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Kim Johnson reporting The state that put cheerleading on the map is now in the headlines for trying to clean it up.
Earlier this week the Texas House of Representatives passed a bill to prohibit overly suggestive moves. Kim Johnson has local reaction to the story.
Supporters of the bill say they're trying to prevent high school girls from mimicking the provocative dances they see on MTV, or from professional cheering squads. Is it a good idea? We got mixed reaction here in Utah.
Viewmont High's cheerleaders are already practicing for the next school year. Their faculty advisor says coaches and choreographers are responsible for ridding routines of sexual overtones...not lawmakers.
Hollie Barenz/ Viewmont High School: "It's too bad the parents got so frustrated. They obviously weren't listened to at the local level, at the local school board, and felt they had to go through the legislative process to address it."
Hollie Barenz: "The legislature doesn't seem to be in a position to be able to handle something like this."
But some applaud the Texas Legislature for trying to rid high schools of raunchy routines like these featured in the movie "Bring it On".
Erin Jacobs/ BYU Cougarette: "I think it's to the point where that's necessary. I think it's sad because dance is an art and it's kind of veering away from that if this is what's having to take place. I think it's necessary and appropriate and I think a lot of people will respect that."
Jacobs is a member of the BYU Cougarettes. Known for their modest costumes and lack of suggestive moves, the Cougarettes have won five national dance championships in the last decade.
Erin Jacobs: "We went to a competition at nationals and one team mentioned, 'You're the epitome of class,' which is a very high compliment. I think it's because of our dancing and our costumes."
Jodi Maxfield/ Artistic Director, BYU Cougarettes: "A lot of teams pattern themselves after BYU because they do see that we're winning, and they see that we are not incorporating those type of moves into what we do."
Even though the bill passed the House, it doesn't yet have a sponsor in the Texas Senate.
