Presence Movement Exercise

In researching and exploring for my latest dance project on the theme of Presence I’ve found an exercise that captures the moment. It’s simple and powerful in ways I am still discovering.

In a room, or with a partner:

• Come into the present moment by closing your eyes and breathing. Recognise how you feel right now

• Slowly open your eyes and take in the room and surroundings. What captures your attention?

• Ask the question: How do I feel in relation to this external stimulus? Go with the feeling and explore how it makes your body want to move.

• Continually update the moment with the questions above: What captures my attention? How do I feel/want to move?

Play with the moment, continually connecting with the external and internal worlds.

What can the stimulus be? Forms in the room, of objects, light, shade, temperature, colours, sounds, music, people - their presence, reactions and movement… really anything. Of course our eyes are often attracted to things that change.

What comes through the exercise is connection to both the world around me and myself, all in the present moment. It creates a sense of play that is curious and open. The outside world is continually changing providing new stimulus. The response in the body itself continually affects the moment in a circular form, making it unique and new. The resulting spontaneity and creativity that comes really needs to be experienced.