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TFS Synchronized Swim Club Makes a Splash with “Mermaid’s Playground” Performance

The TFS Synchronized Swim Club made a splash with their “Mermaid’s Playground'' showcase. Natatorium director and club sponsor Katie Ralston gave six 45-minute lessons to fifth graders Cadence Beecher of Martin, Ella Fowler of Commerce, Sophia Franklin of Mt. Airy, Lexi Gibson of Lakemont, Elizabeth Hilson of Lakemont, Savannah Pastor of Lakemont, and Brooklyn Towe of Alto.

Ralston wanted to give fifth graders an opportunity to get involved in an activity that would give them a creative outlet and translate to other aquatic sports and athletic disciplines, so she started the synchro swim club.

Synchronized swimming involves elements of ballet, gymnastics, and even water polo. “I am so impressed with how much these girls learned in a short amount of time,” said Ralston. “They worked very hard and had a lot of fun in the process.”

The group choreographed their performance before sharing it with friends and family. Their routine included synchro formations like the chevron shape of migratory birds, back layouts and float patterns. Swimmers used their creativity and took turns leading a challenge. “We have challenges like mimicking the person in front of you, and we come up with really pretty formations,” said Franklin. “We have to use teamwork, or it won’t work – we have to build trust,” said Eller.

The girls chose the name of their show based on the playful nature of their performance, which incorporated swimming through hula hoops, tossing a giant beach ball and dancing with bright pink tulle. “I love being in the water; it’s a lot of fun,” said Gibson.