When a scientific theory explains a phenomenon clearly, directly, and economically, we say it is elegant. Does Laban’s characterization of the dynamic qualities of human movement meet these criteria?
According to Laban, every movement evolves in space and time bringing the weight of the body into flow. This would seem to be a clear and direct statement – possessing some of the qualities of elegance.
Explanatory economy (aka “parsimony”) is also an important component of elegance. This is based on the long-standing principle that the simplest explanation is most likely to be correct.
Laban’s identification of four motion factors – space, time, weight, and flow – and the contending and indulging qualitative variations of each factor meets the criteria of conceptual simplicity.
While elegance and parsimony are desirable, they can be troublesome as well. Find out more in the next blog.