They were watching the amazing water shows of the era. Some of Hollywood’s greats (shown, from left) — Johnny Weissmuller, Eleanor Holm, Esther Williams and Buster Crabbe — performed before tens of thousands of people all around the United States in the dazzling Billy Rose “Aquacades.” It used to be, every new hotel in Miami presented some sort of water show for its guests.

It was a grand time from the 1920s into the ’40s, but eventually the spectacular aqua shows went by the wayside, although the last “official” Aquacade was held in 1984 at the Louisiana World Exposition in New Orleans.

Fast-forward
Today, though, aquatic shows are still being presented on a regular basis nationwide in colleges, high schools, YMCAs and elsewhere. Some of these shows are being used as fund-raisers, pool openings, special celebrations and anniversaries.

After all, an aquatic show is an exciting vehicle to bring entertainment to the members, guests and communities of most modern facilities — indoor and outdoor. And they can be used to focus on various swim programs and increase participation.

Aquatic shows provide a chance for your competitive swimmers and divers, children, seniors and others who enjoy swimming to exhibit their skills in an entertaining way. With good organization and dedication, most staffs can enjoy producing a show at their facility. The talent needed to produce a show probably is already at your fingertips. Swim team members and others with a good grasp of basic swimming techniques can provide a foundation for a show (although perhaps it would be best to avoid the fire diving).

The curtain rises
You can use people from ages 8 to 80 in the show. Think of it as a community play, only on water. Fancy divers can exhibit their skill and also double as clown divers. A variety of water stunts and the use of canoes and paddleboards help round out a show.

In addition, you can present the show acts at poolside using dancers, jugglers, choral groups and skits. All these acts can be tied into a central theme, complete with props and scenery, music, lights and costumes that can be made by volunteers.

At one time, “water ballet” featuring formation swimming in a variety of routines was a focal point of most shows and had wide audience appeal. Today, water ballet has become synchronized swimming and is a great addition to any show.

By using the water skills of your swim teams or by using divers and others who can perform in the water, synchronized swimming can be presented with simple routines all the way up to highly skilled exhibitions. After learning the basics, most swimmers can find a new outlet for their swimming talent and can use the skill long after their competitive speed swimming days are over.

What every aquatic show needs upfront is a good leader — in other words, a planner and organizer who follows through and makes things happen. Such an individual must be able to work with committees and pool community leaders. Together they can share the workload, producing a water show that will perk up any aquatics program.

You can also use a water show as a way to top off a terrific swim season — and provide an energy outlet for young and old. Just schedule the show for the end of the season at an outdoor pool, or in an indoor pool during other months of the year.

Much can be learned from the great water shows of yesteryear. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel — maybe just dive through one.