For young performer Amberle Cheng, years of training in dance, gymnastics and the performing arts have provided a foundation built on discipline, creativity and determination. Now, the New Jersey-based entertainer has discovered another outlet for those skills through cheerleading, an experience that has not only expanded her abilities as a performer but also introduced her to the rewarding world of coaching.
Already familiar with the demands of performing onstage and in front of the camera, Amberle welcomed the opportunity to become part of a cheerleading team, embracing the athleticism, coordination and camaraderie that come with the sport.
“Cheer has such a fun, upbeat energy, positive vibes, excitement, and a real team spirit!” Amberle shared. “Being part of the team has taught me so much, and I truly appreciate the teamwork, encouragement, and opportunity to learn and grow together.”
Her transition into cheerleading was supported by years of dance and gymnastics training. Having studied hip-hop and other dance styles, Amberle was already accustomed to learning choreography, maintaining physical control and working alongside other performers. Her gymnastics background also proved valuable as she explored the technical aspects of cheerleading, including taking on the responsibilities of both a base and a flyer.
Although the disciplines share similarities, Amberle quickly discovered that cheerleading presented its own challenges, particularly the importance of synchronization and uniformity across an entire team.
“The discipline and training I developed through dance helped me learn cheerleading quickly,” she explained. “My dance background taught me focus, coordination, dedication, and the importance of teamwork, which made it easier to adapt and enjoy this new experience.”
While developing her own cheerleading abilities was an exciting addition to her schedule, an unexpected opportunity to mentor younger students became one of the most meaningful parts of the experience. Through a coaching program associated with her high school’s varsity cheerleading team, Amberle became one of four coaches responsible for guiding a team of fourth-grade cheerleaders.
The role introduced an entirely different set of responsibilities. Instead of concentrating solely on her own performance, Amberle found herself helping younger students develop their skills, overcome challenges and discover the confidence to participate.
“Coaching younger kids has taught me patience, compassion, and responsibility,” she said. “It has also helped me become a better leader by learning how to encourage, guide, and support others with different personalities and learning abilities.”
For Amberle, coaching quickly became about much more than teaching routines. She learned that younger students respond differently to instruction and that building trust is often the first step toward helping someone succeed. Working with children who were initially shy or uncertain required her to take the initiative, start conversations and create an environment where everyone felt comfortable and included.
“Once I gained their trust, it became easier to communicate, encourage them, and help them participate in the team,” Amberle explained. “This experience taught me that every child is different and that being a good coach means knowing how to connect with each child in their own way.”
The experience also gave Amberle a greater appreciation for the responsibilities of her own teachers and coaches. Punctuality, organization, clear communication and dependability became essential qualities as she learned to balance her role as a student with the expectations of being a mentor.
“After coaching, I realized that leadership is not just about telling others what to do. It is about listening, understanding, motivating, and helping others grow.”
Her approach to teaching has been influenced by the training she received throughout her performing arts journey, including her experience at the Joffrey Ballet School Summer Intensive, where she participated in the hip-hop program. The demanding nature of that training reinforced the importance of persistence, patience and maintaining a positive attitude when learning difficult choreography. Those lessons have become central to the encouragement she now offers her younger cheerleaders.
“I want to share what I learned from my dance experience with the 4th-grade cheerleaders and encourage them not to give up when they struggle with a new skill,” she said. “I remind them that learning takes time, and with practice and determination, they will continue to improve.”
Amberle has even developed a simple message that she shares with her students whenever they face a challenge.
“Tomorrow will be better than today!”
It is a philosophy that reflects her own approach to training and personal development. Between schoolwork, dance, cheerleading, acting, singing and other creative commitments, Amberle maintains a structured daily routine designed to help her manage her responsibilities while continuing to improve her skills.
She understands that progress rarely happens overnight and believes that consistent effort, even in small increments, can eventually produce meaningful results.
“A skill cannot be mastered in one day. It takes daily practice, patience, discipline, and commitment, day after day and year after year,” she explained. “Through dance and cheerleading, I have learned that consistency is just as important as talent.”
That commitment to continuous improvement has become an important part of her development, both as a performer and as a young leader. Having spent years pursuing opportunities in entertainment, Amberle is familiar with the personal satisfaction that comes from mastering a new skill or achieving a goal. Coaching, however, has introduced her to another kind of accomplishment: watching someone else succeed. Seeing the fourth graders grow more confident, learn new routines and support one another has given her a renewed appreciation for the importance of encouragement and teamwork.
“I have learned that personal growth is about more than developing physical skills. It is also about becoming a better person,” she reflected. “I believe being a good person means supporting others, respecting differences, helping those who need encouragement, and leading by example.”
As Amberle continues exploring her interests in acting, music, dance and cheerleading, the opportunity to coach has added another dimension to her personal journey. It has allowed her to apply the lessons she has learned from her own training while discovering the satisfaction of helping others recognize their potential. For a young performer accustomed to working toward her own ambitions, the experience has offered a different perspective on what it means to achieve success.
“While performing allows me to challenge my own abilities, coaching gives me the opportunity to encourage others, share what I have learned, and celebrate their achievements,” Amberle said. “Watching the younger cheerleaders gain confidence, improve their skills, and reach their goals makes me just as happy as achieving my own goals.”
And perhaps that has been the most valuable lesson of all, “I have learned that success is even more meaningful when I can share it with others.”
To connect with Amberle Cheng, visit her website: www.amberlecheng.com.
