becoming a pro cheerleader (ft. Napoleon Jinnies)

TL;DR

Tyler Oakley learns cheerleading skills from NFL cheerleader Napoleon Jinnies while discussing representation.

Transcript

• Is this how it's done? Sorry, are you ready?
• Gotcha. Hi, Everyone. My name is Tyler Oakley and I am here today with the one and only Napoleon Jinnies. - Hi, Everybody. - How are you? - I'm good, how are you doing? - You know I'm alive. - Alive, thriving. - Thriving. - About to do all the things. - About to do the things. We met on the set of a ... Read More

Key Insights

• 💋 Napoleon Jinnies was one of the first male cheerleaders to perform at the Super Bowl, marking a significant milestone in gender inclusivity in sports.
• 👟 Cheerleading requires as much physical dedication and training as other athletic disciplines, debunking stereotypes that devalue its complexity.
• 💅 The audition process for professional cheerleading can be intimidating, especially for men, as many have historically avoided showing up at auditions.
• 👶 Tyler's humor and approachability make the learning experience enjoyable, showcasing the fun side of embracing new challenges.
• 🫒 Napoleon highlights the non-appearance aspects of being a cheerleader, such as engaging with the crowd, handling live performance pressures, and constant practice.
• ❓ Culturally, the misconceptions surrounding cheerleading often underestimate the commitment and professionalism required to succeed.
• 🧑‍🏫 Tyler shows curiosity about all aspects of cheerleading and shares a genuine appreciation for the skills being taught, making the collaboration both educational and entertaining.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired Tyler Oakley to collaborate with Napoleon Jinnies for this video?

Tyler was inspired to create this video after meeting Napoleon during the Abercrombie Pride Campaign shoot for Fierce Cologne. He was impressed by the incredible queer individuals present at the shoot, particularly Napoleon, and expressed a desire to learn cheerleading from him, leading to this fun collaboration.

Q: How does Napoleon redefine the perception of male cheerleaders?

Napoleon emphasizes that cheerleading is a legitimate sport requiring rigorous training and dedication. He mentions being one of the first male cheerleaders to perform at the Super Bowl, highlighting how he and other male cheerleaders had to break stereotypes and prove their capability in a traditionally female-dominated field.

Q: What were some techniques Napoleon taught Tyler during their cheerleading session?

Napoleon taught Tyler essential cheerleading techniques such as proper foot positioning, high kicks, and how to perform coordinated dance moves. He emphasized the importance of posture and sharp movements, showing how to engage the audience effectively while cheering.

Q: How does Napoleon feel about the representation of queer individuals in cheerleading today?

Napoleon expressed pride in being out and visible as a queer individual in a space where representation is still emerging. He believes it's important to inspire younger generations by being true to oneself, and he values the opportunity to normalize queer identities in professional cheerleading.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Tyler Oakley chats with NFL cheerleader Napoleon Jinnies, sharing their experiences and insights on cheerleading and representation in the sport.

• Napoleon demonstrates cheerleading techniques to Tyler, highlighting the athleticism and dedication required in cheerleading beyond common stereotypes.

• The duo engages in a fun learning session filled with laughter, while promoting inclusivity for queer individuals in the cheerleading world.