The city of Las Vegas Department of Leisure Services invites everyone to enjoy the annual Holiday Synchronized Swimming & Springboard Diving Show on Thursday, Dec. 13, at Municipal Pool. Synchronized swimming teams from Clark County, the city of Henderson, Las Vegas and the Desert Mermaids, as well as divers from the city of Las Vegas, are expected to perform from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Admission to this family event is free. Spectators are welcome to use the available seating at the pool or to bring their own portable chairs. Refreshments will be served while supplies last. Municipal Pool is located at 431 East Bonanza Road.


Many of the youth who participate in local synchronized swimming groups learn the needed skills to enable them to join local competitive United States Synchronized Swimming clubs such as the Desert Mermaids. Competitive synchronized swimming requires overall body strength, power, flexibility and grace. The sport uses a swimmer's ability to move quickly and gracefully while consistently interpreting music and presenting dramatic poise. A synchronized swimmer must be able to display moves to a carefully choreographed piece of music while synchronizing with other teammates in the water. The competitive rules and manner of judging synchronized swimming are similar to figure skating and gymnastics. The nation's first synchronized swimming club was established in 1923 at the University of Chicago. Individual and duet Olympic competition began in 1984, and by 1996, a team event was added. Springboard diving became an official Olympic sport at the 1908 London games.


Synchronized swimming lessons will be offered at the Municipal Pool on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m., beginning Jan. 8. Lessons are priced at $32 per session, which comprises eight lessons. Session dates are planned for Jan. 8-31, Feb. 5-28, March 4-27 and April 1-24. Diving lessons will be offered on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m., beginning Jan. 5. Diving lessons are priced at $20 per session. Diving session dates are planned for Jan. 5-Feb 2, Feb. 9-March 8 and March 15-April 12 (no class April 5).


For more information on the holiday show or other city of Las Vegas aquatic activities, call (702) 229-6309.