight out to the sides at shoulder height.
• Broken T. From the T, bend the elbows so the fists sit close to the chest.
• Touchdown. Both arms straight up, close to the ears.
• Punch. One arm straight up, the other fist on the hip. Swap arms for the other side.
• Clasp. Hands together just below the chin, with the elbows tucked in.
• Daggers. Elbows bent and tucked in, with the fists by the shoulders.

Three cues cover most problems: tight fists with the thumb outside the fingers, straight wrists, and arms slightly in front of the body so dancers can see their own hands in the corner of their eye.

How to teach motions step by step

1. Show each motion slowly and let everyone copy you in a mirror image, so you don’t have to think about left and right.
2. Hold each position for a few seconds and walk around to give quick, kind corrections.
3. Add counts: one motion per count, held until the next.
4. Link two or three motions, such as High V, T, Low V.
5. Add music once the positions are clean.

The “snap and hold” idea helps: each motion is a snapshot, not a sweep. Say “hit it and stop” and let children feel the difference between a floppy arm and a sharp one.

Teaching jumps safely

Jumps are exciting, which is why beginners rush them. A calm progression keeps the class safe and the jumps better.

• Warm up the lower legs first. Calf raises, ankle circles and a few small bouncy jumps get feet and ankles ready.
• Check the floor and footwear. Use a surface that gives a little where you can, avoid slippery floors, and follow your venue’s rules on footwear. Always ask yourself whether the space is safe for jumping.
• Give everyone space. Dancers should be able to jump without touching a neighbour. Spread them out in lines or spots.
• Start low and small. Begin with a bouncy two foot jump with the arms in a motion, such as a Touchdown, then move to jumps with the legs apart, such as a star jump.
• Teach the landing before the jump. Land on the toes, then roll through the foot to the heel, with soft knees and the knees over the toes. Practise landing without jumping first.
• Keep to two foot landings at first. Add more difficult jumps only when the basics are secure and the class is ready.
• Rest and recover. Don’t pile up jumps at the end of a tiring class. Tired legs land badly.
• Stop for pain. If a child says something hurts, stop the jumping for that child and follow your venue’s first aid and incident procedures.

Young dancers who are growing fast may find jumping uncomfortable, so it’s worth reading our post on growth spurts in young dancers. This is general teaching advice, not medical advice. If you have worries about a particular dancer, speak to their parent or carer.

A short beginner routine

Here’s a four by eight count routine you can adapt. Teach it in pieces, one eight at a time, and add the next only when the last is clean.

• Counts 1 to 8: High V, Low V, High V, Low V on every second count, then T and Broken T.
• Counts 9 to 16: Right punch, left punch, right punch, left punch, then clasp and Touchdown.
• Counts 17 to 24: Step touch right and left with the arms in a T, then four marching steps in place.
• Counts 25 to 32: Two bouncy jumps, a star jump, and a big finish pose with a smile.

Change the order, the direction or the music to keep it fresh. Pick music that’s right for the age of your group, with no explicit lyrics.

Games that keep beginners smiling

• Cheerleader says. Like “Simon says”, but with motions. Anyone who hits the wrong motion does five easy marches and rejoins.
• Freeze and hit. Dancers move around the room and freeze in the motion you call out when the music stops.
• Motion relay. Dancers pass a motion along a line, then the last person makes up a new one.
• Mirror leader. One dancer leads the motions for eight counts, then another takes over.

Games give quieter children a chance to lead and make repetition feel like play, which is exactly what you want in a first class.

Ages and levels

Cheerdance works across a wide range. Cheerdance UK lists age categories from five and under up to adults, plus parents and additional needs categories. In your own classes, the same motions can be taught to very young dancers with simpler counts and to older ones with faster footwork and more detail.

If you teach very young children, our Mini Cheer course is a preschool introduction to cheer for ages 2 to 5 or 6, with an intro to arm positions, simple jump drills and games. It’s for teachers who have completed the Mini Movers initial training. For older groups, keep the same basics and add layers: faster tempo, travelling steps, formations and the odd tougher jump.

Preparing beginners for a competition

If your dancers are keen to compete, think about it as a gentle next step, not a pressure point.

• Read the rules early. Every event has its own. For example, the Cheerdance UK squad page says stunts or lifts, tumbling, gymnastic moves with both feet above head height and props other than poms are not allowed, and that squad music must not run over three minutes. Always check the current rules for your event.
• Keep it age appropriate. Choreography, costumes and music should suit the age of your dancers. Cheerdance UK’s rules say teachers are responsible for this, and it’s good practice everywhere.
• Build up slowly. Run the routine in small chunks, then all the way through, then with an audience of friends and family.
• Plan the day. Share timings, kit, travel and who is responsible for whom. Our guide on preparing parents for competition day can help.
• Think about safeguarding. Photos, changing areas and chaperones all need a plan. See our post on safeguarding at dance competitions.

Quick checklist for your first cheerdance class

• A safe space with room to jump and move.
• A warm up that includes feet and ankles.
• Three or four motions, taught slowly with clear cues.
• One simple jump, with a landing practised first.
• A short routine in blocks of eight counts.
• A game to finish.
• Music that suits the age of the group.
• A plan for what you’ll add next week.

Frequently asked questions

What ages can learn cheerdance?

Cheerdance suits a wide range, from the early years to adults. Cheerdance UK competition age categories begin at five and under and include adult, parent and additional needs sections. In class, change the counts, the speed and the amount of detail to suit each age.

How do I teach jumps safely?

Warm up the feet and ankles, give everyone space, start with small two foot jumps, and teach the landing first. Use soft knees, keep jumps low until the basics are secure, and stop if anyone feels pain. Check your venue’s floor and your own first aid procedures before the class.

How do I prepare dancers for competitions?

Read the event rules early, choose age appropriate music and choreography, and build the routine in small chunks. Practise performing in front of friends and family, share a clear plan with parents, and think about photos and safeguarding before the day.

Is cheerdance the same as cheerleading?

Not quite. Cheerleading can include stunts and tumbling, while cheerdance is floor-based and focuses on dance, arm positions, footwork and performance. If you are planning to enter events, always check the rules of the organiser.

Do I need pom poms?

No. You can teach every motion and routine in this article without them. If you do add poms later, remember that events set their own rules on props.

Ready to build your cheerdance classes?

If you teach primary age groups and want step by step routines, our Primary Dance Cheer Dance course gives you routines and warm ups to follow. Use these ideas as your starting point, and let your dancers’ energy guide what comes next.