Follow the “Red Thread” that links the Laban/Bartenieff/Lamb legacy to the future of movement study. Expand the scope of what you know about human movement through a series of courses expertly crafted by master teacher, Carol-Lynne Moore, who is celebrating her 50th year as a movement analyst.
This autumn explore different aspects of the Laban legacy with two unique courses – an intimate look at the work of Irmgard Bartenieff in September, and a wide-ranging survey of elements of Shape in October.
SEPTEMBER
“Irmgard Bartenieff: In Her Own Words”
September 11 – October 7, 2026
Irmgard Bartenieff (1900 – 1981) played a seminal role in establishing Laban-based movement analysis and notation in the United States. While she is justifiably famous for the somatic practice known as “Bartenieff Fundamentals,” her contributions to movement study far exceed these bodily practices.
This four-week correspondence course draws on the instructor’s own experiences studying and working with Bartenieff from 1975-1981. In addition, participants explore Bartenieff’s integrative vision through a variety of her own writings. These address her initial studies with Laban and her subsequent integration of Laban’s theories into physical therapy, dance therapy, dance education, and cross-cultural dance studies.
The course is designed to present Bartenieff as a change theorist who understood that extending the quality and range of one’s body movement options can extend the quality of one’s functional and emotional life, providing new ways of coping with a continuously changing environment.
Each assignment includes the following:
1) Reading materials, such as letters, articles, interviews, or lectures by Bartenieff that capture her unique perspective and “voice.”
2) Questions focused on these readings to discuss with the instructor via email, facilitating individual study and development.
“Irmgard Bartenieff: In Her Own Words” runs September 11 – October 7, 2026.
Registration closes September 4, 2026.
OCTOBER
Mostly about Shape (and a little bit about Effort)
October 16 – November 11, 2026
In recent years, Shape has emerged as an independent category in Laban/Bartenieff Movement Studies. In addition to Laban and Bartenieff, others such as Lamb and Kestenberg have contributed ideas about this vital aspect of movement and what it means in behavioral terms.
This four week correspondence course provides a survey of the plethora of ideas related to Shape. Topics to be explored include modes of shape change, shape qualities, formal elements of line, motion versus destination, still shapes, and more.
In addition, this course will touch on Effort (albeit lightly) in relation to elements of Shape.
Each assignment includes the following:
- Original material discussing aspects of shape
- Prompts for movement exploration
- Observation tasks
- Questions to discuss with the instructor via email, facilitating individual study and development.
“Mostly about Shape” runs October 16 – November 11, 2026.
Registration closes October 8, 2026.