Cheerdance in the UK has evolved from the broader tradition of cheerleading, developing into a distinct and increasingly popular dance discipline in its own right.
Roots in Cheerleading
Cheerleading originated in the United States in the late 19th century as a way to support sports teams from the sidelines. It combined chants, simple movements, and crowd engagement. Over time, it evolved to include stunts, tumbling, and more structured performance elements.
In the UK, cheerleading began to take shape in the 1980s and 1990s, largely influenced by American culture through media and US military presence. Early participation was mostly linked to American football events and university teams.
The Emergence of Cheerdance
As cheerleading developed, UKAdance began to focus purely on the dance elements rather than stunts. This became known as Cheerdance.
Cheerdance Today
Cheerdance is the floor-based element of cheerleading, focusing on dance rather than stunts or tumbling. It has continued to evolve, and UKAdance continues adapting the style to meet the needs of modern dance teachers and students. Routines are designed to be accessible and inclusive, remaining entirely floor-based while still emphasising strong arm and hand placements, precise footwork, and dynamic movement patterns.
Its appeal lies in this accessibility and versatility — allowing participants to develop performance quality, coordination, and technique without the requirement for acrobatic skills. Alongside training, UKA Dance supports progression through both professional qualifications and amateur assessments and awards, helping dancers and teachers build skills and recognition within the discipline. Today, Cheerdance is one of the fastest-growing areas within the UK cheer and dance landscape.