The Deep Blue Stage: A Dancer's New Wave

Observing the fish swim gracefully is a cool summer treat. What adds a touch of magic to the day is a mermaid show.

ShanghaiEye reporter met mermaid performer Seolhwa Hong (Sera) from South Korea at the backstage. She returned to Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park this weekend (July 20th & 21st), after winning the first place in the international players' group at this year's China Mermaid Open and International Mermaid Competition held at the park.

Sera said she used to be a dancer, but she got an accident and broke her leg, and she couldn't dance again. After that, she started mermaiding and she won't feel painful in her knee so she could dance again, this time, underwater.

She added that she recorded the song for her performance, as she is also a singer. She has been mermaiding for about two years. She is happy to be back because, unlike the competition, which focused more on showcasing skills, this time she had the chance to interact more with visitors.

She told ShanghaiEye reporter that she was the first mermaid from South Korea to work in the 63 Aquarium, a landmark in Seoul. Now she is a coach teaching underwater dance. When there is a chance to perform, she always goes there.

She brought a team of mermaids and merman with her to Shanghai, some of whom are her students.

She said that two years ago, people don't know what mermaiding is, but today it is getting popular. And many mermen are joining in. She noted that the tank at the park is really large and has a big current so it's hard to swim. But her teammates did a great job despite the fact that they're amateur.

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park offers about six mermaid shows each weekend through August 25th, featuring mermaids and mermen from around the world.