A group of 12 women, mostly from Buckhead and Sandy Springs, are giving a whole new meaning to staying active after 50.
The Dream Supremes, the WNBA Atlanta Dream’s own senior ladies dance team, made its debut at Sunday’s game against the New York Liberty at Philips Arena in downtown Atlanta.
Shaking their shiny red pompoms and stamping their rhinestone-studded sneakers, the women performed a routine to pop star Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face.
Buckhead resident Marcia Jaffe, the team’s founder, was inspired by a talk Atlanta Dream franchise owner and Sandy Springs resident Kathy Betty gave to the Buckhead Business Association last month.
“I was impressed how she took a risk and wanted to make it No. 1 and send a positive message to women, said Ms. Jaffe.
After seeing a special segment on TV about the Sun City Poms, a senior women’s dance team that has performed out of Phoenix, Ariz., for 25 years, Ms. Jaffe began rounding up dancers.
“I said, ‘Why don’t we do that here?’ said Ms. Jaffe. “Women can stay fit at any age.
Marianne Broadbear of Buckhead, the team’s oldest member at 71, said she loved the Dream Supremes and what it does for women. She also said the activity has been invigorating.
“Dancing requires you to be fit but also alert to follow steps, so this helps me with both. Plus all the camaraderie is wonderful, she said.
For 59-year-old Annette Marcus of Sandy Springs the team is helping her overcome childhood fears and achieve her dreams.
“Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be a dancer, she said. “I remember being in a recital when I was 4 and when the music started I forgot all of my steps and I was horrified.
Ms. Marcus began taking tap dancing lessons four years ago and the dance team has taken her new hobby even further.
“Just regaining the confidence I lost at 4 has been great, she said.
Marlene Holben of Buckhead was never a dancer, but played basketball when she was young.
“It’s just been a whole lot of fun, she said.
But the team is not stopping at just benefitting its dancers.
“We want to go out into the community and talk to people and women about staying fit and active at all ages, said Ms. Jaffe.
The team came together in June and has been practicing up to three times a week to learn two routines. Their next performance will be at the Dream’s Tuesday game against the Washington Mystics at Philips Arena.
Ms. Jaffe said the team plans to dance at two more games this season and hopes to follow the team if it makes it to the playoffs in September.
If you go
o What: Atlanta Dream vs. Washington Mystics, the Dream Supreme performance
o Benefits: Avon Breast Health Center of Grady Memorial Hospital
o When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
o Where: Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, downtown Atlanta
o Tickets: prices start at $10
o Information: (877) 977-7729 or visit www.wnba.com/dream.
