CMA Movement Observation & Pattern Recognition 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In LMA, which Effort quality describes movement that proceeds along a clear, predetermined path in space?
- Direct (Correct answer)
- Indirect
- Sustained
- Strong
Correct answer: Direct
Direct Space Effort means movement follows a single, focused line or trajectory in space.
Question 2: A CMA observer notices a dancer whose trunk consistently narrows and closes toward the midline during transitions. Which Shape category best describes this recurring pattern?
- Shape Flow — closing (Correct answer)
- Directional movement — across
- Carving — hollowing
- Shaping — enclosing
Correct answer: Shape Flow — closing
Shape Flow describes self-referential body shape changes such as narrowing/widening or closing/opening relative to the body's own midline.
Question 3: When observing movement patterns over time, what does 'Phrase' refer to in Laban Movement Analysis?
- A unit of movement with a beginning, middle, and end (Correct answer)
- The rhythmic count of musical beats
- The spatial pathway traced by a limb
- The effort quality dominant in a sequence
Correct answer: A unit of movement with a beginning, middle, and end
A movement phrase is a meaningful unit of movement that has an arc-like structure: preparation, main action, and recovery.
Question 4: Which Body organization pattern describes movement that is initiated from the core and radiates outward to the distal extremities?
- Core-distal connectivity (Correct answer)
- Homologous connectivity
- Contralateral connectivity
- Head-tail connectivity
Correct answer: Core-distal connectivity
Core-distal connectivity is a developmental movement pattern where energy moves between the navel center and all extremities simultaneously.
Question 5: An observer sees a mover whose weight shifts are consistently Light and Fast. Which combined Effort pattern does this represent?
- Awake drive (Light + Quick) (Correct answer)
- Spell drive (Light + Sustained)
- Action drive fragment
- Dream state effort
Correct answer: Awake drive (Light + Quick)
Light and Quick together represent the 'Awake' incomplete drive, reflecting alertness and responsiveness without grounded weight.
Question 6: In pattern recognition, which observation method involves watching the whole mover for several movement cycles before focusing on specific elements?
- Wide-angle or global observation (Correct answer)
- Sequential segmental analysis
- Kinesiological breakdown
- Spatial tracing
Correct answer: Wide-angle or global observation
Global observation allows the observer to perceive overall movement themes and patterns before narrowing analytical focus.
Question 7: A child repeatedly organizes movement around upper-lower body split, using both arms together and both legs together. Which Body connectivity pattern is dominant?
- Homologous (Correct answer)
- Homolateral
- Contralateral
- Core-distal
Correct answer: Homologous
Homologous connectivity involves upper and lower halves of the body moving as unified units, as in jumping or pushing with both hands.
CMA Movement Observation & Pattern Recognition 2
In LMA, which Effort quality describes movement that proceeds along a clear, predetermined path in space?