Watsu, Healing Dance, and WaterDance : Key differences and similarities

Here's a comparative table outlining the key differences and similarities between

Watsu, Healing Dance, and Waterdance , the three original forms of aquatic bodywork:  

	Watsu®	Healing Dance®	WaterDance (Wassertanzen)
About it:	https://www.aiab.net.au/watsu	https://www.aiab.net.au/healing-dance	https://www.aiab.net.au/waterdance
Founder	Harold Dull (USA, 1980s)	Alexander George (USA, 1993)	Arjana Brunschwiler & Aman Schroter (Switzerland/USA, early 1990s)
Primary Focus	Stretching, Shiatsu, breath, and presence	Movements, dance -like Trager techniques and Watsu	Underwater flow, deep surrender, non-verbal connection
Inspired by	Zen Shiatsu Yoga	Trager techniques Ballet Watsu Waterdance	Aikido Dance Meditation
Movement Style	Slow and dynamic, grounding, circular with pauses, synchronised with breath	Expansive, dynamic, includes 3D applications of spirals, vortexes releases and more.	Fluid, wave-like, incorporates underwater 3D movement
Submersion	Entirely above water	Have both Above and below applications	Significant time underwater (with nose clips)
Therapeutic Intent	Deep relaxation, joint mobilization, energetic balance, heart connection Emotional processing, nervous system regulation	Movements are medicine Releases of holdings The joy of movements	Deep release, altered states of consciousness
Touch Quality	Soft & Firm, nurturing, supportive, intentional	Dynamic, responsive, creative	Gentle & directive, trust-building
Client Participation	Mostly passive and respect interactive	Mostly passive and respect interactive	Mostly passive and respect interactive
Core courses	Watsu 1 + 2 + 3	HD1 + 2	Waterdance 1+2+3
Breath Awareness	Fundamental element, Encouraged and being synchronised	Emphasised for emotional release	Central to the technique: Apnea is encouraged
Main Tools Used	Zen Shiatsu techniques, Breath, Movements Intentions Presence	Spirals Pendulums Vortexes Swings 3D	Nose clip, breath cues, deep water immersion
Emotional Impact	Deep calming, maternal holding, heart connection awakening Meditative, held, deeply safe	Uplifting, releasing, often joyous or cathartic Playful, freeing, profound emotional insights	Transformative, introspective, trance-like states Transcendent, deeply surrendered