Brooklyn Peaches Synchronized Swimming Troupe offers one of few places in NYC for water ballet

Benefit planned for Saturday is part of group’s outreach that has expanded to Los Angeles

April 24, 2018 By Francesca Norsen Tate Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Jen K. Norton performs a somersault during a recent performance of the Brooklyn Peaches Synchronized Swimming Troupe. Photo courtesy of the Brooklyn Peaches

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The swimmers move in graceful unison, performing somersaults in the water. They are the ladies of The Brooklyn Peaches Synchronized Swimming Troupe, who have created a new sense of community at the Dodge YMCA in Brooklyn Heights with the ancient traditions of water ballet. And they will present their Spring Spectacular Event this Saturday, April 28, 6:30 p.m., at The Dodge YMCA (225 Atlantic Ave. (at Court St.). The $5 admission will go towards the Y’s Annual Campaign.

Combining their love of swimming and dance, the troupe’s co-founders, Nicole Feddock and Nicole Sciarrillo launched Brooklyn’s first synchronized swim class at the Dodge YMCA in 2010. At the time, both Feddock and Sciarrillo were both employed in the hustle and bustle of advertising. Along with current instructor, Sara Angle they keep the tradition alive and strong today in Brooklyn.

The tradition probably had its origins at the beginning of the 20th century, when Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman toured the United States in water acrobatics shows, which proved widely popular, according to the Olympics Games website. Later, Katherine Curtis further developed the sport by combining water acrobatics with music. Her students had the opportunity to perform at the 1933-34 Chicago “Century of Progress” fair. Former Olympic swimming gold medalist Norman Ross, who was the announcer, named the sport “synchronized swimming.” American film star Esther Williams further popularized this form of swimming—by then called water ballet—in her movies. A competitive dimension developed, and synchronized swimming officially became an Olympic sport with the Los Angeles games in 1984. The Olympic events since 2000 have included the team water ballet and duet competition events. Synchronized swimming is one of only two all-women Olympic sporting events, along with rhythmic gymnastics.

The Dodge YMCA, on Atlantic and Court streets, is one of few centers in the New York City area that offer synchro-swim to the public. The Brooklyn Peaches swim troupe gathers once a week to bring back this retro-inspired sport and offer a fundraiser-performance, like their Spring Spectacular, at the close of every season.

Team members say that they not only teach water movement, but also self-appreciation through lessons in mind-body balance. The supportive learning environment of the YMCA fosters a sense of community among the students. All of this creates synchronicity. Those who join them on a Tuesday evening class (8 p.m.) will find a non-competitive, open-level environment that brings together students of all backgrounds. Synchronized swimming is relatively strenuous, requiring great flexibility, strength and endurance. When performed well, synchro swim will achieve an illusion of ease.

The Brooklyn Peaches’ performance troupe members are Autumn Costner, Caitlin McKenna, Mary Riley and Sara Angle. They bring their splashy entertainment to NYC hotels, private parties, and weddings. Highlights also include Coney Island’s Mermaid Ball, LongHouse Reserve’s Summer Galas, the LES Film Festival, + POOL fundraiser and brand events for Ted Baker and Veuve Clicquot.

“We get in the pool each week because it brings us friendship and happiness,” says Caitlin McKenna.

“This sport is just plain FUN! Synchronized swimming is truly our little girl dreams come to life!” exclaims Kirsten Kammermeyer

Autumn Costner asserts, “We get in the pool each week because we are all MERMAIDS.”

Sara Angle, who instructs the classes, says, “Synchro is an act of love for ourselves, the water, and each other. It makes us feel, makes us think, and makes us whole.”

The Brooklyn Peaches continue to evolve and extend their outreach. Recently, Sciarrillo and her family relocated from Brooklyn, NY to Los Angeles, CA where she will begin teaching Brooklyn Peaches workshops this summer. Performing Peach Sara Angle became a co-teacher at The Dodge Y with Feddock on Tuesday nights. Angle is a writer and editor specializing in health and fitness and a certified personal trainer. She trained as a synchronized swimmer and dancer for over a decade.

Their next 8-week session begins Tuesday, May 1st at 8 p.m.