Indulge your aquatic fantasies in this unique Parisian experience - dancing in a deliciously warm pool.
I had been expecting something with flowers. Frangipanis, perhaps, or lotus petals in the corner. Definitely incense somewhere; most likely patchouli. Strawberries and champagne; white robes; or odd rituals with keys. Yet happily, none of this was the case when I went to my first Danseo class.
The premises were simple, small, and lined with nondescript showers. The air was “physiotherapy class meets swim club”, with the air moist and faintly cloudy with chlorine. Most impressively, a large paddle pool in the middle of what appeared, from the outside, to be an ordinary French apartment. And when you waggled your fingers in… l’eau chaude. 35 degrees Celsius, to be exact.
Taught by the luminous Luna, Danseo is described as an aquatic remedy designed to rapidly rediscover one’s well-being, grace, and harmony of the body and spirit. It is said to allow one to celebrate life through music, rhythm and movement. I must admit, it sounded like a kind of swinger’s club for water lovers. Yet, as I later discover, there is no apparent reason to perceive a harmless paddle as something sexual.
In our introductory talk, Luna explained that one of the central premises of Danseo is that we don’t touch each other at all enough in daily life. Yet touch can be therapeutic, particularly when done in a group in a tub of hot water, it seemed. I was feeling adventurous. I certainly didn’t feel touch-deprived, but maybe I was missing something.
And it seemed I was. On entering the pool, Luna led us through a series of exercises that, set to music, let us alternate between active movements, allowing us to be dynamic and playful as individuals; and more passive, where we took turns in floating others or being floated around the pool. In “dancing” both styles, we were to find comfort, support and fluidity from the presence of others.
Now all this may sound a little strange, but it ended up being quite fun. Water games included creating a giant whirlpool and then letting ourselves be carried by it; taking turns to create individual roleplay dances through the middle of the group while the rest of the group encouraged us; water massage; and, of course, being floated around. All of these activities were reminiscent of those things we did as kids when mucking around in someone’s backyard pool, only the 35 degree temperature made it much more pleasant, while the fact we were playing with strangers made it just a little more confronting.
However, by around halfway through, I realised that through such games, I was not only starting to know these people, but my inhibitions had melted in the warm water and allowed me to relax about the idea. By the end of the session, I felt invigorated and loving towards my fellow man – really I did. We ended the class with a really long float, and as I felt the water swish around me, and my body move slowly through the water as my Danseo partner pulled me around the pool, it was a feeling akin to being a baby – loved and cared for, and utterly comfortable.
To go to a Danseo class, you’ll need to register: you can sign up here.
On the day, you’ll need to bring a swimsuit; robe or beach towel; rubber things; shower soap/ shampoo and facial cream (for afterwards); a hairdryer if you need it; and nose or ear stoppers if you don’t tolerate water very well.
Cost:40 € for 4 hour session. If you come as a pair, one of you gets a reduction of 20 €, making it 60 € for two.
Address:In a private pool in the 12th arrondissement: Métro Picpus. More details are offered on registration.
Definitely incense somewhere; most likely patchouli. Strawberries and champagne; white robes; or odd rituals with keys. Yet happily, none of this was the case when I went to my first Danseo class. 
In our introductory talk, Luna explained that one of the central premises of Danseo is that we don’t touch each other at all enough in daily life. Yet touch can be therapeutic, particularly when done in a group in a tub of hot water, it seemed. I was feeling adventurous. I certainly didn’t feel touch-deprived, but maybe I was missing something.
To go to a Danseo class, you’ll need to register: you can sign up 
TrackBack URI for this entry
Show/Hide comments
Show/Hide comment form
Click here for 