People choose LIMS’ certification program for the following strengths.
Certification Program in
Laban Bartenieff Movement Studies
Certification Program
About the Certification Program
LIMS’ Certification Program in Laban Bartenieff Movement Studies is a professional post-Baccalaureate educational program leading to the internationally recognized title of Certified Movement Analyst (CMA). Building on the study of Laban Movement Analysis and Bartenieff Fundamentalssm, certification program classes involve movement, discussion, observation of self and others, field trips, video observation, and documentation. Several projects are undertaken and assessed during the course of the training, including a final project encompassing theory, observation, movement experiences, and personal applications.
LIMS offers the Certification Program in two formats: Yearlong Format (half-days, four days/week from September to May) in New York City and Modular Format (a four-part, hybrid format with virtual instruction over Zoom and a week of full-days each module) in New York City and various partner sites around the globe.
Certification Program
Goals of the Certification Program
1.) To understand LMA as a system of structural and dynamic concepts…
To understand LMA as a system of structural and dynamic concepts that both simplifies the understanding of the movement phenomenon and gives appreciation to the complexity of that event; to see analytically and holistically.
2.) To become articulate with the LMA vocabulary of movement description…
To become articulate with the LMA vocabulary of movement description in movement, symbols, writing and speaking. To appreciate the difference and the interrelationship between the movement vocabulary and the interpretive/subjective process.
3.) To understand the core Laban theoretical principles…
a. To understand the core Laban theoretical principles and selected concepts from Laban-trained professionals who have developed new perspectives and applications based on LMA.
b. To recognize theories within disciplines that relate to the Laban work.
c. To understand the Bartenieff Fundamentals, somatic work /repatterning that supports the body-level integration of movement studies.
4.) To understand one’s own movement preferences and repertoire…
a. To understand one’s own movement preferences and repertoire, and to ultimately demonstrate a broader range of movement possibilities.
b. To achieve an appreciation of the individuality of others and an ability to perceive and work with that in mind.
c. To reinforce the body/mind integration process.
5.) To gain an appreciation and understanding…
To gain an appreciation and understanding of the connection between the LMA framework and the expressive-emotional nature of human movement
6.) To experience opportunities that support creative work…
a. To experience opportunities that support creative work with the LMA material (ex: moving, choreographing, writing, teaching, and researching).
b. To learn how the objective tool of a movement framework can interact with and support the intuitive creative process.
7.) To use the LMA principles in various fields…
To use the LMA principles in various fields (ex: fitness, business, therapy, art, computer technology).
8.). To experience learning as an individualized process…
To experience learning as an individualized process that remains open and ongoing. To become comfortable with a kind of learning that may or may not have a definitive endpoint.
9.). To value the preliminary student level of development…
To value the preliminary student level of development, and anticipate an appreciation for self-directed learning once certification training is complete.
certification program
Why Choose LIMS?
Certification Program
What is a CMA?
A CMA is a skilled movement professional trained and certified by the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies (LIMS®). A CMA has a highly refined understanding of the patterns of movement through the LMA lenses of Body, Effort, Shape and Space.
As a Movement Specialist, a CMA uses his/her comprehensive knowledge to identify movement patterns, convey the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of any human movement, and prepare people in numerous fields for active participation in the world.
To become a CMA a candidate must successfully complete a rigorous 520 Hour theoretical and experiential graduate-level Certification Program in Laban Movement Studies at the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies (LIMS®) headquartered in New York City, or at an off-site LIMS®-affiliated program location.
A CMA uses the Laban Bartenieff System as a framework for structural, spatial, rhythmic, shape and dynamic components in human movement observation, synthesis, and analysis. From an LMA/BF perspective, a CMA possesses an acute understanding of a specific movement event and its complexity and context. A CMA:
- Appreciates the functional and expressive aspects of human movement and perceives the interpretive/subjective processes that take place through movement.
- Understands and appreciates an individual’s movement pat
terns and relates to and works with that in mind. - Refines and expands one’s movement repertoire by deepening movement awareness and understanding, and by providing the experience of a global range of movement within diverse environments.
- Assesses human movement within an individual, group, cultural, situational and environmental contexts.
- Has an understanding of their own and others’ movement style within a variety of contexts, including social interaction.
- Has the knowledge and ability to verbally articulate and physically demonstrate the LMA concepts of Body, Effort, Shape, and Space from both broad and discreet perspectives.
- Is able to verbally articulate and physically demonstrate the basic principles of Bartenieff Fundamentalssm, along with their theoretical and practical relationship to LMA.
- Has the ability to develop and apply theory in practice in diverse fields.
- Has training in observing, recording and interpreting movement data using Motif, phrase writing, and recording from digital and live observation.
Certification Program
International Programs
LIMS works with educational partners around the globe to bring our Certification Program to the global community.
Certification Program
What Our Students Are Saying
Mentor with Kiteezi Samaritan
The LIMS program has expanded my movement vocabulary, knowledge and observation skills, allowing me to more aptly use the BESS and BF concepts to name and label the diverse traditional and creative dance experiences in my milieu. The LIMS program is a game changer I would strongly recommend to anybody involved or interested in human movement because it widens understanding of the diversities of human movement attitudes and experiences. The program meets a movement enthusiast where at they are at and challenges them to experience movement knowledge/skills in broadened, flexible and adaptable ways that suit any line of movement work.
Phd candidate and teaching staff at University of Melbourne
Studying at LIMS has provided me with a holistic way of viewing movements, which has been transformative. The best aspect is the resources and time you are given to integrate your own professional expertise, regardless of your background. This inclusive and supportive environment fosters a unique learning experience that I highly value.
Movement Therapist, Dancer, Restauranteur
The faculty’s supportive approach was particularly impactful, providing me with the tools and confidence needed to explore and integrate Laban’s principles into both my dance practice and personal life. Their patience and tailored guidance helped bridge the gap in my knowledge, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the learning experience without feeling overwhelmed or out of place.
Certification Program
Frequently Asked Questions
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Naoko Murakoshi
Professor