Summary of Kids’ Cheer Schools (Classes) in Irvine Area

Hello to everyone looking for kids’ cheer activities in Irvine area!

Irvine and its surrounding areas in Southern California are often called the “ultimate destination,” and they are highly popular among people of all ages.

In addition to theme parks like Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, you can enjoy beautiful beaches, hiking, water sports, and even winter sports nearby.

There is also a wide variety of entertainment, including professional sports such as baseball, concerts, and theatrical performances.

In this article, we’ll introduce kids’ cheer schools in Irvine area that welcome children from preschool age!

What is Cheer Dance?

Have you ever heard of cheer dance?

Cheer dance is a sport derived from cheerleading.

In the U.S., it is commonly called “Pom Dance” or simply “Dance,” and it has become an established competitive sport in its own right.

Interestingly, the term “cheer dance” itself was actually coined in Japan!

Cheer dance combines three dance styles—pom dance, hip-hop, and jazz—into a performance of about two minutes.

If you want to learn more about cheer dance, be sure to check out What Kind of Dance is Cheer Dance?

The Difference Between Cheer Dance and Cheerleading

Cheerleading is said to have originated about 100 years ago at American universities to support their school football teams. At first, it was mainly done by male students as a form of vocal cheering.

The style we see today, featuring women performing dance routines, was established roughly 30 years ago.

Cheerleading as a sport focuses on acrobatic skills such as stunts (human pyramids) and tumbling (floor gymnastics).

Cheer dance, on the other hand, takes the dance portion of cheerleading and makes it a separate competitive sport.

In competitions, teams perform routines of about two minutes, combining pom dance, hip-hop, and jazz, while being judged on teamwork, expression, and overall performance.

The common point between cheer dance and cheerleading is the “cheer spirit.”

Regardless of which one you do, participants are called “cheerleaders.”

Cheer spirit can be interpreted in many ways, but the Japan Cheer Dance Association defines it as “always cheering for and encouraging others with a smile.”

If you are someone who prefers to avoid acrobatic stunts or wants to develop graceful, fluid movements, cheer dance is highly recommended!

4 Kids’ Cheer Schools in Irvine Area

Here’s a summary of kids’ cheer schools in Irvine area that accept preschool-aged children!

Gravis Irvine – Irvine Cheer Dance Classes

Gravis offers cheer dance classes for children, including preschoolers, with over 150 locations mainly in Tokyo and Kanagawa!

Gravis has been expanding its locations across Japan, and our first overseas school in Los Angeles, which opened in February 2024, has been a great success!

Our Irvine school is located at the far northeast end of Sky Park Cir., right next to Next Level Fitness.

Lessons are taught by Japanese instructors, so even children who are not confident in English can understand and enjoy them easily.

We are able to accommodate both Japanese and English!

Why not start your child’s cheer experience in the home of cheerleading—right here in the U.S.—as an extracurricular activity for kids of expatriates?

Unity Cheer

Unity Cheer, located in Irvine, California, offers lessons focused on the fundamentals of cheerleading, including tumbling, stunts, cheer, dance, and jumps, while helping children improve flexibility, strength, and confidence.

With competitive teams, recreational classes, and tumbling classes available, your child can join a class that they will truly enjoy.

There are also beginner classes, making it easy for children who are just starting out to get involved!

OC All Stars Cheer and Dance is divided into three programs: LITE, HALF YEAR, and YEAR.

The LITE program consists of a 10-week session per season. Teams are organized according to age and skill level, and as a culmination of the 10 weeks, students perform in front of parents, family, and friends.

The HALF YEAR team runs for about 14 weeks per season, with one 1.5-hour lesson per week, and students have three performance opportunities. This class is designed for children aged 10–18.

The YEAR team starts in May and participates in 7–8 competitions between November and April. Teams practice 2–3 times per week, plus one hour of tumbling class. This team is open to children aged 5 and older.

With a variety of age groups and classes available, you can choose the program that best fits your child!

We offer cheerleading and dance programs as recreational activities.

From beginners to advanced students, people of all ages can build a solid foundation in cheerleading.

Training includes strength training, conditioning, jump techniques, stunts, tumbling, arm motions, cheer/chant routines, and energetic dance choreography taught by a former NFL San Diego Chargers cheerleader.

Where Do Students Come From?

If you’re unsure which school to choose, consider these points: whether classes are offered at your preferred time, how well your child gets along with the instructor, and the school’s track record.

No cheer school nearby? Here’s what to do…

Some of you might not have a cheer school near your home.

In-person lessons definitely have many advantages—you can dance freely in a spacious studio, use mirrors to check your form, and feel the energy of the class firsthand.

However, you also have to consider factors like your family’s schedule and transportation to the studio.

In those cases, online lessons are a great option to start cheer dance easily!

Gravis also offers online lessons, so if you’re interested, be sure to contact the school for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions from Those Who Want to Learn Cheer Dance

If you’re thinking about starting cheer dance lessons, you might have a lot of questions and concerns, like “Where can I take classes?” or “How much does it cost?”

Here, we’ll explain everything in detail to help ease those worries!

Where Should You Go If You Want to Learn Kids’ Cheer Dance?

Kids’ cheer dance schools (classes) can be broadly divided into three types, depending on the purpose—such as “where you’ll perform” or “what you want to aim for.”

①Schools Where You Can Take Cheer Dance Classes

If you’re just starting out and want to learn cheer dance as your first extracurricular activity, a school specializing in cheer dance, a large sports gym, a cultural center, or a dance school with cheer dance classes is perfect!

In lessons, children learn the basics of cheer dance, including body conditioning, arm motions (unique cheer dance movements), techniques (turns, jumps, etc.), and choreography.

Some schools also offer opportunities to perform at recitals, competitions, or local events.

• If you just want to enjoy learning cheer dance
• If you want to learn the basics of cheer dance
• If you like moving your body

…then look for a nearby cheer dance school or check if sports gyms, cultural centers, or dance schools in your area offer cheer dance classes.

②Club Teams

A club team is a type of organization run not by a company but by a group of enthusiasts who organize and manage it themselves.

Cheer dance can be roughly divided into competitive cheer and cheering for sports.

Club teams mainly aim to compete in cheer dance competitions hosted by organizations such as the Japan Cheer Dance Association or CHEER&DANCE Education.

Competitions bring together teams from all over Japan, where performance and technical skills are judged.

Top-level teams can even earn the right to compete in world championships.

To aim for high ranks in competitions, teams practice not only basic skills but also advanced techniques, requiring both technical ability and mental strength. Training can sometimes be intense.

Because club teams are self-managed, operational costs and cooperation from parents are often necessary, which can mean a greater commitment for families.

• If you want to aim for a high level in cheer dance
• If you want parents to be actively involved

…then a club team is recommended.

③Sports Team-Affiliated Cheer Dance Schools

Sports team-affiliated cheer dance teams are tied to specific sports teams—baseball, soccer, basketball, or football—and focus on learning performance for sports cheering rather than competing in competitions.

Students learn to lead cheers, energize the crowd through performances, and support their own team.

Performance styles vary depending on the sport, team, and venue, so look for cheer teams affiliated with sports you like or local teams in your area.

• If you love sports
• If you want to cheer for sports events

…then a sports team-affiliated cheer dance team is perfect!

Recently, many schools—including Gravis—have both competitive teams for competitions and cheering teams for sports events within a single cheer dance school, separating teams based on their goals.

How Much Does It Cost to Take Cheer Dance Lessons?

The main costs associated with taking cheer dance lessons include:

①Lesson Fees
・Trial lesson fee for first-time students
・Initial costs (registration fee, administrative fees, etc.)
・Monthly tuition or class passes

②Costume and Equipment Fees
・Pom-poms
・Costumes or uniforms
・Shoes

③Event and Performance Participation Fees
・Fees for local events
・Fees for recitals or showcases

The overall cost of cheer dance lessons varies depending on the school or studio, but it’s generally comparable to regular dance classes (with average monthly tuition around $100–200).

Initial fees and monthly tuition are often listed on the school’s website, so it’s a good idea to check in advance. Participation fees for recitals or events and costume costs may vary each year, so total expenses can fluctuate.

For a detailed breakdown of actual costs at Gravis Cheer Dance School, you can refer to our article on “Benefits and Costs of Cheer Dance for Children.”

What are the benefits of taking cheer dance lessons?

What can you learn from cheer dance among the many dance genres? What are its benefits?

One key difference between cheer dance and other dance styles is that you develop cheer spirit!

Cheer spirit can be interpreted in various ways, but according to the Japan Cheer Dance Association, which organizes nationwide cheer dance competitions in Japan, it is defined as: “always encouraging and energizing others with a smile.”

Here’s a closer look at what Gravis values, which aligns with this cheer spirit.

① Learning Greetings, Responses, and Manners

The word “Cheer” in cheerleader means to support or encourage, and “Leader” means instructor or guide.

To lead others (by being a role model), children are encouraged to take initiative in greetings, responding politely, and everyday actions.

This allows them to practice manners in real situations, more effectively than in typical preschool classes.

② Learning Smiles, Energy, and Expression

To support others, children first learn the importance of smiling themselves.

By performing cheerfully, their energy and smiles create a “chain of smiles,” making the audience and parents happy.

At cheer dance competitions, unlike most sports or dance competitions where participants see each other as rivals, cheer teams actively cheer for other teams from the audience!

While final rankings are given, each team encourages others respectfully so everyone can showcase their hard work.

③ Learning Cooperation and Teamwork

Cheer dance is a team sport.

Performances are not done alone, so children naturally develop the ability to communicate and cooperate with friends and instructors.

By sharing each member’s strengths and weaknesses, supporting each other in both technical and mental aspects, children grow empathy and a sense of community while completing their routines.

④ Developing a Challenging Spirit

As mentioned earlier, a single cheer dance routine combines three dance genres: pom dance, hip-hop, and jazz dance.

In Gravis lessons, children learn all three: pom dance with pom-poms, hip-hop with low-center movements, and jazz dance with lifted movements (including ballet basics).

To master these different styles, children are encouraged to try new moves without fear of failure, fostering a strong willingness to challenge themselves.

If you’re interested in Gravis cheer dance classes, check out the official website!

Summary

Did any of the kids’ cheer schools catch your interest?

This time, we introduced kids’ cheer schools in Irvine area that welcome students from preschool age!

If you’re interested in Gravis’ cheer dance classes, be sure to join a trial lesson or come for a visit.

Our experienced instructors are looking forward to meeting you!

We hope you find the perfect kids’ cheer school and a fun activity that’s just right for you☆

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