Canada's synchronized swim team to perform Circus-themed routine at London Games

Canada's Olympic synchronized swim team revealed today that it will perform a Circus-themed team free routine at the 2012 London Games to a medley of Cirque du Soleil music, and the world-famous Montreal-based entertainment group has acted as a consultant on the routine.

At a presentation in Montreal, the team also revealed the colourful, sequined bathing suits to be worn and said it plans the most spectacular routines Canada has ever brought to the Olympics. Clowns and other circus performers were on hand to help deliver the news.

The team said it has worked on acrobatics and choreography with specialists from Cirque du Soleil, and the routine will feature various popular songs from Cirque's many shows.

The choreography of all Canada's team and duet routines have been held secret, as not to tip off the competition or the judges too soon before the Games. Other nations have been known to copy some of Canada's acrobatic highlights in the past, as the Canadians have emerged as leaders in the area. So the Canadian team has taken care to gradually unveil small details in the months closing in on the Games.

"We are so, so proud of these routines," said team member Valerie Welsh.

"We will have movements that have never been seen before. We are really pushing the limits in our sport."

The team plans to perform its routines before a Montreal audience later in June before leaving for its final Olympic training camp in Spain. They have kept the camp location secret.

Thanks to a top finish at the Pan American Games in 2011, Canada qualified early for the Olympics. The win enabled the team to travel to London in April and quietly watch as three of their four top competitors revealed their Olympic programs.

Canada has won eight Olympic synchronized swimming medals in the sport's history. The last one was in came in the team event at the 2000 Sydney Games, a bronze.

On May 12, the team revealed that its duet swimmers Marie-Pier Boudreau-Gagnon and Elise Marcotte will perform a Jester-themed free routine and wear Jester-themed suits. It will also be a knod to England, the Olympic host.