Every spring, between the end of the Middle Level play and the beginning of Middle Level spring sports, an exciting event takes place: the Eighth Grade Synchronized Swim Show! For those who don’t know what synchronized swimming is, it is a combination of swimming, dance, and gymnastics. This is a long-standing tradition for NDP’s Middle Level, and being in eighth grade myself, I can say first-hand that it is one of the best traditions the Middle Level has!
The year starts off normally, with swimming class once a week and no after-school practices. During this time Mrs. Anton teaches us all of the stunts we need to know, but no routines are learned. Around the time the Middle Level play is wrapping up, we choose a theme. This year’s theme is “Music of the Night.” This means that all of the songs have something to do with night. Then, after the play has concluded, after-school practices start. Most groups have three 30 minute practices after school and their regular swim class. This year has been especially hectic because of all of the snow! Also, after the main groups have been assigned, students have the opportunity to be a part of an extra routine. The extra routines have to come at certain times during the weekend to learn their routines because most of the weekly spots are reserved for the main groups. This year, there are 7 main routines and 5 extra routines, along with an opening routine and a finale.
While all of the practicing is going on, another committee has been working hard, and that committee is Poster Committee. Every routine has a poster, and there’s also a giant poster in the middle with the theme on it. This year, I have the privilege of being a co-chair of this committee, along with Lilly Yerkes. Even though we along with about 15 other people are actually on the committee, almost everyone from the eighth grade has helped in some way or another. I know for a fact that a certain Kate Walsh was not on the list for poster committee, yet she has been helping with her main and extra routine poster.
This year’s eighth grade is extremely excited for the swim show and are anxious to show their peers and parents what they’ve been working on for the past month. Hopefully, all goes well and all the memories made will last for a long time!
Fun Fact: James Baldwin was an essayist, journalist and novelist whose finely written essays, including “Notes of a Native Son,” “Nobody Knows My Name,” and “The Fire Next Time,” made a significant contribution to the civil-rights movement.
