Cheer Daily Logo
  • Home
  • News
    Crack the Code: How to Maximize Your Cheer Scoresheet

    Crack the Code: How to Maximize Your Cheer Scoresheet

    Best Fundraising Companies for Cheerleading: Top Picks to Support Your Season

    Best Fundraising Companies for Cheerleading: Top Picks to Support Your Season

    Gabrielle Union Teases Possibility of a ‘Bring It On’ Sequel with Kirsten Dunst

    Gabrielle Union Teases Possibility of a ‘Bring It On’ Sequel with Kirsten Dunst

    Introducing the Inaugural Cheer Awards — Voting Now Open!

    Introducing the Inaugural Cheer Awards — Voting Now Open!

    Best Cheerleading Events in the World – 2025 Edition

    Best Cheerleading Events in the World – 2025 Edition

    Best Cheerleading Competition Brands in the U.S. – 2025 Edition

    Best Cheerleading Competition Brands in the U.S. – 2025 Edition

    Fuel Your Cheer Team’s Goals with Team Butter’s Delicious Fundraising Options

    Fuel Your Cheer Team’s Goals with Team Butter’s Delicious Fundraising Options

    The Ultimate List of Cheerleading Movies and Shows to Stream

    The Ultimate List of Cheerleading Movies and Shows to Stream

    Nissan Formula E and Top Gun All-Stars Unite in Historic Cheer Partnership

    Nissan Formula E and Top Gun All-Stars Unite in Historic Cheer Partnership

    How The Spirit Network is Keeping the Spirit Alive

    How The Spirit Network is Keeping the Spirit Alive

    Antitrust Lawsuit Challenges Varsity’s Dominance in Cheerleading Events

    Antitrust Lawsuit Challenges Varsity’s Dominance in Cheerleading Events

    A Different Perspective: Finding Strength in the Aftermath of NCA Weekend

    A Different Perspective: Finding Strength in the Aftermath of NCA Weekend

    Trending Tags

    • Cheerleading News
    • Best of Cheer Daily
    • All Star
    • College
    • Industry
    • Olympics
    • School
  • Events
    • All
    • AASCF Nationals
    • AAU Junior Olympics
    • Allstar World Championship
    • Cali Finale
    • ICU
    • NCA All Star Nationals
    • NCA College Nationals
    • STUNT National Championship
    • The Cheerleading World Championship
    • The National Conference
    • The Summit
    • The World Games
    • UCA College
    NCAA Endorses STUNT as Next Collegiate Championship Sport

    NCAA Endorses STUNT as Next Collegiate Championship Sport

    Everything You Need to Know About The National Conference 2025

    Everything You Need to Know About The National Conference 2025

    Watch The D2 Summit 2025 LIVE on Varsity TV – May 9-11

    Watch The D2 Summit 2025 LIVE on Varsity TV – May 9-11

    Maine Stars Glory Becomes First Team from Maine to Win Cheerleading World Championship

    Maine Stars Glory Becomes First Team from Maine to Win Cheerleading World Championship

    TSN Cali Finale and Cheer Daily Team Up for Weekend Coverage in LA

    How to Watch the TSN Cali Finale 2025 Live Stream

    TSN Cali Finale and Cheer Daily Team Up for Weekend Coverage in LA

    TSN Cali Finale and Cheer Daily Team Up for Weekend Coverage in LA

    • The Cheerleading Worlds 2025: Everything You Need to Know
  • Resources
    • The 2025 Cheer Awards
    • 40 Under 40 Nominations
    • Cheer Daily Business Directory
    • Cheerleading Competitions (2025/2026)
    • Cheer Coaches Conferences
    • Cheerleading Stats & Past Results
    • Cheerleading and Dance Jobs
    • Breaking Down Cyberbullying
    • Complete Cheerleading Glossary
    • How Safe is Cheerleading?
    • Understanding Cheerleading Levels, Divisions, and Scoresheets
  • Cheer Shop
    • Cheer Shop Home
    • Cheer Daily Shirt
    • Stunt Stand
    • 2025 Cheer Gift Guide
    • 2025 Cheer Coach Gift Guide
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • About Cheer Daily
    • Our Partners
    • Media Kit & Advertising
    • Cheer Discounts & Promo Codes
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Press
    • Hire a Cheer Writer
    • Support Cheer Daily
    • Write for Cheer Daily
  • Contact
    • Contact Our Team
    • — Submit News
    • Submit Photo/Video
No Result
View All Result
  • Cheer Shop
  • Trending News
  • Vote Now for The Cheer Awards
  • Cheer Legends Nominations
  • USA Cheer Releases New Uniform Guidelines
Cheer Daily Logo
  • Home
  • News
    Crack the Code: How to Maximize Your Cheer Scoresheet

    Crack the Code: How to Maximize Your Cheer Scoresheet

    Best Fundraising Companies for Cheerleading: Top Picks to Support Your Season

    Best Fundraising Companies for Cheerleading: Top Picks to Support Your Season

    Gabrielle Union Teases Possibility of a ‘Bring It On’ Sequel with Kirsten Dunst

    Gabrielle Union Teases Possibility of a ‘Bring It On’ Sequel with Kirsten Dunst

    Introducing the Inaugural Cheer Awards — Voting Now Open!

    Introducing the Inaugural Cheer Awards — Voting Now Open!

    Best Cheerleading Events in the World – 2025 Edition

    Best Cheerleading Events in the World – 2025 Edition

    Best Cheerleading Competition Brands in the U.S. – 2025 Edition

    Best Cheerleading Competition Brands in the U.S. – 2025 Edition

    Fuel Your Cheer Team’s Goals with Team Butter’s Delicious Fundraising Options

    Fuel Your Cheer Team’s Goals with Team Butter’s Delicious Fundraising Options

    The Ultimate List of Cheerleading Movies and Shows to Stream

    The Ultimate List of Cheerleading Movies and Shows to Stream

    Nissan Formula E and Top Gun All-Stars Unite in Historic Cheer Partnership

    Nissan Formula E and Top Gun All-Stars Unite in Historic Cheer Partnership

    How The Spirit Network is Keeping the Spirit Alive

    How The Spirit Network is Keeping the Spirit Alive

    Antitrust Lawsuit Challenges Varsity’s Dominance in Cheerleading Events

    Antitrust Lawsuit Challenges Varsity’s Dominance in Cheerleading Events

    A Different Perspective: Finding Strength in the Aftermath of NCA Weekend

    A Different Perspective: Finding Strength in the Aftermath of NCA Weekend

    Trending Tags

    • Cheerleading News
    • Best of Cheer Daily
    • All Star
    • College
    • Industry
    • Olympics
    • School
  • Events
    • All
    • AASCF Nationals
    • AAU Junior Olympics
    • Allstar World Championship
    • Cali Finale
    • ICU
    • NCA All Star Nationals
    • NCA College Nationals
    • STUNT National Championship
    • The Cheerleading World Championship
    • The National Conference
    • The Summit
    • The World Games
    • UCA College
    NCAA Endorses STUNT as Next Collegiate Championship Sport

    NCAA Endorses STUNT as Next Collegiate Championship Sport

    Everything You Need to Know About The National Conference 2025

    Everything You Need to Know About The National Conference 2025

    Watch The D2 Summit 2025 LIVE on Varsity TV – May 9-11

    Watch The D2 Summit 2025 LIVE on Varsity TV – May 9-11

    Maine Stars Glory Becomes First Team from Maine to Win Cheerleading World Championship

    Maine Stars Glory Becomes First Team from Maine to Win Cheerleading World Championship

    TSN Cali Finale and Cheer Daily Team Up for Weekend Coverage in LA

    How to Watch the TSN Cali Finale 2025 Live Stream

    TSN Cali Finale and Cheer Daily Team Up for Weekend Coverage in LA

    TSN Cali Finale and Cheer Daily Team Up for Weekend Coverage in LA

    • The Cheerleading Worlds 2025: Everything You Need to Know
  • Resources
    • The 2025 Cheer Awards
    • 40 Under 40 Nominations
    • Cheer Daily Business Directory
    • Cheerleading Competitions (2025/2026)
    • Cheer Coaches Conferences
    • Cheerleading Stats & Past Results
    • Cheerleading and Dance Jobs
    • Breaking Down Cyberbullying
    • Complete Cheerleading Glossary
    • How Safe is Cheerleading?
    • Understanding Cheerleading Levels, Divisions, and Scoresheets
  • Cheer Shop
    • Cheer Shop Home
    • Cheer Daily Shirt
    • Stunt Stand
    • 2025 Cheer Gift Guide
    • 2025 Cheer Coach Gift Guide
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • About Cheer Daily
    • Our Partners
    • Media Kit & Advertising
    • Cheer Discounts & Promo Codes
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Press
    • Hire a Cheer Writer
    • Support Cheer Daily
    • Write for Cheer Daily
  • Contact
    • Contact Our Team
    • — Submit News
    • Submit Photo/Video
No Result
View All Result
Cheer Daily Logo
ADVERTISEMENT
Home Features

Celebrating 24 Years of “Bring It On”: 21 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets You Didn’t Know

Cheer Daily by Cheer Daily
10 months ago
in Features
Celebrating 24 Years of “Bring It On”: 21 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets You Didn’t Know

Universal Pictures

Share on FacebookShare on X

It’s hard to believe, but the cheerleading film that defined a generation, Bring It On, is celebrating its 24th anniversary. Released on August 22, 2000, the movie quickly became a box office sensation, debuting at the number one spot in North America and holding that position for two straight weeks. Grossing approximately $90 million worldwide, Bring It On not only won over audiences but also became a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate with cheerleaders, fans, and movie buffs alike.

Stream Bring It On

To honor this milestone, we’re diving into 21 little-known facts about the film that made us all want to put it on the mat and hit zero!

1. The Original Title Was “Cheer Fever”

Before it became Bring It On, the film was originally titled Cheer Fever. The script, written by music video director Jessica Bendinger, was a tough sell in Hollywood, taking over 28 pitches before it found a home.

ADVERTISEMENT

2. Kirsten Dunst Wasn’t the First Choice for Torrance

Although Kirsten Dunst, who was just 17 when she starred in the film, is now synonymous with the role, the part of Torrance was initially offered to Marley Shelton. However, Shelton opted out to star in Sugar and Spice, another cheerleading film that focused on bank-robbing cheerleaders.

3. Gabrielle Union Was Instrumental in Shaping Her Character

Gabrielle Union played Isis, the captain of the Clovers, and she brought a lot to the character. Inspired by Michael Jordan, Union worked closely with director Peyton Reed to develop Isis’s voice, ensuring that she was a strong and authentic leader. Union was deeply involved in making Isis a powerful representation of a Black female leader.

4. Real Cheer Squads Were Used as Extras During Filming

The movie was primarily shot in San Diego County, California, with many scenes filmed at local high schools and San Diego State University. Real high school cheer squads were used as extras, adding an authentic vibe to the film’s portrayal of high school cheerleading.

5. There Was Real On-Set Drama

During the filming, several cast members, including Eliza Dushku and Jesse Bradford, were briefly jailed in Tijuana after a night out got a little too wild. Talk about taking team bonding to a new level!

6. Cheer Boot Camp Was No Joke

Before filming began, the cast underwent a four-week cheerleading boot camp. The rigorous training ensured the actors could perform their own stunts, including pyramids, basket tosses, and tumbling sequences​​.

7. A Surprise Success

Despite initial projections suggesting modest success, Bring It On defied expectations by debuting at number one and grossing $22 million in its opening weekend—far exceeding its $6 million estimate.

Read Moreon Cheer Daily

Best Cheerleading Competition Brands in the U.S. – 2025 Edition

Best Cheerleading Competition Brands in the U.S. – 2025 Edition

June 16, 2025
710
Crack the Code: How to Maximize Your Cheer Scoresheet

Crack the Code: How to Maximize Your Cheer Scoresheet

June 11, 2025
684
Best Fundraising Companies for Cheerleading: Top Picks to Support Your Season

Best Fundraising Companies for Cheerleading: Top Picks to Support Your Season

June 5, 2025
499
Gabrielle Union Teases Possibility of a ‘Bring It On’ Sequel with Kirsten Dunst

Gabrielle Union Teases Possibility of a ‘Bring It On’ Sequel with Kirsten Dunst

June 4, 2025
547

8. An Alternate Ending Exists

In a lesser-known alternate ending, Torrance and Isis both attend UC Berkeley and join the same cheer squad. This version is available on the film’s DVD and offers a different perspective on their rivalry.

9. The Spirit Fingers Were Scripted—But Sparky’s Lines Weren’t

Ian Roberts, who played the eccentric choreographer Sparky Polastri, improvised most of his lines. However, the iconic “spirit fingers” were always part of the plan.

10. The Cast Couldn’t Fake Their Cheer Skills

To land a role in the movie, actors had to perform a cheer during auditions. This was a non-negotiable part of the process, ensuring everyone had the rhythm and coordination needed for the physically demanding roles.

11. The Clovers Almost Didn’t Win Nationals

One of the film’s most debated elements was who would win Nationals. While some argued that the Toros, led by Dunst’s character, should take the crown, the filmmakers ultimately decided that the Clovers’ victory was a more fitting conclusion.

12. Bring It On: The Musical

The legacy of Bring It On extended to Broadway, where Lin-Manuel Miranda co-wrote the music and lyrics for Bring It On: The Musical. The show earned two Tony nominations, proving that the film’s cheer magic was still alive years later.

13. The Teeth-Brushing Scene Was Inspired by Real Life

One of the movie’s most memorable scenes—Torrance and Cliff brushing their teeth together—was inspired by an awkward real-life moment that screenwriter Jessica Bendinger experienced. Kirsten Dunst added her own touch by shielding her mouth while spitting, a move that wasn’t in the script.

ADVERTISEMENT

14. Blaque Was Cast as the Clovers Without Auditioning

The members of the R&B girl group Blaque were offered the roles of three Clovers without needing to audition. Their performances marked their film debut, and Gabrielle Union helped guide them through their first experience acting on camera.

15. The DVD Includes Deleted Clovers Scenes

The movie’s trailer shows scenes with the Clovers that didn’t make it into the final cut. These scenes were filmed after test audiences asked for more of the Clovers, and they can be found on the DVD extras.

16. Warrant’s “Cherry Pie” Was a Major Expense

The rights to use Warrant’s song “Cherry Pie” during the audition montage cost a significant chunk of the film’s $10 million budget—around $40,000, making it the most expensive music cue in the movie.

17. The Movie’s Impact on Cheer Culture

Bring It On didn’t just entertain—it changed the game for cheerleading. After the movie’s release, there was a noticeable uptick in interest in competitive cheerleading across the United States. The film helped bring the sport into the mainstream, inspiring a new generation of athletes and contributing to the popularity of cheerleading competitions. Organizations like the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) and Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) saw increased participation as more people became aware of the athleticism and teamwork involved in cheerleading​.

18. Some Cast Members Celebrated the Film’s Success in Style

After the movie unexpectedly debuted at number one, some of the cast members, including Eliza Dushku, celebrated by jumping into the pool at the Sky Bar in Los Angeles, reveling in the movie’s success.

19. The Cast Members’ Commitment to Cheer

The actors didn’t just act like cheerleaders—they had to be cheerleaders. From rigorous boot camps to learning real stunts, the commitment was intense. Eliza Dushku, for example, showed up to her audition hungover but still impressed by dropping into a split on the spot.

20. Bringing Diversity to the Forefront

One of the reasons Bring It On has remained relevant is its focus on diversity. Gabrielle Union signed on to the movie specifically because it was committed to righting the wrongs of representation in teen films at the time.

21. Kirsten Dunst Surprised Fans at the 24th Anniversary Celebration

Dunst recently thrilled fans by showing up unannounced at Hollywood Forever Cemetery for a special 24th-anniversary screening. She delighted the crowd by reciting iconic cheers from the movie, proving that T-T-T-Torrance can still b-b-b-bring it!

ADVERTISEMENT
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kirsten Dunst (@kirstendunst)

And that’s just a taste of the behind-the-scenes magic that helped Bring It On become a cheerleading classic. Whether you’ve been a fan since the beginning or discovered the film later, there’s no denying its impact on pop culture and the cheer world.

Here’s to 24 years of spirit fingers, fierce stunts, and the unforgettable rivalries that continue to inspire us all. What are your favorite Bring It On moments? Share with us on social media.

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and X for more breaking cheer news and throwbacks like this!

Tags: Bring It OnCheerleadingCheerleading News
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

About

Welcome to Cheer Daily, your definitive source for everything cheerleading. We dive deep into the sport's impact on both personal development and competitive excellence.

Cheer Daily is reader-supported, and we may earn a commission when you click on links to our affiliate partners.

Join our Newsletter

Categories

  • AASCF Nationals
  • AAU Junior Olympics
  • About
  • All Star
  • Allstar World Championship
  • Cali Finale
  • Cheerworthy Awards
  • College
  • Event Producers
  • Events
  • Features
  • ICU
  • In Memoriam
  • Industry
  • NCA All Star Nationals
  • NCA College Nationals
  • News
  • Olympics
  • Opinion
  • Press
  • Resource
  • School
  • STUNT
  • STUNT National Championship
  • The Cheerleading World Championship
  • The National Conference
  • The Summit
  • The World Games
  • UCA College

Tags

All Star Allstar World Championship Backspot Best of Cheer Daily Bring It On Cali Cheer Show California All Stars Cheer Athletics Cheer Daily Cheerleading Cheerleading News Cheer Replay Cheer Worlds 2024 College ICU IOC KKR Monica Aldama Navarro College NCA NCA All Star Nationals NCA College Nationals Netflix Netflix 'Cheer' Olympics Open Championship Series Rebel Athletic Resource Results School Settlement State Championship STUNT Tammy Van Vleet The Cheerleading Worlds The Spirit Network The Summit The World Games Top Gun Tryouts UCA College Nationals USA Cheer USASF Varsity Varsity Brands

Recent Post

  • Crack the Code: How to Maximize Your Cheer Scoresheet
  • Best Fundraising Companies for Cheerleading: Top Picks to Support Your Season
  • Gabrielle Union Teases Possibility of a ‘Bring It On’ Sequel with Kirsten Dunst
  • Introducing the Inaugural Cheer Awards — Voting Now Open!
  • Cheer Replay Launches Game-Changing Scoring and Registration Platform
  • Top Gun Savannah Debuts with 24 Teams in First Year
  • Best Cheerleading Events in the World – 2025 Edition
  • Best Cheerleading Competition Brands in the U.S. – 2025 Edition
  • Is Cheerleading a Sport? The Facts Behind the Fight for Recognition
  • Kristin Chenoweth Joins NBC Cheer Pilot ‘Stumble’
  • Advertise
  • Contribute
  • Cheer Promo Codes
  • FAQs
  • Media Kit
  • Privacy Policy
  • Prize & Giveaway Rules
  • Submit News
  • Support
  • Terms & Conditions

© 2025 Cheer Media, LLC

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Cheer Shop
    • Cheer Daily Tee
    • Stunt Stand
    • 2025 Cheer Gift Guide
    • 2025 Cheer Coach Gift Guide
  • The 2025 Cheer Awards
  • Cheerleading Business Directory
    • Cheer Daily Directory 2025
    • Cheerleading Competition Database (25-26)
  • Cheerleading News
  • Contact
    • Contact Our Team
    • Submit News
    • Submit Photo/Video
  • About
    • Advertise with Cheer Daily
    • About Cheer Daily
    • Contact Us
    • Contribute
    • Hire a Cheer Writer
    • Press
  • Resources
    • Cheer Daily Business Directory 2025
    • Cheerleading Competition Database (25-26)
    • Best Cheer Coaches Conferences
    • Cheerleading and Dance Jobs
    • Cheerleading Stats & Past Results
    • Breaking Down Cyberbullying
    • How Safe is Cheerleading?
    • Understanding Cheerleading Levels, Divisions, and Scoresheets
    • Cheerleading Discounts & Promo Codes
  • Services
    • Media Kit & Advertising
    • Hire a Cheer Writer
    • Web Design
  • Submit News
  • Write for Cheer Daily
  • Keep Cheer Daily Free

© 2025 Cheer Media, LLC