ABSTRACT
It would seem unnecessary to devote a chapter to diagonal directions, yet they can pose a problem because of the lack of a universal terminology in movement study. The crux of the matter is the difference between room diagonals and the diagonal directions taken from the performer’s body. The expression of actions in the diagonal directions is a blend of forward and sideward, or backward and sideward; a diagonal gesture is therefore, in certain respects, richer and subtler than pure forward or pure sideward movement. Crossed diagonal directions for arm gestures may be expressive or functional. Both arms in the crossed diagonals express self-enclosing, especially if the arms are rounded. In folk and historical circular dances, when performers hold hands and are instructed to walk “forward” in the line of the circle, they will walk into the direction of the circling but the steps are seldom true forward from the hips.
