The parsimony of effort theory poses practical problems for movement observers.  There are only four motion factors and eight effort qualities, which makes the categories for classifying effort quite general and abstract.

For example, compare the actions of driving a shovel into hard soil and passionately embracing a loved one.  Superficially the two actions do not look at all the same.  Yet increasing pressure (the contending quality of the motion factor of weight) is likely to be present in both actions.… Read More

Using a very limited number of movement elements, Laban found a clever way to theorize the diverse kinetic qualities of human movement. He conceptualized an “effort chemistry” analogous to chemical science.

Chemists have identified a limited number atomic elements – substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances. Combined with each other, however, elements produce the diversity of organic and inorganic substances that make up our material world.

In Laban’s effort chemistry, the four motion factors combine in groups of twos and threes to produce a variety of dynamic states and drives. … Read More

In the previous blog I claimed that Laban’s effort theory is elegant; that is, his ideas explain the dynamics of human movement clearly, directly, and economically.  Yet the elegant parsimony of the model is also troublesome.

At its most basic level, there are only eight qualititative terms in the effort model with which to describe any movement that any human being can do.  How can only eight terms begin to capture this diversity?

Because effort theory doesn’t end with only eight movement qualities. … Read More

When a scientific theory explains a phenomenon clearly, directly, and economically, we say it is elegant.  Does Laban’s characterization of the dynamic qualities of human movement meet these criteria?

According to Laban, every movement evolves in space and time bringing the weight of the body into flow.  This would seem to be a clear and direct statement – possessing some of the qualities of elegance.

Explanatory economy (aka “parsimony”) is also an important component of elegance.  This is based on the long-standing principle that the simplest explanation is most likely to be correct.… Read More

Effort, as Laban conceived it, is the driving force of human movement.  The need to move and its manifestation in dynamic action comes not only from the conscious mind but also from the most remote and inward recesses of consciousness.  In this sense, effort is deeply personal.

At the same time, bodily movements share certain features, regardless of the unique personal circumstances of the individual. In this sense, human efforts are universal.

The kinetic dynamics of effort are both personal and universal. … Read More

In the previous blog, I observed that effort is personal.  Exploration of states and drives seems to transport the mover into different psychic landscapes, triggering thoughts, feelings, desires, and memories that are intimate, unique, and individual.

At the same time, effort is universal.  It spreads across every sphere of human life, wherever and whenever dynamic action occurs.

In the map of this dynamic sphere provided by Laban, there are different effort landscapes.  Some areas of the dynamosphere are tropical; some are arctic. … Read More

Choreutics and Eukinetics  — space and effort – are the two broad categories of human movement conceived by Laban.  Laban’s spatial concepts address the visible forms of physical movement through the space surrounding the body.  His effort concepts address psychological intent and motivation, surmised from the dynamic effort qualities employed in visible bodily motion.

I have offered quite a few courses and workshops focused on Laban’s Choreutics. Recently, however, I have been working with Eukinetics.  I am finding that studying space or effort affects the nature of my interactions with students.… Read More

Awakening awareness of the “8 Basic Actions” requires a change in consciousness. In our daily interactions with tools and material objects, we are focused on what we are doing.  Becoming aware of effort qualities and their dynamic combinations requires a focus on how we are using tools and impacting objects.

I’ve been practicing shifting my awareness from what to how – and it’s fun!  I’m finding Action Drives in unexpected places and activities.  My self-image is changing as I become more aware of my daily efforts and find ways to accentuate dynamic rhythms that have been hiding in plain sight.… Read More

Laban not only designed spatial scales, he also designed harmonious effort sequences. We will be exploring these dynamic patterns in “The Action Drive,” a three-week excursion through the dynamosphere.

Human effort seems almost infinite in its variety. Nevertheless, Laban discerned that some changes between effort qualities are easier to accomplish than others. There are natural limits. As in space, so in effort – sometimes you “can’t get there from here.”

Laban’s maps of the dynamosphere and the harmonious effort sequences he designed help us navigate in this energetic domain.… Read More

Laban based his effort theory on the “8 Basic Actions,” or the eight qualitative variations of the Action Drive. Then he had the nifty idea that each of these basic actions could be linked to a corner of the cubic model of the kinesphere. In the upcoming MoveScape Center course, “The Action Drive,” I argue that this model of effort/space affinities, nifty as it may be, leads to very stereotyped ways of embodying the basic actions.

Because these basic actions are utilized primarily in working with material objects, they actually occur everywhere!… Read More