Mirror, Mirror, Dance with Me
In pairs, one child dances to the music and the other is the mirror, copying every move at the same time; when the drum sounds, they switch. It works on observation, coordination and dancing in sync with someone.
How to play
- The teacher is the dancer and the whole group is the mirror: the teacher moves their arms slowly and the children copy at the same time, face to face (2 min).
- Children get in pairs facing each other; to slow music, one dances with their arms and the other is the mirror (2 min).
- The drum sounds: partners switch roles and the mirror becomes the dancer (2 min).
- The dance grows: they can go down to the floor, turn or rise on tiptoe, always slowly so the mirror can follow (3 min).
- Mirror with no leader: both dance at once trying to move the same way so nobody can tell who's leading (2 min).
- Each pair says goodbye to their mirror with a bow (1 min).
Rules
- I dance slowly so my mirror can follow.
- The mirror doesn't touch: it copies from a distance.
- When the drum plays, we switch.
- There's no right or wrong move: any dance counts.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, do most of it with the teacher as the dancer and only a short time in pairs using arm movements.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, work in pairs using arms, head and legs, switching roles with the drum.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, add short moves around the space and the no-leader mirror.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the pair dances seated on the floor or in chairs facing each other, using only the upper body.
- Hearing impairment: also signal the role switch by flicking the lights or holding up a card.
- Autism: start as the mirror, which is more predictable, and let the child choose a trusted partner.
Learning goals
- Watch and imitate someone else's movements.
- Create original movements for someone else to follow.
- Dance in coordination with a partner.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Music
- Hand drum: 1
Teacher tip
The typical mistake is the dancer going too fast; tell them "slow motion." Don't worry if they copy with the opposite side at first; at 3 and 4 that's normal.
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