Many young girls (and boys!) begin their journey as cheerleaders yelling "offense" and "defense" chants at practices on the lawns of their elementary schools without even knowing what those words mean! However, they are indirectly being taught life's most valuable lessons: the importance of showing up, what it means to be a "team" member and that every individual has a voice and can make a difference.

I can remember practicing toe-touches, improving my flexibility and learning new cheers and styles to make myself better in the off-season so that I could be ready for the next tryout. I also remember doing it all alongside my best friend. The lessons in applying yourself, the bonds that cheerleaders form with one another and the confidence you gain being a member of a team working toward a goal are invaluable.

The next time you yell "O-F-F-E-N-S-E!" you may be smiling next to one of your best friends for life. You may yell "D-E-F-E-N-S-E!" on the sideline at your college's game where you were awarded a full athletic scholarship. Cheerleading has taught me to set goals and reach them, how to be a part of a team, how to be a friend and how to use my voice. With hard work, you can do anything!

Truly great choreography has reason and clear motivation behind it. This must be instilled in the performers, by the choreographer, from the beginning. The movement should entertain the viewer, but should also "move" the audience. It is so gratifying to see an audience rise to its feet in applause.

So, whether I am choreographing eye glances between two dancers or huge arm motions on a football field, it is the motivation that fuels the movements... and often that motivation is a love for an art form and/or for a team! The love bonds all types of movements, which results in jaw-dropping performances! I've learned that you can't fail when it comes from the heart.

Imagine performing in 20-degree weather wearing a short skirt and a tattoo on your face. Then, some fan from the opposing team yells out, "YOU'RE FAT!" Sadly, when you are dancing and prancing up and down with your best game face on, encounters with the opposing fans can be downright brutal and provide some shocking insights into the mind of the diehard, over-zealous fan at his verbal worst.

Often, a person's enthusiasm and loyalty to their own players manifests itself in jeers at complete strangers instead of cheers for their team. Fans can't help but become disappointed sometimes. They are wearing their team's jersey, they have numbers painted on their face... heck, their team's logo is even the family computer's screensaver. It is only natural for them to want a win at any cost, even at the sacrifice of their own dignity.

NFL fans always want their team to win, no matter what

So, this year make a pledge to keep the game experience as positive as possible. Rarely does a team go through an entire season undefeated, so be prepared to give yourself the "its only a game" speech at least once. A loss does not have to equal a silent ride home, a miserable week at work or a verbal whip lashing to a complete stranger. Game season is almost here, so get ready! (And start repeating positive verbal affirmations in the harsh face of interceptions now...)

Oakland Raiderettes teach kids their famous moves

Behind the smile and enthusiasm is intense physical conditioning. For most performance teams, this includes cardiovascular, weight, strength and endurance training. Yoga and Pilates have become popular, alternate methods to keep cheerleaders and dancers in great shape. Performers also need to stay on top of their flexibility, just as NFL players need to maintain top physical condition.

Pro Bowl cheerleaders warm up for the big game

If only it were as easy as a "kick here" or a "turn there!" Countless hours go into the preparation for game day, and we can’t wait to see you there!

A wise teacher once told me:

"Great choreography comes from great inspiration. You have nothing if you are not inspired."

I have carried this message with me and before I begin choreographing any project, large or small, I make sure that I have my inspiration. Unfortunately, this isn't always the easiest task.

Sometimes you don't connect with the music and often, you may be asked to choreograph a certain style of dance that you don't particularly like. This is when you have to dig a little deeper and to ask some important questions; who is my audience and what is important to them? Why? Can I relate to this on any level? Often the answers to these questions evoke emotions the choreographer can relate to... these emotions can be the source of great inspiration.

Great choreography is an instinct that comes from the inside. It blends the vision of the routine with the authentic soul of the choreographer. The soul of the choreographer is built by his or her emotional responses to experiences through their unique perspective. To seek truth in all experiences helps you relate and when you can do that, you can be inspired. That is where truly great choreography comes.

Everyone has those friends... one who finds it endearing that you still chew Flintstone vitamins, one who flew across the country to hold your hand through a difficult time and one who will reminisce with you about school. My best friend will still do my hometown's recreational cheers with me from our childhood.

Remember who your friends are and be their biggest cheerleader. The gift of true friendship should always be enthusiastically celebrated because your true friend will always be your number one fan.