Laban Movement Analysis allows the observer to see movement more objectively and precisely. But after 35 years of teaching LMA, I can safely say that learning to observe accurately and developing confidence as an observer takes time. And there is a reason for this.
The beauty of Laban’s taxonomy is its parsimony. Laban worked hard to develop a finite number of descriptive terms for movement. Effort is a good example. There are only four motion factors (flow, weight, time, and space) and eight effort qualities with which to capture the enormous variation of motion dynamics.
Laban’s identification of very basic and general elements of movement allows his system to describe a wide variety of movement events. As a result, however, Laban Movement Analysis functions at a high level of abstraction. By this I mean that the same effort quality – take increasing pressure for example – can be present in hammering and passionately hugging someone. That is, increasing pressure can be present in two actions that are nothing alike.
Consequently, learning to analyze movement means not only learning to see; it also involves being seen. Observation skills and confidence develop best when the novice analyst can work with a more experienced observer who can confirm – yes, there is increasing pressure in that hug.
MoveScape Center’s Tetra seminar in March provides a lot of opportunities to see and be seen. Click here to find out more.