SSC Dolphins ‘show’ well applauded

The Saipan Swim Club Dolphins’ first synchronized swimming performance was a hit, drawing a loud applause from spectators who stayed at the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool after last Saturday’s SSC Pentathlon Meet.

The SSC Dolphins show one part of their synchronized swimming routine last Saturday at the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Dressed in solid black suit and tights that has lilac asymmetrical lines at the bottom part and with shimmering ‘flower’ on their left wrist and white caps designed with different flowers, the six Dolphins—Kaoru Takahashi, Atsuko Sato, Nami Kadokura, Ayumi Kaga, assistant coach Carol Lynn Pierce and coach Suzy Kindel—performed a three-minute routine to the tune of the Lion Sleeps Tonight.

Husband and wife Joshua Mamiko Berger, brothers Akira and Wataru Kadokura, Lennosuke Suzuki, R.J. Pierce, Tiffany Lin, and Yumiko Mizuno did the song on their ukuleles.

The Dolphins started their routine with a tap, followed by a ballet leg, kip, pinwheel, two-man back dolphin, marching legs, ‘Eiffel Tower,’ front walkover with torpedo sculling, and ‘oceanita’ with a 180-degree twist.

Each move drew cheers from spectators that included both SSC and Tsunami Saipan swimmers, volunteer timers, and parents of swimmers. Some friends of the performers also showed up, including the 92-year-old mother of Jill Derickson—Mina Neidrauer—who, according to Kindel stood on deck critiquing them during several practices

The number was well received that the Dolphins had a hard time hearing the music coming from the ukuleles.

“Because of all the clapping we couldn’t really hear the music like we could during our practices. But fortunately we had learned the routine to a serious of counts so it worked out OK. The audience’s enthusiasm and support was unexpected which made it so exciting,” Kindel said.

Emma Perez, the SSC president who made the introduction for the Dolphins’ performance, couldn’t be prouder of Kindel and company’s historic achievement. Last Saturday was the first time a group from Saipan did synchronized swimming.

“I was so proud of them and impressed with how well it went. I am deeply grateful that Suzy and Carol are sharing their knowledge and inspiring new adult swimmers. I had a woman join me for the Saturday beginner class and she really wants to do synchronized swimming,” Perez said.

Well-wishers surrounded the Dolphins after their performance, congratulating them and giving them flowers and leis.

“I was definitely fighting tears when Atsuko’s daughter Ayaka presented me with the lei. It was so unexpected. Then Carol Lynn walked up with a bouquet of flowers and another handmade lei. I understand the Dolphins were out picking flowers early that morning before they all worked the swim meet! It was a wonderful and touching gesture of thanks,” said Kindel, who had trip down memory lane as she did synchronized swimming in high school.

Kindel added she was a bit nervous before the performance, but gained confidence the moment she saw their supporters.

“I was very nervous as I haven’t performed in so many years. I was worried I would do something wrong because we had made some recent changes to the routine. I kept running through the routine in my mind and in the restroom. But once on the deck the audience support somehow took away my nervousness,” the 63-year-old SSC Dolphins member added.

“From the input I have received from friends and from watching the video, the routine was performed well. I think the audience was excited as many knew we had been practicing but had never seen any synchronized swimming. Most people don’t understand how difficult this sport is and we were performing hard stunts back to back while trying to synchronize to each other,” Kindel said.

The Dolphins thanked all those who made their performance a huge success.

“Thanks to Jennifer Kogure for donating the nail polish; coach Gary and the Kan Pacific Lifeguards for moving lanes lines for our routine and practices; and to the Ukulele players Josh, Mami and Tiffany took timeout during their lunch hour swims to play for our practices. This is just another example of the fun and family orientation of the Saipan Swim Club,” said Kindel, who credited Pierce for helping her with the different stunts, costume design, and choreography.

After their successful demonstration, the group, which trained for about nine months, will take a break before returning to practice in April to learn new routines.

“I personally would love to do a duet with Carol Lynn Pierce and would love to see what the four ‘Japanese Mamas’ could develop for a routine,” Kindel said.