TheBurg

22 | theburgnews.com | 08.19 Dynasty Harrisburg gives city youth a place to dance, learn, grow. bY mAddIe conLeY started his cheerleading and dance company in 2015 under the name PA Dynasty. He has been cheering since he was 4 years old, when he would use school recesses to persuade his friends to join him in cheer jumps and tumbles on the playground. But McIntyre was a boy in a girl's world, and it wasn't always easy. "It was hard to protect myself from the stereotype, but, with the help of my family, coaches, friends and teammates, I was able to build tough skin while growing into the coach I am today," he said. "I would say the older I got, the more I used the stereotype to my advantage." Since those days in elementary school, McIntyre worked his way up to a bigger audience than his playground peers. He is now in his second season cheering for the Baltimore Ravens. Nonetheless, his real passion is found in a hot and sweaty gym surrounded by kids up on the big blue tumbling mat. "I give this my all, I give it 2,000 percent," McIntyre said smiling. "is is my baby. ey're my babies." Dynasty Harrisburg offers "tiny classes" for cheerleaders around 3 years old as well as hip-hop classes, open gyms and cheer teams. McIntyre stressed that there is no experience necessary, and there's a team for everyone. "How are you wearing your crown today?" Qwan McIntyre asks his kids this each day. is is the Dynasty family. More than 40 girls and boys ages 4 to 18 come each week to the warehouse tucked in between a bingo hall and boxing gym. ey come to cheer, dance and learn valuable skills for life. McIntyre is the owner and head coach of Dynasty Harrisburg Cheer and Dance on N. 10th Street in Harrisburg. Beginning in rented spaces in Hershey and Middletown and even holding classes outside, McIntyre Warming for cheer practice at Dynasty Harrisburg.

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