Should I Do All-Star Cheer or High School Cheer?

If you or your child is thinking about cheerleading, you may be wondering: Should I do All-Star cheer or High School cheer? It’s a common question, and the answer depends on your goals, commitment level, and what you want from your cheer experience. We recently sat down with Brantley Jittu, founder of BLegit Choreography, to dive into the differences between the two and help athletes and parents make the best choice.

What’s the Difference Between All-Star Cheer and High School Cheer?

Both types of cheerleading are exciting and rewarding, but they serve different purposes:

• All-Star Cheer is a competitive sport focused entirely on routines, stunts, and tumbling. Teams compete at various levels, and the emphasis is on athleticism, technique, and performance.

• High School Cheer is more traditional, with a focus on school spirit. These teams cheer at football and basketball games, lead pep rallies, and may compete in competitions, but their main role is supporting school events.

Which One Is Right for You?

Brantley Jittu shared some key factors to consider when making your decision:

1. Do you love competing?
   
   

• If you thrive on competition and want to push your skills to the highest level, All-Star cheer might be your best bet.

• If you enjoy a mix of performing at games and competing occasionally, High School cheer could be a great fit.

2. What’s your schedule like?
   
   

• All-Star cheer requires a year-round commitment with multiple practices per week, travel, and strict training schedules.

• High School cheer follows the school year, with practices and events built around the academic calendar.

3. Are you looking for scholarships or college opportunities?
   
   

• Both All-Star and High School cheer can lead to college scholarships, but some universities recruit more heavily from All-Star programs due to their advanced tumbling and stunting skills.

4. What’s the financial commitment?
   
   

• All-Star cheer can be expensive, with costs for travel, uniforms, training, and competition fees.

• High School cheer tends to be more budget-friendly but still includes expenses for uniforms, camps, and competition fees.

Other Common Questions About Cheerleading

💡 Can I do both All-Star and High School cheer?
Yes, but it’s challenging! Many athletes do both, but it requires excellent time management. Some schools allow it, while others have scheduling conflicts.

💡 Do I need tumbling skills to make a team?
It depends on the program. All-Star cheer typically requires tumbling, especially at higher levels. High School cheer may have different requirements depending on the school.

💡 What if I want to cheer in college?
Both paths can help you reach the collegiate level. Many college teams love well-rounded athletes with strong leadership skills, which High School cheer provides, while advanced technical skills from All-Star can give you an edge in tryouts.

A New Era of Cheer Choreography

One exciting innovation Brantley Jittu and his team at BLegit Choreography have introduced is the Maxed Out Routine—a digitally delivered cheer routine that helps teams learn choreography at their own pace. This patent-pending system includes animated formation maps, licensed music, and a fully structured routine that ensures teams maximize their score sheets. It’s a game-changer for teams looking to improve their competitive performance without the logistical challenges of bringing in a choreographer.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between All-Star and High School cheer comes down to what you want out of the experience. Whether you dream of competing at the highest level or cheering on your school under the Friday night lights, both paths offer valuable skills, friendships, and unforgettable memories.

No matter which you choose, remember Brantley Jittu’s advice: “Be legit, be excellent, be great.”

Which type of cheer do you think is the best fit for you? Let us know in the comments!

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