Introduction to Laban Movement Analysis

Catalog description

Observe and analyze movement elements by exploring concepts of Body, Effort, Shape, and Space to increase personal communication and expression. DANCE 472 Introduction to Laban Movement Analysis (3) Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) is a method and language for describing, visualizing, interpreting and documenting all varieties of human movement. It is one type of Laban Movement Study originating from the work of Rudolf Laban. In addition many derived practices have developed with great emphasis on LMA methods. This course focuses on elements known as Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analysis, which uses a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating contributions from anatomy, kinesiology, psychology, Labanotation and many other fields. It is used as a tool by dancers, actors, musicians, athletes, physical and occupational therapists, psychotherapy, peace studies, anthropology, business consulting, leadership development, health & wellness and is one of the most widely used systems of human movement analysis today. In this course, students will study and practice the basic categories of LMA: Body (Bartenieff Fundamentals, total-body connectivity), Effort (Energetic dynamics), Shape, and Space (Space Harmony). In addition students will discover how LMA looks at the categories in terms of Phrasing and themes of opposites. The themes are: Mobility/Stability, Inner/Outer, Function/Expression, and Exertion/Recuperation.