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Hurry Up, It’s Time for Mermaid School!
by Laura Bennett
Updated: April 6, 2021
Originally Published: April 5, 2015
Imagine an 8-year-old girl’s wildest fantasy coming to life! Instead of the typical swim classes at the local community center, kids aged 8 to 12 have the chance to dive into the enchanting world of mermaids, complete with vibrant, sparkly neoprene tails. This whimsical school began in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is now making waves in various locations, not only in sunny Florida but also in bustling New York, where trendy Brooklyn kids can embrace their inner Ariel.
While the tails appear a bit cumbersome and might make swimming a challenge, I’m not one to dream of being a mermaid myself. So, I called over my 7-year-old daughter to take a peek. Her gasp and wide-eyed amazement said it all. “Can I try that?” she exclaimed. “I think it would help me learn to swim!” Honestly, I suspect she thinks the tail possesses some sort of magical ability to transform her into a graceful swimmer. Of course, she missed the part about a $95 discount for bringing your own tail.
I can appreciate the allure of this imaginative experience, and it might even enhance their swimming skills. However, I find it slightly off-putting that the course fee also includes a photoshoot and that the instructor is both a competitive swimmer and a model. If swimming isn’t your thing, there’s even an option for a “mermaid makeover,” which focuses solely on the photography aspect—this also leaves me a bit skeptical.
The website claims that boys are welcome, too, but the promotional videos feature only girls. Plus, only girls receive a matching top when they purchase the school’s mermaid tail. Here’s what the package entails:
- Five one-hour instructional sessions
- A mermaid tail
- A backpack for the tail
- Matching top (for girls only)
- Two professional underwater and surface photos
I’m curious about any safety guidelines that come with the tails or if they’ll approve tails brought from home. The fantasy aspect is indeed captivating, and the promotional video, despite the slow-motion segments, adds to the allure.
So, what about Mermaid School? Why not? The potential for creativity here is vast. Just think: horseback riding could easily be rebranded as Unicorn Riding School with a little imagination, and ziplining could transform into Fairy Flying with some added wings. The possibilities for franchise ideas are endless!
This article was originally published on April 5, 2015.
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In summary, Mermaid School offers an enchanting experience for kids looking to learn how to swim in a fun and imaginative way. With vibrant tails and professional instruction, it promises to be a magical adventure, albeit with some quirks.