A young group of synchronized swimmers are bringing the golden age of sexy back to the poolside

Above: The Aqualillies perform on the rooftop of the Thompson Hotel in Toronto, Ontario.

In the early days of motion pictures – sex appeal was a big smile; where glamour and grace were revered over a hard body and scanty clothing. Nowhere was that more evident than at poolside in the movie genre of “aqua musicals”. Now, a young group of synchronized swimmers are bringing Hollwood’s golden age of sexy back. They are called the Aqualillies.

It all started in 2008 when founder Mesha Kussman, a trained dancer, attended a pool party in Los Angeles. She looked at the empty pool and thought “this would be a great stage”. She auditioned synchronized swimmers and the rest is Aqualillies history.

The ‘Lillies’, as they are commonly known, are hired to perform at hotel pools, private pool parties and in music videos. Instead of competitive synchro, Kussman’s team focuses on dance and performance, captivating audiences with twirls, kicks and lifts, accompanied by hip music. The ‘Lillies wear vintage swimsuits, a throwback to the style of Hollywood screen legend and synchro darling, Esther Williams.

“Some people refer to us as underwater Rockettes,” says Samantha Larose. Larose became an Aqualilly when the group expanded north to Canada this summer.

So far, clients included Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber and the Ritz Carlton in Miami. There are groups in LA, Miami, New York and Las Vegas. This past summer, they debuted at the Cabana Pool Bar in Toronto, to an audience of thousands.

Above: The Aqualillies perform at a Masquerade party in Beverly Hills

Larose says the audience couldn’t get enough. “A lot of the questions have to do with synchronized swimming ability, you know, how did you do this? How did you do that? Can you hear underwater?”

The Canadian Aqualillies consist mainly of former competitive synchronized swimmers like Larose. She says it’s a great way to stay in the water. “They’re not going to the pool anymore, they’re not…you know, expressing that creative side or that athletic side. And I feel girls that audition and then swim for Aqualillies really do have…something to look forward to.”

Kussman hopes to expand into a fitness regime and has hired choreographers and designers to keep the brand fresh.

“The Aqualillies are not a fad”, say Larose. “They are timeless”.

Don’t miss “Aqualillies” this Saturday at 7pm on 16X9.