Cheer Program
PEKIN PARK DISTRICT CHEER PROGRAM
Welcome to CHEER!
Our cheer program is designed to help athletes build confidence, teamwork, strength, flexibility, leadership, and proper cheerleading technique in a fun, safe, and encouraging environment. Students begin by learning the fundamentals of cheer before progressing through our recreational program, where advancement is determined by demonstrated mastery of skills rather than age. The online registration portal is located at the bottom of this page, after the class descriptions and placement policy.
Our Cheer Pathway
Cheer Prep (Friday 5:00–6:00)
Cheer Foundations (Wednesday 5:00–6:00)
Cheer Progressions (Wednesday 6:00–7:00)
Advanced Cheer (Wednesday 7:00–8:00)
Cheer Open Gym (Friday 6:00–7:30)
About Our Classes
Cheer Prep
Ages: 4 Years & Older
Class Length: 60 Minutes
Schedule: Fridays | 5:00–6:00 PM
Description
Cheer Prep is the required starting point for all athletes new to the Pekin Park District Cheer Program. Students learn the fundamentals of motions, jumps, voice projection, beginning tumbling, teamwork, performance skills, and basic stunting in a fun and encouraging environment. This class builds the confidence and foundation needed to safely advance into our recreational cheer program.
Prerequisite:
None. All new athletes must successfully complete Cheer Prep before advancing to Cheer Foundations.
Cheer Foundations
Placement: Skill-Based
Class Length: 60 Minutes
Schedule: Wednesdays | 5:00–6:00 PM
Description
Cheer Foundations builds upon the skills introduced in Cheer Prep while continuing to develop proper technique, teamwork, confidence, and performance quality. Athletes improve motions, jumps, tumbling, beginning stunts, choreography, and overall cheer fundamentals. Students advance through instructor evaluation and demonstrated mastery of skills.
Prerequisite
Successful completion of Cheer Prep or instructor evaluation.
Cheer Progressions
Placement: Skill-Based
Class Length: 60 Minutes
Schedule: Wednesdays | 6:00–7:00 PM
Description
Cheer Progressions introduces more advanced cheer skills while continuing to strengthen technique and confidence. Athletes continue developing tumbling, jumps, stunts, choreography, conditioning, and performance quality while preparing for Advanced Cheer.
Prerequisite
Successful completion of Cheer Foundations or instructor evaluation
Advanced Cheer
Placement: Skill-Based
Class Length: 60 Minutes
Schedule: Wednesdays | 7:00–8:00 PM
Description
Advanced Cheer is the highest level of the Pekin Park District Cheer Program. Athletes continue refining advanced tumbling, stunting, jumps, choreography, conditioning, leadership, and performance skills. Instruction emphasizes safe skill progression while encouraging athletes to perform with confidence and strong technique.
Prerequisite
Successful completion of Cheer Progressions or instructor evaluation.
Cheer Open Gym
Placement: Currently Enrolled Cheer Athletes
Class Length: 90 Minutes
Schedule: Fridays | 6:00–7:30 PM
Description
Cheer Open Gym provides additional supervised practice time for currently enrolled cheer athletes. Participants may work on tumbling, jumps, motions, flexibility, conditioning, choreography, and stunt progressions while receiving instructor guidance. Open Gym is designed to supplement weekly classes by providing extra opportunities to practice and improve skills in a safe environment.
Prerequisite
Enrollment in a current Pekin Park District cheer class.
Class Advancement Policy
Our tumbling curriculum is designed to build skills progressively, allowing every athlete to develop confidence, proper technique, and safety before advancing.
Students should complete each class in sequence. Advancement to the next level may occur after successfully completing the current class or by demonstrating mastery of the required skills on the program’s Skill Requirement Checklist.
All skill-based placements and advancements are determined by the Program Coordinator's evaluation.
Ready to Move Up?
Students are evaluated during the first and final week of each session using the program’s Skill Requirement Checklists.
Advancement decisions are made only during these scheduled evaluation periods to provide students with adequate time to practice, build consistency, and safely demonstrate mastery of each skill.
Need Help Choosing a Class?
Our cheer classes are based on skill level.
If you’re unsure which class is the best fit for your child, the Program Coordinator, Shaylynn, is happy to assist with class placement. Please email ppd.dtc.coordinators@gmail.com for more information!