INDIVIDUAL: Vincent Comparetto
GROUP SIZE: Many
NATURE OF GROUP: Children
INCIDENCE OF SOCIOMETRY: Individual Expression and The Art
of Diving
The diving board represents the fundamental instrument that inspires
athletic expression in the public swimming pool setting. Due to lofty
insurance premiums and lawsuit potentials, the diving board has unfortunately
become an endangered species.
This past summer I managed to locate a pool that transcends many of
these contemporary fears. Just entering the beautiful setting, tucked
away in the small canyon town of Eldorado Springs, would transport
anyone to a timeless state. Many children lined up at the diving board
anxious to demonstrate a creative performance that seems best described
as "improvisational gymnastics". As a result of the children's
unawarenes of what is deemed "appropriate behavior", a greater
variety of expression existed in this subject group compared with
the sun-worshiping housewives at the pool's edge. The lack of data
available to the young divers coupled with the lack of practiced systems
of etiquette has allowed them to exercise greater individuality.
The name of the
instrument "diving board" implies a certain approach, but
the children rarely dove. Many would not even exit the board from
their feet, preferring a form of cartwheel. It was apparent that many
of the adults were inspired by this freedom and began to emulate a
more relaxed manner, leaving the safety of their magazines and gossip
to brave the unpredictable effects of gravity. It was affirming to
witness a sanctuary that embraced behavior that many tenets of modern
society have deemed too dangerous for the general public.