Orchesis vs Cheer article

Here at Pasadena High School, we have both Orchesis and Cheer. If you don’t already know, orchesis is focused around music and acts as a dance team. This contrasts cheer which acts as an organized form of support around athletic events (bringing together chanting and stunt work in simple terms). The orchesis team is under the direction of Ms. Temple, while the cheer squad is under the direction of Coach Laughrun. Both of these teams demonstrate their many skilled students at sporting events, pep-rallies, assemblies, etc. Along with this; many of their respective members are very passionate about their respective group; whether it's orchesis or cheer! Now why do these students prefer one over the other? Lets see;

When it comes to the skillful members of cheer; Makenna Moore, a freshman on cheer, said “I prefer cheer because I like flipping, and they don’t do that in orchesis. And we get to show off our individual skills.” This highlights the more stunt-like aspects of cheerleading that we can see on display at sports games. Madison Williams, also a freshmen on cheer, had this to say; “I enjoy cheer because you really get to show off your energy at all athletic events, and form a close bond with each other and the players.”

On the other hand, a senior in orchesis; Quartney Mcraw, stated; “I chose orchesis over cheer because as strange as it sounds - I don’t like being verbal in front of a crowd, and I’m more of a dancer. Cheer is very straight; orchesis is more groovy.” This brings to light how orchesis often revolves around the music being played alongside its talented dancers, while cheer is absent from this element. When asked why she prefers orchesis to cheer, Bianca Pacheco (also a senior in orchesis) said “Because as dancers, we all have a passion to dance.”

While these teams compete with each other, they are each extremely unique and incomparable in many ways. The best way to truly decide which one you prefer is to see and support these skilled and passionate groups in action!