“Contagious Movement” is best suited for children aged 7 to 15.

• Promote openness and personal exploration through body movement.

• Develop resonance and empathy with the energy and quality of others' movements.

• Encourage adaptability to a variety of auditory stimuli and discover their utility.

• Present moment awareness: Participants connect with spontaneous movement, fostering presence and awareness of the here and now.

• Resonance with others: Observing and attuning to others' movements cultivates empathy and the understanding of shared emotional states.

• Experimentation and creativity: The activity encourages creative movement in response to changing music, allowing for personal expression and adaptability.

• Safe space and support: Providing an environment where participants can explore movements freely ties in with the Gestalt principle of creating a supportive therapeutic environment.

• A varied selection of music and a device to play the music.

Approximately 30-40 minutes.

1. Preparation:

Form groups of 3-4 participants and ensure there's ample and safe space for movement. Prepare a playlist with varied musical pieces, each lasting 30-40 seconds. Communicate the importance of not trying to dance but rather letting the music internally move the body, being sensitive to the impulses that arise in response to the music.

2. Step-by-Step description:

Step 1: Exploration initiation. Designate one person in each group (person number 1) to start in the center. Explain that the central person should close their eyes and allow their body to react and move with the music, without stopping during song transitions.

Step 2: Group resonance

Instruct the rest of the group to observe and tune into the quality and energy of the central person's movements, trying to resonate with their exploration.

Step 3: Rotation and continuation

After 7-8 minutes, ask the central person to join the peripheral group and appoint person number 2 to take their place at the center. Repeat the process, allowing each participant the chance to explore and resonate with others.

Step 4: Group reflection

Once everyone has had the opportunity to be in the center, facilitate a group reflection space. Discuss experiences, discoveries, and challenges encountered during the activity.

Variations of the Contagious Movement activity include changing the speed and space of movements, focusing on different body parts, adding emotional tones or sounds, rotating leaders, using precise mirroring or personal interpretation, pausing for reflection, working in smaller groups, and incorporating props to enhance connection and awareness.

How was the experience of moving with the music? What did you discover about yourself?

What did it feel like to resonate with the energy and movement of another person?

How was the adaptation to different musical pieces and sounds? What learnings can be taken from this activity?

This activity encourages participants to become more aware of their own and others’ movements, fostering openness and connection. By responding to different musical cues, they learn to attune to others’ energy and rhythms, which builds empathy and group cohesion through shared, expressive movement.

Ensure to create a safe and supportive atmosphere where participants feel free to explore and express themselves.

This activity allows for profound exploration of the internal world through movement, providing a rich opportunity for the development of empathy and group connection.