The Icosahedron and the Body

Laban developed spatial sequences known as “scales” using both the octahedron and cube. His major harmonic scales, however, unfold within an icosahedron.  There are many reasons why Laban preferred this three-dimensional form as a virtual geography of the kinesphere.

The icosahedron is more spherical than either the octahedron or cube.  The oblique lines of motion defined by the edges and transverse rays of the icosahedron are “those which we most easily distinguish when seeing and experiencing movement,” according to Laban.  Moreover, there is a strong correlation between “the angles of the icosahedron and the angles occurring in the movements of the body in normal everyday use.”

Laban employed these observations to construct harmonic spatial sequences.  Discover more in the November MoveScape Center workshop, “Harmonics of Space: A Cosmic Journey.”