What "type" of class should I look for? Or has she already missed the boat at age 8. She would have a cow if she were in a class of 5 year olds for example.
8 is definitely not missing the boat. If you are planning on going the All Star route, there really aren't "classes." Usually in the next few months, around April, gyms start their tryouts. Usually all kids make one team or another based on age and ability.
The wonderful thing with Cheer is that there are 6 different levels of teams with each having different requirements that can be done. And then, those levels are also broken up into age groups.
So, a beginning third grader, depending on the size of the gym and the number of teams they field, would find themselves on a level 1 team with kids just a few years older and younger, all with the same level of skills. Level 1 you cannot do a back handspring and there are limits on the stunts, ie, how high you can lift and what you can do.
Allstar cheer is also year round, so fits the bill for lasting the whole school year. Tryouts are usually in the spring, practices in the summer with final teams set by late summer. Competitions start as early as October with the bulk November through March / April.
What doesn't fit your bill is that practices are usually a couple times a week.
However, many gyms also field Rec teams which usually practice August through March, don't practice quite as much and don't go to as many competitions, saving money and time. Rec Teams are a great way to try out All Star cheer.
My daughter has blossomed since she started going there a year ago. I couldn't be happier.
Congrats toyour daughter and here's hoping she has a very successful rest of season!
