The Spirit Nationals in Wildwood, New Jersey is the host to the first Worlds Bid event of this 2015-2016 All Star Cheerleading Season. The clock is ticking very fast.  There are four months, 20 plus days, and umpteen hours until cheerleaders from every corner of the globe invade Orlando, Florida and show not only their elite athleticism, their ability to compete under pressure, but also that they do things a little differently - with a spray of sparkle and a whole lot of spirit. They’ve put in hours upon hours of training, they’ve sacrificed their social lives, and worked thru sprained ankles, pulled muscles and probably several good stunting hits.  This event is The Cheerleading Worlds - the most important event of each cheerleading season where only the crème de la crème are invited to compete.

This weekend’s Spirit Nationals has a strong line up with several teams from the Northeast who have competed at Worlds in the last few years.  As expected there will be some surprises and some upsets but history shows that these are the teams to watch during this first World’s Bid Event.

1. New Jersey Spirit Explosion FAB 5 

This state favorite is considered one of the top teams in New Jersey and well known throughout the United States after their top ten finish at Worlds in 2015. Their transitions are nearly perfect as they seamlessly move from section to section without the judges knowing what to expect next. It’s obvious that the Fab 5 team conditions intensely at their practices because during their performances they manage to build the energy level higher and higher. Watching their 2015 Worlds routine you can see that the routine starts strong but builds even more scoring muscle as it travels to the ending dance section.  The owner and head coach of this team is Theapia Best-Wilder. Her coaching and choreography skills are creative, memorable and maximize the scoresheets.  She is often hired by other teams to choreograph outside her teams’ divisions. The Fab 5 is comprised of some of the best athletes that New Jersey has to offer. 

2. All Star One Big Bang

All Star One Big Bang is coached by Karen Brenner. She is both the owner and the coach for all of her teams and innately she pulls the best from her team members. It is a family affair at All Star One with Molly, Jordan and son Jake all taking part in running the program. Big Bang received a Fully Paid bid from Cheer Tech last year. In years past you could expect pyramids with multiple forward, backward and twisting inversions, constant transitioning from group to group and a series of different pyramid structures and this year is no different.They are competing this season in the Medium Senior L5 division.

3. Extreme Starz Five Star

Extreme Starz Five Star is a favorite in the North Jersey area, competed in the Large All Girl division at Worlds 2015. This year we will see them in the Medium Senior L5.  Their top ten performance at 2015 Worlds earned them the honor of competing on the baseball field on day two at Worlds. This is every team’s dream, when competing in their division, at the most important cheer competition on the planet . They have been known in the past to bombard the audience with a sensational tumbling rich opening.  In addition, what set them apart last year was their ability to solidly switch from right to left leg and back again throughout their stunt sequences.  Their flyers appear equally strong and flexible on both sides which not only gives them an edge in stunting but makes for strong pyramids as well.  The sister coaching team, Meredith and Judy, are the leading ladies for Extreme Starz and be on the look out for them to to have a stunning dance in their routine.

4. State All Stars

They are the power house of Pennsylvania. The glitz and glamour on this team is second to none. Look for powerful tumbling and beautiful uniforms as each one of their teams takes the floor. They should be even more dynamic since their merge with Dynasty Allstars. Competing in the Small Senior division, these smaller teams require so much from each team member. Each cheerleader has to be capable of multiple positions because it’s nearly impossible to disguise a weakness. Expect a very visually appealing dance that stimulates the viewer with it’s multiple layers and levels.

5. Platinum Athletics

This talented team, better known as PAC from Levittown, New York, is highly entertaining with their showmanship. Their owner/coach, Stephanie Irving, creates intricate, dynamic pyramids and what sets them apart is their clean and crisp style.  Their choreography is clear to the judge’s eye and they make their skills look effortless.  In years past they have been known for their powerful tumbling. You will know New York is in the house when they hit the floor.