Mapping General Space

It is easy to think of general space as an empty void offering an overwhelming number of possibilities for movement. Laban came up with helpful concepts to avoid overload.

For example, level provides a simple way to organize empty space in a way that can be related to the dancer’s body. Laban identified three levels – low, middle, and high.

Low level is near the floor. The mover can access this area of general space by bending deeply, or kneeling, crawling, even slithering or rolling along the floor.

Middle level is where we live in normal sitting, standing, and locomoting activities.

Movers can access high level can by stretching and extending the limbs, rising on the toes, and jumping in all kind of ways.

Where bodily activities take place gives texture and feeling to the unmarked emptiness of general space. Find out more in “Exploring Your Kinesphere: A Personal Journey,” coming in August.