The Soldier Mountain All Star competitive teams are gearing up for their first competition at Idaho Falls.
"This year our teams are going to be very hard to beat," said Amanda Norton, owner of the Spirit n' Motion Athletic School and head coach of Soldier Mountain All Stars.
She added, "The three competitive squads have been working extremely hard since last May, perfecting their routines prior to the start of the competitive season."
The teams are preparing for regional competitions, trying to qualify for nationals next April in Las Vegas. One regional qualifier is set for Hailey on Dec. 12. Over 450 athletes will be dancing, jumping, stunting and tumbling at The Community Campus.
The squads range in age and ability and levels are sanctioned by the U.S. All Star Federation based on stunt and tumbling abilities.
"My competitive teams this year range in age from 4-18 years old and make up a Mini level 1 (ages 8-and-under) a Youth level 2 (11-and-under) and a Senior level 3 squad (ages 18-and-under)," said Norton.
Competitive cheerleading has undergone many changes.
Said Tanya Keim, mother of Level 3 cheerleader Amber Dolenar, "People my age think back to what cheerleading was like and cling to some of those stereotypes. They don't see the changes happening with competitive cheer programs."
SMAS offers other programs besides competitive cheerleading. There is a full athletic school with dance, gymnastics, cheerleading, Zumba, and Taekwondo. The Hailey-based SMAS also offers classes from 18 months to adult.
Call 720-4306 for details.
