“As an activity synchronised swimming may be considered a highly competitive individual or team sport or a highly skilled art form.” (Jones 1975, p1)
Water Ballet was introduced in the early 20th century as purely floatation patterns, tricks and stunts performed in swim classes, aquacades and movies. This later progressed and grew into the sport of synchronised swimming which we see today. However traces of its roots can be dated back as far as ancient Greece and Rome. Water-filled arena,s or even lakes, were used for theatre and performance. “Boys and girls were swimming like Tritons and Nimphas, making beautiful figures in the water with their bodies” (Bean 2005, p3). My aim for my performance is to take synchronised swimming back to its roots, disregard the rules, regulations and restrictions of the sport and make it fun and exciting entertainment.
The elements of creating art in water developed differently within separate countries throughout generations: The Germans produced Bild schwimmen “picture swimming” in which females would perform beautiful floating formations to music for spectators’ enjoyment. This developed further as costume was added to the effect and the swimmers made web-like shapes and patterns in the water. England however, constructed a more physically demanding aspect to the sport of synchronised swimming in which only men could participate. This was called “Ornamental Swimming” where they would execute”…various stunts individually, much as in a diving competition.” (Bean 2005, p3)