Mer-media
ABOUT:
Mermaiding is a way of swimming. Also called dolphin kick, since it resembles the way dolphins swim and the use of a monofin like the dolphins up and down, vs fish that have their fluke vertical and swim from side to side.
In this way of swimming you dress up with a mermaid costume, often made by neopren that is the same as divers use, and we work on different ways of swimming and moving under water.
What I like about this hobby:
For me mermaiding combines creativity, movement, expression, aesthetics and socializing in a fun new way.As a dance-artist it also gets me to the swimming pool way more often than normal swimming ever did. Make it a good cross training for my job.
The merfolk community is also body positiveand inclusive place to be. People can express their personality and creativity in a new way, and I see it makes them calm and happy, which I really appreciate.
Mermaiding I find in general a great way to just relax and take a break from the world around you.
I started in January 2019 with a costume made tail, by the Norwegian tail maker:
Since then I have:
ARRANGED GATHERINGS :
Mermaid Weekend #2(Nov 23.) In my hometown Verdal. A weekend with grilling at Havfrua beach, watching a movie (The little Mermaid 2023), long swimming sessions and good talks.
Mermaid weekend #1(June 21) in my hometown Verdal. Maybe norways first offical gathering of this kind? Mermaids from different parts of the country gathered for a weekend full of swimming, inside and outside, socializing and networking.
HAVFRUENES VERDEN
https://annkathringranhus.com/?projects=havfruenes-verden
A workshop/performance project is in the brewing.
OTHER
- Trøndelag Teater Commercial (june 22) Joined a commercial for a show at Trøndelag Teater "Havfruen":see some here: Music videos and commercials
Joined gatherings in Oslo, Norways capital, eks: https://youtu.be/T-0WYwjS6Ks - Done several photoshoots.
- Got several tails and learned about different monofins and fabrics.
- Interviews and articles with newspapers.
- Swimming in ocean, lakes, river and swimming pools as a mermaid.
- Working as a bading guard at Verdal Svimminghall from jan 2023
- Practicing skills, tricks and swimming methods.
- Working as an admin for Norway’s Merfolk group on Facebook. Norways Merpod | Facebook
If you live in Norway and feel interested in joining this creative world of esetique and movement, feel free to check out the group :)
Further on:
Through talking to people in the swimming halls, my Instagram Videos, interviews and the comment sections, I see there is a huge interest in this hobby and that many people of all ages would like to join.
As a dancer I think this hobby can be a lovely way for more people to get in touch with their creativity and learn how to move their bodies in fun, new ways.
I see opportunities to share my knowledge and facilitate both events with professional mermaids and classes for the enjoyment of both kids and adults.
I am planning on creating a show in a couple of years with other local mermaids from Verdal and a local singer.
