STORY OF WATERDANCE

Waterdance (or “Wassertanzen”, the original German name) is a form of aquatic bodywork developed by Arjana Brunschwiler and Aman Schroter in 1987.  Like WATSU, it begins with the client being cradled, stretched, and relaxed above the water surface. In Waterdance, the client is then given nose clips and gradually and gently taken entirely under the water.  Once freed from the bounds of head support and gravity, the client’s body can be moved, stretched, and worked in literally unlimited ways.  Waterdance incorporates elements of massage, Aikido, dolphin and snake movements, rolls, somersaults, inversions, dance, and much more.  The effects of this work include physical release and can induce deep states of relaxation, meditation, bliss, and even visions.  (From the Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association)

What is Sarah's Waterdance like?

Have you ever imagined "flying" through the water like a dolphin? This may be the closest you get to experiencing effortless flow and movement while under water! Waterdance is probably the most unique form of bodywork available today. People report feeling like ballerinas, mermaids, dolphins, whales, turtles or simply much more coordinated and graceful than they feel on land.

Sometimes people have visions of angels, colors or family members who have passed on. Sometimes people come up from the first elegant movement with a smile or laugh of pure delight. Sometimes the tears flow quietly as they receive a gentle welcome back to the surface. "It's like being reborn! I feel like I have been in the womb and then reborn!" For me, the chance to release all decision-making to someone else for an hour is a wonderful relief! WATSU and Waterdance give you the opportunity to "go with the flow."

There is a beautiful intimacy enjoyed by client and therapist. We both learn much about one another and about the Universal love and support available to us at all times. I am so blessed to have access to this profound work. The transformational possibilities are endless!

What is a session like in more detail?

There is a subtle natural progression from the surface WATSU experience to allowing oneself to be submerged by someone else. The first half hour or so is spent "warming up" to the idea of relaxing. Trust grows steadily. By the end, neck, shoulders, spine, arms and legs are ideally akin to "jello" and there is total confidence in the process. It is not uncommon for exhausted clients to fall fast asleep in my arms. When this happens, going under the water is postponed for another time. The Delta brain waves that take over the brain in this state are essential to deep healing and rejuvenation.

When I offer the nose clips to a client, they may change their minds if the WATSU session is all they decide they want at the moment. It is never imperative to go under the water unless one desires to do so. If necessary, I will encourage deeper breathing and remind the client about my signal for going under. Several deep breaths are encouraged before going under throughout the session. Helping clients feel comfortably oxygenated is always my first priority when giving Waterdance sessions. This emphasis also builds confidence in the process for the client and extends their capacity to stay underwater. People often report feeling like they could have stayed under "forever."

Two slow and firm squeezes of the hand gives notice that we are one more breath away from exploring the "space" under water. Indeed, the movement possibilities clients experience while suspended in warm water are endless and unbound by gravity. Would floating and tumbling in space feel similar to the Waterdance? Clients often report that they imagine it would be! Some report feeling like ballerinas, mermaids, dolphins or simply much more coordinated and graceful than they feel on land.