Deconstructing the Six Dynamic Qualities
In dance education, particularly within the framework of Laban Movement Analysis, the six basic movements are described as the dynamic qualities, or 'efforts,' of movement. These qualities define how a movement is performed, rather than just what movement is performed. Mastering them allows a dancer to communicate emotion, energy, and intent with greater nuance and control. Let's delve into each one in detail.
1. Sustained Movement
Sustained movement is slow, smooth, and continuous, like a long, drawn-out note in music. The flow of energy is constant and even, requiring significant control to maintain a consistent speed without abrupt changes. Think of a ballet dancer slowly extending their leg or a modern dancer melting to the floor with deliberate slowness. Practicing this quality helps build core strength, balance, and concentration.
2. Percussive Movement
In stark contrast to sustained, percussive movement is sharp, choppy, and accented. It involves sudden, explosive bursts of energy, like a staccato rhythm. Examples include a sharp clap, a quick stomp, or a sudden change in direction. This quality is crucial for creating dynamic contrast and expressing aggression, surprise, or excitement. It improves muscle reaction time and dynamic power.
3. Swinging Movement
Swinging movement is characterized by a pendulum-like, to-and-fro motion that gives in to the pull of gravity. A swing starts with a moment of impetus and ends with a release, like an arm swinging freely or a torso rocking back and forth. This quality evokes a sense of freedom, release, and natural momentum. It is excellent for increasing flexibility and finding natural, efficient movement patterns.
4. Suspended Movement
Suspended movement is a moment of stillness, the high point of a movement or a jump where the body briefly defies gravity before succumbing to it. It's a moment of balance and anticipation, creating a sense of weightlessness and suspense. Think of the peak of a leap just before the descent. Practicing suspended movement develops immense core strength and control, helping dancers find their center of balance.
5. Collapsed Movement
Collapsing movement is the complete and sudden release of tension, giving into gravity and falling. It can be a full-body release to the floor or a small collapse in a single body part, like a shoulder dropping. This quality is used to express feelings of defeat, relaxation, or despair. It helps dancers learn to differentiate between tension and release and promotes flexibility and trust in their body's weight.
6. Vibratory Movement
Vibratory movement involves rapid, repetitive, and trembling bursts of energy. The movement is a fast series of percussive actions that can suggest fear, rage, or intense anticipation. This quality requires rapid muscle contractions and can be performed in small areas, like shaking a hand, or throughout the entire body. It helps build stamina and fine muscle control.
Health Benefits of Exploring Dance Movements
Engaging with the six basic movements offers a surprising array of general health benefits. Beyond the obvious physical conditioning, these movements foster a deeper connection between the mind and body. The focus on different energy applications and body awareness translates into improved posture, balance, and coordination in everyday life. This is also a low-impact way to improve cardiovascular health and flexibility, depending on the intensity of the practice.
| Movement Quality | Description | Health Benefit Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Sustained | Slow, smooth, and continuous. | Balance, core strength, concentration |
| Percussive | Sharp, accented, and explosive. | Power, muscle reaction time, dynamic energy |
| Swinging | Pendulum-like, arcing motion. | Flexibility, natural rhythm, momentum |
| Suspended | Brief moment of weightlessness. | Core control, stability, anticipation |
| Collapsed | Sudden release of tension and weight. | Flexibility, mind-body connection, release |
| Vibratory | Rapid, repetitive shaking. | Stamina, fine motor control, intensity |
Practical Application and Progression
To start integrating these movements into your routine, follow these steps:
- Isolate and Feel: Begin by isolating each movement quality. For example, practice a slow, sustained arm movement, then switch to a rapid, percussive one. Focus on the internal sensation of the energy.
- Combine with Locomotor: Incorporate the qualities into traveling movements. A sustained walk is a controlled glide, while a percussive walk is a sharp, stamping action.
- Use Visuals: Visualize different elements to inspire the movements. Imagine you are moving through molasses for sustained, or your body is a drum for percussive.
- Improvise: Put on music and improvise, letting the music guide which qualities you use. Allow your body to move freely and expressively, not just technically.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how different movements feel. Notice what muscles engage and how your breath changes with each quality. This is key for injury prevention and improving overall body awareness.
The Power of Movement Expression
Ultimately, understanding the six basic movements of dance provides a powerful vocabulary for self-expression. It moves beyond merely executing steps and delves into the deeper, more impactful territory of communicating feeling and intention through the body. This deeper understanding is not only rewarding for dancers but enriches the way anyone experiences and understands human movement in all its forms. For further reading, check out this excerpt on the topic from Human Kinetics.
Conclusion
Whether you are a seasoned dancer or someone simply interested in movement for general health and well-being, the six basic movements of dance are a vital concept to explore. By practicing sustained, percussive, swinging, suspended, collapsed, and vibratory movements, you unlock a deeper level of physical control, emotional expression, and bodily awareness. These dynamic qualities provide a universal language that transcends any single style, enriching your connection to your body and the world around you.
