Sirena, the Underwater Ballerina

In the dazzling world of mid-century entertainment, few acts captured the imagination quite like Sirena, the Underwater Ballerina. From 1950 to 1959, she toured across the United States, mesmerizing audiences with her graceful aquatic performances—an art form blending ballet, burlesque, and spectacle.

Sirena was rumored to be a professional diver before becoming an exotic underwater dancer. She was 5ft 6in. Her tank was 5ft x 4ft x 4ft with only one side of the tank exposed to view inside.

A Vision of Aquatic Elegance

At a time when theaters and traveling revues sought ever more extravagant performances, Sirena stood out by transforming the depths of water into her stage. With fluid movements reminiscent of classical ballet, she performed intricate routines beneath the surface, turning her aquatic stage into a breathtaking display of choreography.

The “Underwater Ballet”

Sirena’s underwater striptease was a spectacle often remarked on in the newspapers of whatever town she was performing in. When performing at Minsky’s in 1951, she took the plunge five times a day. Her biggest problem was the tank leaking and that her hair was never quite dry in time for the next performance.

“The first thing I do when I get home at night is take a bath.” (Chicago Tribune. “Tower Ticker” by Savage. Page 11. March 3, 1951)

She was often billed as an “Aqua Tease” or “Underwater Ballerina.” The Duluth News Tribune stated she slipped into an illuminated tank, striking slow-motion poses as she sank. She would slither gracefully, like a mermaid, to the surface for a quick breath of air. She blew beautiful bubbles as her nylon gown floated around. For the finale, she allowed the gown to float off, revealing a scantily clad bathing suit underneath. Sirena stated, ‘Actually, I only hold my breath for 10 to 45 seconds–depending on the shape I’m in.”

Underwater Entertainers

Underwater entertainment was booming in the 1950s, with venues like Aquarena Springs and Weeki Wachee Springs showcasing synchronized swimmers and mermaids in dazzling spectacles. However, Sirena brought a unique artistic approach, weaving storytelling into her water ballet—fusing the grace of a ballerina with the novelty of submerged performance. She also utilized different colored lighting to enhance her performance.

A Traveling Icon

Unlike performers tied to a single venue, Sirena took her act on the road, bringing underwater ballet to cities far and wide. Her ability to travel suggests she had access to portable or specialized tanks that allowed for elaborate performances. Whether performing in theaters equipped for aquatic shows or as part of larger variety revues, she captivated audiences with her ethereal presence, embodying a mystical yet refined allure.

However, Sirena’s act was soon copied by others. In an interesting turn of events, a “Sirena” faced a terrible attack.

1951 Attack on (a) Sirena

In October 1951, Anna Jensen (22 years old), who was a Chicago native, was attacked by a man while she slept. Anna was performing under the name “Sirena, the Underwater Ballerina” when she was attacked, according to the Duluth News Tribune. Anna suffered many injuries from the attack, including deep lacerations on her arms and head and the blackening of both her eyes. After attacking Anna, the perpetrator went to the kitchen and slashed his own throat in an attempt to complete suicide. The perpetrator, an 18 year old Richard van Volkenburg, plead not-guilty to the charge of “assault to kill”. He received 1 to 14 years in prison. Both he and Anna Jensen survived the ordeal.

“Serena” in Omaha, NE

Serena and her Underwater Fantasy performed in Omaha, Nebraska at Angelo’s Cocktail Lounge (which is now the Flixx Lounge). Her name is spelled differently than other advertisements, which leads me to believe it was a different performer than the one previously attacked and injured.

Legacy and Influence

Who was Sirena? Newspapers reported different ‘real names’ such as Pat Romilly from Cleveland or was she Anna Jensen from Chicago or was her name Jo Ann Shepherd?

Though details about Sirena’s career remain elusive, her influence lingers in the evolution of aquatic performance. A similar underwater act was performed by Divena, but unlike Sirena who always performed her act herself, Divena was a generic name used by a booking company, and many women – including Michelle Marshall (AKA Bonnie Blue) – performed as Divena. She was part of a lineage that paved the way for modern underwater burlesque, influencing acts that continue today in venues like the historic Wreck Bar in Fort Lauderdale.

Her story reminds us of the magic that happens when artistry meets innovation—when performers dare to push the boundaries of spectacle to create something truly unforgettable.

Other Underwater Acts in Show Biz

Esther Williams in Million Dollar Mermaid

Esther Williams secured the nickname “America’s Swimming Sweetheart” after starring in the 1952 film Million Dollar Mermaid, a story loosely based on the real-life Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman.

Sources

Newspapers

• Chicago Tribune. Ad for Sirena at Minsky’s Burlesque. Page 138. February 25, 1951
• Pittsburgh Post Gazette. Ad for Sirena. Page 22. February 16, 1951
• Pittsburgh Post Gazette. Ad for Sirena. Page 10. November 23, 1951
• The Daily Advocate. Ad for Sirena at Mayfair Theatre. Page 8. January 12, 1951
• The Duluth News Tribune. Ad for Sirena. Page 19. November 5, 1950
• Chicago Tribune. “Tower Ticker” by Savage. Page 11. March 3, 1951
• Pittsburgh Post Gazette. “Mei Ling’s Stay Ends Saturday at Belvedere.” Page 14. March 8, 1951
• Suburbanite Economist. “Sirena.” Page 46. June 25, 1952
• The Duluth News Tribune. “Water Ballerina Sirena Leads a Goldfish Life.” Earl Finberg. Page 12. November 10, 1950
• The Duluth News Tribune. “Youth Who Attacked ‘Sirena’ Is Sentenced to Prison.” Page 3. November 24, 1951
• The Plain Dealer. “Amusements.” Page 13. June 20, 1952
• The Star Ledger. “Empire bills Sirena.” Page 20. March 2, 1951
• Morning World Herald. Advertisement for Serena at Angelo’s Cocktail Lounge. June 11, 1954

Websites

• “They’ve got the World by the Tail; The Enchanted Mermaids of Weeki Wachee.” November 4, 2014. https://enchantedkiddieland.wordpress.com/tag/mermaid-show/