It requires imagination to bring Rudolf Laban’s ideas to life. In Meaning in Motion: Introducing Laban Movement Analysis, I provide Creative Explorations in the chapters on body, effort, space, shape, and movement harmony. These are meant to provide ideas for taking theory into practice.
The following example of a Creative Exploration, taken from my chapter on effort, suggests ways to embody the Spell Drive:
“Create a brief solo or duet. The study should be choreographed, not improvised, so that it can be repeated. The aim of the study is to create a mood in which one of these drives and its related states predominate. The study may be abstract and dance-like, employ mime, or use common pedestrian movements.
It is important to picture a context that will support an enchanted mood in which time stands still. Transformation works well as a theme, also the sense of being on some kind of journey in a fantastic place. You can be the enchanter; or the one who becomes fascinated and spell-bound.
If you work with a partner to create a duet, play with similarity/contrast in the effort qualities of your characters, your roles and intentions, and your interactions.
Just to get started, here are some ideas:
Scenario 1: While dreamily turning pages of old book, you discover an interesting spell. You begin to cast the spell, gently gathering spirits and then building your magical power.
Scenario 2: You entice someone into your shop, then hypnotize them.
Scenario 3: You find a mysterious bottle. When you taste the liquid inside, you are transformed into a magical creature.
Scenario 4: While wandering through a strange landscape, you discover a cave. You are fearful, but unable to resist, you find yourself drawn into the mysterious darkness.”