Using a very limited number of movement elements, Laban found a clever way to theorize the diverse kinetic qualities of human movement. He conceptualized an “effort chemistry” analogous to chemical science.
Chemists have identified a limited number atomic elements – substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances. Combined with each other, however, elements produce the diversity of organic and inorganic substances that make up our material world.
In Laban’s effort chemistry, the four motion factors combine in groups of twos and threes to produce a variety of dynamic states and drives. Within these subsets of states and drives, contrasting effort qualities also blend to produce diverse movement styles and expressions.
Find out more about effort chemistry in the forthcoming MoveScape Center course, “The Transformation Drives.”