Bring it!

The movie Poms, starring Diane Keaton, is based on a true story of a group of women who form a cheerleading squad at Arizona’s retirement community, proving that you’re never too old to “bring it!”

Sandy Oldham, Sun City Resident and tap dance instructor, was inspired.

“I saw the preview for the movie and I thought you know we should have a Pom-Pom group here. Before I knew it, I started getting emails stating, ‘I heard you are starting a Poms group here in Sun City. I am interested.’ This gave me my motivation to get something started ASAP!” she said.

Oldham, a Sun City Resident since 2002, has had a lifetime of experience in teaching.

“I wanted to teach here in Sun City,” she said. “I didn’t want it to be a job. I wanted to enjoy it, and I do. The class I run here is Hoofers and Hunks Tap Class.”

Oldham went through the Fitness Department and got the idea going.

“We offer the class on Tuesdays at 4:30 and for June it’s free.  You know our residents like free!” said Oldham.

Oldham’s philosophy is simple.

“I believe movement is important and dance not only gives you that but engages your brain and that is good for all of us,” she said.

Lynn Meyer agrees.

“The Sun City Poms is a great mix of exercise and fun. While learning new dance steps we’re exercising both body and mind.  We have a very enthusiastic group with lots of laughs. The saying goes ’variety is the spice of life’ and poms does exactly that,” she said.

Oldham stresses, “I am passionate about dance. Sure, walking and running are good for the body, but dance engages the brain.”

The response to the class offering was overwhelming. Oldham states, “Women started pouring into the first class. We had to open up the doors for the two studios. We had 52 women show up for that first class.”

Elain King adds, “The ‘Poms’ movie brought back great memories of being on the pom-pom squad in high school so I was excited to hear that Sandy was starting a class! She’s the perfect person to do it since she was a cheerleader at the University of Wisconsin and has a terrific imagination when it comes to dance steps. I had taken tap class from her and knew her attitude is that we’re all there to have fun. No pressure to be perfect, but we still all want to try to do the steps and look as good as she does. The hour goes really fast and we all get a little exercise too. I don’t know how she does it, but with very little word of mouth advertising, the first class attracted over 50 women!  Sandy and her talented assistant, Dana, managed to anticipate the response and somehow managed to have actual pom poms for everyone to use. The second class was attended by over 60 women and today will be the third class so we’ll see what happens.  It’s such a fun addition to Sun City!”

Others feel the same.

“There is no one more qualified than a former University cheerleader or gymnastics professional to lead this group!”  Debi Sieckman emphasizes.

“It’s so amazing. It brought some women out that have not been involved in any clubs. It’s great, I put the music on and we start and there is such joy in seeing all their smiling faces. We were all having fun. There is nothing better than that for a teacher,” Oldham said.

What were the requirements? Oldham answers, “I told them all on the first day. There are two standards. One, you all made the team, and two, there are no rules.”

Helke Loughlin states, “We are certainly having a great time.  We did not have poms in Germany, so this is my first experience. Love it.”

Carol Schweitzer also had a positive reaction.

“I saw the movie. I thought it was great because I could relate to it living in Del Webb,” she said. “When I found out about the Poms here in Sun City, I thought how much fun and there is exercise and I just love to perform!”

And there will be an opportunity to perform, Oldham states.

“We are quite ready yet, but hopefully we will be ready to appear in the Sun City All-Stars game and the Pickle Ball Club has indicated some interest in having us at one of their events,” she said.

The Arizona Sun City Poms team has been moving and grooving for 40 years now and it looks like they’re motivating women here in Del Webb Huntley.

It’s not too late to join. Classes are held on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. at Meadow View Studio A. You can register online, and registration is also available in person at the Prairie Lodge Member Services Desk.

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