1. Subscribe Now
  2. Follow Us
  3. Follow us on Facebook Follow us at Twitter Subscribe to our global feed
  4. |
  5. Advertise

Your guide to the region's top events, mixed with some commentary about life, media, gossip and politics in Washington, DC.

In Retirement, Former Opera Singer Finds Passion in Synchronized Swimming

When Carol Ireland retired from the Opera Society of Washington, she dove in with DC SynchroMasters

By Vicki Valosik

“People think we just go upside down and twiddle our toes,” Ireland says of synchronized swimmers. Photograph by Vincent Ricardel

“People think we just go upside down and twiddle our toes,” Ireland says of synchronized swimmers. Photograph by Vincent Ricardel

Whether in a period costume or a swimsuit, Carol Ireland has been in front of an audience most of her life.

After retiring from the Opera Society of Washington—where she sang soprano for 15 years—Ireland, now 71, joined the DC SynchroMasters, a synchronized-swimming team, and took her artistry from the stage to the water.

“In opera you complement the music with your movements and exercise breath control,” she says. “It’s the same in synchro.”

Singing in a chorus and landing lead roles in student productions at DC’s Coolidge High School gave Ireland her first taste of the limelight. She studied music at Cornell—where she met her husband, Terry—and London’s Royal College of Music, then joined the chorus of the Opera Society, which later became the Washington National Opera, and stayed until her retirement at age 40.

Though leaving the opera enabled Ireland perform solo occasionally as well as teach piano and harpsichord, which she still does from her Silver Spring home, she missed performing with a group.

The solution came one afternoon 23 years ago at the YMCA when a member of the DC SynchroMasters encouraged her to give the sport a try. After a few months of triweekly practice, Ireland competed with the team at the U.S. Masters Synchronized Swimming Championships. The DC SynchroMasters usually bring home a medal or two each year.

Though synchronized swimming takes strength and lung capacity—both of which Ireland built through years of singing while wearing costumes weighing up to 25 pounds—she acknowledges that the sport isn’t always taken seriously.

“People think we just go upside down and twiddle our toes,” she says with a laugh.

The camaraderie keeps her going: “After a while, you don’t remember if you won or lost. It’s really about the other people and your ability to create something together.”

That’s one reason she has no intention of hanging up her swim cap anytime soon.

“An operatic singing voice goes by age 40 or 50,” she says, “but in synchro there is hope that at 80 I’ll still be swimming.”

This article appears in the July 2011 issue of The Washingtonian. 

Subscribe to Washingtonian
Follow Washingtonian on Twitter


More>> Capital Comment Blog | News & Politics | Party Photos


Category Tags:


Comments


I have figured out some significant things through your blog post. One other point I would like to say is that there are numerous games that you can buy which are designed specially for preschool age kids. They incorporate pattern acceptance, colors, family pets, and forms. These commonly focus on familiarization in lieu of memorization. This will keep children and kids engaged without having a sensation like they are studying. Thanks

Posted by: buy cheap viagra super force, Feb 19, 2012 10:39:17 AM

You are a very intelligent person!

Posted by: buying drugstore australia, Feb 19, 2012 01:27:09 AM

Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said "You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear." She placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!

Posted by: buy cheap viagra online in canada, Feb 19, 2012 12:21:46 AM

Hi there, I found your blog via Google while searching for a similar topic, your web site got here up, it seems good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

Posted by: side effects priligy, Feb 18, 2012 11:05:36 PM

I like the valuable info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again right here regularly. I’m reasonably sure I’ll be informed many new stuff right here! Good luck for the following!

Posted by: buy cheap generic cycrin, Feb 18, 2012 09:50:48 PM

I will immediately grab your rss feed as I can’t find your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please let me know in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.

Posted by: buy cheap xenical, Feb 18, 2012 04:50:38 PM

According to my study, after a foreclosed home is marketed at a sale, it is common for that borrower to be able to still have the remaining balance on the financial loan. There are many lenders who make an effort to have all charges and liens paid by the future buyer. On the other hand, depending on a number of programs, rules, and state laws there may be quite a few loans that are not easily solved through the shift of financial loans. Therefore, the duty still remains on the consumer that has received his or her property foreclosed on. Thank you sharing your opinions on this site.

Posted by: buy cheap viagra canada safely, Feb 18, 2012 04:48:59 PM

Hello there, just turned into alert to your weblog through Google, and located that it’s truly informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I will be grateful if you proceed this in future. Lots of other people shall be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!

Posted by: internet pharmacy australia, Feb 18, 2012 03:40:10 PM

Thanks for your article. Another item is that to be a photographer entails not only problem in taking award-winning photographs and also hardships in establishing the best digicam suited to your needs and most especially struggles in maintaining the standard of your camera. This can be very correct and noticeable for those photography enthusiasts that are straight into capturing the nature’s fascinating scenes : the mountains, the particular forests, the wild or perhaps the seas. Visiting these adventurous places certainly requires a camera that can meet the wild’s tough areas.

Posted by: order Eriacta, Feb 18, 2012 02:27:18 PM

Hi! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any solutions to protect against hackers?

Posted by: buy cheap generic advair dorder, Feb 18, 2012 02:25:05 PM

Hey! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My blog looks weird when browsing from my iphone. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to fix this problem. If you have any recommendations, please share. Thank you!

Posted by: web drugstore, Feb 18, 2012 12:54:13 PM

Spot on with this write-up, I really suppose this web site needs way more consideration. I’ll probably be again to read rather more, thanks for that info.

Posted by: buy cheap Lovegra, Feb 18, 2012 11:18:59 AM

Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently fast.

Posted by: for sale kamagra, Feb 18, 2012 09:00:18 AM

Do you have a spam problem on this website; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; many of us have developed some nice procedures and we are looking to swap techniques with other folks, why not shoot me an e-mail if interested.

Posted by: order priligy, Feb 18, 2012 02:42:37 AM

Oh my goodness! a tremendous article dude. Thank you Nonetheless I’m experiencing challenge with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting equivalent rss problem? Anybody who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx

Posted by: buying levitra, Feb 17, 2012 11:28:15 PM

One other important component is that if you are a senior citizen, travel insurance intended for pensioners is something you should really think about. The old you are, greater at risk you might be for allowing something terrible happen to you while abroad. If you are not really covered by some comprehensive insurance policies, you could have some serious issues. Thanks for discussing your suggestions on this blog.

Posted by: cheap drugstore, Feb 17, 2012 08:01:58 PM

Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but, I’d like to send you an e-mail. I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.

Posted by: buy cheap viagra no prescription needed, Feb 17, 2012 06:26:32 PM

Hello! I just wish to give an enormous thumbs up for the nice data you could have right here on this post. I might be coming again to your blog for more soon.

Posted by: buying pharmacy canada, Feb 17, 2012 04:49:31 PM

very nice post, i definitely love this web site, carry on it

Posted by: cheapest pharmacy no prescription, Feb 17, 2012 03:47:38 PM

Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all of us you really know what you’re talking about! Bookmarked. Please also visit my website =). We could have a link exchange agreement between us!

Posted by: buying pharmacy reviews, Feb 17, 2012 11:03:59 AM

Usually I don’t read post on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to check out and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thank you, quite great article.

Posted by: sale zithromax, Feb 17, 2012 09:53:10 AM

There is visibly a bundle to know about this. I suppose you made some nice points in features also.

Posted by: web pharmacy canada, Feb 17, 2012 02:33:51 AM

Howdy, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any assistance is very much appreciated.

Posted by: buy viagra canada online pharmacy, Feb 17, 2012 02:16:24 AM

Terrific work! That is the type of info that should be shared around the net. Shame on Google for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and seek advice from my web site . Thank you =)

Posted by: buy generic vasotec, Feb 17, 2012 12:54:11 AM

I just couldn’t go away your site before suggesting that I extremely loved the standard info an individual supply in your visitors? Is gonna be again often in order to check out new posts

Posted by: buy Actos, Feb 16, 2012 10:58:11 PM

Thanks for your marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and definitely will come back from now on. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great work, have a nice day!

Posted by: buy cheap generic viagra online best price, Feb 16, 2012 09:36:37 PM

I am curious to find out what blog platform you have been utilizing? I’m experiencing some minor security problems with my latest blog and I’d like to find something more safeguarded. Do you have any suggestions?

Posted by: get pharmacy uk, Feb 16, 2012 07:56:42 PM

Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Very useful information particularly the last part Smile I care for such information much. I was looking for this certain information for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.

Posted by: side effects levitra, Feb 16, 2012 05:58:03 PM

In this grand pattern of things you actually secure an A+ with regard to hard work. Exactly where you actually misplaced me personally ended up being on all the facts. As it is said, details make or break the argument.. And that couldn’t be more correct here. Having said that, allow me reveal to you exactly what did give good results. The article (parts of it) is actually incredibly engaging which is most likely why I am making an effort in order to opine. I do not make it a regular habit of doing that. Next, although I can easily see a jumps in logic you come up with, I am not necessarily confident of how you seem to connect the points which in turn help to make the final result. For right now I shall yield to your point but trust in the near future you connect your dots much better.

Posted by: buy Geodon, Feb 16, 2012 12:59:09 PM

I have noticed that of all types of insurance, medical health insurance is the most dubious because of the turmoil between the insurance plan company’s need to remain adrift and the consumer’s need to have insurance policy. Insurance companies’ revenue on health and fitness plans are low, consequently some corporations struggle to generate income. Thanks for the strategies you reveal through your blog.

order Flagyl <a href="http://buygenericlist.com/buy-order-cheap-generic-flagyl-metronidazole-online/">order Flagyl</a>

Posted by: side effects kamagra, Feb 06, 2012 11:52:34 PM

I’d personally also like to express that most of those that find themselves without the need of health insurance are usually students, self-employed and people who are jobless. More than half of those uninsured are really under the age of 35. They do not experience they are in need of health insurance because they’re young plus healthy. The income is generally spent on houses, food, and also entertainment. Some people that do represent the working class either whole or part time are not given insurance through their work so they proceed without because of the rising price of health insurance in the us. Thanks for the concepts you reveal through your blog.

buy generic tegretol <a href="http://home-pharmacy.com/buy-get-generic-tegretol-price/">online generic tegretol</a>

Posted by: buy generic cardura, Feb 06, 2012 10:23:38 PM

very nice post, i definitely love this web site, carry on it

cheap generic brethaire <a href="http://genericrxdrug.com/buy-generic-brethaire-order-online/">generic generic brethaire</a>

Posted by: on line pharmacy no prescription, Feb 06, 2012 07:51:10 PM

Hello There. I discovered your blog using msn. That is a very well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read extra of your helpful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely comeback.

cheap viagra uk no prescription <a href="http://buyviagrapharmacy.info/buy-viagra-uk-no-prescription/">generic viagra uk no prescription</a>

Posted by: buy nolvadex, Feb 06, 2012 07:20:11 PM

I’ll right away grasp your rss feed as I can not in finding your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please permit me know in order that I may just subscribe. Thanks.

buy cipro <a href="http://buycheapgeneric.info/order-cheap-cipro-low-price/">online cipro</a>

Posted by: order viagra online australia, Feb 06, 2012 05:22:21 PM

A person necessarily help to make seriously articles I’d state. That is the very first time I frequented your web page and to this point? I amazed with the analysis you made to make this actual post extraordinary. Fantastic task!

viagra online canada no prescription <a href="http://buydiscountviagra.info/viagra-online-canada-no-prescription/">viagra online canada no prescription</a>

Posted by: buy CellCept, Feb 06, 2012 04:19:35 PM

Thanks for your publication. I would like to say that the very first thing you will need to carry out is find out if you really need credit improvement. To do that you simply must get your hands on a copy of your credit report. That should really not be difficult, ever since the government makes it necessary that you are allowed to receive one free copy of your real credit report each year. You just have to request that from the right people. You can either browse the website for your Federal Trade Commission or maybe contact one of the leading credit agencies specifically.

online Ceclor <a href="http://home-drugstore.com/buy-generic-ceclor-modified-release-without/">cheap Ceclor</a>

Posted by: buypriligy, Feb 06, 2012 10:07:22 AM

I have really noticed that credit improvement activity has to be conducted with tactics. If not, it’s possible you’ll find yourself damaging your positioning. In order to realize your aspirations in fixing your credit history you have to confirm that from this time you pay your entire monthly dues promptly prior to their appointed date. It is really significant on the grounds that by not necessarily accomplishing that area, all other activities that you will choose to use to improve your credit rating will not be powerful. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

buy Alesse <a href="http://health-drugstore.com/buy-cheap-generic-alesse-online/">online Alesse</a>

Posted by: buy Deltasone, Feb 06, 2012 09:00:38 AM

Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently fast.

cheap generic pletal <a href="http://home-pharmacy.com/buy-get-generic-pletal-price/">online generic pletal</a>

Posted by: buy now levitra, Feb 06, 2012 08:24:37 AM

I have seen plenty of useful factors on your website about desktops. However, I have got the view that notebook computers are still not nearly powerful enough to be a good choice if you typically do things that require many power, like video croping and editing. But for website surfing, statement processing, and most other popular computer functions they are fine, provided you do not mind the screen size. Many thanks for sharing your opinions.

generic viagra online discounted <a href="http://buyviagrapharmacy.info/buy-viagra-online-discounted/">generic viagra online discounted</a>

online drugstore without prescription sale discount canada http://health-drugstore.com/

Posted by: without prescription aralen, Feb 06, 2012 02:54:25 AM

Post a comment

Feel free to leave a comment or ask a question. Because of the prevalence of spam, we ask that you fill out the code in the image below to help us eliminate spam comments. By posting here, you affirm that you are 13 years of age or older. Washingtonian.com reserves the right to remove or edit content once posted.

Click to download our new iPhone mobile app

 

  1. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (62 Entries)
  2. Academia (2 Entries)
  3. Blogger Beat (94 Entries)
  4. Dating Diaries (50 Entries)
  5. DNC Convention (8 Entries)
  1. More
  1. February 2012 (46 Entries)
  2. January 2012 (65 Entries)
  3. December 2011 (41 Entries)
  4. November 2011 (42 Entries)
  5. October 2011 (24 Entries)
  1. More
Find A ...
Find A Restaurant







  1. Only show Delivery
    Only show Kid Friendly
    Only show Late Night
    Only show Party Space
    Only show Weekend Brunch
Find Events




Find A Happy Hour





  1. search_finda.gif
Find A Spa




  1. search_finda.gif
Find a Home





  1. search_finda.gif
  2. Powered by  
Find A Hotel


  1.   


  2. Reviewed by Washingtonian
  3. Kid Friendly     Valet Parking
    Handicap Accessible    

  4. Childcare
    WiFi
    Pet Friendly
    Bar/Lounge/Dining
    Airport Shuttle
    Salon/Spa
    Swimming Pool
    Fitness Room
    On-site Drycleaning
    Meeting Rooms
    Golf
    Tennis Courts
    Game Room
  5. search_finda.gif
Newsletter Signup
  1. Washingtonian Deals
  2. Bridal Party
  3. Dining Out
  4. Kliman Online
  5. Shop Around
  6. Where & When
  7. Photo Opps
  8. Learn more sign_up.gif
 

President Obama Attends a Groundbreaking for the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Michelle Obama and Laura Bush were among the VIPs who attended the event. more

A New Social Network Wants to Send You to Elton John’s Oscar Party

Tysons Corner company MicroStrategy’s online marketplace, EMMA, is holding contests offering “experiences of a lifetime.” more

Follow Us Follow us on Facebook Follow us at Twitter Subscribe to our global feed
Get the Magazine Washington Lives By

It's your source for dining, nightlife, news, health, shopping and more in Washington.

Subscribe to Washingtonian

Washingtonian Magazine provides the best insights on:

Subscribe today for only $29.95 for 12 issues.