GNED1201 Movement Analysis Notes

Analyzing Movement using Thick Description

  • We analyze who is doing the movement, for whom is it being done, the physical environment, and interpretations.
  • Example: Rufi Oswaldo & Alèn Martel - Empty Orchestra (2016)

Movement Analysis

  • Dance studies employ various systems for movement analysis.
  • Focus: Laban Movement Analysis.
  • Addresses: 'What' is the movement and 'how' is it done?

Laban Movement Analysis

  • Rudolf Laban (1879 - 1958):
    • Originally an architect.
    • Became a prominent dance theorist.
  • Work focused on:
    • Documentation.
    • Analysis.
    • Interpretation of movement in artistic fields, industry and labour, and therapy.
  • Two key areas:
    • Space Harmony.
    • Efforts.

Space Harmony - Kinesphere

  • Kinesphere zones:
    • Far.
    • Mid.
    • Near.

Space Harmony - Directions and Level

  • The kinesphere is reached through defined directions and levels.

Space Harmony - Scales

  • Laban used scales to explore space, based on the vertices of Platonic Solids.

Space Harmony - Conclusion

  • When discussing space, consider:
    • Which part of the body is moving.
    • Which direction it is moving in.
    • What level it is moving at.
    • Pathway it takes to get there.

Efforts - Effort Graph

  • Effort elements:
    • Space (Direct vs. Indirect).
    • Time (Quick vs. Sustained).
    • Weight (Light vs. Heavy).
    • Flow (Bound vs. Free).

Efforts

  • Effort categories:
    • Thrust (DAB): Direct, Quick, Heavy, Bound
    • Press: Direct, Sustained, Heavy, Bound
    • Glide: Direct, Sustained, Light, Bound
    • Slash: Indirect, Quick, Heavy, Free
    • Flick: Indirect, Quick, Light, Free
    • Wring: Indirect, Sustained, Heavy, Bound
    • Flow: Indirect, Sustained, Light, Free

Using the System to Write

  • Two examples of discussing the same movements:
    • Heavily descriptive (mechanical descriptions and movement analysis terms).
    • Heavily poetic (imagery, idea-based).
  • Issue with both:
    • Need balance

Balance of Description and Ideas

  • Importance of balance:
    • Writing flow matches dance flow.
    • Writing is interesting, not just mechanical.
  • How to achieve balance:
    • Use analogies, similes, and metaphors.
    • Create a story that drives the feeling and pace of what was seen.

Analyzing Video with Enhanced Understanding

  • Objective: Describe significant movement in a 10-second clip.
  • Balance description (what bodies are doing) with ideas (interesting imagery).
  • Goal: Help someone visualize the work.
  • Assignment: Submit both exercises for feedback.
  • Minimum one paragraph.
  • Example: Rufi Oswaldo & Alèn Martel - Empty Orchestra (2016)