First off I'd like to start by saying that everyone at JAMZ did amazing! Congrats to all athletes who performed their hearts out! Now let's analyze the look for the new season.....

Competitive cheerleading has evolved immensely over the past few years, and in order to keep up with the best, you've got to have it all - hot look, innovative choreography, talent, and personalized music. My area of expertise? Uniforms!

Walking around the competition I saw many looks on display, new and old. Now, let me preface this by saying that I do not intend any disrespect to any programs mentioned in this article, however I think a good, honest commentary about the "looks" of the upcoming season is in order.

All-Star Cheerleading has developed into a sassy, flashy sport, all while maintaining a high level of athleticism. Likewise, the "look" of all-star cheerleaders has evolved. The happy-go-lucky look of yesterday is history, and the new trend seems to be a fierce, I'm-gonna-kick-a*s-and-take-the-trophy type of performance. I'm not badmouthing the happy-go-lucky teams, however, you have to agree that it's mostly the ones with the fierce attitudes and looks to match that make it Worlds, and win the titles!

The new look in uniforms is athletic, streamlined, slimming, and modernly fun! Full-length tops and skirts worn above the belly-button are yesterday in terms of all-star cheer. Pyramids and Cheergym people, I'm sorry to say this, but with the level of talent you have along with your excellent program facilities and such, your look hasn't changed over the years at all! Bulky sweaters with random splashes of color coupled with the logo "star-guy" isn't doin' it. My suggestion is that you call the Elite Uniform Company and have them design something more traditional and flattering because your attempt at looking modern puts you in a uniform category on your own, and not a very good one. However, if your goal is to stand out and look "different" and maintain a sense of Amish modesty.... point taken.

Royal All-Stars.... you and so many other teams have potential. What I suggest is that you take your uniforms in to a tailor or seamstress, have them cut the midsection out and hem it, wear it as a midriff, and hike up the skirt. The metallics in the uniform highlight it, and the clean lines give you the competitive yet traditional edge! You're headed in the right direction, but you're just a few years behind schedule, is all. My recommendation is that you call your Varsity rep and demand something that will make little girls look like fierce women on the floor.

The darlings of the show this time around? The answer is very obvious! Ultimate All-Stars! Now I have to say that until recently, I haven't heard of this program at all. I looked up their website and saw their old look and compared it to the new one - HUGE improvement! The look and performance demeanor is VERY reminiscent of Cheer Athletics, Top Gun, U. of Louisville, GymTyme, Hawaii Pacific Univ., and all of the other top-notch teams! Clean lines on the uniform (no random color blotches), metallics used appropriately to highlight the look instead of overpowering it, athletic length of top and skirt, use of logo on the chest and custom stars on the sleeves and backside, innovative design (very fun and flattering), all-star glitter make-up, and zebra print (lots of people are doing this nowadays - not entirely original, but VERY trendy) make UA the easy favorite in the looks department for this season. Love the big hair and the curls too! Now, I usually am an expert when it comes to cheerleading fashion - I can glance at a uniform and tell you which company helped you or cheated you on your look, but I have to say that I am at a loss when it comes to which designer is responsible for your look? My guess is that it's an ultra-custom product, and probably one-of-a-kind? Either way, you guys look fierce and fabulous, and other programs out there could learn a lot from you in this department - maybe you'll be willing to share some of your secrets with us?

Until next time, everyone... Cheer hard and be fierce! Wear your colors proudly, even if you did get your shell tops and skirts from a discount, stock-made, mass-produced, colorblind cheerleading uniform rep. Just remember that help is available. If anything, you may want to hit up some of the UA folks the next time you see them to see if they'll give you any tips. Rumor has it that they have a private designer on staff?