3/18/2023 0 Comments Pompom cheerleadersThis design’s nationwide popularity was attributed to the support of the International Cheerleading Foundation, who introduced, promoted and supported the new style. This made poms more durable and resistant to wet weather. In 1965, Fred Gastoff improved upon Hazlewood and Herkimer’s creation and invented the first pom pom made using vinyl, or plastic, streamers. Realizing the importance of showmanship in cheerleading performances and the parallel rising popularity of the color television, the poms he developed were meant to make cheerleading performances stand out and really shine with color. He named this cheerleading accessory “pom pon” with an “N” after discovering that “pom pom” had a negative meaning in Hawaii. Herkimer holds a patent to the pom pom since he developed the pom with a hidden handle. Lawrence Herkimer began manufacturing modern pom poms after he founded his cheerleading supply company in 1953. Poms made of paper had the right idea, but just couldn’t hold up to the demands of dedicated cheerleaders that performed on the sidelines no matter what the weather. Cheerleaders were out on the field to support their team in any weather condition- rain or shine. In addition, paper poms were not usable during weather conditions such as rain or snow. However, paper poms were thin and delicate so they fell apart easily when shaken vigorously, which caused a problem since poms were a major part of raising spirit and gaining the crowd’s attention. The first usable pom pom’s creation was credited to Jim Hazlewood, who created them using crepe, or tissue, paper. In the 1930s, pom poms were used by high schools and universities as a decorative accessory for cheerleaders to improve showmanship. Poms did not always fit that profile, though. When someone mentions the words “pom poms”, it’s only natural to picture a puffy, flashy, plastic ball of colors that cheerleaders hold during routines.
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