The first representation of elements of synchronised swimming were the works of Annette Kellerman in the early 20th century, who started her career by swimming long distances of open water around America and the United Kingdom. After receiving much attention from the media, Kellerman soon saw huge potential for profit to be made from her swimming skills, “If she had to swim, she could turn it into a spectacular performance” (Gibson 2005, p18). This would later develop in many different shows and venues across Europe and America including: London Hippodrome, White City Amusement park and Wonderland Boston. With her reputation as the “Australian Mermaid”, Kellerman later pursued her career as an actress and started performing in silent films where the majority contained aquatic themes, such as Venus of the South Seas:
“Feature numerous underwater sequences: firstly Kellerman is seen swimming underwater and battling pearl thieves as Shona Royale, the daughter of a South-Sea pearler; and later, she starts in an extended ‘fantasy’ underwater sequence…” (Cooke 2012, p149)
What started off as purely swimming demonstrations was developed with underwater movements, dives and costume that produced a completely different type of performance. “She had created something entirely new and throughout her career she was to perfect this and raise it to an art form” (Gibson 2005, p18). Annette used her skills as a trained dancer and successful athlete to create a new way of moving though the water and entertaining an audience.
In my performance I hope to expand these underwater movements, along with physical theatre, to create a story for the audience.
