Laban Technique

Rudolf Laban (1879-1958) was an Austro-Hungarian dancer, choreographer, and theorist. A pioneer of modern and expressionist dance techniques, he also developed a modern method of notation and theories of dance and movement that are still used today. It challenges the performer to understand how, why, and where they move within a space, as well as how they establish relationships to others in that space.

Laban Technique is one of the techniques that contemporary movement coaches utilize to help actors develop character. In this guide, you’ll learn the basic principles of Laban Technique and how you can apply them to your own characterizations and performances.

Terminology

• Effort: Inner impulses from which movement originates.
• Expression: Using movement to express character, state of mind, atmosphere, intentions.
• Direction: One of Laban Movement efforts, direction can be direct or indirect (also called “space”).
• Flow: One of Laban Movement efforts, flow can be free or bound.
• Movement: The embodiment of intentions through actions.
• Shape: An analysis of movement that pays attention to the forms a body makes in space.
• Space: One of Laban Movement efforts, space can be indirect or direct (also called “direction”).
• Time: One of Laban Movement efforts, time can be sustained or sudden.
• Weight: One of Laban Movement efforts, weight can be light or strong.