One of the most common debates is whether or not cheerleading is a sport. While I do agree that cheerleading was not intended to be a sport when it was first invented, all-star cheerleading is extremely athletic.

Two and a half minute routines are action-packed with stunts, tumbling, jumps, and dances. A cheerleader must perform a near perfect routine while keeping a smile on his/her face. All-star cheerleading is HUGE and it has completely changed my perspective on cheerleading. Here are eight of my personal favorite routines that are filled with skill, talent, and excitement.

1. World Cup Allstars- Shooting Stars 2015

Shooting Stars were my original dream team when I was a little girl, and they still are. Known for their original themes, Shooting Stars don’t only perform a routine; they put on a SHOW. This, world-champion, Jersey Boys themed routine never fails to give me goosebumps.

2. Stingray Allstars- Orange 2012

The Stingray Allstars are known for their extremely clean routines. I remember rooting for Orange in 2012 and being ecstatic with their performance. Six years later and this is still an iconic routine.

3. Stingray Allstars- Steel 2017

Most people were not expecting Steel to win the Cheerleading Worlds in 2017, but they pulled it off with an amazingly hit routine. Steel is such an incredible team and one of my all-time favorites. I can’t help but feel proud when I watch this routine.

4. Top Gun Allstars- TGLC 2014

TGLC is one of the most impressive teams in all-star cheerleading. Surprisingly, the last time they were able to pull-off a gold medal at the Cheerleading Worlds was in 2014. TGLC has amazing routines every single year, but their 2014 routine is a clear fan-favorite.

5. World Cup Allstars- Twinkles 2012

What’s amazing about the World Cup Twinkles is that they are a youth level 5 team. This means that they are aged from eight to twelve years old performing the same skills as these other teams whose athletes are up to eighteen years old. The Twinkles leave me speechless every year. However, in 2012 the team filmed a documentary “Chasing Perfection” which made me fall in love with the team even more.

6. Maryland Twisters- F5 2012

“The queens, the divas of F5” constantly played through my head in 2012 (and every year after that). One of my all-time favorite routines with iconic athletes such as their center flyer, Kelcie Burch. Fourteen-year-old me was devastated when this team didn’t win the Cheerleading Worlds that season.

7. Brandon Allstars- Senior Black 2015

This team was able to hit the most difficult routines FLAWLESSLY time after time. They amazed the whole cheer world with their stability and near-perfectionism throughout the season.

8. Top Gun- TGLC 2017

Lastly, another TGLC routine. There are so many iconic moments throughout this routine. From the “say bye to the haters” line to the amazing Jarli basket toss, in which two girls on the team invented, this routine has you entertained from start to finish.