WHAT TO EXPECT
What It’s Like to Be Part of Dakota Spirit Cheer
At Dakota Spirit, we want every athlete and family to feel prepared and confident before joining out programs. From your first practice to competitions and events, we provide a safe, supportive, and fun environment where athletes of all ages and skill levels can grow. You can expect expert coaching, structured training, and opportunities to develop tumbling, stunting, and cheer skills. Families will also enjoy clear communication, helpful resources, and a community that values teamwork, character, and confidence. Whether your child is just starting out or advancing to an All-Star team, Dakota Spirit ensures a positive and rewarding cheer experience from start to finish.
Athlete Expectations
Dakota Spirit teams and classes promote spiritual, physical and mental development while building self-confidence, good character, and commitment in youth. The lessons learned at Dakota Spirit will make winners for life!
Why Dakota Spirit? Dakota Spirit was the first youth cheerleading program in South Dakota and remains to be a top program in the Midwest. Whether your child is looking for recreational fun in tumbling and cheerleading or the intensity of competing, there is a place for every child at Dakota Spirit. Our experienced staff and fully equipped facility at Dakota Spirit provide a safe place for your child to learn tumbling and cheerleading skills!
What Sets Our Facility Apart
Dakota Spirit’s facility is intentionally designed to support safe, high-quality training at every level. With top-tier equipment, well-maintained spring floors, and dedicated areas for skill development, our gym provides athletes with the space and tools they need to thrive. Monthly safety inspections, a welcoming layout, and a parent-friendly viewing area all work together to create a professional, inviting environment where athletes can train with confidence.
Amenities
Our 11,500-square-foot gym is outfitted with two full spring floors, a tumble track, a training trampoline, and a rod floor—providing athletes with the tools and space needed for safe, effective skill development.
Viewing Areas
Parents are welcome to stay and observe practices from our designated viewing area, offering a comfortable, unobtrusive space to watch their athlete train.
Safety
Athlete safety comes first at Dakota Spirit. Our facility follows gym-wide safety standards and undergoes monthly inspections to ensure a clean, secure, and dependable training environment.
What to expect on your first day!
What To Bring
For tumbling classes, athletes can wear any athletic gear with cheer shoes. Athletes enrolled on a team will receive practice gear and are required to wear it at each practice.
When To Arrive
Parents and athletes should arrive 15 minutes early for their first day of practice.
Where To Watch
The Dakota Spirit facility has a viewing area for parents who choose to stay and watch practice.
New Member Checklist
Welcome to Dakota Spirit! To help you start the season feeling confident and prepared, we’ve put together a simple, step-by-step checklist for all new families. Complete each item below to ensure your athlete has everything they need for a smooth and successful year.
Complete The Required Forms
Fill out the Dakota Spirit Athlete Information Form and all 2026–2027 season paperwork.
This ensures we have accurate details to support your athlete throughout the year.
Practice Gear
Complete sizing for your athlete’s practice gear so everything fits and arrives on time.
Create Your GoMotion Profile
Confirm your child’s profile, including an up-to-date photo. Double-check that all information is complete and correct.
Order & Pay for Uniform
Complete your new uniform purchase and make sure the payment is submitted.
Confirm Billing & Tuition Setup
Review your billing preferences and payment method in GoMotion. Be sure to complete your tuition agreement.
Organize Your Email
Create a designated Dakota Spirit email folder for schedules, updates, and communication. This makes it easier to stay organized during a busy season.
Join the Correct BAND Groups
Join your team’s BAND group.
New families should also join the New Parent BAND, where you can ask questions and receive helpful updates. Email info@dakotaspirit.com and indicate your athlete’s team and name, and we will email you the link to this!
Get Ready for a Great Season!
You’re all set—welcome to the Dakota Spirit family! We’re thrilled to have you and can’t wait to cheer with you this year.
GoMotion Account Requirement
All participating families are required to have a GoMotion account. This will be used as the primary registration and billing system. All information should be kept up-to-date throughout the season.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Your Top Questions, Answered
We’ve gathered a few of the most common questions families ask about Dakota Spirit — from class options to team commitments.
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Dakota Spirit offers a variety of cheerleading and tumbling classes and teams tailored to different commitment and skill levels, including Performance, Prep, and All-Star programs.
Dakota Spirit teams and classes promote spiritual, physical, and mental development while building self-confidence, good character, and commitment in youth. The lessons learned at Dakota Spirit will make winners for life!
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Dakota Spirit was the first youth cheerleading program in South Dakota and remains to be a top program in the Midwest. Whether your child is looking for recreational fun in tumbling and cheerleading or the intensity of competing, there is a place for every child at Dakota Spirit. Our experienced staff and fully equipped facility at Dakota Spirit provide a safe place for your child to learn tumbling and cheerleading skills!
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No prior experience is required to join. Dakota Spirit provides programs suitable for beginners through advanced athletes.
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Dakota Spirit offers a variety of cheer teams designed to meet athletes where they are—whether they’re just starting out, building skills, or competing at an elite level. Each program focuses on growth, confidence, teamwork, and a positive, faith-centered environment.
Half-Season Performance Teams
Perfect for athletes looking for a shorter commitment, Half-Season Performance Teams introduce cheer fundamentals in a fun, supportive setting. These teams focus on basic skills, routines, and performance opportunities without the time demands of a full season. Learn More >Performance Teams
Performance Teams offer a recreational cheer experience with a bit more structure and skill development. Athletes learn routines, build coordination, and perform locally while enjoying a balanced commitment that fits busy family schedules. Learn More >Prep Teams
Prep Teams are designed for athletes ready to take the next step into competitive cheer. This program bridges the gap between performance cheer and All-Star competition, emphasizing skill progression, teamwork, and confidence—without extensive travel. Learn More >All-Star Prep Teams
All-Star Prep Teams provide a competitive cheer experience with a lighter commitment than elite-level teams. Athletes participate in higher-level routines and select competitions while continuing to develop strong fundamentals in a supportive, structured environment. Learn More >All-Star Elite Teams
All-Star Elite Teams are for dedicated athletes ready to compete at the highest levels of cheerleading. This nationally recognized program features advanced skill training, elite coaching, year-round commitment, and travel to major competitions—while emphasizing character, leadership, and teamwork. Learn More >Cheer Abilities
Cheer Abilities is an inclusive program designed for athletes of all abilities. This team focuses on confidence, movement, teamwork, and joy, creating a welcoming environment where every athlete can shine and be celebrated. Learn More > -
Classes include tumbling and flexibility classes for all ages!
Want to dig deeper? View our full FAQ page for complete details.
Still have questions? Let's chat!
Have questions about teams, training, lessons, scheduling or finding the right fit? We're here to help!