Mixed Deck — All CMA Topics Flashcards

Which Effort state combines Strong Weight and Direct Space qualities?

Answer: Awake State

The Awake State combines the sensing and thinking motion factors—Weight and Space—in an alert, engaged quality.

'Core-distal' connectivity in Bartenieff Fundamentals describes:

Answer: Simultaneous activation linking the body's core to its extremities

Core-distal connectivity is the simultaneous, integrated activation linking the body's center (core) with its extremities (distal), like a starfish pattern.

In Laban Movement Analysis, the term 'kinesphere' refers to which concept?

Answer: The personal space bubble surrounding the mover's reach

The kinesphere is the sphere of personal space that surrounds the mover and extends to the furthest reach of the limbs.

The Rolfing Structural Integration approach, developed by Ida Rolf, primarily works with which tissue to reorganize the body in gravity?

Answer: Fascia (connective tissue)

Rolfing manipulates the myofascial network — the fascial web surrounding muscles and organs — to release restrictions and realign the body in the gravitational field.

Which Shape mode is most self-referential and least related to the external environment?

Answer: Shape Flow

Shape Flow is the most self-referential mode — the body grows and shrinks in relation to its own center rather than in relationship with the environment.

In Space Harmony, what term describes the geometric spatial forms that connect points in the kinesphere?

Answer: Crystalline forms

Crystalline forms are the geometric structures in Space Harmony that connect points within the kinesphere, forming scales and pathways.

In Labanotation, the column immediately to the right of the center line typically records movement for:

Answer: The right leg

The column immediately to the right of the center line records the right leg's movement, mirroring the body's layout on the staff.

What is a basic tool used for movement observation?

Answer: Laban Movement Analysis

Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) is a widely recognized and comprehensive system specifically designed for observing, describing, and interpreting human movement. It provides a structured framework with categories like Body, Effort, Shape, and Space, enabling analysts to systematically break down and understand the complexities of movement. LMA is a foundational tool for movement analysts across various disciplines.

Which type of movement phrasing involves a sharp, sudden beginning that then gradually decays in intensity?

Answer: Impulsive phrasing

Impulsive phrasing begins with a sudden accent and then gradually decreases in intensity, like a ball thrown and then decelerating.

A CMA practitioner discovers that a colleague has been misrepresenting their Laban Movement Analysis credentials to clients. What is the most ethically appropriate first step?

Answer: Confront the colleague privately and encourage them to correct the misrepresentation

Ethical standards require addressing credential misrepresentation directly with the colleague first before escalating to formal reporting channels.

The concept of 'breath support' in Bartenieff Fundamentals refers to:

Answer: How the breath cycle initiates and organizes the quality and expression of movement

Breath support in BF addresses how the natural breath cycle underpins movement initiation, organization, and expressive quality.

The Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies (LIMS) is notable in CMA training because:

Answer: It is the primary institution certifying CMAs and training practitioners in LBMS

LIMS is the leading institution for Laban/Bartenieff Movement Studies training and CMA certification in the United States.

What are the six body connectivity patterns recognized in Laban Movement Analysis and Bartenieff Fundamentals?

Answer: Breath, Core-Distal, Head-Tail, Upper-Lower, Body-Half, Cross-Lateral

The six body connectivity patterns progress developmentally from Breath through Cross-Lateral integration.

Which category of LMA analyzes movement dynamics like flow and weight?

Answer: Effort

The Effort category in Laban Movement Analysis specifically addresses the dynamic qualities of movement, focusing on the inner intention and expressive aspects of *how* a movement is performed. It includes factors such as Weight (strong/light), Flow (bound/free), Time (sudden/sustained), and Space (direct/indirect). These factors describe the qualitative characteristics of movement dynamics, revealing the mover's inner attitude.

What is emphasized during somatic education sessions?

Answer: Self-exploration and inner awareness

During somatic education sessions, the primary emphasis is on self-exploration and cultivating inner awareness. Participants are guided to pay close attention to their internal bodily sensations, movements, and feelings, rather than focusing on external performance metrics or comparisons. This internal focus empowers individuals to discover and modify their own movement patterns, fostering greater comfort, efficiency, and self-understanding.

A CMA is asked to testify as an expert witness in a legal case using movement analysis. The primary ethical obligation is to:

Answer: Provide objective, evidence-based testimony within the established limits of the LMA framework

Expert witnesses have an ethical duty to provide honest, impartial, and evidence-based testimony regardless of who retained them.

What is the primary purpose of practicing spatial scales in CMA training?

Answer: To internalize the geometry of the kinesphere and develop spatial intelligence

Spatial scales are practiced to develop an embodied understanding of the kinesphere's geometry, training the mover's spatial awareness and clarity.

When a CMA is working cross-culturally and applies Effort analysis to movement that carries specific cultural meaning (such as ritual or ceremonial movement), the primary ethical concern is:

Answer: Imposing a Western analytical framework may misrepresent or disrespect culturally specific movement practices

Applying a culturally embedded framework to diverse movement practices risks ethnocentric misinterpretation and requires cultural humility and consultation.

In LMA, the four Shape qualities associated with planes are:

Answer: Rising/Sinking, Spreading/Enclosing, Advancing/Retreating, Growing/Condensing

The four pairs of planar Shape qualities are Rising/Sinking (vertical), Spreading/Enclosing (horizontal), and Advancing/Retreating (sagittal), plus Growing/Condensing overall.

The concept of 'voluminousness' in Space Harmony describes movement that:

Answer: Fills three-dimensional space fully

Voluminousness refers to movement that expands into and fully occupies three-dimensional space, engaging the depth and breadth of the kinesphere.