Linking Function and Expression

Mastery of Movement extends Laban’s notion of effort beyond functional work activities to notions of “incomplete efforts” and “transformation drives.”  Laban had already explored movement expression in his own choreographies.  But his effort theories were enhanced by the work he did with students at Theatre Workshop and the Northern Theatre School, fertile training grounds for some of England’s finest actors.

“You must not think of dance as steps,” he once told a group of student actors.  “Dance is meaningful movement.  You can dance with your eyebrows.  When I have taught you, you will be able to dance with any part of your body.”

The actors were skeptical.  But Laban went on to demonstrate how each of the 8 Basic Actions found in work can serve as a physical foundation for characterization.

Find out how in the forthcoming course, Mastering Laban’s Mastery of Movement.