When Lydia Shawcross set up her first cheerleading classes at Lowton High School a decade ago, she was just 18 years old with 15 dancers and two teams. Today, Gemstone Cheer & Dance has more than 200 members, six coaches, its own gym in Leigh, and a track record that includes world titles and a performance at Wembley Stadium.
This month, the club celebrates its 10th anniversary — and to mark the milestone, Lydia is throwing a fun day open to the whole community on Saturday, 14 November.
Lydia grew up in the all-star cheerleading and dance world herself and wanted to give children in the local area the same opportunities, without the travelling she had to do.
“Ten years ago, I started Gemstone Cheer & Dance at Lowton High School with just 15 dancers across two teams,” said Lydia Shawcross, Founder and Director of Gemstone Cheer & Dance.
“Having grown up in the all-star cheerleading and dance community myself, I wanted to give local children the same opportunities and experiences I had, without them having to travel like I did. With a lot of help and support from my family, what started as a small dream has grown into a club of over 200 members, six coaches and our own gym to call home.”
Lydia Shawcross, the founder of Gemstone Cheer & Dance
A decade of highlights
The club has gone on to achieve things that would have been hard to imagine in those early days at Lowton High School. Among the standout moments: athletes crowned Allstar World Champions in Florida in 2023, dancers performing at half-time at Wembley Stadium during the Challenge Cup Final as part of the club’s partnership with Leigh Leopards, and supporting the BBC and Vernon Kay at the finish line of his Ultra Marathon for Children in Need.
The next chapter is already in the diary. In February 2027, Gemstone will travel to Las Vegas, where athletes will compete at a cheerleading competition and perform at a rugby league event alongside dancers from other countries.
For Lydia, it is the community Gemstone has built that means the most.
“My greatest achievement is seeing the community Gemstone has become,” she said. “It’s so much more than a cheerleading and dance club; it’s a family where children can build confidence, make lifelong friendships and create memories they’ll carry with them forever.
“I’m incredibly proud of how far the club has come and so grateful to every athlete, family member, coach and supporter who has been part of the journey over the last ten years.”
Come and join the celebrations
Gemstone is marking its anniversary with a community fun day at their gym, at Unit 4, Chapel Street, Leigh, on Saturday, 14 November from 10am to 2pm. The day is open to all and will feature entertainer Louby Lou, mascots, inflatables and face painters.
Tickets are available via the Gemstone Cheer & Dance website.