LABAN VIDEO LIBRARY

Laban developed a system of movement analysis that included a simple method of organization. He broke human movement, or "effort", down into four "factors": weight, space, speed, and flow. Each factor, in turn, has two opposing "elements": weight can be light or heavy, space can be approached indirectly or directly, speed can be quick or sustained, and flow can be free or bound. Laban used the first three factors and their element combinations to generate eight descriptive "effort actions": flick, dab, float, glide, slash, punch, wring, and press. These efforts comprise the building blocks of human movement; studying and practicing them can enhance a conductor's ability to move musically and expressively. Click here for a table of Laban efforts for conductors.

These videos are best experienced with the sound muted to maximize focus on movement!