When the original retirement community of Sun City opened its doors for the first time in the 1960s, in Arizona, the landscape of older adult communities was less-than-encouraging. At the time, the expectation for life after 55 was "literally, to retire from it." Older folks were expected to walk slowly off into the sunset, retreating from an active, social life, and Sun City set out to change that.
What began as five model homes in a neighborhood designed for exercise and fun became a community of 2,000 homes in just three years. Soon, others began to open across the country.
As other, more sociable senior centers began to open nationwide, Sun City was developing a culture of its own. Thus, the first 55+ cheerleading squad was born: the Sun City Poms.
1140-Poms having prayers before every performance and travel - 1997
Founded in 1979 as a cheer group for the Sun City Saints softball team, the Poms have been dancing past the "older person" stereotype for 45 years.
Since the 1980s, the Poms have evolved into two groups: the Marching unit and the Performance unit, taking their talents to conventions, sporting events and other retirement communities across Arizona. For over 15 years, photographer Kendrick Brinson has documented the Poms and Sun City at large.
These days, the Poms are a mixed group of women with dance experience and women who didn't dance formally until joining the squad. Cheryl Jackson, 72, joined in 2019 after cheering in school almost 50 years ago. Kathleen Emerson, 76, joined the Poms just three years ago. She loves rehearsing and performing with the group because it keeps her active. “I'm constantly challenged to learn new routines and not forget the old ones," she said.
Ginger Price, 91, also didn't dance until she was a retiree, joining the Poms in 2012. "Of course, the dancing is very good for the body and the mind," says Price. "It just makes you feel so good and alive."
The first time I’ve ever performed was when I joined the Poms...I was 56. And now I’m 67!