Purpose
Builds the single most foundational AR muscle: present-moment noticing, spoken plainly. Trains dancers to report what's actually here (sensation, not story) — the exact skill they'll later need through touch. Lands the group in the present.
Setup
Pairs facing, or a circle. Seated.
Play
- "We're going to practice noticing out loud. A notice is simple and present-tense: 'I notice my shoulders are tight.' 'I notice I'm a little nervous.' 'I notice the light on the floor.'"
- "No stories, no explanations, no fixing. Just: 'I notice ___.' Trade back and forth with your partner."
- Let it run 3–4 minutes. Then: "Now include noticing about being here, with this person: 'I notice I want to look away.' 'I notice I'm smiling.'"
Cues
"Present tense." · "Sensation, not story." · "There's no wrong notice."
Variations
- Easier: notice only physical sensations.
- Deeper: notice what arises between you — the beginning of relational honesty.
Debrief
"What was it like to say something true and simple out loud? What did you notice you were tempted to hide?"
Watch For
People will editorialize ("I notice you seem nice") — gently redirect to their own experience ("I notice I feel warm toward you"). Keeps it honest and owned.
Pairs With
Body Weather Report (#3) as a warm-up pair; sets up Listening Hands (#7) — noticing in words becomes noticing through the palm.