Rudolf Laban perceived a logical relationship or “affinity” between the six cardinal directions and the effort qualities of Weight, Space, and Time.
For example, “a feeling of lightness corresponds with reaching upwards,” while a strong movement tends downwards.
Movement across the body “makes for a confined use of space,” which Laban links with straight, direct effort quality. Opening outwards brings about spatial freedom, and correlates with a roundabout, indirect quality.
Sudden shocks and jerks of fright case the body to contract, consequently Laban relates quickness to movement backward. A gradual release of tension will tend to result in a sustained movement forward.
Laban’s logical explanation is very persuasive – but is it true? Find out more in the upcoming MoveScape observation workshop, Harmonies of Effort and Shape, starting in July.