What do Justin Bieber, Knox gelatine and nose clips have in common? Everything, if you are on the Vancouver Pacific Wave 12 and under synchronized swim team.

The group will be performing its swimming routine to a Justin Bieber Fever mix at club's Water Show on Sat. May 28 (7 p.m.) at Watermania.

Knox gelatine is a secret weapon of synchronized swimmers for keeping hair in place during routines as it does not dissolve in pool temperature water. Nose clips are a mandatory piece of equipment for athletes who spend more time up-side down than right side up in the pool.

Team coach and Richmond resident, Aly Plecash has this to say about her team and the sport:

"Synchro is the perfect mix of strength, agility and grace... not to mention the gorgeous suits," said Aly Plecash. "The suits are made for each athlete to reflect the theme of the music.

"This year our team's suits are modelled after a turquoise hoodie - zipper and all! Needless to say they have been the envy at competitions so far this season."

VPW Synchro is new to Richmond, with practices currently at Minoru and Watermania pools.

"Watermania is a great facility to train in because the 'all-deep' pool allows our teams to practice highlights -- the classic lifts and throws you see in synchronized swimming," added Plecash. "As well, the professional facility gives off a competition vibe at practice which helps our athletes prepare mentally for events.

The VPW synchronized swimming club offers a wide variety of participation levels to sychro swimmers in Richmond, Delta and Vancouver VPW prides itself in offering programs for all levels of swimmers, from those just learning synchronized swimming, to those interested in a recreational program, and for those who wish to compete at a national level.

Synchronized swimming is perhaps the best all-round development sport available today for girls and young women.

It combines athletic prowess in femininely graceful movements together with a full range of musical appreciation and choreography. It develops the flexibility of a gymnast, endurance of a long distance runner, strength of a competitive swimmer and the grace of a dancer.

The body movements of synchronized swimming require the training of nearly every muscle in the body to a fine edge without creating any distorting overdevelopment. The flexibility and extension of a gymnast is essential for top performance, while the swimming of a routine normally requires the strength and endurance of a good middle distance swimmer.

A girl's imagination can be given free rein in developing impressive combinations of movements for her routine, while her sense of musical rhythm and timing is trained sharply to obtain the desired synchronization effects.

For more information on the club, the water show and up-coming synchro summer camp call 604-216-7444 or check out the club's web site at vpw.bc.ca