Mermaid apprentices making waves in Dutch pool

A majestic turquoise-and-gold tail splashes the surface of a public pool. Strange, beautiful creatures frolic in the water, occasionally peeking out from their masks and snorkels. Half-woman, half-fish.

Since Disney's Princess Ariel first hit the big screen over two decades ago, many little girls (and some boys) have dreamed of becoming a mermaid.

Now mermaid Crystal, as she is known, is helping turn those fantasies into reality in her swimming classes with a difference in The Netherlands.