Are you looking for an extraordinary extra curricular for your daughter? And one that does not take over her life?
Lake Barrington neighbors Sue Barsness and Michele Wuertz searched far and wide for such an activity nearly a decade ago, and they came up empty handed. So, they began the Premier Poms Experience based on the notion of being caring and competitive.
What makes the Premier Poms Experience unique, Wuertz said, is a “two-day-a-week balanced schedule, team bonding activities, heart adventures and FOP, which means focus on the positive! We want girls to look forward to getting together with newfound friends on Tuesdays and Thursdays from many different schools in Barrington, Lake Zurich, [Fox River Grove], Cary, Lake in the Hills, etc.”
This nonprofit pom-pom organization has earned numerous awards at Badgerette, Team Dance Illinois and other competitions. The group has donated countless hours to local philanthropic events, such as Hope’s in Style, Good Shepherd Hospital Gala, Relay for Life, Barrington Giving Day, Feed My Starving Children. The group has performed at venues, such as the United Center during Chicago Bulls games and exciting events, such as the Columbus Day Parade in Chicago.
This past year, Premier’s Senior Team was named the Illinois Recreational Cheerleading Association state champions for high school poms, and the team took first place in hip-hop and kick line at the Badgerette Spirit Invitational in Wisconsin.
Wuertz’s fondest moments so far include, “Growing girls strong. It is our eighth year, and we could not be more proud of how we set out to offer a balanced program with the whole girl in mind. To us, it is more than the trophies, but we are always delighted when the teams do bring home the hardware!”
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Now headed by Wuertz, and new co-director Kim Kempinski, registration is open for Premier’s eighth season. Premier has three groups. Its Young Purple Team includes girls from third to fifth grades. It is “no cut” and designed for a child to gain their first experience with dance, being part of a team and performing in public. Sign-ups are open now for Purple Team.
The Platinum Team is for girls in sixth through eighth grade, and the Senior Team is for young ladies in the ninth through 12th grades.
“Even though the clinics have passed, interested girls can contact us to see if space is still available on one of our three teams,” Wuertz said. “We love that our older girls get to interact with our younger teams as we strive for that whole family atmosphere. Our Premier seniors are the grandmothers. Platinum are moms, and Purple are the daughters for their little team sisterhood families!”
This summer, Premier has a day camp at Canlan Sportsplex in Lake Barrington from June 20 through June 24, and they have a new coach joining their staff who is a full-time choreographer. Premier also hosts an informational program session and uniform fitting day in the summer. High school-aged team members may participate in an overnight camp. Details to come.
Wuertz’s dreams for Premier’s future is that it will be a “program that will live on and continue to touch girls lives. … We hope to expand to inspire and teach even younger girls in K-2, perhaps this fall!”
Kimberly Albrecht is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press.