Cheer Athletics Telford recently stepped onto one of the UK’s biggest stages, as athletes from its Dance Athletics Open Pom team delivered a standout performance on Britain’s Got Talent, earning a standing ovation from both the judges and a packed live audience.
The opportunity came following the success of athletes Rosie Swinnerton and Marvinder Kang at the World Games in China in summer 2025. Their achievements caught the attention of the Britain’s Got Talent production team, who began discussions about bringing their talent to a national audience. What followed was the selection of the wider Dance Athletics Open Pom programme at Cheer Athletics Telford—part of Cheer Athletics’ specialist dance offering—to take part in the show.
Working closely with producers, the athletes developed a performance concept that combined strong technical execution with high-impact staging. With only two full team practices to choreograph and refine the routine, the group prepared to take on a completely new kind of performance environment—one that demanded both precision and presence on a national platform.
The team travelled from their Cheer Athletics Telford training facility to the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool, where they took part in technical rehearsals and filming. On Friday 3 October, they performed in front of the judging panel, including Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and KSI.
Opening with Rosie and Marv, the performance quickly built in energy and scale as additional athletes joined them on stage. The routine showcased the defining elements of Pom dance and performance cheer—sharp timing, athleticism, and synchronized execution—bringing a style not often seen on mainstream UK television into the spotlight.
The reaction was immediate. The audience responded with enthusiasm throughout, and all four judges rose to their feet at the conclusion of the performance. Alesha Dixon praised the group’s timing and stage presence, highlighting the quality and professionalism of the athletes on stage.
Behind the scenes, the experience was equally memorable. With the full performance details kept closely managed throughout the day, the athletes balanced rehearsals, interviews, and preparation in a high-pressure environment. Coaches Emily Overton and Laura Harris supported the team throughout, while Rachael Smart, owner of Cheer Athletics Telford and Head Coach of Dance Athletics, watched from the audience as the performance unfolded.
Reflecting on the moment, Rachael Smart shared: “Their performance marks a huge moment for Pom dance and performance cheer across the UK. To see this style recognised and celebrated on such a major platform is incredibly important. It highlights the athleticism, precision and artistry that define our sport.”
This appearance represents more than a single performance. It signals continued growth in visibility for Pom dance and performance cheer in the UK, and reinforces Cheer Athletics’ commitment to developing athletes who can perform at the highest level—both in competition and on the world stage.
Founded in Plano, Texas, Cheer Athletics is a globally recognised leader in cheerleading and performance training, and the parent organisation behind its Cheer, Dance and Stunt programmes, including its specialist dance brand, Dance Athletics. With locations across the United States and internationally, Cheer Athletics continues to set the standard for excellence, with Cheer Athletics Telford playing a key role in growing the sport across the UK.
