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Music & dance

Limbo

Also called Limbo Rock, How Low Can You Go

Dance under a bar without touching it or the floor; the bar drops each round until one player is left.

people
6–40
time
15 min
energy
High
materials
Household items
Kids-safeChurch-safe
Watch it played
What you need3
How to play4

Before you start

Two holders stand about two metres apart holding the bar at chest height. Players line up in single file on one side. Put a mat or carpet under the bar if the floor is hard.

  1. 1Players pass under the bar one at a time, leaning backwards, face up, feet first.
  2. 2Touching the bar, or putting a hand or knee on the floor, means you are out.
  3. 3After everyone has gone, lower the bar by about one hand-width.
  4. 4Keep going until one player is left. That player is the limbo champion.
What to say3
  1. 1“How low can you go? Lean back, chin up — let's see it!”
  2. 2“Ooh, touched the bar! Sorry — you're on the cheering squad now.”
  3. 3“Bar goes down again! Who's brave enough?”
Host tips3
  • Holders who grip the bar tightly turn a light touch into a fall. Tell them to rest it on open palms so it drops the moment it is touched.
  • Guests in skirts, dresses or barong will either refuse or be embarrassed. Mention the game in the invite, or offer the face-down variant.
  • Below knee height it stops being fun for most adults and becomes an injury risk. Set a floor and declare joint winners if several reach it.
Variants2

  • Any style

    Allow going under face-down or crawling for younger kids. The bar still drops each round.

  • Team limbo

    Teams take turns and score a point per member who makes it under. Lowest bar cleared by most members wins.

Safety3
  • Back and knee strain is common — not for seniors, pregnant guests, or anyone with a bad back.
  • Use a pool noodle or ribbon rather than a rigid stick, and put a mat down on tile or concrete.
  • Players lose balance backwards; keep the area behind the bar clear of furniture.
Good for

Occasions

BirthdayFiestaReunionSchool

Venues

Indoor, largeOutdoorChurch hall
If this one dies early3