Body, Effort, Space, and Shape (BESS) are the four broad categories utilized in Laban/Bartenieff Movement Studies. In recent years, Shape has emerged as an independent category, one that draws not only on the work of Laban and Bartenieff, but also of Warren Lamb and Dr. Judith Kestenberg.
The upcoming MoveScape Center seminar, “Mostly about Shape (and a Little Bit about Effort),” traces the evolution of concepts of Shape. Each week focuses on different elements of Shape, including shape flow, formal elements of line, directional movement and carving, still shapes (ball, pin, wall, screw), shape qualities, destination versus motion, gathering and scattering, and concavity and convexity.
Warren Lamb noted: “Effort goes with Shape organically.” Consequently, this course will also touch on Effort as it relates to certain aspects of Shape.