A group of acrobatic pensioners are refusing to let age or arthritis cramp their high kicks in a cheerleading squad for the over 55s.
Splits, sprightly moves and sequins are the norm for this squad in Arizona, who range in age from 56 – 84 and have an average age of more than 70.
And the Sun City Poms, a marching and performance group, are in demand and are booked to perform in their sparkling blue and silver sequinned costumes approximately 40 times a year.
Veteran Pom and Teaching Instructor Ruth Pharris, 71, said: ‘The first I had ever heard of the Sun City Poms was about ten years ago and I was watching the fiesta bowl parade on TV.
‘This group came on marching with their glittery costumes, their arms going every which way, and doing their routines. And I thought, ‘Holy cow, I’ll never be able to do what they do’.’
Seven years later the veteran Pom has gained boundless confidence and become the troupe’s instructor and choreographer.
She said: ‘I have probably lost 15 pounds, my waist declined because I was doing so much more activity that I had never, ever done before. Not only does it help the physical wellbeing, but the mental as well.
‘The crowds are awesome – they are so in awe that we do what we do, they’re just amazed that their grandmothers, basically, are getting out there on the dance floor in our little sequin costumes.
‘Being a Sun City Pom has given me so much confidence that I didn’t have before.’
One of the newest Poms, Gloria Tolla, a longtime sufferer of osteoarthritis, joined the troupe 18 months ago to breathe life back into her aching joints.
The 67-year-old said: ‘What inspired me to join was my love for dancing. I was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis when I was in my 20s, they told me I’d be crippled by the time I was in my 40s.
Smiling in sequins: The troupe pose for a group photo in Sun City, Arizona, 2 October 2017
Pom pom power! The Sun City Poms, a marching and performance group, are in demand and are booked to perform in their sparkling blue and silver sequinned costumes 40 times a year
‘So, all my life I’ve pushed myself by exercising, finding things to do, dancing was one of them. I had both hips done within a year before I joined the Sun City Poms.
‘My first practice, I thought I was gonna die! The practices are quite gruelling, especially the choreographer.
‘It gives me a chance to express myself, since I retired I’ve been looking for something to do and this is my little niche that I found. It makes me feel young again.’
Splits, sprightly moves and sequins are the norm for this squad in Arizona, who range in age from 56 – 84 and have an average age of more than 70
Shaking things up! Greta Paulsen, Gloria Tolla and Ruth Pharris lead the Sun City Poms at a practice in Sun City, Arizona
Strike a pose! Gloria and Ruth dance, one arm stretched out and one on their hips in Sun City
Veteran Pom and Teaching Instructor Ruth Pharris, 71, smiles as she perfects her routines
The Poms start practicing twice a week in early September to prepare for the year’s performances.
Their last performance was a glitter filled march at the Billy Moore Parade in Avondale, Arizona.
Greta Paulsen, who has been a Pom for five years, is the group’s Director and continues to thrive on the thrill of performing.
The 69-year-old said: ‘I love to perform, I just love to see people’s faces and their reactions. I feel a fulfillment, and I feel such contentment that I’m able to do this.’