Wonderland: Boy Cheerleaders

BBC Two’s documentary strand, Wonderland, returns with a look at a group of boys preparing for a national cheerleading competition.

In true Billy Elliot style, they come from a tough area of Leeds but have chosen to fly in the face of society’s expectations by joining the DAZL Diamonds. Last year it was enough that they had participated in the competition, but this year their head coach is aiming for nothing less than a top three place. As the day of the competition looms ever larger the pressure to perform seems likely to be too much for some.

This documentary starts off by showing us the area of South Leeds the young dancers come from, and the home environments that have shaped them. What is clear from the off is that Ian, the coach, is the only significant male presence in the lives of these young boys. It is seemingly up to him to combine his role as coach with that of social worker. The fact that he performs both roles so well is a testament to his drive and vision of dance as a positive influence on their lives outside. His tough, no nonsense attitude clearly has an effect on his charges.

For Josh, 13, the temptation to play the fool and get into trouble in order to live up to his reputation has seen him suspended from school three times in less than two years. Ian’s warning that he risks his place in the squad seems to hit home, because, as Ian observes, Josh is a different person in the dance studio.

Harvey lives and breathes dance, but when he pushes his mother too far at home she tells him he cannot continue with the Diamonds. The look on his face as he watches his friends try the routine without him is heartbreaking. Can Ian’s patient diplomacy get Harvey’s mum on side with an audition at the Northern Ballet weeks away?

While the documentary probably concentrates on the home lives too much in the first half, once the competition takes centre stage you will find yourself cheering the Diamonds on as fervently as Ian.



Airs at 9pm on Wednesday 13th October 2010 on BBC Two.

Reviewed by David Pearce.