Joyous strokes for holidays

Friday, Dec. 22, 2006 | 7:11 a.m.

The swimmers from Las Vegas and Henderson made a big splash for Christmas at the recent Holiday Synchronized Swimming Show at the Las Vegas Municipal Pool, 431 E. Bonanza Road.

Adorned with bright seasonal ribbons, the youths swam in unison to "Jingle Bell Rock," "Santa Baby," "Joy to the World" and holiday favorites.

The free show last Saturday was sponsored by the Las Vegas Department of Leisure Services and featured several area synchronized swimming squads, including the Desert Mermaids, Desert Breeze and Synchro Sapphires.

Many of the children also compete in United States Synchronized Swimming meets, Las Vegas city officials said.

Displaying body strength, flexibility and grace, a synchronized swimmer is required to move quickly and smoothly through the water while interpreting music and displaying dramatic pose, much like figure skaters and gymnasts.

The nation's first synchronized swimming club was established in 1923 at the University of Chicago.

Swimming champion and actress Esther Williams popularized synchronized swimming through a series of "aqua musicals," including her first, "Bathing Beauty" in 1944.

Individual and duet synchronized swimming competition began in the Olympics in 1984. In 1996 a team event was added.