Transforming Basic Actions

Laban developed his effort theory by transforming the basic actions, or, we could say, by allowing them to mutate. These mutations change practical actions into emotional and intellectual expressions, linking body and mind.

In addition to the eight practical actions that compose the Action Drive, Laban identified eight analogous compounds of a more emotional nature.  He dubbed these the “Passion Drive.”  He found eight more compounds of an imaginative nature, and named these the “Vision Drive.”  Finally, he discovered eight additional Spell-binding mutations.

In the new MoveScape Center workshop, Effort “Mutation,” participants explore the shift from physical actions to psychological expressions through the medium of the body.