Chapter 8 - Pom Poms

Increasing Use of Pom Poms | The Pom Pom Girls | Tips on Using Pom Poms | Making Your Own Pom Poms | Pom Pom Routines

To add additional color to cheering sections and especially dance routines when the band is playing, many cheering squads are using pom poms or as they are sometimes called, shakers. They may be purchased ready made or they may be made satisfactorily by the cheerleaders, rally squad or pep squad. Their effects are usually very pleasing and well worth the effort of making them. How you can make giant pom poms for your cheerleaders or small pom poms for your pep squad will be explained later. If they are made properly and properly cared for, pom poms will last the entire season.

Some squads who have been using pom poms effectively for several years use a double pom pom. That is, a pom pom ball on each end of the holding stick. Others have specially illuminated their pom poms with flash lights to bring out the colors effectively at night. There seems to be no end to the beautiful routines that can be devised by the use of small and large pom poms.

Pom Pom Girls

Growing also in popularity at many schools are what are known as "Pom Pom Girls." Some California, Oregon and Washington schools call them "Song Queens." These squads specialize in using pom poms for leading the students in song and for many dance routines while the band plays. They must therefore be considered as a separate group.

Pom Pom Girls seem to prefer pom poms that do not have a stick. There are various methods they use to bring color and showmanship into their routines by using pom poms in both hands. Some schools have as many as 12 members in the squad. A popular way they make their own pom poms is by shredding the crepe paper about one-fourth inch thin and three feet (approx.) long. They shred the paper first in a pile and then place adhesive tape in the middle where they grasp it.

This is a simple way to make them. In this way they can hold a pom pom in each hand. One school color can be held in one hand and the other school color in the other, if desired. The squads then may work out their individual routines. Each girl dancing and raising the hand in unison with the others makes a very colorful spectacle. The girls must practice and practice their routines until they all know the routine thoroughly and can do it perfectly together.

Tips On Using Pom Poms

If you have purchased manufactured pom pome they will usually arrive in a compressed package. Be sure and shake them well before using to bring out their beauty and size.

Several points to be considered when using pom poms are:

1. Always use wide, big motions. Keep the pompoms out and away from your body as much as possible so they can be displayed most effectively.

2. Use circular motions a great deal as they particularly lend themselves to pom pom routines.

3. When using a pom pom in each hand try to keep one up and the other down and out to one side, and then to the other side, etc. Also bringing both pom poms up and down together will give variety to the routine.

4. Squad practice of course is most important so that each squad member works in a precision manner. Every member holding the pom pom in the same manner, the same height and the same time will add to the beauty in using pom poms.

5. Guard against getting your pom poms damp or wet. If they are made of crepe paper the colors will run and soil uniforms very easily. Never allow them to get near any moisture at all. Do not throw them down in the grass or dirt wet or dry. Pom poms must be kept clean and dry and never used in the snow or rain. Be sure and obtain a plastic or waterproof bag to keep your pom poms. An inexpensive plastic bag that is large enough to hold a giant p'om pom is sometimes obtainable from your garment cleaner or supply company.

6. Careful handling of your Pom Poms is necessary at all times to keep them in proper shape and condition. Before going into the gym for a game be sure to shake them well and see that there are no loose strings of paper. If this is not done you're apt to find many scrap pieces of your pom pom blowing on the floor after you perform with them, to the annoyance of the officials who could embarrass you.

7. Storing Pom Poms. When you are through using your Pom Poms if you will store them in the dark you will keep them from fading.

Making Your Own Pom Poms

You will probably find that you can purchase the complete materials necessary to make pom poms in kit form at about the same price you can get the materials individually, locally. The kits usually are supplied with a marking stencil to help guide you in cutting the crepe paper. These marking stencils are made of heavy cardboard 16 in. long by 6 in. wide. They start % inch in from both sides of the card when held from the long sides and there are eleven % inch ruling guides so you can mark the crepe paper for cutting easily. The long streamers will be % inch wide when cut. These lines can be drawn 14 inches long when using the stencil. This stencil of course is just a little device to assist you in cutting the crepe paper easily and evenly.

If you purchase materials yourself locally try to obtain flame proof crepe paper. Your supplier will probably have a wide selection of colors so you can match your school colors. While flame proof paper will burn it is processed and will resist fire, making it safer to use on that account.

The sticks furnished with commercially made pom poms and in the kits are about eight inches long. They are a good grade hardwood dowel stick. You can probably obtain these at a good lumber yard in 36 inch or 48 inch lengths and saw them to length. Do not get a cheap dowel as it will not hold the nail or tack well, and will split easily. It takes % inch dowel for the small pom poms and V& inch for giant size pom pom.

Square blocks of 1" thick by about 21/2"x21/2" wood with plastic or leather strap may also be used for handles instead of sticks.

It is usually best to use the dark color in your school color scheme in the ball of the pom pom and the lighter color for the long streamers. That is, if your colors are green and white, the long streamers should be white. This, many say, makes the prettiest pom pom.

Crepe paper seems to be the best material to make colorful pom poms. Perhaps Dennison's No. 715 is the easiest to use. This paper is 7Vfc feet long and 20 inches wide in each small package. There are 12 of these packages to a carton, or box.

Many schools like to vary the size of their pom poms. To make one good sized giant pom pom it takes approximately three small packages of Dennison's No. 715 crepe paper to make the ball and 1 package for the streamer. This will make a pretty and fluffy pom pom. Some schools make the pom pom in a streamer only. In this case it will take four or five packages of crepe paper depending on the fullness desired.

It is also possible when making pom poms to make all small ones. Then take several small ones and bunch them together to make a large one for the cheerleaders.

Manufactured Pom Poms come in many styles and colors. Illustrated above is the new g/anf fwo colored Pom Poms weighing one pound each.

Directions For Making And Assembling Small Pom-Poms

(For best and fastest results four or more helpers are required so an "assembly line" operation can be carried on, one marking the paper folds, one or more cutting, and one or more attaching paper to the sticks.)

Be Sure To Read Entire Set Of Directions Before Starting Any Operation

1. MARKING THE PAPER FOLDS

SHORT COLOR

B A C. Fig. 2

A. Draw center line "A" dividing the fold into two 10 inch parts.

B. Draw one parallel line on either side of center line "A" leaving about 1*4 inch space on either side of center line. See lines "B", "C".

C. Place marking stencil or ruler on one side of centerline and rule off twelve spaces. Be sure to stop rule lines at LINE "B". (A mark can be placed on the marking stencil to aid in this if desired.)

Fig. 3

Do the same for the other side of the paper fold, stopping the stencil or ruler marks at LINE "C". (Place stencil on fold so that the edge of the fold can just be seen through the first slot in the stencil; this will assure a straight pattern of lines.

Fig. 4

For marking ease use white side of stencil for dark colored paper and vice versa.)
D. See figure 4 for complete marked paper fold which will make the short parts of four POM-POMS.

Long Color Fold Markings

A. Draw four lines at one end of long color fold about 1 inch apart. (Lines
E, F, G, H.)

B. Place marking stencil over fold and mark 12 sets of lines, stopping each line at Line "H".

C. See figure 6 for complete long color fold marked.

This fold will make the long part of four POM POMS.

Fig. 6

2. CUTTING THE PAPER

A paper cutter is the easiest and quickest method of cutting the paper folds, but a sharp pair of scissors will also work very well. Paper folds should be placed on a flat surface when scissors are used to assure straight and thorough cutting.

Cutting The Short Color Folds

1. Cut short color fold along center line "A", dividing the fold into two equal parts.

2. Place half of fold in paper cutter or take scissors and shred along the stencil lines.

CAUTION Do not cut beyond line "B" or "C". Space from "B" to "A" and "C" to "A" to attach the paper to the stick.
 
3. Cut along the stencil lines. Cut only to line "B" or "C" except on the sixth stencil line which is cut all the way to the end of the paper fold. (Each part of the paper fold makes two parts, the complete fold makes parts for four POM-POMS.

Cutting The Long Fold

1. Cut along lines "E", "F", and "G". These pieces can be used for streamers to decorate goal posts or used in making Giant POM-POMS.

2. Cut along stencil lines to line "H". On every third stencil line, cut all the way through, as four parts of three sets of streamers each should be cut from each fold.
 
3. ATTACHING THE PAPER TO THE STICKS

(Tools required: wire cutters and pliers.)

1. Place short color fold with six rows of cut stencil lines on flat surface.

2. Place long color fold with three rows of cut stencil lines on top of short fold.

3. Cut off six – inch piece of wire.

4. Place a stick at one side of the folds as in figure 1, and roll both folds up on the stick.

5. Wrap the piece of wire around the uncut portion of the paper. Use pliers to get it as tight as possible, and twist ends of wire to tighten it still further. This will usually make a sufficiently sturdy pom-pom, but if you are unable to wrap the wire tightly, a small wood staple or tack can also be put through the paper to add extra strength. Be careful in driving staple or tack into stick so as not to split stick.

Now place pom-pom between the palm of your hands and roll it back and forth several times, and the pom-pom will shake out full.

Instructions For Making Giant Pom-Poms

Materials Needed: Paper cutter or sharp Scissors, Pliers, Hammer and Stapler, crepe paper (see above for quantity).

1. Cut short color paper fold in half leaving two 10 - inch pieces. It takes six of these halves to make a full Giant Pom-Pom, so cut three large folds.

2. Draw line (A) 1% inches from one end of each of the six short folds.
 
3. Using marking stencil or a ruler, rule off 12 lines from line "A" to end of fold. Do this for all six halves. (Marking stencils are supplied in the do-it-yourself kits.)

4. Cut along stencil or ruler lines stopping at line "A".

5. Take fold of paper to be used as the long color and cut off twenty 1inch streamers.
 
6. Shake out streamers and fold them into fourths; do not crease. (The closed ends make up the bottom of the Pom-Pom and keep the ends from hanging uneven or shredding with use.) Staple one end of several of the long streamers together to keep them all in one bunch. Then staple entire bunch together.

7. Attach six short folds to stick along with long streamers by placing the short folds on top of one another, staggering them somewhat. Place the group of long streamers in the center and on top.

8. Roll the two colors of paper up on stick and bind with wire to keep in place. Drive thin nail thru paper and stick to add further strength.

About 34 inches of wire is usually sufficient to bind the paper securely to the stick. Three turns of wire pulled tightly with pliers and twisted down at the ends will keep the paper bound to the stick, and aid you in driving the nail thru.

9. Shake out vigorously to separate strands. To make the Pom-Pom as full as possible, separate the strands that fail to shake out by hand.

Easy Way To Make Wide Strip Pom Poms

Each girl at Brooklyn Park High School, Maryland, uses one all white and one all blue pom pom. They make them in the following manner:

1. Three packs of regular type crepe paper are used for each pom pom.

2. The long sheets are cut into two inch strips. They are then unfolded and placed in two separate piles.

3. The long strips are then folded in half once and then in half again and the places where it has been folded are cut.

4. You now have two piles of crepe paperwhich have been cut in half twice.

5. One pile of paper is placed over the other like an X or cross.

6. Strong cord or string is then tied where the two piles cross and it is then wrapped around until the pompom is strongly put together. This also provides a place to hold the pom pom.

7. Bach individual strip is then pulled gently to the side to make the pompom full and fluffy.

Pom-Pom Dance Routine With Motions

To the record LOLYPOP by the Chordettes

Record: Introductory beats

Motions: Girls form straight line facing audience and hold pom-poms in front at waist and dip knees with the introductory beats.

Record: "Lolypop, lolypop, oh loly, lolypop" (twice)

Motions: Right hand and right foot are extended forward and left hand backward (loly). Right hand and right foot are brought back (pop) and left hand and left foot are extended forward (loly) and then brought back (pop). On "Oh Loly, loly pop" Pom-poms are placed overhead and girl turns completely around and repeats the same steps above for second time.

Record: Third set: Loly pop loly pop oh loly loly pop LOLYPOP Bump, bump, bump, bump, bump.

Motions: Girl hops to right and thrusts pom-pom in right hand straight out to the side (lolypop). Then the same hop and left hand thrust to the left on (lolypop).

Both pom-poms are brought to the front arms straight forward, hands held at chin level. Pom-poms should be shook to rhythm (Oh loly, loly, loly) then both arms are snapped straight up over head (loly) and then snapped back down to waist, (POP). Chin is then dropped abruptly on "bump" and then the left foot and leg are stretched out to the left in a thrust motion and the left pom-pom is also stuck straight out to the side above the extended foot. The right pom-pom is then brought over in front and to the left side hitting each of the next four beats.

Record: Lolypop, lolypop oh loly lolypop: (Three times).

Motions: A series of four kicks first to the left (4 beats) and then to the right for next 4 beats. The right leg is kicked up and down to the left side while the left pom-pom is thrust up overhead to the left and the right pom-pom is thrust to the right and a little down. (An out and in motion with the hands) Pom-poms out on "loly" and into the center on "pop". This entire motion takes 8 beats, 4 to the left and 4 to the right. On third series of "lolypop chorus" both pompoms are thrust overhead (lolypop) and then down to your sides (lolypop). This motion is repeated three times until the end of the three series.

Record: Bump, bump, etc., and orchestration for the next 16 beats "Mama Baby ... haven't got a chance."

Motions: The group of girls doing the routine (6 to 8, if more than 8, then two circles should be formed) then form a circle each with right hand stretched out into the center to form a wheel each arm being a spoke, and then the wheel turns around while each girl is walking around in the circle formation (the whole circle is turning) each girl moves her left pom-pom up and down in a swinging motion to the beat of the rhythm. The circle turns around and then the girls file out back into their straight line and are back into the line position in time to start the next series of "Loly-pops" which simply repeats all the steps that we have just outlined above. The entire routine is started again with the original "loly pop" motions and all is the same.

The only change comes when the record says "Lolypop in Myyyyyy" at that time in order to accommodate the extra beats the pom-poms are pushed over head twice on the left side and then twice on the right side and then the original Lolypop chorus motion is resumed, and on thru the routine thru the circle and back to the Chorus and then after the four kicks to the left and four kicks to the right the exit is made by the group turning sidewards to the audience and doing a series of five fly kicks (raising the knee of the leg nearest the audience and sliding backwards with the other foot, at the same time thrusting the pom-poms forward on each side.) This is done five times and at the end a complete turn and then facing the audience the pom-poms are thrust out in two straight arms directly in front of you on "boom".

Anchors Aweigh Pom Pom Routine

This routine is done with any song comparable to "Anchors Aweigh." It is also done with six girls (but it may be adapted easily so any number of girls may be used). It is done with a regular standard bouncing step.

The pom poms during the maneuver shown in Fig. 1 are constantly on the hips.

On the next four counts the front girls move their left arms in a circular motion, down across the body and up over the head, returning again to the hip. The rear girl does the same with her right arm.

On the next four counts the same thing is repeated but the front and rear girls switch arms.

On the next eight counts the girls move from groups of three into a straight vertical line. Hands with pom-poms still on hips.

For four counts, each girl moves her right arm in the same circular motion (across body, up and around). For the next four counts the same thing is repeated with the left arms.

For the next four (two beat counts) the girls move in unison with their arms extended (giving an airplane-like-effect) using a leaning motion from right to left.

This maneuver in Fig. 4 is done 4 times with the whole line.

Then on the next two (two beat counts) the first two girls turn back to back and leave this line with a swing motion of pom poms. On the first count they make a circle in the air above their heads with the pom poms then they drop them to their sides and start them back up again on the second count. The first two girls continue this motion until they reach their original places meanwhile, the second two are still in the line for two counts doing the airplane-like-motion. Then they, too, turn back to back and go to their original places these four girls keep circling the pom poms in the air, etc. The last two girls (who are constantly tilting) now hove to their original places and the line is again formed.

Standing in a line now each girl moves her left pom pom out and forward while the right one goes back, this is on one count on the off beat the pom pom swing by the hips then the right one goes out and forward and the left one goes back, on the off beat they return again near the hips. On the next count, all girls turn to the left, throw (swing pom poms over their shoulders) and kick right leg out.

They then come to a momentary standing position on the off beat, then they lift their arms up, right arms down to the side and arch the back, bending the right leg. This is your climax. (Fig 6).

Berkeley High School, Berkeley, California

Pom Pom Routine And Dance

(Baton Rouge High School)

This dance can be done to "Mr. Touchdown", "College Boy", or most any marching song.

Dance Steps:

Right foot, motions go to the left heel, step, knee, step, leg kick, step Left foot, motions to right heel, step, knee, step, leg kick, step Step on left foot crossing right leg in back of the left leg Step over on left leg, step on right foot and kick left leg Step back on left foot, crossing it in back of right foot. Step over on right leg, step on left foot and kick right leg.

Pom Pom Motions:

Pom pom on hips (two counts)

Extend pom poms with arm bent slightly

Bring pom poms over head and throw them out to meet foot as you kick

Repeat above motions with dance motions on left foot. When crossing the feet, cross pom poms in front of you once Throw them over head again as you kick left leg.

NOTE: The above motions are repeated during a song until it ends.

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