Cheerleading is a competitive team sport that combines dance, acrobatics, and stunting to motivate crowds at sporting events and competitions. Cheerleaders use various props to enhance their performances, and one of the most iconic is the pom pom. Glitter pom poms have become increasingly popular over the years for their eye-catching sparkle and ability to elevate a cheerleading routine.
A Brief History of Pom Poms in Cheerleading
Pom poms have been around since the mid-1800s, first used by sports cheerleaders. They were initially made of a papier-mâché material before transitioning to thin paper strippers attached to handles. These classic paper pom poms remained the standard for decades.
Plastic pom poms emerged in the 1970s. They were more durable and allowed for brighter, bolder colors. In the 1990s, metallic plastic strips were developed, bringing the first glitter pom poms. The glittery, shimmery effect further amplified the visual appeal of pom-pom routines.
Today, glitter pom poms are crafted from plastic films that reflect light. Thin strips or shredded sheets are layered to create a sparkling effect. Advancements in materials and manufacturing allow pom poms to come in all varieties of colors, shapes, and sizes.
Benefits of Using Glitter Pom Poms
Glitter pom poms have become a staple in cheerleading for good reason. Here are some of the key benefits they provide:
Visual Appeal
The glittering effect immediately grabs attention. The shimmering, sparkling pom poms are far more dynamic to watch than standard pom poms. Using glitter pom poms ensures routines pop visually.
Stage Presence
Glitter pom poms help cheerleaders command the stage. The eye-catching props enhance stage presence and create lasting visual impact, making routines appear more polished and professional.
Crowd Interaction
Glittering pom poms help cheerleaders better engage and motivate the crowd. The visual intensity translates to greater crowd excitement, and glittering pom poms encourage stronger crowd participation through cheers and applause.
Distinctive Routines
Glitter pom poms allow squads to deliver truly unique performances. The glimmering effect makes routines stand out from the competition and enables more creative choreography and formations.
Fun Factor
Glitter pom poms undoubtedly amplify the fun and spirit of cheerleading. They bring smiles and deliver a sense of vibrancy. The magic of glitter creates lasting memories for athletes and spectators alike.
Using Glitter Pom Poms in Key Cheerleading Elements
Experienced cheerleading squads know how to integrate glitter pom poms to maximize impact strategically. Here are some of the top ways to effectively feature glitter pom poms:
Dances
Incorporate glitter pom poms throughout the choreography in dances and crowd-leading segments. Use them in time with the music to accent beats and dynamic moments. Wave and swirl the glittering poms during transitions to energize the performance.
Stunts and Tosses
Feature glitter pom poms during aerial stunts for a truly dazzling effect. Flyers can perform spins and flips while holding glitter pom poms, and throwing glitter pom poms with basket tosses creates stunning visuals.
Pyramids
When building pyramids, position cheerleaders with glitter pom poms at the top or other focal points. Use them to highlight key shapes and formations. Create mirrored or synchronized pom movements on multi-layered pyramids.
Transitions
Quickly changing glitter pom pom colors and patterns helps punctuate transitions between segments. Rapid swirling, punching, or throwing up of the poms shifts the routine's energy.
Crowd Motions
Use glitter pom poms to lead the crowd. Have cheerleaders point the pom poms toward the crowd while doing pumps or patterns. The eye-catching glitter helps the crowd follow along and stay engaged.
Key Tips for Using Glitter Pom Poms
To maximize the impact of glitter pom poms in your routines, keep these tips in mind:
Strategically feature them during the biggest moments to make them pop. Use them sparingly, or their effect will be diluted.
Vary visuals by using multi-color glitter poms and alternating pom movements. Avoid repetitiveness.
Ensure the glitter stands out against uniforms and backdrops. Solid color uniforms help the glitter shine.
Practice fundamentals like tight synchronization for cleaner visuals. Sloppy technique detracts from pom dazzle.
Store glitter poms properly to prevent damage and dulling. Replace poms once they show wear for optimal sparkle.
Consider adding LED pom lights to combine lighting effects with glitter for next-level appeal.
Incorporate poms throughout the routine to build visual intensity, saving more aggressive motions for the finale.
Glitter Pom Pom Recommendations
With so many glitter pom pom options available, selecting the right ones can be challenging. Here are the top considerations when buying glitter poms:
Size
Consider the cheerleaders' ages and routine needs. Youth squads often use smaller 5"-8" poms, while high school and college teams tend to prefer larger 8"-12" poms. Larger poms create a more visible impact from a distance.
Shape
The most common shapes are round, triangular, square, and star-shaped. Round and triangular poms allow for fuller swirling and spinning motions. Square and star shapes deliver more visual pops.
Colors
Choose a bold primary color as the base. Accent with complementary shades and metallics for added flash. Multi-color poms in coordinated shades are also visually appealing.
Glitter Density
Higher-density glitter provides maximum sparkle, but it also adds cost. Find the right balance based on your budget and needs.
Durability
Prioritize poms made of durable plastic that retain fibers and glitter. Avoid cheap poms that peel and lose particles quickly. Check flexibility, too.
Handles
Look for lightweight but stiff handles with anti-slip grips. Foam provides cushioning, while plastic gives structure. Custom-printed handles can match team colors.
Show Stopping Glitter Pom Pom Routines
The cheerleading world has seen some truly phenomenal glitter pom pom routines that demonstrate how impactful they can be when strategically showcased:
University of Louisville
The University of Louisville dance team wowed crowds with a dance sequence featuring stunning silver glitter pom poms moved in perfect unison. The mirror-image motions combined with flashing poms amplified the visual intensity to an astonishing degree.
Cheer Athletics Wildcats
This youth team gained viral fame for their glitter pom routine, which featured intricately interlocking arm movements and patterns to fast-paced music. Their technical skill with the glittering poms was on full display.
Top Gun All-Stars Elite
With bi-color glitter pom poms, this squad delivered visual magic by alternating red and silver poms in tight formations. The sharp transitions between the glittering colors kept the energy sky-high.
California All Stars
Their imaginative glitter pom routine incorporated creative visual shapes and effects. The cheerleaders spun the poms using fast-moving fanning motions to form brilliant pom "pictures.
Richmond Senior High
This squad performed a swaggering hip-hop pom routine, effortlessly blending hard-hitting dance skills with their glittering poms. The high-performance value was off the charts.
Conclusion
Glitter pom poms have transformed cheerleading with incredible visual impact and energy. Their eye-catching sparkle and shimmer help squads deliver unforgettable performances. Strategically incorporating glitter poms elevates skills, amplifies crowd appeal, and showcases a squad's personality. With proper technique and integration, glitter pom poms give cheerleading routines next-level appeal and effectiveness.
Name: GetPoms
Address: 7317 La Sobrina Dr, Dallas, TX
Phone No: 972-385-3035
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