To Shake or Not to Shake? The Role of Males in Stomp-N-Shake Cheer

With the recent emergence over the years of males now occupying the front and center spots on Stomp-N-Shake cheer programs, as we travel around the country the question we are ofter asked is, "What are male roles in Stomp-N-Shake Cheer?" In the past as in the SWAC (South Western Athletic Conference) Male Cheerleaders predominately occupied their own line up behind the women and showcased their own creativity with independent cheer and dance moves to their female counterparts. They excelled as the necessary stunters, tumblers, jumpers, voices and beat makers to aid in leading the crowd. Showcasing their strength and athletic ability. Shaking is ultimately to move a skirt. In traditional Stomp-N-Shake cheerleading males do not shake, pop or body roll. In traditional cheerleading males normally do not fly if there is a female available to do so. Cheerleading is a predominately female sport and if coaches and cheerleaders are not careful females may find themselves relegated to the back and sides of lineups, basing instead of flying and not being at the forefront of the sport in a style they helped popularize. Lines are becoming blurred and finally as women of color are coming to the forefront of cheerleading after years of hard work and dedication, should they now have to step aside for men? In All-Star and traditional cheer, males understand that their position is an important but supportive role. While times are changing is there a push for males to take over Stomp-N-Shake? Does this cause confusion for coaches and cheerleaders when participating in cheer? Does this help or hurt the culture? What do you think?

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