No.147
Mayim Mayim: Basic-Step Practice
Japanese name: マイムマイム（基本ステップ体験）
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Diagram key
- A
- Top = toward the circle’s center (in front)
- B
- Right foot
- C
- Left foot
- D
- 1. Cross right in front
- E
- 2. Step left sideways
- F
- 3. Cross right behind
- G
- 4. Step left sideways
- H
- Center
- I
- Clockwise
Materials
- Markers showing the circle’s position
- Chairs if needed
How to play
- Make one circle facing inward in a separate area with no fire or candle stands. Leave enough space so neighboring arms will not touch. Do not hold hands; check the movement area.
- Take one step on each of four slow beats: right foot across in front of the left; left foot to the left; right foot across behind the left; left foot to the left.
- These four steps move you to your own left around the circle, making the circle travel clockwise overall. Follow the facilitator's spoken cues and pause to check the four steps. Do not cross your legs too far.
- Repeat the four-step sequence four times, then stop after 16 beats. Restore spacing, rest briefly, and restart. Handclaps can keep the beat without music.
- After two rounds, invite another counter and finish with one more round. Participants who find crossing difficult can side-step left. Seated participants make small hand movements—front, left, back, left—to show the same four beats.
Ways to adapt
Preschool children: show four beats with seated hand movements. Younger primary school children: side-step without crossing. Older primary school children and adults: try the basic steps. Keep the area bright enough to see your feet.