The Mastery of Movement

All innovators and original thinkers have something in common: they deal with complex topics but explain them in a very accessible and heartfelt manner that they can be applicable to any artistic or scientific field. The same is with Laban's writing.I love the nuances and the details that he goes into when he explains about "motion factors" and "drives". Anybody and everybody who is interested in dance and expression should look into this book. IT IS NOT THE SAME WHEN READING ABOUT HIS IDEAS FROM a 2nd SOURCE, as it is just different. Before reading this book, I have been already well familiar with his ideas about movement analysis, and have practiced his theories quite a bit in my own dancing. But reading the book gave me an in depth understanding of "why" things are like he describes. Laban cares about what he writes, uses just the right words, and treats each topic with a certain tenderness and generosity. Definitely read the 1st source - Read this book.For beginners to Laban perhaps make yourself acquainted with his general background as well as the overview of why his work was so important first before starting this book. You should have a rough idea of Laban's approach to movement analysis including his categories of Body, Space, Effort, and Shape, as well as his ideas about Relationships, Rhythm, and meaning. Basic understanding of these things would greatly improve your satisfaction while reading the book.For a very long time certain topics in performance and expression where inaccessible to me, but Laban's breakdown of movement and his emphasis on effort made things very clear. He just changes your view of movement and dance, but gives you very specific tools to apply it in your own work. A genius reveals mind changing topics by really understanding the inner workings of things.So another important thing which i Loved is that this book is not wishy washy but very practical.So yes, I highly recommend this book to everybody, regardless of your field of expertise.Love it!

This is an intriguing book which explores how people move and what stories they tell with their movement. While it's primary focus is on the disciplines of dance and theater, I believe any person can learn a lot about movement from this book and come away with an appreciation for how they move. Reading and trying out the suggestions in the book has helped me appreciate the miracle of movement and how to become present with your movement in your life. There's also some interesting ideas about how movement applies to one's awareness of time and space that can be very useful to explore in relationship to how you navigate space and time in your daily life.

A friend let me read her copy a while ago, decided to buy one for myself and one more as a gift to the friend; hers is an old edition.

It came on time. Very good condition.

Está genial. Una obra maestra de Laban