Being developed from activities which cheer and support the others, cheerleading and dance has elements to nurture healthy development of young people in the aspect of leadership, communication, contribution spirit towards teams, schools and the society, together with acquiring proper manners as a member of the society.
In recent years, ever since dance became compulsory in elementary and junior high school curriculum, there has been a tremendous growth in the number of Junior and Senior cheerleading and dance club teams as well as school related teams, and the sport became very popular among wide range of people from pre-school age to senior ages as life-long activities, and thus we are witnessing the overall growth of cheerleading and dance population in Japan.
We have been operating as United Spirit Association (USA-Japan) for 30 years now, as the population of the sport grew and there is more diversity in participating teams, there is need for promoting organizations with more of a public nature, utility and higher reputation in the society. Under these circumstances, we decided to establish “Cheer & Dance Education”, general incorporated Association, and continue to promote the sport under a non-profit organization.
We will continue to work in cooperation with the world leading cheerleading company, Varsity in the USA, and offer various educational programs through clinics and competitions. We will fully harness the methods and contents fostered through Varsity’s long history and experience to further develop cheerleading industry in Japan.
Varsity has successfully dispelled the great concerns once grew in the US regarding the safety of cheerleading as a competing sport by introducing the instructional safety standards focusing on the safety and well beings of the athletes which embedded in the US cheerleading industry today. We will commit ourselves to health and well beings of all the people who participate and build a strong foundation for the athletes to compete in the sport more safely in cooperation with Varsity.
Also, we will proactively send teams to overseas competitions such as All Star Competitions, and implement clinics and conferences inviting staff from the US to offer opportunities for athletes to foster international minds through various experiences in both hard and soft aspects.
Cheer & Dance Education will move forward together with all cheerleaders and dancers, recognizing the value and possibilities of the cheer activities and competing games, always putting athletes first, safety first, and promote the meaning, role and positive effect of the sport in the society, as a cheerleading and dance promoting organization of a further public nature with utility and confidence in the society.
Cheer & Dance Education
Representative Director: Takako Hashiba