Performance at the Billy Rose Aquacade, a water arena show at the New York World's Fair, 1939–40, Flushing Meadows, New York, USA Getting on for 100 people are visible in this impressive scene. Performers are in the pool, either swimming or laying on boards. Women in the foreground hold silver stars. In the backgound are men and women parading in head-dresses and a giant Stars and Stripes flag is being carried up the massive flight of stairs.
Performance at the Billy Rose Aquacade, a water arena show at the New York World's Fair, 1939–40, Flushing Meadows, New York, USA Getting on for 100 people are visible in this impressive scene. Performers are in the pool, either swimming or laying on boards. Women in the foreground hold silver stars. In the backgound are men and women parading in head-dresses and a giant Stars and Stripes flag is being carried up the massive flight of stairs. Billy Rose's Aquacade was a music, dance, diving and sychronised swimming stadium show produced by Billy Rose first seen at the Great Lakes Exposition in 1937. The Aquacade moved to the 1939–40 New York World's Fair where it was one of the most successful productions of the fair. The Art Deco 11,000-seat amphitheatre at the north end of Meadow Lake was designed by architects Sloan & Robertson. Shows were staged to a live orchestra conducted by Ted Royal. The massive pool and the 300 by 200-foot (61m) stage could be hidden behind a lighted 40-foot (12m) high curtain of water. The inaugural Aquacade starred Olympians Eleanor Holm and Johnny Weissmuller. There were 500 dancers, actors and swimmers. The New York World's Fair, 1939–40, Flushing Meadows, opened on the 30 April 1939 for 2 seasons April to October closing on the 27 October 1940. The fair's theme was 'The World of Tomorrow'. In 1940 Aquacade also opened in San Francisco at the Golden Gate International Exposition where newcomer Esther Williams replaced Holm. Aquacades were also an attraction at later Expos and World fairs including Louisiana (1984) and Brisbane (1988). The state-owned New York amphitheatre was used for swimming and displays into the second half of the 20th century. It was demolished in 1996 because there were major issues renovating the asbestos-contaminated structure. This 1930s image is an amateur audience member's photographic transparency - it will not be sharp if used at too large a size.
Size: 2598px × 1787px
Location: Flushing Meadows, New York, USA
Photo credit: © M&N / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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