From Rudolf Laban to Rudolf Arnheim : searching for the language of movement

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to make a comparison between several of the theorists and researchers of the past century in both dance and visual arts but focusing on space. First, this research starts by explaining the theories of Rudolf von Laban (1879 – 1958), a master of movement, who theorized movement and explored its functions. Then there follows an explanation of the investigations of Rudolf Arnheim (1904 – 2007), a theorist and researcher in Gestalt theories and visual perception. This comparison is quite difficult because both researchers investigate different aspects related to the concept of space but even in that, both have some investigations within this field that are common to both of them. Later, all of the previously discussed information is compared with Valerie Preston-Dunlop, a researcher that reinvestigated Laban’s theories and gave them a different point of view rather more in a contemporary way that is adapted to what we understand about Laban’s theories. Finally, this research will end with the analysis of One Flat Thing, Reproduced (2002), a piece of William Forsythe (1949). The points in common of the four researches will make the analysis: Laban, Arnheim, Preston-Dunlop, and Forsythe.