Opportunity for local youth to perform in Olympic Venue

Cheer and dance teams are invited to showcase their skills and win awards at ExCeL London on Saturday, 5th April 2008, 1.30-4.30pm.  

A professional sprung floor is being hired in for this ExCeL London Cheer and Dance Showcase, and the England team for the Cheerleading World Championships will be performing a display. 

As part of Ascension Eagles Senior Coed team’s World Championship preparation, London Cheerleading Academy (LCA) in partnership with Newham’s Sports Development team, are hosting this showcase opportunity for the Docklands cheer community, so that they might train and perform in a professional Olympic venue.

Ascension Eagles founder Shara Brice said, “I don't know if we'll ever again be fortunate enough to secure the venue without having to pay the huge costs associated with such a privilege.  While we have the opportunity, we want to share it with our local Cheer & Dance Squads.”

Newham’s Sports Development Manager Fiona Miley said, “This is a fantastic opportunity which gives young people access to an Olympic venue.  The UK’s top cheer trainers and judges are running the event, and are committed to helping our cheer and dance teams grow.  We hope the many new and developing squads will take advantage of this tremendous opportunity, right on their doorstep.” 

Each squad needs to prepare a performance piece, approximately 1-2 minutes long.  No performance should exceed 2 minutes, 30 seconds.  Music should be on CD.  Squads will be evaluated on their performance skills. Each squad must be accompanied by a teacher, coach, or designated adult.  Pre-booking is essential.

LCA Co-ordinator Angela Brown said, “We want to encourage as many teams as possible to participate.  Please do not let lack of matching kit keep you from performing.  The important thing is that you come along and make the most of this opportunity. Our main goal is to inspire young people and help build sustainable commitment to school and community cheer squads.  There are over 15,000 cheerleaders nationwide; cheerleading is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK.  Through our outreach, we are bringing top level opportunities to local people.”

In addition to the 5th April Showcase, Cheer Camps will be held on April 7th and 8th, 10.30-12.30 at ExCeL London.  Basic to elite level instruction will be offered at the camps.  A Cheer Store will also be available.

Squads who wish to participate need to register March.  For a complete registration pack, squad coaches should email registration@cheerleading-academy.org.uk.

The ExCeL London Cheer & Dance Showcase will be in North Module N17, which is near Prince Regent entrance of ExCeL London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL.