Queens of the pool to go retro for the ‘Aqua Follies’

Music from the 1950s to the 1970s will propel the water routines for this month’s “Aqua Follies” show by the  Aquadettes artistic swim team of Laguna Woods retirement community.

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Titled “Retro Rhythms,” the synchronized swimming show features 11 musical numbers that showcase the talents and spirit of showmanship of the team members, who range in age from 59 to 87.

“We focused on finding songs that spoke to our hearts and souls and captured the spirit we wanted to share with our audience,” said Judy Rizzo, the group’s spokesperson.

Songs run the gamut from “Surfin’ U.S.A.” to “Dancing Queen” and “Yellow Submarine” and include the always popular armed services medley, which has been refreshed with new choreography and enhancements.

“The patriotic finale continues to be a community favorite and is always a memorable highlight of the show,” Rizzo said.

Routines developed by several choreographers are all new this year and feature three to 16 swimmers each. They range from Esther Williams-style water ballet performances to highly intricate formations and advanced artistic swim routines that showcase precision, athleticism and creativity, according to Rizzo.

“The skill level is higher this year, and the level of stunts is higher as well,” she said.

Swimmers are costumed appropriately according to the theme of each musical performance.

Bunny Quartararo has served as coach of the Aquadettes since 2020, and Cindy Toerner is president of the troupe, which practices all year for each summer’s show.

The team numbers around two dozen swimmers this year, with most returning, along with two members who are new. The median age of participants is early 70s. Rizzo, the oldest member, has been performing with the group for 17 years.

“The range in ages demonstrates that synchronized swimming is a sport that can be enjoyed for a lifetime,” she said.

For the 13th year, Jerry Langford will serve as emcee and announcer for the show. He is an entertainer, magician and humorist who is adept at engaging the audience, Rizzo said.

Langford will offer audience members introductions to the musical numbers along with facts about the singers and songwriters represented.

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While audiences are inspired and awed by the prowess of the swimmers, troupe members rate camaraderie as a primary reason they love the Aquadette experience.

In her fourth year with the group, Lori Ann Hughes, 72, said she enjoys the challenge of learning new skills, including cognitive ones.

“It’s stimulating,” said Hughes, who learned to swim at age 68 so that she could join the troupe. “We watch out for each other and mentor each other.”

Charlotte Davis,75, also joined four years ago after not swimming for many years.

“This group of women is so supportive, and I find the routines challenging,” she said. She also likes giving back to the community.

Beth Luymes, 70, has been a swimmer and scuba diver in past years. She’s now in her second year with the Aquadettes.

“I like the physical challenges and the fun of participating,” she said.

Supporting the show and its activities behind the scene will be many of the swimmers’ male significant others, known as Aquadudes. Details such as security, parking, lighting and music are handled by this group of men.

Members of the Village’s Clown Alley will be on hand to pass out programs and offer help as greeters, ticket takers and sometimes even costume changers for the performers.

A silent auction and raffle will serve as on-site fundraisers during the show to augment fundraising events throughout the year.

The “Aqua Follies” will take place at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 13-15, at the Clubhouse 1 pool.

Tickets are $20, available at Clubhouses 1 and 3 (PAC) and the Community Center. Children under 10 are admitted free.

A special ticket booth staffed by Aquadettes is open at the pool area practice sessions Monday and Friday at 11 a.m.

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