Renowned musician and comedian Russ Abbot recently brought joy to a local dance group in Somerset by sending a warm and appreciative message recognising their routines set to one of his well-loved songs.
Russ Abbot, who famously hosted The Russ Abbot Show from 1980 to 1996 before a successful spell on Radio 2, expressed his enthusiasm: “I would love to come along and sing ‘Atmosphere’ with you all, but I can’t remember the words!”
The inspirational figure behind these dance sessions is Tina Blackwill, affectionately known as the ‘Pom-Pom Lady.’ Tina conducts dance classes at care homes across Somerset, reaching residents from Frome to Weston-super-Mare. Her sessions aim to bring happiness and vitality to those she works with.
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Speaking to Somerset Live, the 56-year-old dance teacher reflected on her work: “I just find it lovely. I find it a bit of a privilege. They’ve had lives, they’re people. They’re not just a number or a name.”
Tina chose Russ Abbot’s 1984 hit, ‘Atmosphere,’ which climbed to number seven in the charts, for its bright and buoyant tone. “It’s such an uplifting, happy song,” she explained.
While leading a pom-pom session at Highfield House in Castle Cary, a resident mentioned hearing that Russ Abbot now lived in Portugal. This sparked an idea for Tina to make contact and share how much his music had inspired the group. “When there’s a will, there’s a way!”
After some research, Tina discovered that Russ still occasionally plays golf in England. She reached out to his golf club, sharing the full story.
“I thought, ‘he’s going to be busy sunbathing and playing golf.’ But about a week later, I received an email from the club saying he was delighted to hear from us,” Tina recounted, “and they sent this video message!”
In his video, Russ Abbot warmly thanked the group: “Hello you beautiful gorgeous pom-pom ladies and especially your star pom-pom lady Tina. Tina, I must commend you and applaud you for the wonderful work you do. It’s truly commendable, honestly.”
He continued, “And thank you, thank you indeed for allowing me to be part of it. I would love to come along and sing ‘Atmosphere’ with you all, but I can’t remember the words! However, there may come a time when I go back to the UK, I might have to live in a beautiful home like you all are now. So then we can all get together and put on a show. Russ Abbot and his very own pom-pom girls. What a chorus line, eh? And we can sing.”
Russ concluded with well-wishes: “In the meantime, have fun, enjoy yourselves, always be happy. Well done, Tina. Keep up the good work. Enjoy yourselves. Oh what an atmosphere! I remember that bit. Bye!”
This touching exchange highlights the positive impact of music and community spirit on wellbeing, showcasing the special connection between a local dance teacher and a famed entertainer.