Aqua Sprites Cure the Winter Blues

I arrive early at Whitman Middle School to pick up the synchronized swimmers. Their joyful practice makes me smile, and I love to sit and watch them twirl in the water. But the best part of The Aqua Sprites of Wisconsin is the positive encouragement among the girls and coaches. This wet, noisy, beautiful sport is a unique part of Wauwatosa.

The Aqua Sprites of Wisconsin began in 1991, and continues to seamlessly include new swimmers several times a year. In January, they will again open their ranks to girls who want to try swimming and performing with the team. In summer, they have a Wauwatosa Recreation Class at Hoyt Pool, and in September the team’s season begins in earnest. They practice from September to June, and often qualify to compete at the regional and national levels.

“Water Ballet”, as it used be called, requires strength and flexibility. At the London 2012 Olympic Games, synchronized swimmers ranked only second to long distant runners in aerobic capacity tests. They commonly hold their breath for a minute, and are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool as they perform to music.

Underwater speakers allow the coaches to instruct the girls as they practice. Individual figures, like the oyster and the barracuda, are mastered and incorporated into their routine. Girls remind each other to smile and point their toes, as they work to improve each element.

The Aqua Sprites of Wisconsin combines swimming with art. The team overflows into my home as my daughter spends happy hours designing potential costumes and dancing (“land drilling”) her routine through the rooms of our house. She has made new friends and I love to hear their creative ideas as we carpool to and from Whitman Middle School.

The girls gather before meets to touch up makeup and fix their headpieces. Hours before the performance, they have combed hot Knox gelatin through their hair, forming an impenetrable helmet of shiny hair. The suits sparkle and the music begins!

In an era when bullying and adolescent issues can rock a girl's world, The Aqua Sprites of Wisconsin is a positive and creative outlet for girls. Swimmers and coaches seem to know that this is a place of encouragement and inclusion. A hidden jewel, right here in Wauwatosa.
http://aquaspritesofwisconsin.org/