Cheerleaders in the 1950s were selected for sex appeal and their ability to dance.

The 1980s introduced modern cheerleading, with difficult stunts and gymnastics choreographed into sophisticated dance routines. From sassy to skilful in three decades.

The Tornados Isla Burgess, 12, Mikaela Dodson, 15, India Sprague, 15, Jaime Mitchinson, 12, Anna Grigson, 12, and Priya Shiriwastow, 11. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

Today's 21st century cheerleaders are proving cheerleading isn't going out of fashion.

Tauranga's Bay Twisters' try-outs for 2016, teams are today, for boys and girls aged five to 18.

Manager Rebecca Grigson says boys and girls will be shown the basics of cheerleading by Bay Twisters' head coach Brian Armstrong, before they're asked to perform the steps themselves.

'We will also assess their tumbling experience, if any. This is only to put them in the right teams for next year based on age and experience.”

There will be try-outs for beginners, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Rebecca says no experience is needed to try out. 'We can take on any amount. As this is a team sport, a big team looks fantastic.”

Cheerleading isn't just for the girls, says Rebecca, who encourages boys to try out too.

'It's a team sport that is open to both boys and girls. Boys are great as they have stamina and can lift the girls easily.”

The Bay Twisters' Team Try Outs is at Unit 2, 116 Third Ave, today.

Beginners auditions are 10.30am-11.30am, intermediate at 11.30am-12.30pm, and advanced from 1pm-2pm.

For more information, email Rebecca at [email protected]