4 minute read
The Clams
THE CLAMS
The rising (crimson) tide of water ballet
Atlas spoke with The Clams, a feminist water ballet troupe by women, for women to learn more about the concept and execution of their charming crimson choreography. Images by Bri Hammond
Tell us about the background of The Clams –– how did this group get started?
We formed towards the end of 2016. My friends and I had been joking for months about the idea of putting on a water ballet. We had already formed a feminist book club but we hadn't been very good at coordinating ourselves to read the same book at the same time. I don't know what possessed us to think we could therefore co-ordinate ourselves in a pool but the idea of performing a water ballet became a persistent joke. Eventually we realised there was a fair amount of genuine enthusiasm and we set about trying to make it happen!
We approached a couple of local choreographers who were keen to help if we could build our numbers to 30. Everyone was so enthusiastic about the idea so we got to 30 within a matter of weeks.
Tell us a bit about the vision of The Clams.
The Clams is a group of women who exist for women. We are kooky, fun, and silly. But we also are passionate about removing any barriers and stigmas that stand in the way of women being the best they can be.
There's a cultural notion that women are naturally in competition with each other. I think this is really damaging. If we're going to achieve equality we need to be supportive of each other and help lift each other up. This project is a microcosm of that.
Why is being open about periods important to you?
The show has given us a platform to create conversation about the stigma that still exists around menstruation. It's incredibly damaging that we are socially conditioned from a young age to be ashamed of bodies do naturally. Shame makes us vulnerable to exploitation and it leaves us ill-informed about our own bodies. Being well-educated about your body is empowering and potentially even life-saving if it means you're more comfortable seeking medical attention. Shame also holds back social progress. If we can't talk about periods, how can we address the inequality of the 'tampon tax'? Here in Australia you can buy products like sunscreen, condoms, lube and nicotine patches without having to pay a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST). These products all fall under the Government’s medical goods exemption. It seems inexplicable that sanitary products do not. The profits from our first show went to Share the Dignity, a charity that donates sanitary items to women in need. That was a really nice way of bringing the project full circle.
What has been the biggest challenge for you?
Just getting started was the biggest challenge. No one involved had ever done anything like this before. We'd never performed a water ballet, or choreographers Holly Durant and Gabi Barton had never choreographed one, the pool had never hosted one ... it was everybody's first time! While that was difficult, it also added to the fun and excitement in a lot of ways as it allowed us the freedom to make the project into what we wanted. It was a very collaborative project.
What is the most fun part about The Clams?
Getting to know all the amazing women who took part in the project. I know it sounds cheesy but I'm really proud of the culture of the team. Through this project I've met so many enthusiastic, supportive women. The variety and breath of talent within the team is humbling. We have accountants, musicians, marketing professionals, business-owners. You name it, they're on the team and they've all been so willing to lend their expertise to help this crazy project come to fruition.
What does the team wear? Are there props?
Right now our uniform/signature look is our red one-piece swimsuits and white retro-style swimming caps. We each choose our own swimsuits and I’ve enjoyed how the variation has us looking like even more of a motley crew! I spent a great deal of my Summer crafting 30 giant tampons out of pool noodles and large white bus driver's socks. It was worth it though. They looked incredible being swung overhead in unison! Our other prop for Crimson Tide was 40 metres of red tulle which looked like a graceful blood trial as it was dragged through the water.
Do you have any advice? Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Get out there, find some like-minded people and get collaborating. Getting started can be the hardest part, but the enthusiasm and momentum of a group is very powerful.
There is an international water ballet community out there that we’ve been surprised and delighted to discover. It’s small, but mighty. Right now we have soul sisters in Portland, Brooklyn, Auckland, Sweden and lots of others around the world. It’s been awesome being able to support each other via the magic of the internet.
