Laban Analysis Reviews

Laban Notation & Motif

Flow Lines
(2007) J. S. Longstaff

In a simple form of movement notation, the gradated range or variation between two opposing tendencies can be plotted along a line showing pattern of fluctuations through time.

In the Kestenberg method, this type of diagram can be called a “flow line” diagram (Sossin & Kestenberg Amighi, 1999, p. 13) and similar documents are also described in many ways:

“linesr effort graphs” (Preston-Dunlop, 1969, p. 190)
“scale of polarities”, “range of variation scale” (Lamb, 1965, pp. 53, 93)
“dance graph analysis” (Rodiger, 1983)


Continuous flux

Underlying work of Rudolf Laban & Warren Lamb is a concept of Flux . . . . "Forms of objects, as well as the shapes assumed by living organisms, wax and wane uninterruptedly... [an] uninterrupted flux" (Laban, 1966, p. 3)
	"This flux of time can, therefore, be understood as an infinite number of changing situations." "... an infinite number of appearances and disappearances, which we called the flux of time. (Laban, 1966, p. 28)
	"everything is in a state of flux ... varying as the process of movement goes on" (Lamb, 1993, p. 7)

Flow-lines: represent rhythm of the flux Rhythm: modulations, fluctuations, variations, patterns of change Flow-lines show rhythmic patterns and give indications on the character of the flow.
Simple visual representation:
Flow-lines are common in many types of movement study.

Examples of Flow-lines: energy fluctuations - Neuromuscular excitation patterns hand-drawn from visual observation (Fitt, 1979, p. 164). Each pattern shows a different character or quality of movement Similar to H’Doubler (1946, p. 4) use of flow lines for tensing / releasing, the basic element of human movement in the actions of individual muscles.
BURST	RESTRAINED

UNDULATE	SUSTAINED

Examples of Flow-lines: spatial fluctuations

- Spatial levels in Doris Humphrey’s Water Study (Rodiger, 1983).

Similar flow lines used to represent kinespheric size (Kestenberg & Loman, 1999, p. 141)

- Sentic rhythms flux rhythms correlate with emotions (Clynes, 1973)

Notes: Clynes, 1973, p. 66; Clynes & Nettheim, 1982, p. 55; Rodiger, 1983, p. 28.

Effort Flow Differentiation: Tension-flow-Effort system (Developmental)
Tension-flow Rhythms (id)	Tension-flow Attributes	Effort precursors (pre-efforts)	Efforts (ego)
ORAL			Space
libidinal	flow adjustment	flexibility	indirect
sadistic	even flow	channelling	direct
ANAL			Weight
libidinal	low intensity	gentleness	light
sadistic	high intensity	straining (vehemence)	strong
URETHRAL			Time
libidinal	gradual flow	hesitation	sustained
sadistic	abrupt flow	sudden	quick
The Kestenburg movement profile (KMP) distinguishes 9 categories of movement attributes in developmental sequences and represents these with flow-lines. Space & shape attributes: bipolar shape-flow; unipolar shape-flow; shape-flow design; directional shaping; planar shaping Effort dynamic attributes tension flow rhythm; tension flow attributes; pre-efforts; efforts References: Kestenburg (1967, pp 45-49) Sossin & Kestenberg Amighi (1999, p. 12)

Simultaneous flow-lines of efforts & shapes Effort and Shape categories represented as simultaneous flow-lines
	Efforts	Shapes
	indirecting - - - - directing	spreading - - - - enclosing
	decreasing pressure - increasing pressure	rising - - - - descending
	decelerating - - - - accelerating	advancing - - - - retiring
The Action Profile system uses these extensively Lamb, T. (1985) Lamb (1965, pp. 53-61, 159-161) Lamb & Turner (1969, pp. 62-155) Lamb & Watson (1979, pp. 60-65, 82-83)