May 8, 2017

Meet Nora Kaitis of AquaMermaid in West Loop

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nora Kaitis.

Nora, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I fell in love with concept of AquaMermaid through a YouTube video a friend sent over. As a former dancer and model, I loved how mermaid swimming combined the beauty and glamour of dance with my love for aquatics. My entrepreneurial side kicked in – I knew this could work in my hometown! AquaMermaid is great for me because it also draws on my love for teaching. I was a sixth grade teacher in the Peace Corps and I missed it badly. Now, I teach my passion for mermaid swimming to Chicagoans!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are some adults that think it’s babyish or strange to wear a mermaid tail. I think that’s sad. It’s supposed to be fun, and you feel so beautiful and glamorous in the mermaid tail that everyone should feel that way! We also struggle convincing men that it’s not just for women! There are men who bring their girlfriends to the class but sit on the sidelines. However, the men who have tried it do love it. Every mermaid needs her King Triton 🙂

Please tell us about AquaMermaid Chicago.
-North America’s largest mermaid school with eight locations throughout the US and Canada
-We are the reference for mermaid training in America
-The newest and hottest swim sport!
-AquaMermaid offers unique mermaid fitness classes in this fun water workout. Our classes combine synchronized swimming and aqua fitness to get a full body workout in the mermaid tail
-Live life like a fairytale!
-Tones your glutes, quads and abs, combined with great cardio exercises while working on breath control under water. As you learn new techniques, you develop your swimming grace, dolphin kick and propulsion power.
-Fun for kids or adults

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Every Friday night, I went to the indoor pool with my dad and my siblings for open swim 7-9 pm. We also got to pick a treat from the vending machine when we finished! It was always really fun, great exercise and I am lucky to have this memory. Of course, I was completely in love with the Little Mermaid as a kid! I am happy to still be sharing my love for mermaids and swimming as an adult 😉

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