Face-to-face communication is divided in two parts: words and the nonverbal actions that accompany those words. Experts agree that movement is the most influential part, and also the most elusive. Words are memorable. Movements disappear in the blink of an eye.
Laban Movement Analysis captures the fleeting dynamics of movement. Created by the eminent 20th century theorist Rudolf Laban, this analytic system is one of the most powerful tools for understanding the nonverbal dimensions of human action and interaction.
Meaning in Motion provides a comprehensive overview of Laban Movement Analysis. Body, effort, space, and shape – the four pillars of Laban’s system – are succinctly introduced and illustrated. Creative exercises suggest ways to embody and bring key concepts to life. Additional sections describe the history and development of movement analysis and demonstrate how it can be used to decipher nonverbal behavior. Appendices provide rich resources for further study.
Designed to be a companion text for practice-based courses in theatre, dance, music, animation, nonverbal communication, and other movement disciplines, Meaning in Motion expertly links theory and practice, enabling readers to develop more expressive communication skills, hone powers of observation, deepen kinesthetic empathy, and think more creatively about movement on the stage and in everyday life.
“Meaning in Motion: Introducing Laban Movement Analysis is one of the few, if not the only, contemporary texts to integrate historical, theoretical, and creative frameworks for studying Laban Movement Analysis. Moore brings an impressive combination of first-hand experience and archival research to bear on the LMA system. The resulting handbook is a treasure of insights into the Laban-Bartenieff tradition and its contemporary relevance. It is an invaluable resource.”
Dr. Andrea Harris, Assistant Professor, Dance
University of Wisconsin Madison