Synchronicity

When I was little, I went to visit my grandfather in Florida, where he took me to a theme park called Weeki Wachee Springs, also know as the only city of live mermaids. In the underwater theater, we watched as swimmers dressed as mermaids performed synchronized dance moves. Had my older brother not pointed out the oxygen tubes, I never would have been the wiser. Even with the illusion marred, the combination of ballet and swimming was mesmerizing. The mermaid show began in the late 1940s, around the same time that Esther Williams (a.k.a. America’s mermaid) starred in a string of “aqua musicals.” Williams’ performances inspired many young girls to learn the art of synchronized swimming, a sport that requires endurance, grace and exceptional breath control. This Saturday at 4 p.m., the Sacramento Synchronized Swim Team will perform its routines for the public. Tickets are $10. The event will be held at El Camino High School (4300 El Camino Avenue). Call (916) 296-SYNC for more information.