Laban Movement Analysis as an Aid to Teach Bharatanatyam Dance Form: A Literature Review

Author

Priyanka JayaramFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-5-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Sarah Hamil

Abstract

Abstract

This Capstone Thesis literature review investigates the Bhava (emotions) aspect of Bharatanatyam in relation to the effort qualities of Laban Movement Analysis (LMA). Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest and the richest classical dance forms of India. Bharatanatyam can be broadly divided into Natya, Nritta, and Nritya, and all three formed the basis of the dance form. Dance/Movement Therapy is the therapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive and physical growth and well-being. Laban Movement Analysis is a Dance/Movement system to analyze all movements and micro-movements of the body. Laban Movement Analysis also known as the Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analysis, makes observations based on four parts of the movement, namely body (bodily dimensions of movement), effort (human effort or movement dynamics), space (the kinesphere) and shape (shape change and shape quality). This capstone thesis examined the various researches conducted on LMA effort qualities linked with emotions and hypothesized a link between the LMA effort qualities and Bhava (emotions).

Creative Commons License

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Recommended Citation

Jayaram, Priyanka, "Laban Movement Analysis as an Aid to Teach Bharatanatyam Dance Form: A Literature Review" (2020). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 258.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/258