Aquiana

Water Ballet Group

Aquiana, American University’s synchronized swimming and water ballet group was officially organized in 1950 and its final show was in 1959.  It was under the direction of AU’s swimming coach, Robert Frailey.  The coed group did an annual spring show with titles such as Waruna of Bali (1950-52), Fiesta del Aqua (1953-1954), Aquatic Fantasy and Wild West Show. Starting in 1952, Ed Walker from the campus radio station created a recorded soundtrack which was played using underwater speakers. The group was filmed on three occasions and was featured on the Dave Garroway Show twice.