It would be easy to be cynical. All the glitter and spray tan, and faces made up like china dolls. And the bows: so many bows.

But as two tots, their hair in ringlets, cartwheel past like tiny bejewelled ninjas it's impossible not to feel what they're feeling: pure, unbridled joy.

More than 10,000 cheerleaders competed at the national championships. Credit:Darrian Traynor

It's Saturday morning and the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation's national championships have taken over Melbourne's Convention and Exhibition Centre. It is somewhat of a sensory overload.

Everything sparkles. The smiles are broad and shiny white. An aroma of popcorn, hot chips and fruity body spray wafts through corridors lined with peppy cheer teams. It feels like the set of Glee.