The Meraquas artistic swimming team is making waves — and is on its way to the big stage.

Based out of William Woollett Aquatics Complex in Irvine, the team, founded by Dawn Bean in 1964 (then known as the Meraquas of Tustin) has evolved into one of Orange County’s premier synchronized swimming institutions.

Earlier this month, the Meraquas’ 12-and-under team secured the first-place spot at the West Zones Artistic Swimming Championship in Mesa, Arizona, which earned the team a ticket to the national championships. The competition is set to take place April 10 through 14 in Houston, Texas.

And if things go well in Houston, the team will compete in the Junior Olympic Nationals in Oregon later this year.

The entire group consists of girls ages 7 to 16, with swimming experience that ranges from three to seven years. Among the 12-and-under team is standout talent, 11-year-old Hannah Hsiao who placed first in her solo performances at the West Zones Championships and the Cactus Classic Championships earlier this year.

Part of the six person team warms up during practice. An Irvine artistic dance team, the Meraquas, have won first place in a local competition which has granted them a spot in nationals. (Photo by Michael Kitada, Contributing Photographer)

Members perform synchronized movements. An Irvine artistic dance team, the Meraquas, have won first place in a local competition which has granted them a spot in nationals. (Photo by Michael Kitada, Contributing Photographer)

The team performs synchronized movements during practice. An Irvine artistic dance team, the Meraquas, have won first place in a local competition which has granted them a spot in nationals. (Photo by Michael Kitada, Contributing Photographer)

Mini Lin, 10 of Irvine is thrown into the air, but lands gracefully during a recent practice. An Irvine artistic dance team, the Meraquas, have won first place in a local competition which has granted them a spot in nationals. (Photo by Michael Kitada, Contributing Photographer)

Mini Lin, 10 of Irvine warms up before practice. An Irvine artistic dance team, the Meraquas, have won first place in a local competition which has granted them a spot in nationals. (Photo by Michael Kitada, Contributing Photographer)

Coach Hyena Lee gives instructions during a recent practice. Lee coached the Korean team at the 200 and 2004 Olympics. An Irvine artistic dance team, the Meraquas, have won first place in a local competition which has granted them a spot in nationals. (Photo by Michael Kitada, Contributing Photographer)

The team holds a pose during practice. An Irvine artistic dance team, the Meraquas, have won first place in a local competition which has granted them a spot in nationals. (Photo by Michael Kitada, Contributing Photographer)

Margaret Zhong, 10, of Irvine stretches out before working out in the pool. An Irvine artistic dance team, the Meraquas, have won first place in a local competition which has granted them a spot in nationals. (Photo by Michael Kitada, Contributing Photographer)

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Artistic swimming, formerly known as synchronized swimming, is a demanding sport that fuses elements of swimming, dance and gymnastics, head coach Candy Hipp said.

“Artistic swimming is outwardly graceful and powerful while also being deceptively physically and mentally demanding,” Hipp said.

The sport is tough work. Each week, the swimmers at this level train for at least 12 hours, sometimes more. Athletes are required to not only be exceptional swimmers but also be extremely flexible and able to hold their breath for extended periods.

Swimmers execute intricate routines underwater, all without touching the pool bottom, Hipp said. The athletes rely solely on body strength for lifts and leaps while navigating the water without goggles.

For example, Hipp said, in a five-minute routine, swimmers might spend up to one minute upside down underwater while performing intricate leg maneuvers on the surface or launching teammates out of the water.

In addition to the group’s competitive teams, they also perform water shows for local company parties, birthdays and even weddings, all to raise funds for travel.

Long before Hipp was a coach, she was a member of the Meraquas herself.

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“My mom saw a water show that Meraquas were hosting and signed me up, and I fell in love with the sport,” Hipp said. “It’s unique, different and athletic.”

Beyond swimming, Hipp has been involved in external projects, such as appearing in scenes of the “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” as a mermaid. Additionally, some of Hipp’s swimmers had the opportunity to feature as extras in “High School Musical 2.”

“I have watched many swimmers grow up and become accomplished beautiful women, and I really like watching that happen,” Hipp said. “It is wonderful when you see a child accomplish something new when coaching and the joy on their face.”

Hipp said that the group is always looking for help, from coaches to sponsorships. Those who are interested in learning more about the team should visit the Meraquas’ website for more information.