What is Underwater Dance?

What is dancing underwater called?

A dance performed under water is called an underwater dance. 

What is a person who dances under water called?

The term "underwater dancer" or "underwater performer" generally refers to performers who specialize in performing choreographed movements or improvisational sequences submerged in water. It can be performed solo, in pairs, or as part of a group. Notable artists involved in underwater dance have backgrounds in various disciplines, including: artistic swimming, dance, free diving and gymnastics.

Where can we see the underwater dance?

Underwater dance can be performed in pools (either indoor or outdoor), natural bodies of water like lakes or oceans, or in specially designed water tanks and aquariums for performances. You can see underwater dancing in a variety of places: 

• Social Media & Online Platforms You can find underwater dance videos posted on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. Many artists and dancers use these platforms to share their unique underwater performances.
• Aquariums In some large aquariums, there are daily live performance art events where dancers perform underwater. Locations like the Grandview Mall Aquarium in Guangzhou, China or Atlantis in Sanya, China host such performances several times a day. 
• Movies and Music Videos Various movies or music videos include underwater dancing as a striking visual element. 

What do underwater dancers usually wear?

Performers in underwater dance typically wear swimsuit, clothes or specialized costumes. For performances inspired by mermaids or other aquatic creatures, underwater dancers may wear monofins or fins. Depending on the performance, dancers may wear headpieces such as crowns or shells. They often use accessories that enhance the visual impact of the performance. 

Is underwater dancing a sport?

It is primarily an art form, however the sporting aspect is undeniable, as performing underwater requires significant physical preparation, skill, and endurance, much like other physically demanding disciplines.

What is the difference between underwater dancing and artistic swimming?

Underwater dance and artistic swimming (formerly known as synchronized swimming and sometimes called water ballet) differ in several key aspects. Here are the main differences between the two: 

• Underwater dancing is performed entirely underwater (or with breaks above water for breathing). In artistic swimming, the aim is to show as much as possible above water. Amount of body (body parts) above the water surface is one of the main evaluation criteria.
• In artistic swimming, athletes take as much breath as possible to maximize the oxygen in their lungs. In underwater dancing without weights, dancers have to exhale air from their lungs to stay at the bottom of the pool and dance on almost empty lungs, which is extremely challenging.

How is underwater dancing different from dancing on land?

The water provides a different level of resistance and buoyancy. The movements are a little slower compared to regular dance. On the other hand, underwater dancers can perform movements that are not possible on dry land. However, the biggest difference is in breathing or not breathing in the case of underwater dancing.