Research Project - Laban Movement Analysis

Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) is a system looking at describing movement in a precise manor for the purpose of teaching and understanding different aspects of movement through observation as well as experience.

LMA states that every movement can be described through the following categories:

-Body

-Effort

-Space

-Shape

-Relationship

-Phrasing

Body

Looks at movement of separate body parts and their relationship.

Consider - Which body part initiates the movement?

               -In what way are the different body parts involved in the movement?

               -Are parts of the body being held?

Effort

How the body concentrates its exertion while performing movements.

The appearance and style of a movement can change depending on the characters inner involvement and personal preference. (Depending on how someone feels towards something effects the level of effort they put into a movement involving it)

Analysis and conscious use of effort is an important tool to observe, label and expand nonverbal expression.

Space

The location, direction and path of a movement. 

The relationship between someone and their environment.

Uses the five Plato solids as models for personal space (kinesphere).

Shape

The changing forms the body makes in space.

Observation of shape changes can lead to understanding of a characters affinity/disaffinity towards their surroundings.

For example: Extending a hand in greeting can have its meaning altered if the character were to lean forwards at the same time.

Relationship

The modes of interaction oneself, others and the environment.

The relationship between a character and others can be conveyed through how they position themselves.

Phrasing

In reference to the other aspects this is how a movement is structured and stressed by someone to discern a pattern. (Possibly give a trait to a character in how they move, making them recognisable to an audience?).

Looking at the LMA will be a huge factor when considering the different elements of my research project as it primarily focuses on expression through movement and uses methods to articulate and measure its effectiveness. 

Its breakdown of each area of movement will aid in the production of my artefacts, giving me more aspects to experiment with to give a different effect.