Game of Thrones: The Deadly Grace of the Water Dance

What began as a series of books penned by George R. R. Martin has now evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Game of Thrones has taken the globe by storm and will go down in history as one of the most popular television programs of all time. The 7th season of the program consistently garnered over 10 million viewers to HBO, with millions more watching the episodes illegally online across the world. The show was also consistently nominated for accolades, including two Golden Globes in 2017. The program was nominated for 32 Primetime Emmy Awards in 2019 alone, and it now sits second in terms of overall Emmy victories.

Game of Thrones includes an abundance of intriguing characters who didn’t get enough time to grow. That’s one of the many drawbacks of building a reputation for assassinating popular figures. One of the show’s most amazing achievements has been the development of individual personalities that carry a lifetime in their death. The First Sword of Braavos, Syrio Forel, is most known for teaching Arya Stark his unique swordplay method, The Water Dance. The dance, like Syrio, has more to it than meets the eye.

What is the Water Dance In Game of Thrones?

In the shadowy canals of Braavos, a city ruled by money and whispers, thrives a deadly art form: the Water Dance. More than just graceful flourishes, this swordplay style is a whirlwind of steel, born from the need to survive in a cutthroat world.

The Dance owes its fluidity to water itself, mimicking its unpredictable currents and deceptive calmness. Unlike the rigid swings of Westerosi knights, the Water Dance prioritizes swift counters, cunning redirects, and precise cuts, making it lethal in close quarters. This is the art Syrio Forel, the exiled First Sword of Braavos, imparts to Arya Stark, shaping her into a fighter who can navigate the perilous streets of Essos.

But the Water Dance isn’t just a combat style. It is also a symbol of Braavosi resilience and the power of wit over brute force. It reflects the city’s reliance on cunning merchants and nimble financiers, where agility and adaptability reign supreme.

Mastery of the Dance earns respect and even prestige, often serving as a gateway into the elite ranks of Braavos’ Faceless Men. Beyond the show, the Water Dance has captured the imagination of fans. It has also inspired cosplayers, artists, and even martial artists who delve into its elegance and effectiveness. Its unique blend of practicality and beauty has cemented its place as a beloved element of Game of Thrones lore.

Who Uses the Water Dance?

Bravos, the skilled swordsmen of the Free City of Braavos, used the Water Dance in Game of Thrones. These fighters favor speed and agility over brute force, utilizing lighter swords and relying on elegant, unpredictable movements.

However, there are exceptions!

• Syrio Forel trained Arya Stark in the Water Dance, laying the foundation for her impressive combat skills.
• Other Braavosi characters, like the Faceless Men, likely utilize the Dance to varying degrees.
• Beyond Braavos, hints of Water Dance techniques can be seen in Arya’s later fighting style. Particularly during her sparring match with Brienne of Tarth.