Mesha Kussman

Born|

San Francisco, California, U.S.

Alma mater| New York University Tisch School of the Arts
Occupation(s)| Director, choreographer
Known for| Founder and artistic director of Aqualillies
Notable work| Black Is King, Hail, Caesar!, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Mesha Kussman is an American director and choreographer known for her work in film, television, and live performance. She is the founder and artistic director of the water ballet company Aqualillies.[1][2]

## Early life and education

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Kussman was born in San Francisco, California. She studied experimental theater at New York University Tisch School of the Arts' Experimental Theater Wing.[3]

## Career

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After graduating from NYU, Kussman began creating performance-based installation art in New York City. She later moved to Los Angeles and worked as an assistant to director Dennis Dugan and Adam Sandler at Happy Madison Productions.[4] She then pivoted to working with choreographers Rich and Tone Talauega, which reignited her interest in dance and movement-based performance.[3]

### Aqualillies

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In 2008, Kussman founded Aqualillies,[1] a performance company combining synchronized swimming with theatrical choreography. Drawing inspiration from vintage Hollywood and contemporary party culture, the company has contributed to a renewed interest in water ballet among modern audiences.[5][6][7][8]

Aqualillies has appeared in a variety of film and television projects, including Black Is King by Beyoncé,[9] the Coen Brothers' Hail, Caesar! which features Scarlett Johansson in a water ballet scene,[10][11] The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Glee,, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Flight Attendant, The Late Late Show with James Corden,[12] Jane the Virgin, and Splash on ABC.[1]

The group's performances have also featured in music videos for artists including:[12]

* Justin Bieber & Nicki Minaj – "Beaty and A Beat"[13]
* Sam Smith & Demi Lovato – "I'm Ready"
* Lizzo – "About Damn Time"
* Katy Perry – "Unconditionally"
* Ariana Grande – "Right There"
* Foo Fighters – "Love Dies Young"
* Sigala & Rita Ora – "You For Me"
* New Kids on the Block – "Remix"
* Usher – "Don't Waste My Time"
* Maroon 5 – "Wait"
* Jack Garret – "Breathe Life"
* Trevor Powers – "Playwright"
* Missy Elliot ft. Lamb – "I'm Better"
* Tears For Fears – "Rivers of Mercy"

Aqualillies has performed live at events such as Kim Kardashian's Emmy celebration, TED conferences, Miami Fashion Week, and the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival in tribute to Esther Williams.[14]

The company has collaborated on commercial campaigns with a range of international brands, including Chanel,[15] Disney World Resorts,[16] H&M,[17] Madewell,[18] Malibu Rum,[19] Athleta,[20] Morton Salt,[21] Tarte Cosmetics,[22] and Marc Jacobs.[23]

The New York Times described the company as "poetry in motion," and referred to Kussman as "an unlikely Busby Berkeley."[1] Under her direction, Aqualillies has expanded internationally with teams in the United States, Canada, France, and Australia, presenting work that blends athleticism, choreography, and theatrical design.[7]

### Choreography

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Kussman has choreographed for film, television, and commercial projects. Her credits include:

#### Film and television

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* Hail, Caesar! – Choreographer: Swimming
* The Offer – Choreographer
* The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – Water Choreographer [12]
* Glee – Aquatic Choreographer [24][better source needed]
* NewNowNext Awards – Choreographer
* Splash – Choreographer [1]
* Dancing With the Stars – Choreographers' Assistant to Rich and Tone Talauega [3]

#### Music videos

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Source:[12][25]

* Justin Bieber & Nicki Minaj – "Beauty & A Beat" – Aquatic Choreographer
* Lizzo – "About Damn Time" – Water Choreographer
* Tears for Fears – "Let This Last Forever" – Choreographer
* Rita Ora – "You For Me" – Co-Choreographer
* New Kids On The Block – "Remix" – Creative Director
* Sees Candies – Choreographer
* Disney – Art Of Animation – Choreographer
* Sebastian Tellier – "Russian Attractions" – Choreographer
* Benny Benassi – "Let This Last Forever" – Choreographer
* Ludwig Goransson – "So Happy" – Choreographer

### Directing

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Kussman has also directed music videos and short films, including By Myself (DanceOn), In The Ring (Cannes Short Corner), Ciara Lea’s "Feel It", and Mot & Krid’s "The New World".[12]

## Artistic vision

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Through Aqualillies, Kussman has worked to reintroduce synchronized swimming to popular culture, both as performance art and as a fitness trend.[26][27] Her creative practice explores the intersection of choreography and immersive experience.

## References

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1. ^ a b c d e Schoeneman, Deborah (2013-08-09). "The Aqualillies: In the Pool, Poetry in Motion". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
2. ^ Valles • •, Michelle (2012-08-06). "Synchronized Swimming: Smiling Through the Pain". NBC Los Angeles. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
3. ^ a b c Warrington, Ruby (2012-07-15). "How I make it work: Mesha Kussman". www.thetimes.com. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
4. ^ "Mesha Kussman". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
5. ^ Whitaker, Bill (2012-08-03). "Aqualillies give modern twist to water ballet - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
6. ^ "Aqualillies – Inspired Magazine | The Stories of Founders and Creative Minds". Retrieved 2025-03-27.
7. ^ a b "A young group of synchronized swimmers are bringing the golden age of sexy back to the poolside | Globalnews.ca". Global News. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
8. ^ "Everyone in the pool for synchronized swimming lessons". Los Angeles Times. 2010-01-14. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
9. ^ Marmet, Christina (2020-08-30). "Beyoncé's Black is King Spotlights Black Artistic Swimmers -". Inside Synchro. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
10. ^ Piccalo, Gina (2016-02-04). "Swimming troupe Aqualillies is making a splash in Hollywood with Coen brothers' 'Hail, Caesar!'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
11. ^ Loughrey, Clarisse (July 11, 2016). "Hail, Caesar!: The Making of the Coen Brothers' Old Hollywood Tribute".
12. ^ a b c d e "Meet Mēsha Kussman". canvasrebel.com. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
13. ^ "Meet the Aqualillies". The New York Times. 2013-08-09. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
14. ^ McClure, Sarah (2010-04-13). "Aqualillies Whets Your Appetite for Old Hollywood". Haute Living. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
15. ^ "Chanel watches launches its first advertising campaign in over 20 years and it is tres chic". www.thejewelleryeditor.com. 2014-05-31. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
16. ^ Brigante, Ricky (2013-04-12). "PHOTO: Aqualillies water ballet performs in Big Blue Pool at Disney's Art of Animation Resort in Walt Disney World". Inside the Magic. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
17. ^ H&M (2019-03-13). H&M Spring / Summer Collection 2019: H&M Studio immersive theatre experience in Sedona, Arizona. Retrieved 2025-03-27 – via YouTube.
18. ^ "Introducing Madewell Second Wave: A (Very Dreamy) Video". www.madewell.com. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
19. ^ "MALIBU RUM". Aqualillies. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
20. ^ Fraser, Kristopher (2018-05-21). "Athleta debuts Suit Up campaign". FashionUnited. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
21. ^ "Morton Salt Pool Salt - Aqualillies — Symbiotic Strategies". symbiotic-strategies.com. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
22. ^ Staff, OK! (2013-04-05). "The Aqualillies For Tarte Collection Makes a Splash". OK Magazine. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
23. ^ Medina, Marcy (2017-05-10). "Marc Jacobs Fragrances Toasts Daisy With Campaign Face Kaia Gerber in L.A." WWD. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
24. ^ "Glee" Yes/No (TV Episode 2012) - Trivia - IMDb. Retrieved 2025-03-27 – via www.imdb.com.
25. ^ "Mesha Kussman | Additional Crew, Director, Actress". IMDb. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
26. ^ "Synchronized swimming creates workout splash". ABC7 Los Angeles. Retrieved 2025-03-27.
27. ^ Flaherty, Erin (2011-06-25). "New Fitness Trend: Synchronized Swimming". Marie Claire Magazine. Retrieved 2025-03-27.

## External links

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* Official website
* Mesha Kussman at IMDb
* Aqualillies official website