Mirror Image
Filed under: De-inhibitizers, Warm-Ups & Stretches
Excellent for stimulating mutual co-operation and plenty of unself-conscious stretching.
At A Glance
Facing each other, one person will reproduce the “mirror image” of the moves of their partner.
What You Need
- A flat, open space.
- Minimum of 2 people.
- 5 minutes.
What To Do
Ask people to find a partner who is about their height, and gather around. Start with a demonstration, inviting a volunteer to face you standing about half a metre apart. You initiate the action while the other person becomes your “mirror image”. Get that, it’s a mirror image, so if I extend my left arm out to my left-side, my partner will extend their right arm out to their right-side.
The intention is to make your movements interesting and slow enough for the other person to mime as if they were a full-length mirror. The enjoyment level is definitely enhanced by an initial zany presentation of unself-conscious stretching. Try not to succumb to typical “star jump” types of stretches – rather, for example, invent an innovative and fun morning “wake up” routine that includes having a shower, dressing in stretchy trousers and a long-sleeve angora sweater, etc.
Got a few laughs, it’s now time to turn it over to the group. The facial and physical gymnastics that result lets you see people like you’ve never seen them before. Swap roles after an appropriate time.
Variations
- After each partner has had their turn, ask them to try the anti-mirror (or reverse) image – during which the follower tries to mime exactly the opposite of their partner’s movement. Classic moves and total confusion are sure to follow.
- Repeat in groups of three or four people (all but one are the mirrors), but not too many more lest people get a little self-conscious.
Taken from ‘No Props: Great Games with No Equipment’
If you know of a cool variation to this stretch, please add a comment…
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Hi, I'm Mark Collard.
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