Deep Dive into Mermaiding: Unraveling Mysteries from the MerPeople Netflix Docuseries

Summary

Merpeople is a Netflix documentary that delves into the world of mermaiding, exploring both the art form and the passionate community behind it.

The allure of mermaiding differs for each person - for some, it is a means of self-expression, for others, a career choice, while some find pure happiness in being a mermaid.

Engaging in mermaiding is not without risks and necessitates devoted training. It may take several years of preparation before one is fully equipped to pursue a professional mermaid career.

MerPeople is a captivating Netflix documentary series released in 2023 that delves into the world of mermaiding. Directed by renowned filmmaker Cynthia Wade, who has earned acclaim for her works like Shelter Dogs, Freeheld, and The Flagmakers, the four-episode docuseries not only explores the concept of mermaiding but also delves into the passion and significance of being a mermaid within the community. With an impressive track record, including winning an Oscar for Best Documentary (Short Subject) for Freeheld in 2008 and receiving numerous accolades at film festivals like Sundance, Cynthia Wade brings her expertise to create a compelling and thought-provoking series.

Even before its release, MerPeople gained significant traction, particularly on social media platforms. Influencers such as Chazlyn Yvonne took part in the mermaiding trend, donning mermaid costumes and sharing captivating images and videos. These efforts ignited a rapidly growing interest in and enthusiasm for mermaiding. While many eagerly anticipated Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, the mermaid subculture found its own enjoyable and insightful content in the form of MerPeople, a fascinating documentary available on Netflix.

Mermaiding Is The Practice Of Wearing A Mermaid Tale And Swimming In It

As the name suggests, mermaiding involves individuals dressing up as mermaids, complete with the iconic fishtail, and swimming in a body of water while captivating audiences with aquatic performances. This form of art and practice has transformed the fantastical idea of mermaids into a genuine profession that demands time, dedication, and attracts a diverse range of people. The mermaids featured in MerPeople encompass a spectrum of individuals, including professional singers seeking self-discovery, activists striving to promote greater diversity within the community, and enthusiasts who simply have a deep passion for what they do.

The Appeal Of Mermaiding

Regarding the allure of mermaiding and the reasons behind people's involvement in this subculture, each individual has their own personal motivations. Take, for instance, Eric Ducharme, one of the featured individuals in MerPeople. He discloses that his deep connection with mermaiding stems from the fact that his performances have aided in his self-acceptance as a gay man with Tourette's syndrome. Similarly, Blixunami, another mermaid, has integrated mermaiding into his music career, even appearing in one of his music videos titled "Splish Splash on 'Em".

Weeki Wachee Springs Was One Of The Original Mermaid Shows

Another captivating addition to the MerPeople series is Mermaid Chè Monique. She has become a significant symbol within the mermaid subculture for her role as the founder of the Society of Fat Mermaids. This group has played a vital part in promoting diversity within the community by introducing mermaids of all sizes.

For some mermaids, like Sparkles, their passion stems from sheer happiness. Engaging in their mermaid persona brings joy not only to themselves but also to their audiences. As clearly depicted in the MerPeople series, Sparkles radiates with a vibrant glow while embracing her mermaid identity.

MerPeople reveals that Weeki Wachee Springs, a Florida tourist attraction, was home to one of the first original mermaid shows in the US in 1947. Newton Perry, a US Navy officer turned stunt swimmer, captivated audiences by using an air hose to breathe while submerged. Initially a niche performance, the show quickly gained popularity and by 1959, Weeki Wachee Springs had become a renowned destination for its mermaid show. Despite being shut down by the state of Florida when they assumed control of the attraction, it remained incredibly popular.

Where To Get A Mermaid Tail and How Much Do They Cost

MerPeople highlights the existence of numerous businesses specializing in crafting personalized, handcrafted mermaid tails of exceptional quality. Among these enterprises, MerTailor stands out as a renowned name in the industry. It was founded by Eric Ducharme, famously known as "the Mertailor," who transformed his passion for mermaid performances at Weeki Wachee Springs into a lucrative venture.

The price of mermaid tails varies depending on individual preferences and the materials employed. Generally, they are not inexpensive. Ducharme elucidates, stating that "Tails typically range from two to $3,000, and can even go up to $5,000, contingent upon the intricacy of the designs" (via Tudum). Nevertheless, Ducharme emphasizes that despite their high cost, these tails are meticulously crafted with premium materials to ensure longevity. Furthermore, each tail is custom-made to cater to the specific requirements of the customer.

The Potential Dangers Of Mermaiding

In MerPeople, it is important to understand that while mermaiding is a beautiful and whimsical activity, it can also be hazardous if proper safety precautions are not taken into account. According to mermaid Morgana Alba, "Mastering this incredibly unique skill requires years of training. Regardless of one's expertise, it remains a potentially dangerous art." (Tudum). Becoming a mermaid necessitates extensive training and unwavering dedication. Mere swimming proficiency is inadequate, as aspiring mermaids must actively engage in various underwater, diving, and scuba programs and courses to adequately prepare themselves for the potential risks associated with mermaiding.

Mermaiding Is Not Easy And Can Take Years Before Someone Is Ready

MerPeople emphasizes that mermaiding is a skill that requires significant time and effort to master. It often takes years of practice before individuals are deemed ready to join prominent mermaid communities in the United States. In 2019, mermaid Sparkles faced this reality when she auditioned for a spot in Morgana Alba's renowned group, the Circus Siren Pod. Despite her utmost dedication, Alba informed Sparkles that she was not yet prepared. This understandably left Sparkles disheartened, questioning her competence to pursue a career as a professional mermaid.

Sparkles used her disappointing day as motivation to strive to become the best mermaid she could be. Her determination paid off when, after several more years of intense training, Sparkles auditioned for Circus Siren Pod once again. This time, she managed to thoroughly impress Alba. In MerPeople, Alba tells Sparkles, "You have transformed into a completely different performer from four years ago... Your improvement and courage to come back are truly commendable." Although the journey to becoming a mermaid is challenging, for many, it is worth pursuing in order to make their dreams come true.

Watch the MerPeople

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am fascinated by the world of mermaiding and the MerPeople Netflix docuseries. Mermaiding is a unique and captivating art form that allows individuals to express themselves in a creative and imaginative way. The documentary provides an insightful look into the lives of mermaids, their motivations, and the challenges they face.

One of the things I find most interesting about mermaiding is the diversity of the community. Mermaids come from all walks of life and have different reasons for being drawn to this art form. Some, like Eric Ducharme, find that mermaiding helps them to express their true selves and overcome personal challenges. Others, like Blixunami, use mermaiding as a platform to promote diversity and inclusion. Regardless of their reasons, all mermaids share a deep love of the water and a passion for creating beautiful and enchanting performances.

I also appreciate the fact that mermaiding is a relatively new and evolving art form. There are no set rules or standards, which allows mermaids to be as creative and unique as they want. This sense of freedom and expression is something that I find very appealing.

Overall, I think that MerPeople is a well-made and informative documentary that provides a fascinating look into the world of mermaiding. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about this unique and captivating art form.