The Evolution of Pyramids

By Vicki Dill

From the 1960’s to the present, pyramids have always been entertaining, impressive and can only be performed successfully through the cooperation of a large group of individuals. Each person has to choose to focus, do their part and work together. If everyone could work as harmoniously as cheerleaders involved in a successful pyramid, the world would be a better place! Here’s a little walk down memory lane and how pyramids have evolved through the years.

1960’s:

During the 1960’s pyramids weren’t necessarily super high or dangerous but more about angles and the visual picture they were creating. During this time very creative structures were built and they were perfect for that Kodak moment. It appears that building technique was well executed because although the individual structures weren’t necessarily deemed difficult, often they were were one on one structures that needed good form to be done successfully. Regardless of the pyramid, the picture that the combined stunts created was always one to frame. 

1970’s

Pom Pons were heavy and Farrah Fawcett feathered hair was all the rage. There were a lot of blade motions used and splits were a part of every routine. It was not unusual to see flips directly off pyramids and toe pitches were the norm. They were for sure doing it "their way"!

1980’s

This is truly when things started to get a little more crazy. During this era teams started performing a lot of tosses over other structures, entire pyramids free falling into rolls and the use of mini tramps was even more popular than in the 1970’s. Teams often performed double and triple flipping baskets as a part of their stunting and pyramid sequences. Cheerleaders presently involved in competitive cheer, are in complete awe when they see videos of teams from that time period. It is shocking to see that teams were allowed to do such insane stunts at that time. They weren’t monitored by rules or guidelines and the more spectacular the better. 



More of the 80’s because they were so very special. There are several elements to take notice of in this pyramid section. Most important let’s just have a moment of silence for the pyramid passing under the other the other pyramid. Not to mention that basically there is one spotter for a 2-2-1 pyramid and the 2-2-split pyramid going underneath. As if that weren't dangerous enough, then they extend the girl in the 2-2-1!!! The only thing better than these two pyramids is the dancing that occurs following these unbelievable structures.

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1990’s

This is when all-star cheer came into it’s own and pyramids started being more choreography focused in the world of competitive cheer. In college cheer pyramids were more structured, mini tramps disappeared and rules entered the picture. Notice that teams had very sharp building skills, they were precise and form was nothing less than exact.

2000’s to Present

During this timeframe pyramid choreography is at an all time high in creativity. Because of guidelines and levels coaches have to think very creatively outside the box to follow the rules, hit all the areas of the scoring rubric and entertain the audience within the time frame of a two and a half minute routine. Pyramids are so showy that they could be part of a Cirque du Soleil performance minus the illegal stunts. Watch the well known Cheer Athletics Cheetahs put on one of the most jaw dropping pyramids of our time at 1:50 in the video.