water ballet

American  

noun

1. synchronized movements, patterns, and other visual effects performed in the water by swimmers, usually to a musical accompaniment.

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Etymology

Origin of water ballet

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Hideously transmogrified, they struggle upstream past the banks of Pacific Northwest lakes, rivers and streams in an intricate and terrifying water ballet.

From Seattle Times

There will be a 700-strong choir, and a water ballet sequence performed by the CBSO, the Birmingham Royal Ballet, Elmhurst Ballet School and inclusive dance company Critical Mass.

From BBC

There have been substantial advances in puppetry and digital effects since the first series, which ran from 1983 to 1987; the 21st century high-resolution widescreen television allows for bigger sets, bigger crowds, bigger production numbers — a water ballet, a “Soul Train” dance line — and more details in the characters and clothing.

From Los Angeles Times

“Synchronized swimming is looked at from the outside world as water ballet, still, by some people,” Amie Thompson, co-captain of the Australian team, said Saturday night during the finals of the team routine at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.

From Los Angeles Times

They believe it actually demeans the amazing skills of those who perform precise, grueling moves — often while upside down and holding their breath — by rekindling the sport’s origins as water ballet, which was more show than competition.

From Seattle Times