See cheerleading evolve from timeless spirit to tiny shorts

Whether you've fantasized about being one, dating one or slapping one straight across the face, you (and just about everyone else in America) probably have an opinion about cheerleaders. They're firmly ingrained in the nation's culture — and have been for the better part of the last century. With their pom-poms held high and their spirits even higher, these guardians of morale are a fixture of the typical high-school experience. And since its all-male origins at colleges over a century ago, cheerleading has gone pro. Now, decidedly more feminine cheerleaders are nearly as big a part of the NFL as the players. In this gallery, we chart the evolution of cheerleaders from their covered-up, co-ed beginnings to the "Bring it On" attitude, athleticism and booty shorts of today.

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