Expressive Performance

Abstract

This chapter addresses the expressive component of performance as it relates to healthy physical alignment and effective communication using Laban Movement Analysis (LMA). The point of departure for the presentation of the LMA system is the visual element of musical performance and its importance in communicating to the audience. LMA is presented incrementally with movement activities geared toward re-patterning neuromuscular connections. This approach also aims to cultivate a wider movement vocabulary. Exercises and applications of the movements in musical performance are provided for each of the new concepts. At the end of the chapter, a toolkit is provided with two self-observation exercises.