Underwater Dance: A Dive into a Dazzling World

A Boundless Sensory Exploration

Underwater dance invites you to plunge into a realm where the surface noise fades away, where gravity feels like a distant memory, and where bodily sensations unfold with unparalleled intensity. Tiphaine Arnal, author of Dancing in Breath, shines a light on this captivating discipline that combines freediving, dance, and artistic swimming.

More pastoral outfits and a different kind of light for a more painterly effect,
an underwater painting. Photo: Gaelle Berthelin.

In her book, released this past April by Éditions Agitées, Arnal presents a comprehensive guide to discovering and perfecting this aquatic art form. It’s truly a sensory journey that allows you to experiment with unrestricted movements, embracing an underwater space where freedom reigns supreme. Artists and freedivers unite on digital platforms, sharing their often heartfelt and aesthetic performances, illustrating the rise of this captivating discipline.

A 3-in-1 Discipline

Underwater dance uniquely merges three impressive fields. Indeed, it blends artistic swimming techniques, the elegance of dance, and the principles of freediving. According to Tiphaine Arnal, “it’s a 3-in-1 discipline” that allows for a distinctive expression in the liquid element. While it’s relatively new in its current form, its roots stretch back to the 1980s. Arnal emphasizes that this practice, although marginal in its early days, has evolved, playing with dimensions, balance, and orientations, all thanks to water that reveals the beauty of movement.

Coming up for air is part of the dance. They’re just as important to choreograph to make them look graceful. Photo: Gaelle Berthelin.

Unlike traditional freediving, where energy conservation is key, underwater dance requires heightened dynamism. Arnal points out that “the greatest challenge remains not to get breathless in the water.”

A Passion That Runs Deep

Tiphaine Arnal, fondly known as “The Flower of Waters” on social media, has always been captivated by the underwater world. She began artistic swimming at just eight years old, quickly becoming a champion. With over 20 years of experience in competition, she embodies the versatility of various aquatic arts, including underwater dance, diving, and surfing.

Using the freediving cable as an apparatus during training at sea:
underwater pole dancing! Photo: Franck Houbloup.

Her journey was inspired by a spectacular artistic swimming gala that ignited her passion, leading her to realize that the magic lay in the beauty of aquatic movements. Today, Arnal fuses all these skills to offer poetic performances rooted in years of hard work and experience in the watery realm.

An Artistic Expression Tool

In Dancing in Breath, Tiphaine Arnal defines underwater dance as a renewed means of expression. Every movement, every gesture, bursts forth with grace heightened by the resistance of water. She also explores the potential of this discipline to reshape our relationship with art and the environment. Performances can take place in a variety of settings, from swimming pools to oceans, transforming our perception of space and movement.

Underwater dance can be practiced by several dancers, with a different approach based on body contact points and the creation of space between dancers. With dancer Sodeep.
Photo: Ingrid Meucci.

Arnal encourages us to reflect on the power of art in inspiring, educating, and raising awareness, fostering a meeting point between art and ecology through this mesmerizing aquatic ballet.

A Practical Guide for All

This book, the first of its kind, offers an accessible learning method, shared particularly during workshops. It covers all aspects of underwater dance, providing detailed practical exercises and advice for both beginners and experienced dancers. Topics include breathing, movement, weight compensation, and freediving techniques.

This approachable method allows everyone to push their own limits, turning challenges into creative opportunities. The emphasis on physical and mental preparation, along with the harmony between dancers and their aquatic environment, is highlighted throughout the text.

An Illustrated Treasure of Emotions

Richly illustrated by underwater photographer François Lucazeau, the book features QR codes linking to explanatory videos that add a dynamic dimension to the learning process. Testimonies from freedivers like Franck Houbloup and Philippe Delaporte enrich the content as they share their experiences as freediving instructors.

Although the discipline isn’t exclusively aimed at women, underwater dance could become a major trend toward feminizing aquatic activities, potentially integrating into the 2,500 clubs of FFESSM (French Federation of Underwater and Subaquatic Activities) in France.

A Native Push for the Aquatic

The birth of this book came from an unexpected meeting between Tiphaine Arnal and Thiébaud Joris from Éditions Agitées, who was captivated by her passion and unique approach to underwater dance. Their collaboration made it possible to materialize a wealth of insights, not just for the public but also for lovers of aquatic activities.

Arnal explains that this writing opportunity allowed her to share all the knowledge she accumulated over the years in an accessible format.

An Evolving Spectacle

Tiphaine Arnal is also involved with the company Splash!, which she co-founded with friends to offer workshops and aquatic shows across France. Exciting new shows are in the works, showcasing Arnal’s commitment to making this art form accessible to everyone.

One of her standout shows, The Flower of Waters, an underwater ballet inspired by Lamartine’s poem, is available on YouTube. This performance tells the story of an aquatic flower, highlighting the intricacy and beauty of underwater dance.

Developing Aquatic Skills

Participants in her workshops are encouraged to explore different approaches to underwater dance, including training sessions in freediving clubs where they use freediving ropes as equipment during their ocean workouts. These sessions welcome everyone, regardless of their level or prior experience.

Tiphaine Arnal stresses the importance of training in safe environments, as practicing freediving alone is strictly discouraged.

Conclusion : Une Invitation à Plonger

Underwater dance, with its mesmerizing blend of freediving, dance, and artistic swimming techniques, stands out as a new form of art waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a novice or already a lover of aquatic arts, Tiphaine Arnal guides you through this underwater journey, where every movement and gesture becomes a bridge connecting you to yourself and to the elements.

For those eager to participate, upcoming workshops titled “Let’s Dance (Underwater)” are planned for beginners and intermediates, with sessions scheduled in Marseille and Toulon. For more information and reservations, feel free to contact Tiphaine Arnal via email at tiphaine.arnal93@gmail.com or on Instagram at @lafleurdeseaux.

Underwater dance is a beautiful opportunity, a dive into a world of creativity and expression. Don’t miss out on this unique adventure—immerse yourself and discover it for yourself!

Text : Marine Jacq-Pietri