Product Description
Discover the incredible true story of “The Original Mermaid,” Annette Kellerman, a girl who wanted to dance, swim, and feel free—and who grew into a woman who fought for the right to do just that!
Annette loved to dance and twirl and pirouette. But when she got sick and had to start wearing braces on her legs, Annette stopped dancing. Until, one day, her dad took her swimming. Annette could finally dance again—in the water! She water danced her way to England, where she performed water ballets, attempted daring dives, and competed in swim races. When she competed against men (and won!), she realized it wasn’t fair that women had to swim in full skirts, so she made her own swimsuit, and fought for the right to wear it.
Experience the journey of an independent and determined young woman, who swam, danced, dove, and designed so she could live her life feeling free.
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feminist, swimmer, overcoming challenges, gender equality, swimming, competition, fashion design, fashion, judge, laws, equality
Annette Kellerman is a true Australian swimmer, actress and fashion designer. When she was very young, Annette succumbed to a sickness that weakened her legs. The leg braces made her feel like she could no longer dance, so her parents took her to the water. She strengthened her legs swimming and won many competitions, becoming a famous long-distance swimmer. Despite beating male swimmers in competitions, she was forced to wear pantaloons. When Annette decided to make her own costume, she was arrested. Thankfully, the judge understood her argument and overturned the proceedings so Annette could choose her own swimsuit. Annette ended up making her own line of one-piece swimming suits.
