About Synchronized swimming
Synchronized swimming is a hybrid form of swimming, dance and gymnastics, consisting of swimmers (either solos, duets, trios, combos, or teams) performing a synchronized routine of elaborate moves in the water, accompanied by music.
Synchronized swimming demands advanced water skills, and requires great strength, endurance, flexibility, grace, artistry and precise timing, as well as exceptional breath control when upside down underwater.
It is both an individual and team sport. Swimmers compete individually during figures, and then as a team during the routine. Figures are made up of a combination of skills and positions that often require control, strength, and flexibility. Swimmers are ranked individually for this part of the competition. The routine involves teamwork and synchronization. It is choreographed to music and often has a theme.
There are many similarities between dance and synchronized swimming in that they both involve
choreography,
a strong sense of line,
balance,
strength for lifts,
endurance,
and the ability to do all of this unison with others.
Unlike dancers,
synchronized swimmers
go through their rigorous routines
while holding their breath and wearing a nose clip!
The Lifts!
In dance, the execution of a lift involves some form of connection to a solid surface, which is typically the floor.
In synchronized swimming, however, they are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool.
Instead, they must use their own body strength to lift and propel other swimmers above the surface of the water.
What About the Music?
In addition to relying upon their own vision to move with other dancers,
musical cues provide another important tool to help dancers stay together.
But what about the synchronized swimmers?
First of all, they must keep their eyes open and
continue to hear the music throughout the routine
through the use of underwater speakers.
Makeup Secrets of Synchronized Swimmers
The overall theme for synchronized swimming makeup is to go for something that is
colorful, eye-catching and bold enough to be seen from a great distance.
What do the swimmers use that is so amazingly water-and-smudge-proof
that allows them to stay in the water for so long and come out still looking flawless?
Some of the brands commonly used:
- Make Up For Ever (particularly their Aqua line).
- Eye Max Studio Products
- Clinique Makeup
- Diorshow Mascara
Don't sweat - our coaches have it covered.
They will also coach on how to do synchro make-up.
What About The Hair?
Dancers use an entire arsenal of sprays and gels to keep their hair under control for a performance,
but how will these products fair in the water an chlorine?
Synchronized swimmers used to use Vaseline,
but that has long since been replaced by Knox Gelatin.
First, the swimmer puts her hair in a bun and secures it with pins.
Then packets of gelatin are mixed with hot water and then it is painted onto the hair.
Any headpiece that the swimmer wears is then secured to the hair and the gelatin is allowed to dry.
Once dry, the gel is extremely hard!!
Don't sweat - our coaches have it covered.
They will also coach on how to gel and de-gel.