An Investigation into the Relationship Between Dancers’ Big Five Personality Traits and Effort-Shape Theory from Laban Praxis: A Modern Contemporary Dance Perspective / Christopher Lord (2021)

In this study a review of relevant literature regarding personality trait assessment; correlations between personality traits and Effort-Shape; scholarly perspectives on visual movement assessment; and mathematical and computer-science techniques for 3D motion capture and quantification of Effort-Shape factors; has been undertaken to explore the relationship between personality assessment and EffortShape theory. It has been shown that there are many diverse and sometimes conflicting approaches which have been adopted by previous researchers making comparison between studies difficult and which can confound logical direction for further research and development. The approach adopted in the present study commenced by identifying a clear set of statements of what constitutes Effort-Shape. Then, Laban’s original theories of the relationship between personality and Effort, which were based upon work by Jung and then developed by Myers-Briggs, have been revised in view of the more recent OCEAN personality traits assessment model. Additionally, this study proposes a novel means of analytically relating OCEAN traits to Effort-Shape through a fusion of methodological approaches from relevant previous studies. A number (N=7) of intermediate and advanced students of a Modern Contemporary Dance Conservatoire were invited to design their own short piece of choreography based on interpretation of abstract images of tree bark. The resulting performances were recorded and analysed using 2D movement evaluation and 3D Motion Capture techniques which were specifically selected and adapted to adhere to the same concepts and philosophies as those of Effort-Shape theory. The performed Effort-Shape characteristics were then compared to those predicted by the theoretical framework using a system of 5-point bipolar scales. The results broadly indicate that performed Time Effort and Flow Effort were substantially aligned with those which were predicted; this in turn is supportive of hypothesised relationships between personality and Effort. However, the results for Shape were less clear. The study offers a framework of conceptually aligned methodologies which could be adopted as a basis for future research into the idea that the way we perform external movement is an extension of our personality.