Laban stated 4 specific dynamics in an individual's physicality, and I recorded my feelings after experiencing them in class:
TIME:
Quick/Sudden - tense, lost, nervous, timid, short breath, dizzy
Slow/Sustained - calm, composed, stable
SPACE (the way we explore the space):
Direct - assured, aggressive, motivated, clear, efficient
Indirect - unsure, unwillingful, unconfident
WEIGHT:
Light/Gentle - drunk, joyful, comfortable
Heavy/Forceful - tense, struggling, hard, slow
FLOW (the way we let energy out):
Free - relieved, joyful, unlimited, flying
Bound - pressed down, controlled, cold & hard
*Weight and flow are associated.
Laban Efforts come from combining these dynamics -
Time | Space | Weight | Flow | |
Punch | Quick | Direct | Heavy | Bound |
Press | Sustained | Direct | Heavy | Bound |
Flick | Quick | Indirect | Light | Free |
Dab | Quick | Direct | Light | Free |
Slash | Quick | Indirect | Heavy | Bound |
Wring | Sustained | Indirect | Heavy | Bound |
Float | Sustained | Indirect | Light | Free |
Glide | Sustained | Direct | Light | Free |
These physical attributes can bring a character to life in an amazing way. Really look into Laban Efforts when you build your character.