This article discusses the expression of American identity in “Billy Rose’s Aquacade Show,” performed during the New York World’s Fair, 1939–1940. It seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the construction of identity by American public performance and costume around the start of World War II. The Aquacade used the American love of and pioneering role in sports by incorporating swimming, synchronized swimming, and diving. The kaleidoscopic patterns of the show, imitating a machine’s cogwheels, complemented the Fair’s theme of modernity and industrialization. The Aquacade’s swimwear combined innovative fabrics and glamorous, but practical, designs promoted by different West Coast swimwear companies. The American idolization of the physique, fashion, and lives of athletes was exemplified by the show’s employment of medalist swimmers. At a time when World War II threatened to cloud the future, Billy Rose cleverly encouraged sales by employing symbols of American identity.

中文翻译：

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星条旗和流线型机身

本文讨论了在 1939 年至 1940 年纽约世界博览会期间表演的“比利·罗斯的水上表演”中美国身份的表达。它旨在帮助更好地理解二战开始前后美国公共表演和服装对身份的建构。Aquacade 通过结合游泳、花样游泳和跳水，发挥了美国人对体育运动的热爱和先锋作用。展览的万花筒图案模仿机器的齿轮，与博览会的现代性和工业化主题相得益彰。Aquacade 的泳装结合了创新面料和迷人但实用的设计，这些设计由不同的西海岸泳装公司推广。美国对运动员的体格、时尚和生活的崇拜体现在该节目聘请了奖牌游泳运动员。