Added: 02/02/2006 |
Artistic Impression, Swim ChoreographySynchronized swimming involves choreography performed to the accompaniment of music. Artistic movements are used to emphasize and interpret the mood of the music and can be performed underwater. Usually swim choreography is a five-minute routine - in which one of those minutes is spent underwater. Swim choreography seems to be easy but it is not so. You have to be flexible, graceful and have a lot of physical strength. In addition, a sportsman going in for synchronized swimming should have exceptional breath control. The younger - the better, and synchronized swimming teams are formed of 9-18 year-old girls.
Synchronized swimming seems to be the most effortless event in the Olympic Games, but it is more complicated than it seems. The swimmers are required to hold their breath while doing complicated and strenuous movements underwater, simultaneously - it requires much strength, endurance, flexibility, grace and artistry. There is equipment that helps the women to create an illusion of effortlessness - not an easy task taking into account the fact that they perform complicated movements upside down while trying to hold their breath.
Nose clips are necessary in order to prevent water from getting into the nose regardless of movements. Gelatin is used to keep the hair in place and make-up is used to bring out the features. It is also very important to move to the accompaniment of music and, lest the swimmers should fail, there are underwater speakers. These speakers let the women hear the music very clearly. Synchronized swimming was originally known as water ballet and began in Canada in the early twenties. Ten years later water ballet spread in the United States, and has grown dramatically in the following decades.
Synchronized swimming was included in the program of the Olympic Games in 1948. Forty years later it became a full medal sport being open only to women. The medals are adjudged for two events: team and duet. Both events consist of a free routine and a technical routine - each to be performed within a certain period of time. The technical routine shows how swimmers work in team and coordinate their movements. There are many types of these movements such as rockets, thrusts, boosts and twirls. There are no restrictions in swim choreography during the performance of the free routine.
For every routine the judges will take into consideration artistic impression, swim choreography, and swim music interpretation. Artistic impression often means a flawless execution, effortless performance (at least seemingly), and an excellent coordination. Since artistic impression is one of the key components of synchronized swimming judging, water ballet reminds one of figure skating in most aspects. There are two panels of five judges assessing artistic impression, swim choreography, and swim music interpretation. The marks vary from one to ten. Usually young women participate in synchronized swimming, so if you like this sport you had better get started before it is too late.
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