In Analyze This, Paul Vitti (Robert De Niro) is telling therapist Dr. Ben Sobel (Billy Crystal) about his inability to maintain an erection. They’re sitting at an empty bar, and behind the top-shelf liquor, “mermaids” seductively tease the two men with pouty faces and sensual underwater acrobatics. But behind that veil of underwater eroticism, there’s a glimpse into Florida history: the aquatic spectacle.
“I call it aquatic performance, or water ballet,” says Marina Anderson, a longtime practitioner of underwater theater and star of the Wreck Bar at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale’s weekly mermaid show. “I’m sure some people can see eroticism in just about anything,” Anderson says, “but [that] certainly wasn’t my motivation. My mom exposed me to Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid and Esther Williams’ movies, and the first time I came to Florida, I was blown away by all these dive shows. Sometimes parents will enthusiastically try to fool kids into thinking that I’m a real mermaid. I’ll tell them, ‘No, I’m not. I’m an aquatic performer.’ ”
To experience a piece of Old Florida, check out Anderson’s free show each Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Wreck Bar (1140 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale). Admission is free, but the drinks will cost you. Call 954-524-5551, or visit starwoodhotels.com.
I'm a sucker for all things Tiki and this little bar in the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale is Heaven Under the Sea. The bar is tiny, done in a nautical theme like the hold of a wooden ship, with several large windows over the backbar allowing a view into the hotel swimming pool, where MeduSirena and her pod perform an underwater show that must be seen. Old Florida at its very best. The women are graceful, athletic and very entertaining. No one isn't smiling at them and they are always smiling back. The drinks aren't bad, either. Don't miss the opportunity if you're in the area. You just can't find this kind of a show anywhere. Check out this little video if you doubt me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOw1FBcSTjE
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