Watsu® and Waterdance: A Comparative Overview

Origins & Founders

Watsu® was birthed at Harbin Hot Springs, California, by Harold Dull. In the early 1970s, after training in Zen Shiatsu with Shizuto Masunaga in Japan, Harold returned to the USA and began floating students in the warm pool while applying the principles of Zen Shiatsu. From this, the first sequence of Watsu® movements was formed.

Waterdance (originally WasserTanzen in German) was developed in Switzerland in 1987 by Arjana C. Brunschwiler and Peter Aman Schröter. In 1993, WATA began sharing knowledge with Watsu® at Harbin Hot Springs and throughout Europe.

Watsu® predates Waterdance by approximately seven years and is widely recognised as the world’s first form of aquatic bodywork, as described by the Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association (WABA).

The Fundamental Difference: Surface vs Underwater

This is the most defining distinction between the two modalities.

Watsu®

Watsu® is performed entirely at the water’s surface. The practitioner supports the client’s head and lower torso, and for approximately 45 minutes, the session involves floating, cradling, rocking, stretching, and moving — all above the water.

Waterdance

Waterdance begins like Watsu® — with the receiver being cradled, stretched, and relaxed above the surface — but then the receiver is fitted with a nose clip and is gradually guided underwater, with the out-breath coordinated with each submersion.

Once fully submerged, the body can be moved, stretched, and worked in virtually unlimited ways within a three-dimensional, gravity-free environment.

Theoretical Roots & Influences

Watsu®

Watsu® is grounded in Zen Shiatsu, incorporating breath with meridian-based stretching, joint mobilisation, and the principles of energy flow through the body.

The practitioner’s movements are synchronised with the breath of both the receiver and giver, forming spirals, arcs, pendular movements, circular patterns, and wave-like motions.

Waterdance

Waterdance incorporates elements of massage, Aikido, dolphin and snake-like movement patterns, rolls, somersaults, inversions, and dance.

It shares influences with the grace of classical ballet and the undulating liberty of dolphins. Waterdance is often described as a more free-form modality, with a stronger emphasis on altered states of consciousness and energetic exploration than on meridian-based principles.

The Role of Breath

In both modalities, breath is central — but in different ways.

Watsu®

In Watsu®, attention to the breath is continuous throughout the session. At times, movements slow down or pause entirely in order to give the breath the attention it needs.

The client continues breathing normally at the water’s surface throughout the treatment.

Waterdance

In Waterdance, breath takes on a more active and transformed role.

The practitioner must have a well-developed understanding of the receiver’s breathing pace. As the treatment progresses, the breath may naturally be held for longer periods underwater (apnoea), depending on the individual’s comfort and capacity.

The slowing of breath can relax the autonomic nervous system and support meditative states.

The Quality of Movement

Watsu®

In Watsu®, the range of movement is rich and varied. Some movements are slow and graceful, while others are more dynamic.

The arms, legs, and torso are stretched, the spine is lengthened, and receivers sometimes report sensations similar to flying or moving through space.

The session follows the individual’s needs moment by moment, without rigid premeditated intention.

Waterdance

In Waterdance, both underwater and surface sequences depend greatly on the individual’s respiratory rhythm and capacity.

Sequences are often based on wave-like and spiralling movements that stimulate flexibility and energetic flow through the spine.

The dance alternates between timeless slowness and moments of acceleration.

States of Consciousness & Therapeutic Depth

Both modalities can induce profound relaxation and altered states, though Waterdance often leans more strongly into psycho-spiritual experiences.

Watsu®

Receivers may experience a sense of expansion and spaciousness, particularly in the second half of a session.

Some report feeling that they have learned a new way of being.

Watsu® has also been associated with reduced pain, tension relief, stress reduction, and significant positive outcomes for nervous system regulation and PTSD support.

Waterdance

Waterdance receivers frequently describe their experience as:

• Profound

• Graceful

• Blissful

• Joyful

• Spacious

• Weightless

• Timeless

• Similar to returning to the womb

A distortion of time and space may emerge, contributing to a modified state of consciousness.

Some individuals describe regressive states, vivid colours, or sensations of expanded energetic awareness.

Arjana describes WATA as:

“A kind of body-energy technique which unites dance, fluidity, harmony and therapy.”

Practitioner Requirements & Prerequisites

Waterdance

Waterdance sessions should only be performed by a professionally trained practitioner.

Due to the underwater component and the depth of emotional and perceptual experiences that may arise, specialised training is essential in order to provide a safe and appropriately supported environment.

Because of its underwater dimension, Waterdance training typically requires prior competency in Watsu® or another surface-based aquatic bodywork modality.

Watsu®

Watsu® has its own structured training pathway, with Watsu® I, II, and III forming the foundational entry into the field of aquatic bodywork.

Summary Comparison

Feature	Watsu®	Waterdance
Founded	Harold Dull, USA, 1980s	Arjana C. Brunschwiler & Peter Schröter, Switzerland, 1987
Environment	Entirely at the water’s surface	Surface and underwater
Nose Clip	No	Yes
Theoretical Roots	Zen Shiatsu / meridians	Aikido, dance, energetic bodywork
Breath	Normal surface breathing throughout	Includes underwater breath-holding / apnoea
Movement Quality	Flowing, structured sequences	Free-form, dance-like, three-dimensional
Typical Effects	Deep relaxation, pain relief, nervous system regulation	Altered states, psycho-spiritual experiences, energetic expansion
Prerequisites	None — entry level	Usually requires prior aquatic bodywork training
Training Governance	WABA / watsu.com	WABA / waterdance.world

Final Thoughts

Both Watsu® and Waterdance are recognised WABA modalities and share the foundational elements of warm water, attunement, therapeutic presence, and holistic healing.

While they differ significantly in environment, movement quality, and the role of breath, both approaches offer deeply transformative possibilities for relaxation, nervous system regulation, embodiment, and expanded awareness.

At their core, both modalities invite surrender, trust, fluidity, and a profound reconnection with the body through warm water.