2021 WM winning duo show

Reflections

Read about the story of Reflections, an experimental trail into aufguss-championships, that turned out to be pretty magical. 

Origin of the show

Experience the show’s atmosphere by playing its music as you read.

This aufguss creation is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, less truly is more. It’s not about simplifying aufguss—it’s about creating a magical theme and tells a story without words. “Reflections” was inspired by a unique challenge from Hans Dolman (former owner of Thermen Berendonck): create a show that speaks for itself, needing no introduction.

At its core, “Reflections” shares the tale of two souls so alike that they’re often mistaken for one another by colleagues and guests. The spark for this idea came from our love of dressing alike during sessions and the natural harmony of our movements. When we pitched this concept to our superiors, their enthusiasm was contagious, and they encouraged us to bring it to life on the stage of the Netherlands championship. (VNSWB – NK aufguss)

General info

  • Duo: Sigrid van Rijswijk & Rianne van der Mierden
  • NK result: 1st place
  • WM result: 1st place

Scents

1. Infusion of Linden, Bludorange & Grapefruit
2. Patchoeli + Tangerine
3. Combava leaf & Wintergreen

Storyline

“Reflections” welcomes guests into an inspiring world where light dances and surfaces come alive with shimmering reflections. Water-filled vases sparkle under the glow, and mirrors placed on the sauna’s stove’s create an almost magical ambiance. Even the simplest prop—a hand mirror—becomes a portal to enchantment.

At one key moment, as I lifted the mirror, a light behind me illuminated a curtain, concealing a larger mirror. The twist? The mirror revealed no reflection of me—only darkness. Then, with a dramatic reveal, my reflection (Rianne) appeared, leaving guests surprised. (see the middle top picture).

 

 

In the first round of “Reflections,” we split the cabin as if standing on either side of a mirror’s edge, creating an illusion of symmetry and connection (synchronized waving was essential). Then, in the second round, the mystery deepened—a twist revealed someone identical to me in the mirror. This part was a testament to trust, symbolizing our shared journey while marking our individuality with contrasting colored vests.

In the final round, we brought it all together, harmonizing our mirrored movements while celebrating our unique qualities. As the light illuminated the mirror one last time, I vanished, leaving only my reflection (Rianne) behind, wearing the blue vest from the second round. Guests were left questioning: Was it real, or was it a mirage?

“Reflections” showed us that aufguss can transcend a traditional sauna wellness experience—it can be a mesmerizing exploration of identity, connection, and the magic of the unexpected.