Don't call them grannies: Japan's silver-haired cheer-dancing squad
Pompoms rustle and silver shoes wink as "Japan Pom Pom" practises, moving to a lively cheer dance beat. With members aged threescore to 89, they're no ordinary squad.
But don't you dare phone call them grannies.
"Right at the first, we weren't very happy about being chosen 'granny cheer dancers,'" says Fumie Takino, the bubbly, energetic 89-yr-old who founded Japan Pom Pom – average age, 72 years – more than 25 years agone.
At a recent weekly practice, resumed after a twelvemonth off, mask-wearing members checked temperatures before stretching, then moved into their trip the light fantastic routines – socially distanced, of class.
Though most wore sweatpants and t-shirts with a glittery "Nihon Pom Pom", for performances they don sequined, mini-skirted cheer costumes. For one routine, Takino wears a leather biker jacket and shades; in another, all sport silver wigs.
"It's dancing; moving your body is dainty," she said. "And the costumes are unbelievably showy. Some people join but so they tin wear them."
Originally started with five people 26 years ago later on Takino saw an overseas senior cheer squad in the news, the group now has 17 active members. Members, all older than 55, must pass auditions.
Now the group is featured in regime pamphlets about active seniors, appears periodically in TV reports, and performs in popular charity shows.
Nihon, one of the earth's most rapidly ageing nations, with well-nigh 30 per cent of its population older than 65, is known for the longevity of its seniors. Merely credence of the squad took fourth dimension in a nation with fixed notions almost senior life.
"We went to a senior-citizens club, and they really didn't like u.s.. They didn't smile even one time. 'Japanese women, wearing things like that, at their ages!'" Takino recalls. "Now, I think about half of people are okay with united states of america and half still can't accept us."
Members comment almost the heave from practising together and Takino's positive outlook.
"As our leader says, try anything," said Tami Shimada, 69. "If you're interested in something, forget well-nigh your age, forget about people maxim it's no skillful for that reason ... I call back that leads to a reason to live."
Takino, who has three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, with some other on the manner, practises what she preaches.
She's tried scuba-diving, parasailing, ukulele and sky-diving, which she calls "the greatest", and got a primary'due south degree in the The states in her 50s. Now she also studies Spanish, attends a dance grade for seniors and takes walks. She's obsessed with computer solitaire.
Each night, she drinks a pocket-sized beer, and says an appendectomy has been her only health issue so far.
Takino can't believe she'll be xc next year, but reluctantly confesses she doesn't think she'll still exist cheering at 100, though the group wants her to.
"The terminal three or 4 years I've started to feel tired a lot more hands. And then having to be home because of the pandemic really meant my stamina roughshod. I don't feel anything while I'one thousand practising, but then the next day I feel pretty tired," she said. "I forget everything while I'one thousand dancing."
(Source: Reuters)
Source: https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/entertainment/japan-s-silver-haired-cheer-dancing-squad-pom-pom-176051
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