Hello Uniform Critics and Fans!

I've browsed a few postings on this board and saw that some of you were looking for me at AB this past weekend! I apologize... I actually had a uniform consultation to do for a team based on the East Coast, so I was out of town entirely. I can't promise exactly which competitions I'll be at this season for sure; I have so many friends who want me to be at their comps - it'll be tough to decide which to go to!

In any case, I did have a good friend present at the competition and she provided me with a few photos to fill me in where I might have missed out.... and for all you critics out there, I'll provide a brief commentary.

I'll begin as usual, by ensuring to point out that this is only a commentary, and not at all intended to be a negative, demeaning criticism on certain programs. We're all athletes who work hard in doing what we do, and that alone should make us #1. The last posting I did was deleted by the Webmaster here; I'm guessing because things got way out of hand in terms of feedback, so if you'd like to see future commentaries from me, please keep the feedback civil and based on facts. With that said.... here we go....

Cheer Odyssey: I look at your beautiful choice of colors and your talent and I'm forced to ask "Why???". This is the "Cadillac" stock uniform produced by Varsity circa 2005. This look was made popular by the girls of Orange Coast College Cheer, and since then, everyone has it! The top is offered in two lengths by Varsity, a midriff, and a full-length. My advice? Chop your full-lengths and hem it to match the midriff look. Now everyone, if your team is planning on ordering this look, there are a few things you can do to deviate from the whole "stock" image. Try a different style of striping for goodness sakes! The 1" solid stripe is overplayed on this uniform! Might I suggest a 1", 3-even-stripe pattern to jazz the look up a little? Lastly, let's look at the logo on your chest. Good choice - the custom gym logo is totally the lettering trend for the modern competitive look, however, when you are incorporating a star into the logo, mix both light and dark colors against each other to highlight and contrast! Two light colors wash each other out and kill the overall effect you could have achieved! Because this is a stock uniform, you unfortunately lose creativity points. I give this uniform a score of 6.

Royal All Stars: I've already commented on your look before. Good overall feelings for your choice of uniform, however, chop it to midriffs! But... I digress.

Power Cheer: My friend didn't give me a photo of your teams to look at, however, I'm guessing you probably went with the same style theme that you've always had from year to year. I'm talking about the body huggers with the huge star cutout pattern on the chest and a funky skirt to match. If this is the case, then, gosh, I don't know what to say... don't you think it might be time for a whole new look? I have to point out that cutouts in a design (in your case, it's a star) repeated in multiple colors on a uniform are very costly, so I know that your uniforms weren't inexpensive by any means...what is your excuse for not coming up with something different? Also, while you're at it, you might want to at least give serious thought to going away from embroidery. For having such costly uniforms, embroidery kills the look. Embroidery was the craze on cheerleading gear around circa 1985? Tackle twil, tackle twill, tackle twill! I seriously hope you've changed your look, and if so, I'm excited to see what you've come up with; but if you haven't, I give your uniform style a score of 4.

Fusion: Wow, I have heard nothing but good things coming out of your gym! Your program has merged a good set of cheerleading powerhouses in the area into one and I'm hoping to see nothing but the most prestigious program emerge from it all. You've got a team of good ex-USA coaches, most of whom I know very well *wink*. Last I checked in with you guys, you hadn't come up with a uniform concept and were competing in camp gear first, which is understandable, but I recently got to see your intended uniform design for the season. If you haven't confirmed this order yet.... STOP! I'm so sorry to have to tell you this, but one-piece cheer dresses went out with the early 90's! I have a friend who used to wear one of those back in her high school days, and to this day, she still won't admit to it! Let's take a closer look at the rest of the design (and those of you at home can go to http://www.fusionallstar.com/index.php?componentName=PhotoSection&scid=30902&action=photos&photosectionid=4079&offset_PhotoSection=0 and follow along) shall we? My goodness! Where to begin??? Sheer chiffon arms embedded with rhinestones, slash striping in a solid color on the chest and midsection, a large keyhole cutout on the back, a single stripe down the enter of the body, halter straps and a choker back??? Let me suggest a black top hat, some tap shoes, fishnet pantyhose, black gloves, and everyone's hair to be put into a french twist - this way you'll be ready to enter your new roles as stage dancers for the NorCal production of Fosse! This is definitely a dance/jazz outfit! My guess is whoever came up with the concept must be the same person who designed for Clovis Elite, one of the gyms that merged into Fusion. Now, the old United All-stars uniform that you had (the red/blue/black) gets the props. Clean, bold lines coupled with tackle twill lettering across the chest, and good lengths with matching sassy red bows would give that look a score of 8 in my book any day! This "new" look of yours though? Sashay, pirouette, leap, and turn all you'd like, but my scoresheet still says 4.

Rebels Elite: Have you also come out with a new uniform? The funky tackle twill letters you have originated with Cheerleader & Danzteam, and I assure you it was all the craze in the early 90's, however, I have to let you know that there are more options out there now! You can actually *gasp* get your gym logo done in tackle twill form! I know I know....stop the press, eh? Try it, and thank me later. But for now, this coupled with your full-length stock look gives you a 5.

Ok boys and girls.... that's it for now. I will be creating unique looks for a few other teams for within the next few months in preparation for the long "Road to Worlds" this year for a few teams. As always, I welcome your feeback here or via email.... TheUniformPolice@yahoo.com.

Bye for now, and remember... Real cheerleaders say NO to sequins and crushed velvet! =)

Love,

The One and Only.... The Uniform Police