The country's most elite competitive cheerleading programs are taking over New York City for The Cheer Alliance Championship on Friday, Dec. 16, and Saturday, Dec. 17. These powerhouse teams are sure to put on a show unlike anything you've seen this season. It's going to be an action-packed weekend, so don't blink. Here are five reasons you can't miss The Cheer Alliance Championship. 

1. Worlds' Top Talent

Everyone loves to watch the level 5 teams and The Cheer Alliance features the best of the best. Six reigning World champions will take the mat this weekend at The Cheer Alliance, and nearly every other team in attendance finished in the top 10 last year at Worlds or at one of the premier national all-star competitions. It's still early in the season, so this is the first time all of these teams will come together in one place to measure their talent against the toughest competition.

2. Tons of Storylines

Brandon All Stars Senior Black 
The reigning Cheer Alliance champs are coming off of a strong season. Last season, the team claimed an NCA All Star National Championship title AND The 2016 Cheerleading World Champions. Is 2016-17 a rebuilding year or did they just reload? 

Maryland Twisters Reign
Reign is coming off a great weekend at WSF. They've secured a full-paid bid to Worlds and mesmerized social media with their phenomenal elite sequence. They've got momentum and confidence, and it could carry them all the way to the top this weekend. 

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Top Gun TGLC
Top Gun is back and ready to make a statement. Returning to the Alliance as a play-in team this year after an injury sidelined their hopes to claim the 2015 Cheer Alliance crown, it's safe to say they've been looking forward to this weekend as an opportunity to re-write their story. 

Cheer Extreme SSX
The reigning Small Senior Level 5 World champions will also have to play-in for an opportunity to compete in the championship round. We chatted with them last weekend, and it's apparent their motivation and work ethic are second to none. They approach warmups the right way and will take the mat with level heads, ready to execute their routine to perfection. 

GymTyme Platinum 
New division, beautiful new uniforms, and a new routine -- GymTime Platinum has made some changes! After making the move from Small to Medium Senior Coed Level 5 this season, they have a new look to go with it! We also learned that they completely revamped their routine just days before WSF. Now that they have experience competing it, there's no limit on what's possible for Platinum. 

3. Red Carpet Coverage

Friday night before the competition kicks off, the Cheer Alliance and play-in teams will be walking the red carpet all glammed up to dance the night away at the Winter Ball, sponsored by Varsity All Star Fashion. You'll see the most elite athletes and coaches let loose the night before their performances in a red carpet event to remember. Best of all, the night will be jam-packed with all-access red carpet coverage and exclusive LIVE athlete and coach interviews!

4. More Than a Competition 

Sorry, invite only! Alliance members have been invited back to claim their fame LIVE on Saturday night with a guaranteed spot in the championship round, while other Cheer Alliance hopefuls will be testing their skills in the play-in round on Saturday morning. They must score high enough to qualify to compete in the championship, so all eyes are on those teams vying to make the mat. With this level of talent, it's anyone's game come Saturday night. Junior 5 and international teams will also be competing on Saturday evening. 

5. Huge Prizes

Division winners will walk away with swag bags full of merch from Cheer Alliance sponsors, including Rock Your Hair, Build A Bowtique, and Pretty Girl Cosmetics. But the real wow factor is what's in store for the overall champion. Of course there's bragging rights, but they'll also get a new Worlds uniforms provided by Varsity All Star Fashion! 

WATCH THE CHEER ALLIANCE LIVE ON DEC. 16-17!