Laban effort actions as a trio rehearsal strategy to create an 'Ecology of Practice': A collaborative autoethnography.

This article examines how Laban effort actions—a movement analysis system developed by Hungarian dancer Rudolf Laban—were used as a rehearsal strategy by the classical chamber ensemble Trio Joie de Vivre to create an "Ecology of Practice," a dynamic, interconnected system of embodied communication and shared musical interpretation. Through a collaborative autoethnography involving rehearsals and performances of dance-inspired repertoire, the trio found that applying Laban effort actions enhanced embodied communication, fostered shared intentions, facilitated group flow, improved musicality, and strengthened symbiotic relationships among members. This approach helped overcome technical challenges, reduce performance anxiety, and achieve a more coherent and nuanced ensemble sound by aligning physical gestures with musical expression. The study suggests that integrating Laban effort actions into rehearsal practices can benefit both performers and educators by promoting deeper ensemble cohesion and well-being within a socially and bodily engaged music-making process.