We Are Tomodachi Spring / Summer 2018

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9The name “O” comes from the French word for water, “eau.” The set dramatically converts to an enormous pool before the audience’s eyes.Spendlove continues to practice as a competitive synchronized swimmer. Representing the United States of America at the 17th FINA World Championships in 2017, she partnered with Bill May to win the bronze medal in the mixed duet competition.The Nage (synchronized swimming) team of “O.” Spendlove is fourth from the right in the back row.Spendlove enjoys a satisfying life in Las Vegas, where she lives with her husband, who works as a rigger at Cirque du Soleil, and their almost-three-year-old son.more. Cirque du Soleil is known for shows that push performers to the very limits of human physical ability, and its unique production offerings bring together top-notch athletes, street performers, dancers, and staff from around the world.“While each performer works to enhance his or her own abilities, we also come together as one, respecting each other’s skills, to produce an even better show. I was really struck at how wonderfully the group harmonizes, and I became completely absorbed in my training,” Spendlove recounts.While in training, she was selected for the show “O,” a resident show at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. First performed in 1998, “O” received glowing praise for its extraordinary creativity and artistry and became an endeavor that brought Cirque du Soleil’s reputation to even greater heights.“The first time I performed and received a standing ovation, I was so deeply moved that I was trembling, feeling the positive feedback to my very core. ‘O’ is a richly complex work that people in the audience can interpret in various ways. Even now I approach each show with a fresh outlook and a bit of healthy tension. I really enjoy performing it.”Spendlove’s abilities are highly evaluated, making her one of the star performers in “O.” She centers her life in Las Vegas and weaves practice as a competitive athlete into her performance schedule of two shows daily, five days a week.She adds with a smile, “I want to understand synchronized swimming even more deeply, because it’s my true passion. I hope to keep pushing myself to the best of my ability and continue to move audiences through my performances.”