How to Cheer

To be a Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader, a woman needs more than pompoms. Cheerleader director Elaine Hart prides herself on her squad's ability to entertain and engage people by singing, dancing and communicating with poise.Aspiring cheerleaders can brush up on all of those things with a series of classes starting today near Arrowhead Stadium. The classes stress such universal skills as communication, fitness and glamour, in addition to helping perfect a high kick. "We really want to make the journey of going through auditions beneficial for every candidate, not just the ones who make it," Hart says. That's a tall order — most years, she says, between 200 and 300 women audition, and only 40 make the team. The classes — today, January 26, and February 2 and 13 — are optional, but one is included in the tryout registration cost of $20. Additional classes cost $20 each. To register, see KCChi efs.com/cheerleaders/tryouts.
Tue., Jan. 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m., 2008