TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
By: Aqualillies Posted On: July 26, 2024Paris 2024 officially kicks off today, and what better way to celebrate than by highlighting the team aspect of Artistic Swimming – one of the ultimate team sports! We’ve compiled quotes from our performers about what teamwork means to them. Some of the questions we asked our team: What does “Teamwork” mean to you? What is your favorite part about being part of a Team? If you were telling someone what it means to be a “team player”, what would you say? Read on to see how they responded, and tune in starting August 5th through August 10th to watch the Artistic Swimming Olympic events! You can also read more about Artistic Swimming at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics here.
“One of the most special things about teamwork is the trust you build with your teammates through days and days of practice. I used to base lifts, and my partner flyer Jeanie who I would always practice with, was so light that I could almost never feel her – so she always used to tap her feet on my shoulders before she flew off of me. That unspoken language meant so much to me then and in memory now when I think back to those days. Now as leader outside the water, the relationships and trust between myself and the team members are what help us work through situations on set or on-site with professionalism and grace.” — Mary
“There is nothing better than being a team. Being able to share in something you love with uplifting, encouraging, and likeminded individuals is absolutely incredible. My first show with Aqualillies was certainly one to remember… I was welcomed and felt supported instantly. My teammates showed me the way, and their camaraderie inspired me. My team wanted to help me be the best performer/athlete I could be because we are truly all in this together. Looking forward to creating more memories with my team!” — Salise
“One of the things I love most about artistic swimming is our connection with the water, with the music, and, most importantly, with our teammates. Being a team player means recognizing that our strengths are amplified when we come together. It’s about trust, harmony, and creating something beautiful that transcends what we can achieve alone. Teamwork highlights and strengthens the bond between us as athletes, which is where the true magic happens. The support, unity, and strength of the team leads to long-lasting, meaningful success. Connection is so powerful and is at the core of teamwork. Whether in or out of the water, connection can give meaning to our actions, transform our experiences, elevate our understanding, and deepen our purpose.” — Anna M.
“Teamwork to me means we all work together to achieve what we came here to do! Perform a badass beautiful performance. My very first job with Aqualillies I immediately felt accepted and supported by the veteran swimmers and dancers to help me with any new tricks and techniques. My favorite part about being part of a team is that everyone is willing to help each other succeed. Laughing together before the performance, the excitement and the feeling of accomplishment after a performance and all the hard work and training is a feeling I live for! Being a team player means you work hard to make sure you’re at your best performance level so you can be an example for the rest of the team. When you are at your best mentally physically and spiritually that energy is contagious and spreads throughout the entire team. Good vibes and energy go a long way when you are taking good care of yourself. Show up the best version of yourself for your team.” — Taylor
“One of my favorite parts about being part of a team is the moments we share that bring pure joy to everyone. There’s something incredibly special about seeing the happiness on each other’s faces when we’re all together, especially during a section of the routine where we’re all facing each other in some way. The joy of moving in perfect harmony, splashing to the rhythm of the music, doing something that is so intense yet graceful, creates an incredible bond among us. The connection we feel in those moments are truly priceless, creating memories that make our teamwork even more meaningful.” — Heidi L.
“I love being a part of a team because we all have different unique talents that we bring to the table that allow us to create something really beautiful. Whether it’s being a great flyer, a reliable base, a strong team captain, or just having a bubbly personality that brings up the energy of everyone else, it’s great being able to share that talent with the team for a stunning end result.” — Rachel H.
“Teamwork is I create and share my life with members who I trust 100%. My favorite [part of being on a team] is we become like a family. We spend time 24/7 everyday and feel like I built my family here. [If you were telling someone what it means to be a “team player”, what would you say?] You need to listen your teammates and collaborate with them. And don’t forget, ENJOY!” — Natsumi
Being part of a team involves everyone giving 100% of themselves towards the effort. In competition, If you aren’t working together, kicking to the surface at full strength on a lift, the whole base becomes unsteady and the top will fall. If we’re working together at a gig, everyone comes prepared and puts their best foot forward at rehearsal, the Captain[s] and Show Manager have anticipated the needs of the routine, [and] we end up with a final product we are all proud of: a beautiful performance for our clients.” — Nora
“Being part of team was beyond [just] a swim. It was lifting each other up on bad days, breathing together, laughing at our mistakes and cheering ourselves on during our wins. A team is a family and a home where we never let each other down, we are always one.” — Nyra
