Learn to observe, teach, and analyze human movement.

The second edition of Laban/Bartenieff Movement Studies: Contemporary Applications offers a framework for understanding movement as it influences our perceptions of ourselves and others. Readers will be guided through the framework so that they learn what movement analysis is, how it works, and how they can use it in their daily lives.

Now updated to include the following:

• Expanded coverage of the foundations of Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analysis (L/BMA) theory and taxonomy
• New contributed essays from experts in the dance field and beyond
• Further explanation of initiation
• Addition of space harmony
• New appendix providing a brief overview of motif

An essential resource for L/BMA, this text provides a wealth of information about the many applications of movement analysis: developing a fuller range of movement and expression in the moving body, developing choreography, coaching and teaching movement, observing and describing how movement is meaningful, and more.

Organized into three parts, Laban/Bartenieff Movement Studies, Second Edition, takes readers through the history and guiding concepts of L/BMA in part I. In part II, readers explore the four categories of the L/BMA framework—body, effort, shape, and space—as well as phrasing. This section provides an understanding of the elements of movement and focuses on why each element is useful. Part III integrates what was learned in parts I and II into a comprehensive picture of human movement and applies it to daily life in meaningful ways, including new application essays from certified Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analysts.

With Laban/Bartenieff Movement Studies, Second Edition, readers will learn to perceive human movement with greater nuance and specificity through observation and interpretation.

Audience

Text for undergraduate courses and certification courses such as Integrated Movement Studies (IMS) and Certified Movement Analyst (CMA). Reference for dance teachers and other dance professionals as well as physical and movement therapists.

Part I. Foundations of Laban/Bartenieff Movement Studies
Chapter 1. Overview of Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analysis
L/BMA teaches you to perceive human movement through an elemental and integrated framework

Chapter 2. Guiding Concepts and Organizing Themes
Movement is complex and needs to be perceived through a multitude of layers and perspectives

Part II. The Lens of Laban/Bartenieff Movement Studies
Chapter 3. Body
The physical body—the tangible, graspable body you live in, complete with its muscles, bones, and sinew

Chapter 4. Effort
The dynamic energy and feeling tones present in movement

Chapter 5. Shape
The form and forming processes of the body; the edges and curves of the body and how they change

Chapter 6. Space
How the body moves through the space around it

Chapter 7. Phrasing
The overtime and through time unfolding patterns of movement

Part III. Integrating and Applying BESS
Chapter 8. Using Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analysis in Your Life
Use L/BMA to shed new light on your interests

Chapter 9. Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analysis in Action
Contributors share how they use L/BMA in diverse ways in their lives and careers

Appendix. Motif: The Symbolic Score for Writing Movement

Colleen Wahl received her Certified Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analyst (CLMA) certification in 2006 through Integrated Movement Studies (IMS). She is now the director of IMS and has taught many graduate and undergraduate courses in Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analysis, including at State University of New York at Brockport, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and most recently at Alfred University, where she is a professor of dance.

Wahl holds a master’s degree in fine arts in dance from State University of New York at Brockport, a master’s degree in liberal studies from State University of New York Empire State College, and a bachelor’s degree in dance and arts education from William Smith College. In addition to her certification through IMS, she holds the Master Somatic Movement Educator credential from the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA), where she serves on the Leadership Council. Wahl cohosts the podcast Embodied People with Sarah Donohue and also teaches boxing at Alfred University.

All ancillaries are free to adopting instructors through . 

Instructor guide. Includes sample course outlines, teaching tips, assignment ideas, learning objectives, reflection questions, web links, and suggested readings.

Test package. Contains questions in true-false, fill-in-the-blank, short-answer, multiple-response, and multiple-choice formats. The files may be downloaded for integration with a learning management system or printed for use as paper-based tests. Instructors may also create their own customized quizzes or tests from the test bank questions.

Presentation package. Features more than 230 PowerPoint slides that cover the main concepts in each chapter, including select figures and tables. The slides in the presentation package can be used directly within PowerPoint or printed to make handouts for students. Instructors can easily add, modify, and rearrange the order of the slides.

Image bank. Includes all of the images and tables from the book, separated by chapter. Instructors can use these items in lecture notes and as student handouts.