Artistic swimming, once known as synchronised swimming, has a rich history that dates back to the turn of the 20th century. Initially referred to as water ballet, this captivating sport combines the grace of dance with the beauty of swimming, resulting in a stunning display of artistry and athleticism.
Early Development
The first recorded competition in synchronised swimming took place in 1891 in Berlin, Germany. During this time, numerous swim clubs emerged, and the sport gained popularity in Canada as well. It quickly became a cherished feature in Music Hall evenings and larger variety theatres in cities like London and Glasgow, which were equipped with on-stage water tanks for performances.
In 1907, Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman significantly boosted the sport’s profile by performing as an underwater ballerina in a glass tank at the New York Hippodrome. Her groundbreaking act showcased the possibilities of combining performance art with aquatic skill, drawing considerable public attention.
Pioneers of the Sport
One of the first organised water ballet clubs was founded by Katherine Curtis at the University of Chicago. Under her guidance, the team began executing intricate strokes, “tricks,” and floating formations, paving the way for modern artistic swimming. The first U.S. synchronised swimming competition was held on May 27, 1939, at Wright Junior College, featuring teams from Wright and the Chicago Teachers’ College.
In 1924, Montreal hosted the first competition in North America, with Peg Seller being crowned the inaugural champion. Throughout the years, many individuals contributed to the sport’s growth, including Beulah Gundling, Käthe Jacobi, Marion Kane Elston, Dawn Bean, Billie MacKellar, Teresa Anderson, Gail Johnson, Gail Emery, Charlotte Davis, Mary Derosier, Norma Olsen, and Clark Leach. Notably, Charlotte Davis coached Tracie Ruiz and Candy Costie, who won the gold medal in duet synchronised swimming at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Terminology and Evolution
In 1933 and 1934, Katherine Whitney Curtis organised a show called “The Kay Curtis Modern Mermaids” for the World Exhibition in Chicago. During this event, announcer Norman Ross introduced the term synchronised swimming for the first time, which eventually became standardised through the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). However, Curtis continued to use the term rhythmic swimming in her influential book, Rhythmic Swimming: A Source Book of Synchronised Swimming and Water Pageantry (1936).
Over the decades, artistic swimming has evolved into a dynamic and competitive sport, featuring intricate routines set to music. It was officially included in the Olympic Games in 1984, further solidifying its status on the global sports stage.
Today, artistic swimming continues to thrive, attracting athletes who are passionate about combining athletic prowess with artistic expression in the water. The sport remains a testament to the dedication and creativity of its pioneers and the generations that have followed.