4 Reasons Why Storytellers Should Learn The Art of Movement

Can you do this?

Try making the letter "A" with your body. Now the letter "T". Now shake it out. Congratulations, you just participated in The Art of Movement.

If you've never heard of the art of movement before, don't panic. This isn't a trend or fad you missed out on (although I do hope it catches on soon). The Art of Movement uses music to form organic movement with our limbs in creative ways. It's a fantastic way to reconnect with your body and tends to generate a sweat. But what does that have to do with storytelling? Is it even necessary to move your body? Short answer: YES!

Connect with Character Form

Before I start my brief dissertation on the importance of stretching, let's get into the real reason why learning movement is essential for storytellers. If we are writing fiction, our characters are always going to be doing something we can't. Superpowers. Immortality. Impeccable hair (because I love my characters). Even normal human activities like archery are something I have no professional experience in. And nonfiction writers have even more real-life character traits to deal with, which can sometimes be hard to embody in a story.

Movement allows you to slowly and deliberately focus on form. The way you walk, your posture, and even the way your arms move are put into question. Actors use this as a warm-up exercise to connect with the physicality of a character. Body language is a whole different topic, but movement can allow you to connect with the innate body language of your characters in your story.

When I was studying acting in New York, they would often tell us to people-watch. A quick trip to Central Park will show you a lot about the human character. First of all, everyone walks differently. Some with a slouch. Others with perfect posture. A few with a swagger or a slight limp. Pregnant people tend to lean back, and those with big-wheel strollers tend to always be out for a jog. The more people I observed, the more traits I could use in movement to connect with my character.

Whether you're writing about little Lu down the lane or a super fiction with epic magic systems, it's worth taking the time to ease your body into the art of movement. If not to connect with your character, to reconnect with yourself.

Body Reconnection

We don't stretch enough! If you do consistent yoga or other activities that negate this statement, then congratulations. You are one of the few people on the planet who value the importance of stretching. Up until this summer, I didn't take stretching seriously. You know what happened? Sciatica and an entire summer of attending important, once-in-a-lifetime events that were overshadowed by intense pain.

Movement allows us to check in with our sides, backs, and limbs for muscle tightness. Even the simple act of sleeping leaves us in need of a good stretch once we wake up. For those of us who sit or stand often at work, it's imperative to take the time to stretch every 90 minutes minimum. And what better way to do it than through movement?

Easy Workout

I mentioned earlier that movement can work up a sweat. The point of movement is to connect with the music you decide to play. Even if the song is a slow ballad, you can end up emoting so much with your arms that you're sweating by the time the song finishes. Believe me, I've been there.

Using your whole body to move about the space is the goal. No form or technique. Start out swaying and work your way up to waving your hands in the air. Or go back to making easy shapes and letters out of your body. If you really want a challenge, try coming up with a pose for each letter of the alphabet. You'll be stretched out and sweating in no time.

It's Fun

If you aren't finding any of this nonsensical limb-shaking fun, you have to try it first. Like I said, this isn't a formal thing. You can move however you want to whatever music you want. The point is to make deliberate moves and explore your own limits.

If you think of it as dancing, the pressure to bust a move is evident. But if you approach this like you're playing make-believe on the playground, then the idea of embodying a mythical character who shoots lava out of their hands doesn't seem so silly.

Morph from an old woman to a supermodel by using your body and your imagination. It doesn't have to be anatomically correct or even pretty to watch. It's supposed to be messy and silly. That's what makes it beautiful.

Homework

If you are interested in pursuing this on your own, then I encourage you to do the following:

• Take a moment out of your day to discreetly and politely people-watch. It doesn't have to be for long or even just one person. Take note of how they carry themselves, how they talk, and any unique quirks that stand out.

• Go home, turn on a song that reminds you of your character study, and try to embody them through intentional movement.

• Turn on a song that reminds you of one of your characters in your story. Take the entire song to embody them through intentional movement.

• Turn on a song that makes you feel. Organically move through the space and let the music take you on a journey.

No matter how you approach this idea, keep fun at the forefront of your mind. It's a great stress relief once you get the hang of it. You can also test out different movements, such as dance movements, that you may not be super confident in as a risk-free action.

About the Author

Crystal Cabrae is a new adult romantasy writer for fictional works of prose and animation. Her stories are rooted in world mythology, especially the Taino Myth from her Boriqua roots. With her BFA in Creative Writing from Full Sail University, as well as her six years of conservatory acting training, she has chosen to teach the next generation of storytellers the fundamentals of storytelling. Crystal continues to branch out in the creative community and connect with like-minded storytellers. She hopes to continue to keep the torch of storytelling lit through creativity, romance, and lots of laughter.