Annie Larouche, Director, Cheerleaders and Promotions

I don’t look at the shape of a girl’s body or the colour of her hair when I’m selecting cheerleaders. She could be the most beautiful girl, but if she can’t dance or doesn’t smile, she won’t make the team.

She must have dance training, experience and ability. Then we look for a winning personality. All dancers are in shape. They have to be to have the stamina and flexibility needed to dance. So it doesn’t matter if a girl is short and tiny, or tall with a bigger frame, as long as she’s fit to dance.

If two girls are equally good dancers, I’ll look at the energy that comes across from each one. I’m looking for girls with a positive vibe. The beauty I see in the cheerleaders doesn’t come from makeup or hairstyles. It comes from how good they feel by living an active, healthy lifestyle. They come across as relaxed, happy people with great energy.

If you want to be beautiful – or handsome – from the inside out, I strongly recommend a healthy, active lifestyle. How you treat your body greatly affects how you look and feel. Your energy makes as much of an impression as your appearance.

Find physical activities that you like to do on a regular basis. Try to exercise daily, even if it’s only a 15-minute walk. Exercise is a great stress reliever.

I don’t believe in diets that make you go hungry. Three balanced meals and two nutritious snacks a day not only keep you healthy, but help your skin, hair and nails to look their best. Of course, like everyone, cheerleaders sometimes eat junk food or sweets, but they’re an occasional treat, not a daily habit.

Also, get enough rest. It’s called beauty sleep for a good reason. Most teens are sleep-deprived. You need between 8½ and 9¼ hours of sleep a night to look and feel your best.

Most important, be happy with who you are right now, even if you want to improve yourself. I know it’s difficult when there’s so much peer pressure to be like others, but people comfortable in their own skin come across as naturally beautiful and confident.

Sports build your confidence

Keshia Lespoir, Dawson College student and avid basketball player

I’ve been playing basketball since Grade 6. I love the game! It’s a passion for me.

For several years, I played for my high school team and a community team. I had a game or a practice nearly every day. I had to be very disciplined about my schoolwork, because if you don’t pass your courses, you can’t remain on a team.

Whenever a teacher gave us free time in class, I did as much of my homework as possible. Basketball motivated me to learn how to manage my time well.

The game requires great communication among a team’s players. It has taught me how to be confident when I talk with people. When it’s time for class discussions, I don’t hesitate to speak up.

Basketball has also taught me how to be a good team player, which makes me better at working on group projects at school.