After starting as a dance class offered by Corrine and Ray Leslie, the Sun City Poms are now celebrating 45 years of entertaining and community engagement.

The Sun City Pom Poms, as they were originally known, were formed from that class to bolster attendance at the Sun City Saints Women’s Softball games. The Saints folded but the Pom Poms lived on and became known for their synchronized dance moves and adorned costumes, which were funded by the Del Webb Corporation and were first worn in the Fiesta Bowl Parade in December, 1979.

Celebrating their 45th anniversary this year, the Sun City Poms stay true to their original roots, still dazzling audiences with synchronized routines and glittery costumes. Known as ambassadors of good health and fitness, the Poms inspire audiences of all ages to stay active and enjoy life, living by their motto: “We aspire to inspire before we expire.”

Thirty-four members strong this year, these ladies range in age from 62-91 and come from all walks of life. Proudly representing Sun City, the Poms perform and march in more than 50 events per year, have been included in publications and media around the world and were the inspiration of the 2019 movie “Poms,” starring Diane Keaton.

To thank the Sun City community for their support over the past 45 years, the Poms will celebrate their anniversary 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the Sundial Mall, with a 30-minute performance featuring music from 1979. After the performance, there will be homemade cupcakes, coffee, tea and water as well as social time and photo opportunities with the Poms.

Poms sponsors include Call the Guy Pest Control, Justin Germoll State Farm Insurance, Western State Bank, Consigning Women, LLC, Setterberg Jewelers, Gilbert Private Wealth, Liberty Buick, Larry Miller Hyundai Moore Graphics, The Nixon Group, Dr. Robert Holyoak DDS, Royal Oaks Retirement Center, the Sun City Independent, Sun City Total Car Care and Big O Tires.