Youth cheerleading is getting more athletic — and riskier
As the female-dominated sport gets more acrobatic, girls are racking up more concussions and other injuries. A new pediatricians' report calls for change.
cheerleading
Devery Jacobs flies high in 'Backspot'
Cheerleaders are canonical when it comes to teen media - but is it time we expand our idea of who cheerleaders can be? Devery Jacobs's new film, Backspot, explores the internal life of a cheerleading backspot - the person making sure those high-flying cheerleaders don't break their necks. Devery joins Brittany to talk about redefining the cheerleader for a new generation, and keeping her sense of integrity while navigating the film industry.
Want to be featured on the show? Record your response to Brittany's question at the end of 'Hey Brittany' via voice memo and send it to ibam@npr.org.
Want to be featured on the show? Record your response to Brittany's question at the end of 'Hey Brittany' via voice memo and send it to ibam@npr.org.
Justine Lindsay is the first openly trans cheerleader in the NFL
The 29-year-old announced joining the Carolina Panthers TopCats earlier this year. Lindsay says she will continue to "inspire and help my African American beautiful trans sisters."
Washington's NFL Cheerleaders Say They Had To Pose Topless As VIPs Watched
The allegations described in a New York Times report include a "mandatory" trip to a nightclub with wealthy sponsors and a topless photo shoot at which male spectators were allowed to observe.
Denver High School Cheerleading Coach Fired After Videos Show 'Forced Splits'
"I have watched all of the videos," said the Denver Public School Superintendent Tom Boasberg. "As a superintendent, and as a father, and as an athlete, they are deeply disturbing."
2-4-6-8, A 401(k) Would Be Great: Calif. Law Makes Cheerleaders Employees
Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill that bars professional teams there from treating their cheerleaders as independent contractors. The bill came after lawsuits alleged the cheerleaders were underpaid.
Lawrence Herkimer, The Father Of Modern Cheerleading, Dies At 89
He invented the pompom and the iconic "Herkie jump" that remains a staple of cheering squads to this day. And his National Cheerleading Association trains 150,000 cheerleaders a year.
Bending Over Backwards to Stand Up Straight
Dr. Jennifer Smith knows how to grow herbs but trimming them is another matter.