Rudolf Laban

Rudolf Laban (1879-1958) is considered to be one of the founders of European Modern Dance. He was a dancer, choreographer and movement theoretician. In his new ideas on dance notation and strong belief that dance should be available for everyone; he has transformed modern dance and dance education. After refusing to Join the army, as his father had planned for him, aged 33 he moved to Munich as an artist. His previous study of architecture in Paris led to him to develop an interest for the moving body and its spaces.
It was in Germany he furthered this interest by spending his summer trying to redesign Bewegungskunst (the art of movement). In 1919 Rudolf Laban set up two Dance Theatre Company’s, a movement class for armatures, opened a main dance school, wrote articles and books, performed himself and also choreographed. In 1927 he moved to Berlin and opened the Choreographisches Institut and 3 years later he was appointed director of movement and choreographer of the Prussian State Theatres in Berlin.
After failing to Join the ‘Nazi way of life’ in 1936, his name and work was destroyed by the Government Propaganda Ministry whilst at the height of his career. So in 1938 he took refuge in Britain. When Rudolf Laban was sixty he began to introduce dance study methods such as Laban’s analysis (splitting the analysis of dance into 4 simple categories: action, space, dynamic, relationship) with the help of Lisa Ullmann. Then finally in 1946 he opened the Movement Studio in Manchester.

Rudolf Laban (1879-1958) is considered to be one of the founders of European Modern Dance. He was a dancer, choreographer and movement theoretician. In his new ideas on dance notation and strong belief that dance should be available for everyone; he has transformed modern dance and dance education. opened the Movement Studio in Manchester. and also choreographed. In 1927 ne moved to Berlin and opened t turtnered this interest by spending his summer trying to redesign egungskunst