They are world famous in China and their eye-catching displays were one of the stories of the 2010 Asian Games. The Chinese cheerleaders were blamed for losses by some of the male teams, and tales of their beauty and poise have criss-crossed the globe.
Cheerleading is stretching the boundaries as
a sportswriter but there are probably worse ways to lose your journalistic credibility.
An interview was requested through the official channels. Several layers of bureaucracy later the request was granted, and the Herald crew travelled to the beach volleyball venue on the outskirts of the city.
Their manager didn't speak English, but thankfully the team captain did.
Michelle was the team leader and told of the detailed search to find girls with the right mix of beauty, style and athleticism.
As well as retaining several dancers who had performed at the Beijing Olympics, there was also a nationwide search through the universities where potential dancers were interviewed then put through an audition.
"They need to be beautiful, that is most important," said Michelle. "We also look at body shape," she said matter-of factly, "and of course dancing ability."
"She is always approaching beautiful girls on the street," jokes fellow dancer Joanna. She walks up to them and asks them if they can dance.
These girls, part of the 'Fashion Dance' team, have no issue with the claims that they have been too distracting, especially for the male athletes from Muslim countries.
"That is the price for us," says Joanna. "We look sexy, we look hot and lovely and our job is to make the audience and competitors feel relaxed and happy. It is [an] honour for us."
Chinese media covered the exploits of the girls with a mix of pride and curiosity. Cheerleading is quite new here but once again they taken a western concept and tried to perfect it.
Their routines are certainly a few steps above the "Give us an A" that one might see at Eden Park or Mt Smart Stadium. They combine elements of Chinese martial arts and traditional dance in a unique way and often spectacular way.
After talking with the Fashion Dance team, I was told "I had to" also interview the other squad.
Vanessa was the leader of the 'Magic Dolls' - apparently named after the Pussy Cat dolls.
She felt any recognition was just reward for all their hard work, having trained every day, morning and night for three months leading up to the Games.
She also dismissed any claims that the athletes were losing focus.
"They are just kidding," she laughed. "If they lose the game it is not because of us."
She is a professional dancer while most of the troupe are students, studying anything from design to hotel management to Chinese literature.
"I love that the people love us," said Michelle. "I hope that one day we can perform all around the world."
That remains to be seen, but one thinks that being world famous in China isn't a bad place to start.
- Herald on Sunday
Meet the stars of the Asian Games (+ video)
They are world famous in China and their eye-catching displays were one of the stories of the 2010 Asian Games. The Chinese cheerleaders were blamed for losses by some of the male teams, and tales of their beauty and poise have criss-crossed the globe.
Cheerleading is stretching the boundaries as
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