In the shape of the circle Leonardo da Vinci perceived a correct pattern for bodily movements, for the limbs circle around their joints. Rudolf Laban agreed, noting that most movements are curvilinear. But he turned Leonardo’s circles into “rhythmic circles.”
Rhythmic circles are polygons – circles in which there is a spatial rhythm. As Laban explains, “A triangle accentuates three points in the circumference of circle… a pentagon five points. Each accent means break of the circuit line, and the emergence of a new direction.”
In the upcoming MoveScape Center course, “The Movement Harmony Project Part 1, Space Harmonies,” participants systematically explore the rhythmic circles that Laban created. These range from simple triangles and rectangles to complex 12-link circuits that challenge range of motion and balance, because Laban’s rhythmic circles are arrayed three-dimensionally, linking signal points in the kinesphere.
As Laban writes, “Our body is constructed in a manner which enables us to reach certain points of the kinesphere with greater ease than others. It is obvious that harmonious movement follows the circles which are most appropriate to our bodily structure.”
Find the circles that are most appropriate for your body. Follow the summer Red Thread course beginning July 10th.