Go for it... cheerleading

Schooldays here are rubbish compared to the US experience.

There you have the prom and dates at the drive-in with dreamy football captains named Corey or Brad, instead of uniforms and Latin and single-sex schools. PE doesn't mean running around a rain-sodden hockey field, but cavorting provocatively in a Britney-esque mini-skirt and pom-poms. It means being a cheerleader.

Judging by the numbers at this Saturday-morning class, being a cheerleader remains a common teen fantasy. A quick scan of the room reveals more braces than Eighties Wall Street. Disappointingly, there are no pom-poms. 'This is cheerleading for 2002,' says teacher Nicky. Which means no natty uniforms or yells of, 'Give us an A!' but hip, street-jazz routines to an R&B soundtrack. In fact, there's very little whooping at all.

The class starts with lots of stretching ? vital as you're going to be doing a lot of high-kicks and, if you're capable, the splits. Once warmed up, Nicky starts teaching us the routine. There's some real talent here, with some of the girls able to show off some posey gymnastic moves. Others, however, are just there for a laugh, which is more reassuring.

By the end of the class, we just about have the moves sussed and are nearly capable of doing them in a synchronised manner. It's still a bit haphazard, but a few more classes and it should start to look slick.

Nicky has plans to put together a cheerleading team to support an as yet unconfirmed London sporting side. Judging by the standard (and numbers) here, competition will be pretty high, but if you've always fancied yourself as the head cheerleader type, get down to Pineapple and have a go.

Cheerleading, Pineapple, 6 Langley Street, WC2
(020-7836 4004).
Saturdays 10am
£5 plus £2 entry fee.