For Laban, balance results from “contrasting qualities of mobility.” In space, this means moving in opposite directions. In effort, this means moving with contrasting qualities of kinetic energy.
In addition to effort contrast, however, Laban also discerned a principle of progression that seemed to govern natural patterns of dynamic change. He gave this principle a funny name – the Law of Proximity. Funny or not, Laban’s observation provided him with a means of creating balanced effort sequences.
I have felt for some time that Laban’s notions should be seen as hypotheses about movement that are subject to empirical study and, where necessary, modification. His balanced effort sequences that follow the Law of Proximity are ripe for further investigation.
You can find out more in “The Action Drive,” an exploration of effort patterning that starts in April.