Fitt's Definition of Movement Behavior
Fitt defines movement behavior as the process of identifying and analyzing qualitative movement patterns that are distinctive to a specific person or group (290).
Three Basic Adjectives for Movement Styles
There are three basic adjectives that are frequently used to describe the various movement styles: percussive, sustained, and lyrical. However, these terms are too general to be employed to give a precise example of movement behavior.
Three Categories for Motion Elements
Force, space, and time are the three main categories for motion elements. A behavioral expert can determine a person's profile by looking at how they use space, time, and force. However, in such an analysis, there are four assumptions:
- Each individual has a unique movement behavioral pattern.
- The mind, emotions, and body are not separate.
- There is a correlation between personality and behavioral movement.
- A person's characteristic can be expanded through force, space, and time.
Limitations of Movement Patterns
No movement can be considered as bad or good, and as a result, a dancer is limited to their characteristic behavioral patterns. In some cases, this results in the development of a strong style which is limited to that particular characteristic. Additionally, a limited movement pattern range ensures an individual is locked in one type of response, reception, and expression. Simply by focusing on the amount of force, space, and time utilized by an individual, one can reveal the activities that ought to be done to ensure that individual improves or increases their range of movement.
Personal Experience and Analysis
Based on the analysis of the information provided by Fitt, I have been in a position to properly comprehend the movements that would suit my abilities and those that I always find challenging (292). I have realized that personality plays a huge role in determining one's movement behaviors.
Slow Time, Weak Force, and Small Personal Space
Dancing has not always been my strength, and the little that I know puts me in the slow time, weak force, and small personal space category. My slow time has largely been as a result of my liking of slow-based music which is easier to dance to. Further, the dance moves that are characterized by such kind of music are relatively easy for one to grasp.
As for the use of personal space, I believe that I am more comfortable with a small personal space. This is by and large as a result of the kind of music which I have highlighted above and also can to a great extent be as a result of my poor fitness levels. For individuals that have large personal spaces, being physically fit is a prerequisite to ensure that one pulls the moves properly.
Finally, the use of weak force characterizes my behavioral patterns as dance to me is characterized by moving slowly and smoothly to the beat and not a way to work out. Additionally, slow force ensures that I can always dance longer without having to break a sweat.
Challenging Movement Behaviors
Movement behaviors that are most challenging to me are the opposite of those that I have just mentioned. For instance, the large personal space category of movement to me is reserved for those that are professional dancers or persons who are hell-bent on showing off their dancing skills. Secondly, the strong force is reserved for persons who are working out and also can be based on the type of music one is listening to. Fast music in most cases would warrant one to move fast so as to keep up with the beat. This to me doesn't fit my personality and therefore I find it to be challenging. Finally, the fast time profile doesn't encompass my profile based on the fact it doesn't fit my music genre and also involves the use of a lot of energy.
Potential Solutions
However, if I am to challenge myself to fit the just mentioned movement patterns, I would be required to first undertake extensive and rigorous exercise routines to ensure that I am flexible and able to dance for long. Secondly, I would need to employ the services of a dance coach to help advance my dancing skills and be more aware of dance styles that suit fast-paced music. This would also aid me in being able to rhythmically move to the beat as I will increase my personal and environmental space. Finally, I would need to change my mentality on fast-paced music, which would ensure that I am comfortable dancing to the beat. By adhering to the aforementioned three solutions, I am certain that I would be in a position to expand my body movements.
The Importance for Teachers and Dancers
It is therefore important for teachers to properly understand their students' stylistic incompatibility or compatibility so as to ensure they become responsive to their changes in the movement stylistic partners. On the other hand, a dancer who may be struggling to grasp a particular component of a dance routine can be assisted through a comprehensive behavioral analysis which can yield some solutions. Ultimately, the study of behavioral movement has been meant to ensure that movement perceptions become definable rather than vague.
Works Cited
Fitt, Sally Seven. Dance kinesiology. Vol. 3. Schemer, 1996.
