In this exclusive interview, Santa Claus has confessed he loves the work of Rudolf Laban and uses it daily to maintain agility of body and mind. In this final exchange, he encourages readers to practice exertion and recuperation as a mindful way to beat holiday stress.
MoveScape (MS): You mentioned you also practice Laban’s Eukinetics. How does this help you stay fit, Santa?
Santa Claus (SC): Eukinetics is about how we apply effort and energy in everyday tasks. The sequences Laban created support a balanced application of energy by focusing on exertion and also on recuperation.
MS: The holidays get so busy, it’s hard to find a quiet moment to rest and recuperate.
SC: That’s true. But according to Laban, recuperation doesn’t have to be rest in the sense of ceasing to move. You can recuperate actively, by changing the quality of your movement.
MS: Can you give me an example?
SC: Sure. In order to squeeze down a chimney, I have to press hard and slide slowly. To pop back up again, I do the opposite. I use my natural lightness and quickness to rise. This balancing of kinetic energies keeps me going all night!
MS: Wow, Santa that’s a great example of how to use effort to recuperate. Thanks for coming out of the closet and sharing your love of Laban!