ABSTRACT
Most students know that Newton's third law is that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. This chapter utilizes a little artistic liberty with this and say that animators' first law is "for every action there is a subtle and opposite anticipation." The ancient tradition of Tai Chi also reflects this understanding by suggesting that before any major movement in one direction there is a slight and subtle movement in the opposite direction first. All actions can benefit from the use of anticipation. All actions, if they are to be significant actions, need to have a little anticipation employed at their beginning to make the main action have a greater impact. Remember too that anticipations can be used in the smallest of movements, not just for the major ones. The simple blink of an eye can be occasionally emphasized by the eye widening for a fraction a split-second before it closes.
