Synchronized Swimming
Synchronized swimming is a female dominated sport. Although in the Olympics and World Championships only females are allowed to compete, some national competitions include male participants. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
Watch the pool dance in the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Aeroplane music video—that’s synchronized swimming. Also known as “synchro,” this sport entails swimmers performing a dance routine to music and is practiced for both competition and entertainment. GETTING STARTED: In the Philippines, competitive synchro swimmers are headed by Synchro Philippines (www.synchrophilippines.wordpress.com). Lessons cost roughly Php500/session. For entertainment, experienced swimmers can audition for Splash Dance Aqua Shows (www.splashdanceaquashows.wordpress. com). Their members were cast as mermaids in ABSCBN’s Mutya series. GEARING UP: Wear a swimsuit, goggles, swim cap, and nose clip for training. KEEP IN MIND: A background in dance, ballet, or gymnastics is a plus for synchro, but there are people who have learned the sport from ages 3 to 30. Synchro swimmer Ida Calumpang dons a mermaid’s tail for a TV series
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