Denver Aquarium Mermaids

[Aquatarian]

So I am sure a couple of us have come across them at some time or another, but a couple of years ago The Downtown Denver Aquarium started a mermaid attraction. It consists of a short show that talks about the importance of sustainability and recycling. There is also a meet and greet area where you can talk to each of the mermaids. You can youtube the show if you want to see it. Here is a behind the scenes video they film during one of their shows:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKembJNwey8

I recently came across another vid that was posted a few weeks ago. From the looks of it, it was part of the Holiday show they did during December. Here it is!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgAJCWzhwp0

As you can see, the tails they originally used look a little sad. They are all the same color, and they look baggy and bunched up at times. Thankfully they have made a purchase from a professional tailmaker (mertailor) from the looks of the holiday show, they have at least 2 latex tails and a silicone tail. BUT sad day yet again, the monofin in the silicone tail looks broken almost in half! It's a shame spending so much money only to have it break after a short time.

I was thinking about trying to contact them on facebook or try emailing them to see if they wanted to join us. And if this is in the wrong spot please move it. haha.

[ShyMer]

looks like the whole left side of the fluke broke :( so sad.

I like their performance though- in the wikee watchee (sp?) videos I've seen it doesn't look like they move around very much- mostly just hanging out in the middle with their air tubes. These guys do a pretty good job keeping someone out and swimming around while the others are getting a breath. Maybe they didn't do as many tricks as I might have expected, but I really would rather watch swimming over tricks anyway.

[RêveD'eau]

I applied to be one, got nothing back. Probably because I am not the size they are looking for. Also I've seen the show in person before they got the new tails. It looks like they've improved the show, I am biased but I expected more when I saw it :P.

[Aquatarian]

I kinda agree. They aren't even holding their breath for that long, only 5-7 at a time. I think part of it is people in Colorado aren't really accustom to seeing mermaids or anything ocean related so expectations are kind of low. haha.

Except for that guy in the holiday vid, lol, "they do a lot of waving..."

Yes. Yes they do.

[merboy78xy]

do the weekee wachee mermaids "talk" like these mermaids do? I thought that maybe one of the reasons they kept the lines so short is because it must be somewhat difficult to "act" and "speak" underwater and achieve the same consistency from show to show without running the risk of danger to the actors (especially since these fish don't have a breathing tube and must surface every time to breathe). I do agree that I would like to have seen a little more "choreography" not just quick lines

[Joy&RaptorsUnrestrained!]

* Weeki Wachee

[Lotus]

Ah, the Denver Aquarium....
Myself and a couple other mers from Aquatails did the pilot performance. They gave us a lame excuse why we didn't get hired- they said they were putting the plans "on hold". then they hired these gals. I went back to re-audition. "sorry, you're too fat" (I'm a size 10)
And now, almost exactly a year after I slipped and told Eric the Mertailor I wanted to audition in one of his tails, there they are, in his tails. ugh.

[Aquatarian]

Oh man. That's not cool!

Being part of this community to me means that there is vast acceptance for who we are. That's part of why we are here. Regardless of whether a job is preformance related, I really on't like companies or organizations that discriminate. I'm sorry you both were turned away by these people.

I also didn't like the fact that in an interview they claimed to be the only Aquarium in the country so far to be doing something like a mermaid show (we all know that's know that's not true).

@NikkiLee It's also a little extra salt in the wound that the whole mertailor thing that dominoed was kind of set up by you. I'm sorry.

This just reminded me of something I came across a while ago...
http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/325/f/8/m_a_s_o__by_hooraylorraine-d4gxgs6.jpg

M.A.S.O. Stands for Mermaids Against Stereotyping and Objectification. haha. I think that this really represents this community because everyone here looks different, both guys and girls. We are all different ages, heights, we come from all over the world, we speak different languages, but we come here and share this board together. Just saying I'm glad to be here I guess. And it really sucks when there is any kind of job discrimination.

[Mermaid Shelly]

That is brilliant! I love it! MASO just became part of my vocabulary; thank you! :)

[-Annwyn-]

MASO - YES! I still get caustic barbs over mycurvy shape. Sometimes it's very difficult to brush them off....

[malinghi]

Ah, the Denver Aquarium....
Myself and a couple other mers from Aquatails did the pilot performance. They gave us a lame excuse why we didn't get hired- they said they were putting the plans "on hold". then they hired these gals. I went back to re-audition. "sorry, you're too fat" (I'm a size 10)
And now, almost exactly a year after I slipped and told Eric the Mertailor I wanted to audition in one of his tails, there they are, in his tails. ugh.

I remember when you guys did that. You posted a couple videos of it on youtube. I was actually applying to grad school at the time, and I told Jerilyn that if I ended up going to the University of Colorado I really wanted to audition for your group. I was totally fantasizing about performing with you guys at the Denver Aquarium. When I saw that they had kept the idea but replaced you guys I thought that was really obnoxious of them. Its terrible how they treated all of you.

[Neria]

I am going to start saying MASO

[ShyMer]

Aww that's so sad :( I guess I don't like the Denver Aquarium mermaids anymore.

Also, I love that image.

Nikki- do you still have the audition up on youtube?

[Lotus]

Oh holy shit that tail fluke IS broken! (stifles a laugh) wish I could say I felt bad for the aquarium spending that kind of money on a junk tail, but I don't..... Sucks to be the mermaid wearing it though, I bet the push power is almost zero.
....you know, here's the thing- I think the show is kitchy and corny; all that high-pitched baby talk they have for the girls makes them sound a little dim in my opinion... I'm disappointed that's the direction they took. Yeah, I did still try for the job, I guess because my experience swimming was so amazing! That and I love performing.
@shymer- the video is on YouTube; look up "AquaTails Mermaids!". I'm in the lime green tail. Jerilyn is in Gold and Josh is in the blue tail
@malinghi- thanks. It blows. But that's life... And I know AQT would be glad to have you if you are ever here. :)
@Aquatarian- I love MASO. we ARE all different, it's my favorite thing about this community. I know for a fact the Aquarium hired those girls based almost entirely on their "look" AKA- the Disney mermaids. They literally LOOKED at me and decided I didn't even deserve to get back in the water. My skill in the YouTube vid is not great, mind you- I was still very out of shape from having my second daughter. I deserved another chance. I think I still do. I swear, I should get a petition going to force them to give talented mers like ReveDeu, myself and ALL the beautiful curvy girls the CHANCE to do this. Sorry Denver Aquarium- this is bullshit.
Rant ended

[Lotus]

PS.... I posted what they did to me in reply to a girl asking about the job.
It's on the Downtown Aquarium FB page. The girl asking was Kayleigh King. Check it out and back me up, guys.

[malinghi]

NikkiLee, did you make all the text of your post into a link, or is it some kind of error?

[Lotus]

must be an error.. not sire whats up with that. Ideas? it keeps happening, on this one too. not sure how to fix that

[RêveD'eau]

What I don't get, is that they hire people that consider it just a job, as opposed to us who actually LOVE what we do, do it all the time, are experienced and have a complete passion for it. I always thought if someone was passionate about a job, they perform much better than those who do not have an absolute passion for it. I've lost 10 lbs since I've applied and will apply again. Not only that but if they wanted real seashell tops, I could provide them with that. I'm still going to ask them, I don't like the swimsuit look lol. I just don't think its fair at all. :/

I saw your post Nikki. It will be interesting if she replies.

[Lotus]

she's not gonna respond, and apparently neither is the aquarium. What ever.

[malinghi]

NikkiLee, did you make all the text of your post into a link, or is it some kind of error?


must be an error.. not sire whats up with that. Ideas? it keeps happening, on this one too. not sure how to fix that

Well, the text is linked to the page for the Rocky Mountain Pod, so I thought that you being in that pod might somehow cause it, but other people in that pod don't have that error. Could you try leaving the pod and then posting to see if the error still occurs? To leave a group, go here: http://mernetwork.com/index/profile.php?do=editusergroups.

[Aquatarian]

Yeah I commented with my own opinion the matter. It's really not ok to discriminate based on appearance. If you are good during the performances and work well with kids then there should be no problem because that is the gist of the job.

It's worng to think mermaids are all one size. I mean if you look at Mermaid Melissa, she is very succesful with her mermaiding and she is not the skinniest person in the world. But she loves what she does and I think that makes a huge difference like you said, RêveD'eau (http://mernetwork.com/index/member.php?20-R%EAveD-eau).

Even the mermaids at Weeki Wachee (who they mentioned looking at for inspiration in an interview) are not all perfect in body type. Besides I thinks it's important for kids, and little girls especially, to see someone they really admire who doesn't look perfect. It's makes dreams more tangible for kids because they know they won't have to be "perfect" in order to achieve certain dreams.

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and I think that needs to be projected a lot more by the media.

[Mermaid Sirena]

Aquatarian I agree with you completely! Weather short, tall, round or thin all mermaids should have a chance to be in a show. I hope I never lose a job because of my height >.<

[Nate Walis]

I'm frankly amused by the idea that the aquarium in question is not keen to hire performers who might be slightly larger than what they percieve as "average" for something that I can only presume is a family-oriented show based on the themes and setting mentioned.

If this were a job perfroming in a bar, I'd still be disappointed that they were ignorant of the way in which they were encouraging a negative stereotype, but at least they could fall back on the old excuse that the mermaids were there to be looked at in an adult capacity.

Nice message to give to all those impressionable young girls who love mermaids: "Remember, fat = no fins!"

[AniaR]

that text error has happened for a lot of others too. Are the tails being referenced here the ones mentioned in this post? (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?1270-Reef-Tail-Project)

[RêveD'eau]

that text error has happened for a lot of others too. Are the tails being referenced here the ones mentioned in this post? (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?1270-Reef-Tail-Project)

I don't think so. The DA mermaid's tails seem to all fit, and the person in the other post lives in Hawaii I think. Not sure though, don't take my word for it!! :)

[Lotus]

Yeah, I'm fairly sure the DA tails fit fairly well, but it does look to me like the fluke on the silicone one is broken. I kinda wonder if theres a possibility that that particular tail is the same one he was selling on Ebay this time last year, but repainted. He stated in the ad that the mono fin had broken in the tail... Just a thought I had pass thru my head. ANYWAY... here's the thing- If the Aquarium wants skinny girls who see this as a "job" or a way to get themselves in the spotlight, they should say upfront- "we are looking for SLENDER girls who are decent swimmers." I know the swim test they have in place is mandatory to get an underwater audition- swim a 200 freestyle in under 3 minutes, a 50 fly (can't remember the time on that one) and the length of the pool underwater with no breath. I'm thrilled that they at least test for aquatic competency, but this size thing is just re-goddamn-diculous. There was a curvy mer at week wachee- she was awesome! but I digress.

[JessAJenk]

Hi Everyone- I just came across this thread and I'm saddened to see that this is how everyone views the Denver Aquarium Mermaids. I've been a mermaid at the aquarium for over a year and it takes grueling try-outs and training to get "show ready". I personally come from a 16+ year synchronized swimming career, I was a mermaid in the last Pirates of the Caribbean movie and I've stayed fit by swimming. All of this is what landed me the job at the aquarium. You must be beyond comfortable in 16 feet water, be in good shape, have great stamina, be able to hold your breath for up to a minute, not flinch at animals swimming around you and do all of this while looking graceful and natural in the 70 degree water. Many people believe all we need to do is look pretty but there's so much more behind it. We are all scuba certified, take skin diving classes and go through hours upon hours of training. One of our last shows included a 45 second breath hold in the middle of the routine that many of us almost passed out after numerous of times. Many months out of the year we swim up to 17 shows a day. Do you know how many sinus and ear infections we've had? haha! We are all just as obsessed with "merming", as we call it, as you all are! We love our job! We get the amazing opportunity to swim with the animals, inspire children and teach about the environment. I hope this has helped some of you see the other side of the spectrum! :)

Also, yes, the gold tail in that video is broken! So sad, it is beautiful! It has retired to the top of the mermaid locker. :(

[The Young Mermaid]

I actually just went to the Denver aquarim. But sadly I didn't get to see the mermaid show. :( I have to say I think alot of people on this thread are jumping to conclusions. It sounds to me like JessAJenk is very qualified. Sure the holiday show was pretty cheesy, but thats not her fault. I would love to work somewhere like that it would be awsome. JessAJenk, you were in the pirates of the Caribbean movie? So are you an actress? I have never seen the movie but I am very into acting. :D

[Rocky Mountain Mermaids]

Just came across this thread and I'd like to put in my 2 cents! I used to work as a Denver Aquarium mermaid... They really do think of profits first and customers and employees second. And I can DEFINITELY attest to their lack of diversity-- I was the only mermaid of color, and they rejected a friend of mine (who is the MOST passionate inner mermaid I know) because she had a tiny tattoo on her arm. However it was a lot of fun while it lasted, and I'm glad it gave me some experience in mermaiding. But now, I'm glad I'm not working there anymore. I'll be entrepreneuring from now on.

[Sea Pearl]

Thank you for sharing your stories about you experiences working there JessAJenk and SirenaSisters!

[Echidna]

I personally come from a 16+ year synchronized swimming career, I was a mermaid in the last Pirates of the Caribbean movie and I've stayed fit by swimming. All of this is what landed me the job at the aquarium. You must be beyond comfortable in 16 feet water, be in good shape, have great stamina, be able to hold your breath for up to a minute, not flinch at animals swimming around you and do all of this while looking graceful and natural in the 70 degree water. Many people believe all we need to do is look pretty but there's so much more behind it.

^^This goes for all mermaid shows, I believe :)
It's a lot of work to make it look effortless, like so many things!

Did your collegues have some background in synchro swimming too?

I ask because I run a little merwaterballet group- sadly no aquariums, no mer-shows of any kind, and next to no demand for mermaids in this country, boo!-,
and I try to make some nice and intriguing choreographies that still are not too difficult to perform,
but in the pro-mermaid shows, all I see is some swimming to and fro, lots of waving and blow-kissing, and the occasional flip.
From an artistic viewpoint that's a bit disappointing.

But yeah, I guess synchro is not for everyone.
When I was looking for members, I had precious little volunteers.
Seems the majority of mers prefer smiling into a camera, and rather avoid getting into deeper waters :p

[PearlieMae]

Oh man. That's not cool!

Being part of this community to me means that there is vast acceptance for who we are. That's part of why we are here. Regardless of whether a job is preformance related, I really on't like companies or organizations that discriminate. I'm sorry you both were turned away by these people.

I also didn't like the fact that in an interview they claimed to be the only Aquarium in the country so far to be doing something like a mermaid show (we all know that's know that's not true).

@NikkiLee It's also a little extra salt in the wound that the whole mertailor thing that dominoed was kind of set up by you. I'm sorry.

This just reminded me of something I came across a while ago...
http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/325/f/8/m_a_s_o__by_hooraylorraine-d4gxgs6.jpg

M.A.S.O. Stands for Mermaids Against Stereotyping and Objectification. haha. I think that this really represents this community because everyone here looks different, both guys and girls. We are all different ages, heights, we come from all over the world, we speak different languages, but we come here and share this board together. Just saying I'm glad to be here I guess. And it really sucks when there is any kind of job discrimination.

I LOVE this! Who is the artist?

[PearlieMae]

I kinda agree. They aren't even holding their breath for that long, only 5-7 at a time. I think part of it is people in Colorado aren't really accustom to seeing mermaids or anything ocean related so expectations are kind of low. haha.

Except for that guy in the holiday vid, lol, "they do a lot of waving..."

Yes. Yes they do.

It might be hard to hold your breath for long in Denver...having grown up at sea level and visited Denver (The Mile High City), I know it was hard to just breathe at all! I don't smoke anymore, but at the time, I did and a cigarette would last half an hour because there is so little oxygen!

Also...Can I post that MOSA graphic on my Facebook?

:D

[JessAJenk]

Hey Danielle,

I just saw this and felt I needed to respond. Although yes, Landry's is very "corporate" I must say I wouldn't still be working there if they were so horrible to their employees...now that I'm coming up on my 2 year anniversary with the company. Not to mention, you were not and have never been the only mermaid of color! The original mermaid that started the whole thing at Landry's was of color and one of our main girls now is of color. Unfortunately, yes the tattoo thing is an issue but I hope you can understand why they have a no-show policy as this is a show for children. If it can be covered by a tail, sash or top then it's never been a problem. I'm sorry it didn't work out and good luck on your mermaiding future!

[JessAJenk]

I actually just went to the Denver aquarim. But sadly I didn't get to see the mermaid show. :( I have to say I think alot of people on this thread are jumping to conclusions. It sounds to me like JessAJenk is very qualified. Sure the holiday show was pretty cheesy, but thats not her fault. I would love to work somewhere like that it would be awsome. JessAJenk, you were in the pirates of the Caribbean movie? So are you an actress? I have never seen the movie but I am very into acting. :D

You'll have to come back and check out the show! Yes, the holiday show is always a little cheesy, but the kids love it! haha! If you can find a place that has shows you should absolutely try-out. Maybe you can start a show at your local aquarium? It's so much fun and seeing the looks on the children's faces makes the cold water and stinging eyes so worth it. Yes, I was a mermaid in the POTC movie, On Stranger Tides although I'm not an actress. My synchronized swimming background landed me the role. They needed 10 girls that were extremely comfortable in the water to make it look effortless for doubling, stunts and a tracking our body movements for CGI effects. Such an experience!

[Mermaid Sabie]

@JessAJenk I was just watching the behind the scenes for POTC the other day and was surprised how many people were actually the mermaids! Synchro swimmers, actresses for the up close shots and body doubles for actual jumping/ stunts! What a cool experience for you!

[Ara Mermaid]

LOVE!

[AniaR]

um since someone necro posted and this is now active, the Denver mers def have some variety in their mers since this was posted.

[Ara Mermaid]

Hiiiiiiiii everyone, that was me!

I am looking for more information about the Denver Aquarium mermaids because they are oddly tight-lipped about it. I sent the aquarium a message saying that I assume they want people to apply in person because they are looking for a certain body type and look. Needless to say, I didn't get a response. ;) I would like to see a plus sized mermaid though! And mermaids that wear makeup and are more friendly and magical. I would like to be that person!

[AniaR]

Most aquariums are tight lipped about mermaids and don't actively seek out new performers. The occasional time that they do, it's usually advertised for auditions.

[Ara Mermaid]

Ah thank you. That's good to know! Do you also feel that it's because they are looking for a specific look?

[AniaR]

No, it's because they don't pay very well and most aquariums don't really respect or want mermaids lol. They do it as a draw to bring people in, and typically hire existing aquarium staff so they can pay them less. A friend of mine works there and works there as a person and a mermaid and I think she's fairly diverse looking.

But this is fairly standard across most aquariums. some don't pay at all (Last I heard Ripley's stopped paying mers but allows you to use their logos for "exposure") and more often than not if you see a mer in an aquarium, they've PAID to do it. There's a few threads on this.

It doesn't hurt to try, it's just not the prestigious thing everyone thinks it is. The mers I know who work in aquariums are some top notch women tho I will say that!

[Ara Mermaid]

I'm glad that's the reason, and not only aesthetic reasons! Does your friend feel the aquarium does a good job taking care of the animals? That is what I truly care about, and I like that their show is aimed to teach children to keep the ocean clean. If I ever got the opportunity I would want to continue that into meet and greets. I even offered to volunteer! It really would be to teach kids and be around the animals and get to swim. :) I appreciate the encouragement, maybe after some practice (and some weight loss!) I will give it a try.

[AniaR]

it sounds like your heart is in the right place and you'd be a good fit, it's just that dozens and dozens of mermaids come to them for the same thing!

[Ara Mermaid]

Yeah. :/ You're right.

[MermaidBrandie]

I asked them once in person the requirements for hiring and was told this by the trainer.

You have to have a free diving license.
You have to be the right size to fit in their tails (which are now MerNation tails).
You cannot have any tattoos.

There might be more requirements, and that was about four years ago, but that's what I was told. I was out because I have tattoos and the freediving license is expensive.

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[AniaR]

many aquariums want scuba too

[Ara Mermaid]

Thank you - that's good to know! I wonder if they will allow the use of your own tail if it has never been used before (so you don't have to worry about cross-contamination with the aquarium). I also noticed that the mermaids do not wear makeup - I think that would add a lot, especially to dry mermaids that meet people, but I am sure there are concerns there too. Animals first!

I was just looking into getting scuba/freediver certified - it's something my husband and I both want to do and there's no time like the present!

Does anyone else have any experience/insight? What is it like behind the scenes of the aquarium? Are the animals properly cared for?

[SheroesEntertainment]

With aquariums there is a large concern on safety to meet federal OSHA standards and aquatic life husbandry rules. Pre-screening for potential work is often tied to that. As an example, some aquariums require a full blood panel, physical, and eyesight test plus medical release plus First Aid / CPR certification plus SCUBA certification plus training from the animal or dive staff on decontamination procedures plus proof of worker's comp and general liability insurance coverage. Others just care about decontamination and SCUBA certifications. SCUBA certifications are more commonly required than freediving certifications as they more closely match the aquarium staff's own requirements.

Aquarium environments are closed systems where infection and disease are a significant risk. As a result, it's fairly standard for aquariums to NOT allow in outside SCUBA, freediving, or mermaid costumes in to their spaces as they cannot readily prove that they are clean and not carrying things like invasive species or disease. When they do allow them then there is normally an extended bleach soak and decontamination procedure in place. In general, full silicone tails are easier to get approved as compared to anything with sewn sequins or resin style scales, having neoprene, or any other kind of fiber material that may carry unwanted things or be eaten by fish on accident.

Aquariums, in general, struggle for money and need most of what they bring in to pay for the animals' food (sometimes semi truckloads of it per day at fine restaurant level inspection ratings) and to keep the large life support systems running. As a result they rely heavily on low paid and volunteer labor as they need to take care of the animals first. If you're looking to make money then aquariums are NOT the place to look for it.

[Ara Mermaid]

Hi Sheroes! Thank you SO MUCH for getting back to me! I am extremely happy to hear about the aquarium requirements that keep the animals safe; that's the top priority! I'm glad to hear most of the money goes to feeding and caring for the animals. Our aquarium even has a sloth and tigers! Just feeding the tigers themselves has to be super expensive. Luckily I am hoping to volunteer. I really want to teach conservation and feel I can interact with guests better than the mermaid I met there. (That sounds rude. I don't mean it to be, I just expect the mermaids to be engaging). Anywhoooo, at least I have peace of mind and goals to work towards. :)

[PearlieMae]

With aquariums there is a large concern on safety to meet federal OSHA standards and aquatic life husbandry rules. Pre-screening for potential work is often tied to that. As an example, some aquariums require a full blood panel, physical, and eyesight test plus medical release plus First Aid / CPR certification plus SCUBA certification plus training from the animal or dive staff on decontamination procedures plus proof of worker's comp and general liability insurance coverage. Others just care about decontamination and SCUBA certifications. SCUBA certifications are more commonly required than freediving certifications as they more closely match the aquarium staff's own requirements.

Aquarium environments are closed systems where infection and disease are a significant risk. As a result, it's fairly standard for aquariums to NOT allow in outside SCUBA, freediving, or mermaid costumes in to their spaces as they cannot readily prove that they are clean and not carrying things like invasive species or disease. When they do allow them then there is normally an extended bleach soak and decontamination procedure in place. In general, full silicone tails are easier to get approved as compared to anything with sewn sequins or resin style scales, having neoprene, or any other kind of fiber material that may carry unwanted things or be eaten by fish on accident.

Aquariums, in general, struggle for money and need most of what they bring in to pay for the animals' food (sometimes semi truckloads of it per day at fine restaurant level inspection ratings) and to keep the large life support systems running. As a result they rely heavily on low paid and volunteer labor as they need to take care of the animals first. If you're looking to make money then aquariums are NOT the place to look for it.

This is great information! I hope you share it across many social media platforms!

(I would be happy to, with full credit to you.) :mermaid kiss:

[SheroesEntertainment]

Sure, you are welcome to share the information about OSHA standards etc. Thank you for asking!

[SheroesEntertainment]

@MerPizza - you are very welcome! Any volunteer role at an aquarium can make a huge impact. You are absolutely right that feeding tigers is expensive! That's why donations and volunteer docents, educators, etc. are so incredibly valuable to aquariums. They help to keep the money focused on the animal care and enrichment. If you want to volunteer then see if you can be assigned to the education department - it sounds like with your interest in teaching about conservation it might be an awesome place to learn content, pick up some new teaching skills insights, and find inspiration in how you can make content more fun for kids. :)