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The official Olympic cheerleaders are a lot different than what you
would see on the sidelines at basketball or American-style football games.
Cheerleader choreographer Paola Bosio says about 500 girls tried out to
become Olympic cheerleaders.
"At the end we chose 100 girls. We have six groups, three working in
ice hockey, two at speed skating and one in the mountains. So this is the
first time that there is cheerleading in the Olympic Games, and we thought
it was a good way to entertain the spectators."
After being selected for the squad, the newly-minted cheerleaders
practiced for four and a half months. But during that time, about all they
learned how to do was wave their orange and gold pom-poms, dance a few
synchronized steps, and jump up and down to whatever music might be
playing at the venue.
Fans disagree on whether the cheerleaders are entertaining or just an
irritating distraction. After all, they do not actually cheer and they do
not wear skimpy uniforms. The all-girl squad, which ranges in age from 15
to 26, is attired in bright orange and gold uniforms that cover them
almost from shoulder to toe.
Jacopo Divonzo lives in Turin and says he enjoyed the cheerleaders
performing at a hockey game.
"I think they made [did] a good job, they had no problem and I liked
looking at them. It was a nice thing for me, yeah."
Besides not cheering for any particular team at an event, the focus of
the routines is different. It is not the loud and spirited gymnastic
performance one might see at college and high school events in the United
States, but is more dance-oriented.
Cheerleader Camilla of Turin is 20 years old and has studied dance
since she was 10. Her background includes classical dance and ballet as
well as modern dance and pop. This is her first time as a cheerleader and
she says she is enjoying the new experience.
"There are no cheerleaders in Italy. We are the first. I like it very
much. It is so
fun in front of a lot of people. It is a great
experience. All the people are very happy, they like [it] very
much."
Some fans expressed the opinion that the pom-pom waving and
dancing was distracting because it took the focus off the athletic event
they had come to see. But Kathy Moine of Los Angeles, California had a
different interpretation, as well as an interesting theory about the
cheerleader's costumes.
"I think that they are just supposed to be neutral and they are
supposed to be the Olympic torches," she said. "Not for any country but
just supporting everybody, happy to be in the Olympics."
If by definition, cheerleaders should cheer for one side and make a lot
of noise, then the Olympic squad still has a lot to learn. But if they are
just here to look good and liven up the atmosphere during time-outs, many
would agree they have been a complete success.
Reporting from Turin, this is Steve Schy, VOA Sports.
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