Toolbox — For Training and Youth Work
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Exercise, Group Building Activity
Identity in Motion: Expressing the Unseen
To explore identity through movement, fostering self-awareness, non-verbal expression, empathy, and group connection.
Aims of the tool
Increase self-awareness through movement and physical expression.
Explore and express hidden aspects of identity non-verbally.
Foster empathy, respect, and understanding within the group.
Strengthen group connection through shared creative experiences.
Encourage reflection on the complexity and fluidity of identity.
Description of the tool
Identity in Motion: Expressing the Unseen is a movement-based experiential learning activity that helps young people explore and express different aspects of their identity through physical movement and non-verbal communication. Through guided walks, mirroring exercises, and symbolic gestures, participants reflect on visible and hidden parts of themselves, build empathy, and experience how individual identities contribute to the collective energy of a group.
Available downloads:
Disclaimer
SALTO cannot be held responsible for the inappropriate use of these training tools. Always adapt training tools to your aims, context, target group and to your own skills! These tools have been used in a variety of formats and situations. Please notify SALTO should you know about the origin of or copyright on this tool.
Tool overview
http://toolbox.salto-youth.net/5777
This tool is for
Youth (18+); 20 participants; Context: Youth exchange or team-building retreat.
and addresses
Social Inclusion, Group Dynamics, Networking and Follow-up, Personal Development
It is recommended for use in:
Youth Exchanges
Training and Networking
Materials needed:
● Large, furniture-free room with a clear movement path/ Also is suitable for outdoors
● Comfortable clothing and no shoes (ideally)
Duration:
● 75–90 minutes total
● 15 min: Warm-up Walks.
● 15 min: Mirroring Pairs.
● 25 min: Identity Activity.
● 20–30 min: Structured Debrief.
Behind the tool
The tool was created by
Method description by Daria Bielinska, based on work by Chloe Swoiskin
in the context of
Project Art of Identity
The tool was published to the Toolbox by
Jelena Markune (on 14 July 2026)
and last modified
14 June 2026
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