Ben Carter
Candlesticks is a basic cheerleading motion. To perform it, a cheerleader extends their arms straight out in front of them, holding their fists facing each other as if they were holding a lit candle in each hand. The arms are held at chest level, parallel to the ground. This motion is similar to the buckets motion, except that the hands are rotated so that the circles made by the thumbs and forefingers point upwards. Candlesticks can be performed in a high or low variation, and it is also used as an arm position for the pike jump.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Motion type | Core motion, basic cheer motion |
| Arm position | Arms extended straight out in front, parallel to the ground, chest level |
| Fist position | Fingers tucked in tight, thumbs wrapped around fingers |
| Hand position | Fists facing each other, as if holding a lit candle in each hand |
| Head position | Head up, facing forward |
| Shoulder position | Shoulders back |
Explore related products
Candlesticks vs. buckets
Candlesticks and buckets are both basic cheerleading motions that involve the positioning of the arms. To perform the candlesticks motion, extend both arms straight out in front of you and hold them at chest level while keeping them parallel to the ground. Your hands should be in fists, with the insides facing each other so that your thumbs are on top and your pinkies are on the bottom. Your thumbs should wrap around your fingers, not rest on top of them. As always, keep your head up, facing forward, and your shoulders back.
The buckets motion is very similar to the candlesticks motion, except that the fingers of your fists should face down towards the floor as if holding buckets of water. Do not let the wrists bend. From the basic buckets position, you can perform the cross buckets motion by crossing one arm over the other at the wrist. Keep your wrists resting on top of each other.
Both motions can be performed in a high or low variation. In the high variation, both arms extend up at about a 45-degree angle, while in the low variation, both arms extend down at about a 45-degree angle.
Other basic cheerleading motions include the T motion, L motion, K motion, hands on hips, diagonals, touchdown, daggers, High V, Low V, and variations of them. These motions are the foundation of cheerleading and can be combined or manipulated by "breaking" them (bending the elbows in half) or by switching the direction of the motion (high/low or right/left).
Arranging a Candle Vigil: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Arm position
The arm position for the candlesticks motion in cheerleading is fairly straightforward. To begin, extend both arms straight out in front of you, keeping them at chest level and parallel to the ground. Your arms should be held together, with your fists facing each other. Imagine you are holding a lit candle in each hand, and you don't want to drip wax on the floor. This is similar to the "buckets" motion, except in "buckets," your fists would face downward, as if holding buckets of water.
It's important to maintain proper form throughout the motion. Keep your wrists straight and avoid bending them. Your thumbs should wrap around your fingers, not rest on top of them. Additionally, ensure your head is held high, facing forward, with your shoulders back. This helps to project confidence and energy to the audience.
The candlesticks motion can be performed in both high and low variations. In the high variation, your arms are raised above your head, similar to the "touchdown" motion. Your fists should be flat, with the palms facing each other, and your arms tucked in close to your ears. This variation adds dynamism and intensity to your routine.
On the other hand, the low variation of the candlesticks motion involves lowering your arms to your sides, similar to the "clean" position. Your arms are squeezed tightly against your body, with your fists resting on your hip bones. This variation creates a sleek and streamlined effect in your performance.
The candlesticks motion is a fundamental building block for other cheerleading moves. It serves as a basis for jumps and more complex arm movements. By mastering the candlesticks motion and its variations, you can develop the strength, flexibility, and technique required for more advanced cheerleading stunts.
Restaurant Candles: Safety or Ambiance?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Fist formation
A good cheer fist has the fingers tucked in tight, with the thumb wrapped closely around the fingers, not resting on top of them. Keep your head held high, facing forward, and your shoulders back.
For the Candlestick motion, extend both arms straight out in front of you, parallel to the ground, and hold them at chest level. The fists should face each other, with the fingers pointing upwards, as if you were holding a lit candle in each hand and didn't want to drip wax on the floor.
The Candlestick motion is similar to the Bucket motion, except for the hands. In the Bucket motion, the arms are also extended straight out in front, but the fists face downward, as if holding buckets of water. Ensure the wrists do not bend.
The Candlestick motion can also be performed in a pike jump. For this, both legs will come up straight in front, with arms in the Candlestick position. This jump is performed facing the side so the crowd can really see the shape.
Why Do Candles Flicker?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Core motions
Motions are the foundation of cheerleading. They are the building blocks for every other move. The hands are typically held in a fist for most cheerleading motions. To make a proper fist, tuck your fingers in tight and wrap your thumb around your fingers.
The T motion is a basic move where both arms extend straight out to the sides, parallel to the ground. Big circles should face the front, and the arms should be slightly in front. To make a broken T, bend your elbows so that your fists hit right in front of your armpits with little circles facing out.
The High V and Low V are similar to the T motion, except the arms are raised above the head or lowered towards the ground, respectively, at about a 45-degree angle.
The touchdown motion is another simple move where both arms are held directly overhead, tight against the head or ears. The fists should be flat on top with little circles facing forward, and the arms should stay tucked in close to the ears.
The candlesticks motion is similar to the buckets motion. For buckets, both arms punch straight out in front, parallel to each other and the ground. The fists should face downward as if holding buckets of water. For candlesticks, the hands rotate so that the circles are facing the sky, as if holding lit candles.
Michaels' Candle-Making Supplies: Everything You Need
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Variations
Candlesticks is a cheerleading motion that involves extending your arms out in front of you with your fists facing each other as if you were holding a lit candle in each hand. This motion can be performed in a high or low variation, with the hands staying on the hips or clean to the side.
One variation of the candlesticks motion is to combine it with other arm motions. For example, you can perform a "T" motion by extending your arms out to the side in the shape of a "T", with your arms at a 45-degree angle and your fists facing the crowd. This can be combined with a jump, where the legs snap up towards the arms with force.
Another variation is to perform candlesticks while jumping. This can be done with a pike jump, where both legs come up straight in front, showing the crowd the shape of the jump. Alternatively, the arms can be in a high V or a high touchdown position during a tuck jump, which is a beginner-friendly jump where the knees come up to the chest.
Candlesticks can also be combined with more advanced jumps, such as the "around the world" jump, which consists of pulling the legs up in a pike position and then rotating them out to a toe touch before landing. This jump is extremely impressive when performed well.
The Perfectly Packed Candle Gift
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The candle sticks motion starts with your arms straight out in front of you, held at chest level, and parallel to the ground.
Your hands should be in fists with your thumbs wrapped around your fingers. Your fists should face each other, as if you were holding a lit candle in each hand.
The candle sticks and buckets motions are very similar. However, for the buckets motion, the fists should face downwards towards the floor.
The T motion involves holding both arms straight out to the sides, parallel to the ground, with the thumbs facing forward.
Yes, the candle sticks motion can be performed in the air as part of a jump, such as a pike jump.
