DICKINSON – Dickinson residents are thrilled as a new cheerleading program for elementary school children, Dickinson Mini Cheer, launches in the community. With 33 kids already enrolled and a halftime performance planned for Feb. 11, the program is set to bring excitement and develop skills for local
With a passion for cheerleading and a desire to bring the sport to the next generation, Rudie Swanson of Dickinson took matters into her own hands and founded Dickinson Mini Cheer. The response has been nothing short of amazing she said.
'It's been a lot of fun so far,' beamed Swanson, as she has witnessed her vision for the program thrive
With hard work and dedication, the mini cheerleaders of Dickinson Mini Cheer are ready to take the court and showcase their skills. On Feb. 11, they will perform during halftime at a girl's high school basketball game, demonstrating the routines and cheers they have perfected.
The excitement has become contagious, with 33 children having already enrolled and many families in the area saying that they are eager to participate.
ADVERTISEMENT
No prior cheerleading experience is required, as the program's aim is to provide kids with the fundamental skills and instill confidence needed to succeed at the junior high and high school cheerleading levels.
“That’s ultimately the goal,” Swanson said. “They’re learning cheers, jumps, kicks and dance routines”
Swanson said that as the mini cheerleaders progress in their development and demonstrate a grasp of the basic moves, they may begin learning more elaborate routines and stunts in the future.
“That's a slow progression because of safety and so the more we progress, that might be what we work towards,” Swanson said. “Safety is the number one concern.”
With roots deeply planted in Dickinson and a wealth of cheerleading experience, Swanson’s days as a high school cheerleader as well as her five years coaching at the middle school, high school and college levels have only furthered her passion for the sport and her budding program.
After a 12-year break to focus on family, Swanson saw firsthand the need for a local cheerleading program and took action.
'I have four daughters, and so now I have a way to get them into cheerleading. There's really nothing else here, so I have a chance to give them that opportunity,' said Swanson. “Now that they’re old enough to enjoy it, we’re back into it.”
With the end of the season rapidly approaching, the mini cheerleaders of Dickinson Mini Cheer are gearing up for their big performance in May. However, this is just the beginning for Rudie Swanson's vision to give local kids the chance to learn cheerleading, build confidence and have fun. With a solid foundation of skills and routines, and with the anticipation of more performances and possibly even youth competitions, the future of the cheer program looks bright.
ADVERTISEMENT
Parents who want to enroll their kids in this exciting opportunity can reach out to Swanson at 701-502-1714 or by emailing dickinsonminicheer@outlook.com.
The Trust Project
