Nice Ladies

Twice a week a group of 12 women aged from 38 to 73 called ‘Nice Ladies’ is gathering in the sports hall of Kharkiv University for the training. All together they are doing jumps, turns, and splits with pom-poms in their hands. A former gymnast, an engineer, a journalist, a university teacher, a former police investigator, an entrepreneur, a housewife - coming from various walks of life they become equal on the dancefloor focusing on one goal. The team has to prepare a strong show for the European Cheerleading Championship in Western Europe.
The cheerleading is not just their hobby, it’s their true passion. And as well - their escape. Some ladies joined the team to finally allow themselves to shine on stage, another one - to survive the losses of their loved ones, and others - to feel accepted, to be a part of collective where everyone takes you as you are.
Month by month, the team is getting stronger choreographies. They have to learn complex pom-dance routines and do well in the championship, so there is no mercy from the trainer.
Yet there is also no mercy from the championship rules as well - Nice Ladies belong to the category ‘Masters 25+’ facing competitors twice younger than them.
Feeling beautiful on stage, Nice Ladies face the pressure of complying with their social roles of passive babushka’s, caretaking mom’s, obedient wives, conforming colleagues and females at the ‘sunset of their lives’ in their daily lives. However, weak social security and challenging economic situation, prejudices and ageism, loneliness and health constraints seem as their even stronger enemy.
After the months of preparations, the team embarks on the 30-hours self-funded trip by bus to the Cheerleading Championship destination.
Will ‘Nice Ladies’ pick up a battle?