MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WTVF) — A Murfreesboro aquatic therapy center is starting a "Mercademy" on July 3.
The mermaid classes will be available at Beyond Aquatics for kids, as well as adults.
"Mermaiding is from the heart and so if someone is already feeling like they don't fit in in this world, this is a place for them to identify," said director Arikah Nash.
Arikah Nash is a self-titled mermaid.
During class, her goal is to help her students to connect with their mermaid persona or mersona while improving their swim skills.
"Getting in touch with that and being able to swim to their fullest ability and beautiful selves and heal from the inside," she said is her mission.
Nash said with proper safety and supervision, mermaid tails can help a swimmer let loose. She noted COVID-19 has made it difficult for people to feel at ease.
"We have been quarantined for so long and they have had to sit in their feelings. So I wanted this to be a space for people to come and address that and have a healthy way to release," she said.
Beyond Aquatics owner Michael Burrows said Nash's enthusiasm for mermaiding is infectious.
"When I found Arikah it was just like a match made in heaven," Burrows said. "She's been wanting to do everything I've ever envisioned. When you become like a child the whole world opens up to you, and so whether it's children being mermaids or our adult class it just lets the possibilities flow free."
For information on Mercademy check out Beyond Aquatics online. There will also be mermaid-themed programs and parties offered in the future.
