Cheerleaders conjure up an image of the all American girl with flowing blonde hair, teeth the colour of snow, smiling behind chunky metal braces - and a pushy mother nodding approvingly to every routine.

Since I am none of the above, I was looking forward to the challenge of taking part in a training session with The Bullettes.

As I entered the training session at Buttershaw First School I knew I had come to the right place as boys had gathered outside.

The group are a mixed bunch in their teens or early 20s. Many attend school, one is studying at Leeds University and another teaches dance.

Leading the Bullettes through their steps is instructor and choreographer Hazel Robson, 30, of Baildon. She set up Premier Dance, the official cheerleading club for the Superleague champions, almost three years ago.

Hazel said it is exciting to be a part of the team. "Most people do not realise it is both physically and mentally demanding," she said.

"There are 15 basic routines to learn. We dance to a live band and sometimes will not know what we are dancing to until three days before. The girls have to be dedicated and very quick learners."

The girls get into their stride during a warm-up of modern dance with classical moves from ballet. There are high kicks, pointed toes - and they do smile.

To become a Bullette you have to undergo a lot of training and have a passion for dancing. They rehearse twice a week and training increases depending on the level of the fixture.

I was given the basic move of stepping to the left and shaking a pom-pom, repeating the move to the right, back to the left and then taking the pom poms above my head.

Next I was taught what I dubbed a 'Page 3 model' pose. Back leg slightly bent, front leg very bent, back straight and holding a pom-pom in the air, with the other arm by your side.

Veteran member Victoria West, 22,of Baildon, said it is a great feeling to be a member of the group. "The first time I performed the atmosphere was electric. The crowd really gets behind you," she said.

Student Adele Leeman, 20 of Low Moor, said they can sometimes forget a move but help each other pick it up again.

Youngest bullette is Odsal 15-year-old Natalie Towers who has had one embarrassing moment. As she rushed onto the ground at Old Trafford to entertain the crowds for Great Britain v Australia her skirt began to fall down.

"The crowd were all cheering and just waiting for it to fall. But I kept dancing and held the skirt up with one hand," she said.

If you think you got what it takes to be a Bullette, call Mavis Robson on (01274) 672541.

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