“Transitions from one effort quality to another are either easy or difficult,” Laban wrote, noting that no sane person will every jump from one basic action to its complete contrast, “because of the great mental and nervous strain involved in so radical a change.”
Yet, sequencing from one basic action to its complete contrast – for example, floating to punching – is usually how the Action Drive is taught and practiced. This is not only hard; it’s unnatural!
In next MoveScape Center exploration of the Dynamosphere, we are going to take it easy by embodying modulated and organic effort patterns devised by Laban. These natural effort sequences enrich understanding of the Action Drive and awaken awareness of the vital role these basic actions play in our everyday lives.