CMA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CMA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. In Bartenieff Fundamentals, 'body half' connectivity refers to: → Using only one side of the body while the other is still
2. The 'Passion Drive' in Effort theory omits which motion factor? → Space
3. In Labanotation, the length of a symbol in the staff indicates: → The duration of the movement
4. Which method is considered a somatic practice? → Feldenkrais Method
5. In LMA, 'middle initiation' means a movement begins at: → An intermediate joint of a limb such as the elbow or knee
6. Irmgard Bartenieff integrated Laban's movement theory with which other discipline to develop Bartenieff Fundamentals? → Physical therapy and neurodevelopmental principles
7. What does the Effort category in LMA describe? → Dynamic qualities like weight and flow
8. What is informed consent in movement practice? → Obtaining voluntary agreement after full disclosure
9. In LMA, 'proximal initiation' means a movement begins at: → The joint closest to the trunk where the limb attaches
10. Which Effort motion factor relates to the mover's inner attitude toward space and spatial attention? → Space
11. Which scale in Space Harmony moves through the six points of the dimensional cross? → Dimensional scale
12. What is the purpose of Laban Movement Analysis (LMA)? → Analyze and describe human movement
13. In LMA, 'condensing' refers to: → Moving toward the active, fighting end of an Effort factor
14. The Head-Tail body connectivity pattern primarily emphasizes which aspect of movement organization? → Connection along the spinal axis from cranium to coccyx
15. Which organization maintains the official Labanotation symbol set and certification for notation scores? → Dance Notation Bureau (DNB)
16. Shape Flow Support refers to: → The way Shape Flow changes underlie and support Effort expression
17. In Labanotation, 'forward' direction is indicated by a symbol that is: → White (open) and shaped like a narrow rectangle
18. Why is movement observation important in analysis? → To identify patterns and functionality
19. What term describes learning new motor patterns in somatic practice? → Neuromuscular re-education
20. In movement phrasing, the 'preparation' phase serves which primary function? → It gathers readiness and sets up the conditions for the main action
21. The 'Motif Notation' (or Motif Writing) differs from full Labanotation in that it: → Captures movement themes and intentions without prescribing full anatomical detail
22. How does observing body mechanics assist in movement analysis? → Highlight tension and inefficiency
23. Which Effort factor is most associated with the mover's relationship to gravity and physical force? → Weight
24. What is 'Body' in Laban Movement Analysis? → Parts moving and coordination
25. Labanotation is a system for: → Recording human movement in written symbols
26. The concept of 'breath support' in Bartenieff Fundamentals refers to: → How the breath cycle initiates and organizes the quality and expression of movement
27. How can pattern recognition benefit a movement analyst? → Predict tendencies and suggest strategies
28. Which of the following is NOT one of Laban's eight basic effort actions? → Bounce
29. How should ethical complaints be handled? → Follow official grievance procedures
30. What principle is crucial in movement re-education? → Awareness through movement