ABSTRACT
Rudolf Von Laban gave a code word for each of these: they serve as useful shorthand when talking about movement rhythms. Each of the eight combinations of one Space word with one Time word and one Force word is called an Effort Action. The Laban Effort Actions includes Punch, Float, Slash, Glide, Wring, Dab, Press and Flick. Float is the opposite of Punch, being the soft, caressing Effort of all. In speech Slash is violent, with abrupt or rapidly sliding changes of pitch, volume and rhythm because of its flexibility. Glide is the opposite of Slash. Wring can be self-centred, tortuous and convoluted, with a feeling of physical, mental or emotional suffering. Dab is the opposite of Wring. Press can use either Bound or Free Flow, as appropriate. Flick is the opposite of Press, being Flexible, Fast and Light. It is helpful to spend time on improvs that use shared Efforts or that have one or more partners changing rhythms.
