3 Cheerleaders perform in London’s New Year’s Day Parade

Senior Sarah Hull and sophomores Abigail Small and Stephanie Tsang traveled to London over winter break to perform in London’s 26th annual New Year’s Day Parade as part of the All-American program hosted by Varsity, a leading cheerleading corporation. More than 500 high school cheerleaders and dancers from across the U.S. participated in the parade, which was viewed by thousands of people live and was broadcast internationally.

The cheerleaders were invited to take part in the trip after trying out to become All-Americans at cheer camp last August at UC Davis.

“I thought trying out would be great practice performing in front of judges, as well as a large crowd,” Tsang said. “It was awesome being able to dance and just have fun, even though it was pretty nerve-wracking.”

In order to qualify, they performed a dance, a cheer and a jump of their choice. Of those who tried out, about 10 percent earned the chance to perform in the London parade.

“After they called my name and told me I had made it I was absolutely ecstatic,” Tsang said. “At first, I didn’t think I would go on the trip, but later I thought it would be a great opportunity to see another part of the world while doing an activity that I really enjoy.”

Small echoed Tsang’s sentiments.

“It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and that’s one thing that motivated me to want to go on the trip so badly,” she said. “All-American is also great way to show your spirit and to represent cheerleaders and dancers throughout the U.S.”

The cheerleaders performed a routine they learned at home as well as various cheers and chants along the 2-mile parade route despite the fact that it began heavily raining about midway through the parade.

“Most people would be upset about [the rain], but I thought it made the experience unique and I felt like I was in a ‘Step Up’ movie,” Small said. “The parade was truly a spectacular way to start off the New Year; I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”

Prior to performing in the parade, the cheerleaders spent a few days touring some of London’s most famous sites.

“It was fun actually seeing the historical landmarks that we read about in class and I loved getting to tour one of the most beautiful cities in the world,” Tsang said.

Both Small and Tsang agree that the trip was a wonderful experience and encourage other cheerleaders to participate in the future.

“Now that I have gone on [this trip] I can tell future or even current girls on the team how great of an experience and opportunity it is,” Small said. “I hope that more girls on our team get to go next year and in the years after.”