Here is the progression that should be taken when developing a dance and/or cheer routine. :

1.) Music - Find some music that you would like to use that is upbeat and recognizable

2.) Counts - Now set the music to eight counts (Ex. 1,.2,.3,.4,.5,.6,.7,.8,. 1,.2,…etc.). It should go to the beat of the music.

3.) Set to counts - Now for each count you are going to set a cheer skill or motion to that count. Remember to set enough time for each skill. Motions can go from one count to the next, but skills take a little more time to execute.

4.) Effects - By doing ripple effects and having some girls up and others down it will add to the overall effectiveness of the routine. Rather than having them just do motions.

5.) Teaching - When teaching the routine to the girls, make sure you start with the eight counts and avoid teaching the routine yet with music. The music is usually faster and will confuse the squad.

6.) Split up - Have them split up and practice by themselves or with a partner, then come back together as a group and try it again.

7.) Mark it - When it looks like they have it down, take out the skills and have the team mark it down with the music using motions and moving to their spots.

8.) Add Skills - Add their skills in slowly w/ the music until they have it down.