Physical Expression Mime medium cohesion group
Mirrors
Focused attention and synchronized movement — building awareness of another person’s physical cues
Preparation
- Open space large enough for pairs to stand facing each other at arm’s length.
- No music needed; silence helps players focus.
Facilitation
- Mirror the Facilitator: Facilitator shows a small movement with one hand. Group mirrors the movement back. Facilitator progresses to moving both hands in random ways; group mirrors back.
- Mirror Each Other: Divide group into pairs, labeling one player A and the other B.
- Pairs face each other and touch fingertips lightly — or keep fingertips a few inches apart if preferred.
- B partner starts by moving one hand; A mirrors back. B progresses to both hands.
- Switch: A leads and B follows. Give sufficient time for each direction.
- After a good time of switching, encourage partners to move toward not knowing who is leading and who is following — the goal is seamless, shared movement.
Evaluation
- Were participants able to follow the movement accurately?
- Did the partners move in ways that show attentiveness to the other?
- What happened when neither partner was designated as leader? Did movement stop, or flow?
- Were there restrictions that kept participants from succeeding — and did the facilitator offer useful adaptations?