"Blood, Sweat & Cheers" documentary is the "Miracle" of cheerleading
Perhaps there is no other group of people who are more stereotyped than the American cheerleader. You've heard all the remarks before. Perhaps you've even helped to spread them. Cheerleaders are all looks, no brains. Cheerleaders are snobby and superficial. Cheerleading is just a way to get guys to look at you.
Just the mere question "Were you ever a cheerleader in high school?" comes with heavy insinuations and baggage. See any episode of "Glee" for clarification.
"Blood Sweat & Cheers," our documentary film about the subculture of competitive cheerleading, takes a step away from this universe. The Pop Warner girls are still somewhat insulated from the inevitable pressures of dating and the sexual connotations that the uniform carries at an older age.
The film is aimed at a general audience, particularly at parents who place a high value on the character lessons of youth sports. We went into the film assuming the world of cheerleading was a casual activity like taking tap dance lessons or aerobics. We wrapped up our year viewing these girls as having the same kind of dedication and drive as Olympic athletes.
So it's extremely gratifying to get the stamp of approval from the cheerleading community.
In the latest issue of American Cheerleader Magazine, writer Alison MacQuarrie praises BSW for its gripping portrayals of long practices, self-disciplinary challenges, injuries, team comaraderie and meeting fan expectations. We are absolutely flattered by the sports movie comparisons she makes to support her endorsement:
"For every mainstream sport, Hollywood has produced some sort of heartwarming drama about a team’s emotional journey to the championships. Basketball has Coach Carter, Hockey has Miracle, Football has Friday Night Lights and the list goes on. Of course we couldn’t forget about the classic Bring It On
series—which drew people of all types and opened the public’s eyes to the gravity-defying acrobatics that cheerleaders perform.
But as entertaining as Bring It On is, its light and comedic storyline still puts it in a different category than deeply inspirational movies like Remember the Titans.
Ever since I started cheerleading I’ve been waiting for a television show or movie that takes you behind the scenes of a competitive squad to show cheerleaders’ hard work and true athleticism that is often overlooked. Finally, Blood, Sweat & Cheers has done just that."
...The story keeps you on the edge of your seat when the squad faces injuries and other obstacles as they pursue a national title under intense pressure. After witnessing the girls’ hard work, ambition and yearning to win, as well as the support and involvement of their families and teachers, it’s almost impossible not to root for Burlington."
Thanks to Alison and American Cheerleader Magazine for such a spirited endorsement!
The special limited edition DVD of "Blood, Sweat & Cheers" is now available at CheerleadingFilm.com or at Amazon. (See the movie trailer HERE!)