The tale behind the tail: What it takes to be a professional mermaid

Are mermaids actually real?

That’s the question British expat Carly Athews leaves lingering in the minds of her audience. Whether she’s dazzling children or enchanting adults, the Dubai-based performer has mastered the art of bringing magic to reality.

Athews, who has been making waves in the world of professional mermaiding since 2014, has no plans to hang up her tail anytime soon. She vows to perform as long as possible but envisions a future where she transitions into teaching synchronized swimming or training the next generation of mermaids.

Her passion for performance is what keeps her going. Even during a period of burnout brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Athews ultimately found she couldn’t stay away. The thrill of live events, the ever-changing audiences, and the joy of slipping into different costumes keep her deeply connected to her craft.

For now, Athews continues to dive headfirst into her role, delighting audiences and proving that sometimes, a little bit of magic is all it takes to make the unbelievable feel real.