Dead time is what occurs when any person or persons on the squad spend time just standing or waiting for their next 'cue' to move.
Dead time is most noticeable during transitions to different formations, and with stunting.
For formation changes, try to avoid just walking to change formations. At minimum, you should continuing cheer motions with your arms while you move to the next formation. Or better yet, tumble to your next position, or add a little spin to your step. As far as eliminating dead time with stunt sequences is concerned, the key lies in fitting as many parts of the stunt into one count as possible, with the ultimate goal being to get the stunt or pyramid up as fast and smoothly as possible. But with the exception of a very young or inexperienced squad, a thigh stand should ideally take only four counts, with most of the work being put into the first count.