Activities

A SCHOOL OF FISHES

Number of participants

5 to 25 participants

Objectives

● To develop improvisation and spontaneity skills
● To foster concentration and attention.
● To act collectively.
● To explore leadership and self-organisation;

Where does the activity take place within the process (beginning, middle, end)

Middle

Duration

15 minutes

Material needed

Music and speakers to listen it well

Preparation

Prepare the room/space so that it is as spacious as it can be, without obstacles.

Step by step description

1. Put the music on (choose one that is more lively) and invite dancing and moving.

2. Ask participants to get together in a group looking in the same direction and being really close to each other like in a school of fishes (they move together, really close to each other and in synchrony).

3. Instruct participants that now they act as a school of fishes imitating the same gesture and acting as one.

4. Explain that, without speaking to each other, one of the participants comes forward spontaneously and starts doing some moves in front of everyone else (with his/her back towards the rest of participants) and they should imitate it perfectly, all the gestures and moves he/she does.

5. Once this person decides it is enough, he/she will go back to the school of fishes and another one will go forward at the same time as the whole group will turn right and face another wall of the room.

6. Once the second person has finished, he/she will go back and another will go forward, always switching sides clockwise and facing another wall of the room.

7. The goal is for all participants to go forward and do some moves leading the group for a while.

8. Instruct participants that they should not necessarily follow the rhythm of the music, but can improvise, play with speeds, bending, even jumping if possible.

9. When all participants have been at the front, put a final part (or new song that is very lively) and invite participants to dance around the space without being concerned about how they look.

Closing up

You can reflect jointly with the group on this exercise asking the following questions:

● How was it for you?
● Did you learn anything new about yourself/others?

Resources

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Comments / hints for facilitators

If you feel that the participants have a hard time understanding and following, you can be the first to come forward and do some moves. You can also explain that they can imagine that they are in a zumba class and should follow the leader. If you see that people are not really motivated, you can switch the music on while they perform, so that it invites them to get more active. Be aware that some participants may have problems following all the moves because of the complexity or diversity in their state of health so make sure to let them know they should decide for themselves which ones are doable or not.
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