The pool of the Indian Life Saving Society (ILSS), popularly known as Anderson Club, transformed into a stage on Friday evening.
A group of swimmers performed a water ballet that lasted an hour. Once an annual and popular event, water ballet returned to the club after six years in its centenary year. Ballet needs precise and synchronised movements, which become more challenging in water.
The performers need costumes made of swimsuit fabric and water-proof make-up.
“The concept of water ballet is very unique and we ramp it up with a story, along with acting and dancing. Anderson Club is the pioneer of this form,” said Sriranjan Sinha, director of the performance, a collage of seven patriotic songs and called Sare Jahan Se Accha.
The first show was on Friday and will be held till Sunday, starting 7.30pm every day. Forty-five performers are part of the ballet.
“I have been a swimmer since childhood and doing water ballet for two decades. Coincidentally, my first ballet was with the same director, who taught me the whole art of vaults, synchronised swimming and different formations in the water. It is an honour for me to be a part of this grand performance in the centenary year of the club,” said Sumantika Choudhury, one of the participants.
