Editing Water dance

The '''water dance''' is a style of sword fighting practiced by the greatest [[bravos]] of the city of [[Braavos]].{{ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Braavos}} Practitioners are referred to as '''water dancers'''.{{ref|AGOT|25}}

==Culture==
The water dance is named after the custom of [[bravo]]s to duel upon the [[Moon Pool]] near the [[Sealord's Palace]] in [[Braavos]]. It is said that true water dancers can fight without disrupting the water's surface.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Braavos}}

The water dance is a refined form of fencing in which the practitioner stands sideways{{ref|AGOT|50}} and wields a slender blade. It is a swift and deadly style that focuses on speed, balance and grace, thus requiring slender pointed blades far lighter than the [[longsword]]s of [[Westeros]]i [[knights]] and warriors.{{ref|AGOT|10}} Trainees learn to wield their sword as though it is part of the arm,{{ref|AGOT|22}} and to see with all the senses.{{ref|AGOT|32}}

Pugnacious bravos are a common sight in Braavos, frequently duelling to display their skill.{{ref|AFFC|34}} The [[Citadel]] has an account of a water-dancer duel thanks to [[Pilman]] of [[Lannisport]], a ship's captain.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Braavos}}

==Recent Events==
===''A Game of Thrones''===
While in King's Landing, [[Arya Stark]] trains as a water dancer under [[Syrio Forel]], a former [[First Sword]].{{ref|AGOT|22}} To the consternation of her father, Lord [[Eddard Stark]], Syrio has Arya with practicing her balance by standing on one foot in the [[Tower of the Hand]]{{Ref|aGoT|25}} and catching cats in the [[Red Keep]].{{ref|AGOT|32}}

When Eddard is arrested for treason after the death of King [[Robert I Baratheon]], Ser [[Meryn Trant]] is sent to apprehend Arya. Syrio defeats several [[House Lannister guards]] with his wooden training sword, but he then orders Arya to run away after Meryn breaks the sword.{{ref|AGOT|50}}

===''A Clash of Kings''===
Arya uses the water dancer's pose while fighting [[Hot Pie]].{{ref|ACOK|1}} While at [[Harrenhal]], Arya makes a training sword from a broom and practices her balance among the trees in the [[godswood of Harrenhal|castle's godswood]].{{ref|ACOK|47}}{{ref|ACOK|64}}

==Known Water Dancers==
*[[Syrio Forel]], former [[First Sword]]
*[[Arya Stark]], trainee

==Quotes==
{{quote|Now we will begin the dance. Remember, child, this is not the iron dance of [[Westeros]] we are learning, the [[knight]]'s dance, hacking and hammering, no. This is the [[bravo]]'s dance, the water dance, swift and sudden. All men are made of water, do you know this? When you pierce them, the water leaks out and they die.{{ref|AGOT|22}}|[[Syrio Forel]] to [[Arya Stark]]}}

{{quote|Watching is not seeing, dead girl. The water dancer sees.{{ref|AGOT|50}}|[[Syrio Forel]] to [[Arya Stark]]}}

==References==
{{references}}

[[Category:Braavos]]
[[Category:Terms]]

[[es:Danzarín del agua]]
[[zh:水舞者]]
[[pt:Dança da Água]]