What is Movement Poetry?
Movement poetry is a form of spoken word which is used expressively with the aid of physical movements. Unlike most forms of spoken word which rely chiefly on the spoken word alone, movement poetry emphasises the use of the body and physical movements to express ideas and emotion. Movement poetry often incorporates spoken word, music, and acting, to create a truly unique performance-based art form.
Tapping into a tradition of movement as a form of emotional expression, movement poetry focuses on the physical expressions of emotions, ideas and personalities. The performer uses their body to express the energy of a poem and to add new layers of meaning to their work. This means that the performer has a diverse range of tools they can use to bring their poetry to life, such as body language, facial expressions and gestures. By combining movement and spoken word, performers can create an experience which is emotionally powerful and visually arresting.
The roots of movement poetry lie in the art of theatre, dance and music. By drawing on these various forms of performance, the performer can explore the interplay between movement and words, combining them to create something which is both fascinating and hypnotic. Movement poetry has also been described as a modern version of a traditional story or narrative, where the performer is both the protagonist and the narrator of their own story.
Movement poetry has been growing in popularity in recent years. It has been used by leading contemporary performers to explore themes such as identity, power, love and social justice. Movement poetry often favours self-examination and exploration over the traditional poetic forms, as performers seek to use movement to make the words more tangible and meaningful. This can lead to performances which are deeply personal and vividly expressive.
For those who are new to movement poetry, there are various ways to explore the form. Some practitioners suggest that the best way to start is to simply experiment with movement and words, exploring the ways in which they interact. Others suggest that performers focus on the physical movements of their body, trying to find a way to express the energy of the poem through the movements themselves. For those wishing to explore movement poetry more deeply, there are various performing arts courses and workshops which can help performers to improve their technique and discover new ways to express themselves.
Benefits of Movement Poetry
Movement poetry offers many benefits for both viewers and performers alike. For performers, the medium provides an opportunity to explore their creative side and to connect with elements of themselves which may be difficult to express through words alone. This can lead to a sense of empowerment as performers are able to bring their raw emotion and passion to the fore with their performances. Additionally, performances which employ movement can be thrilling and intense experiences for the performer, as they are able to combine the movements and words to create something which is truly unique.
For viewers, movement poetry can be a powerful and immersive experience. As performers use the combination of words and movement to bring their stories and poems to life, viewers are able to fully engage with the performance, feeling the energy and emotion of the words and movements. This can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the words, as the combination of movement makes them more visceral and immediate.
Movement poetry is also a form of expression which encourages self-reflection and introspection. By using movement to convey emotions and ideas, performers are able to explore the ‘inner landscape’ of their creative selves, discovering new ways to express themselves and to view the world. This can lead to profound moments of self-discovery, as performers are able to reflect on their past experiences and to find new ways to communicate their thoughts and feelings.
Criticism of Movement Poetry
Despite the many benefits of movement poetry, the form has been subject to various criticisms. Some have argued that movement poetry can be a self-indulgent form of expression which detracts from the importance of the words themselves. This can lead to performances which lack clarity and focus, as the emphasis is placed on the movement rather than the words.
Others have argued that movement poetry is a form of entertainment which does not challenge the audience or provoke deep thought and emotion. This can result in performances which lack an underlying meaning or message, leaving the audience with a feeling of emptiness and disconnection.
Finally, there is the question of accessibility. Movement poetry relies on physical movement, which can be difficult for those with physical disabilities. This means that some viewers may not be able to fully appreciate or engage with the performance. This is a problem which has been widely acknowledged, and many performers strive to make their performances as accessible as possible.
Contemporary Examples of Movement Poetry
Since its emergence, movement poetry has been used by a variety of contemporary performers. Among the most celebrated is Shailja Patel, a Kenyana poet and performer who often uses the form to express her ideas on feminism and identity. Patel’s performances often explore the struggles of women in different cultures, with her vivid and emotive performances making her a powerful voice in the movement poetry scene.
In the USA, San Francisco-based poet and performer Zakiya Harris has become well-known for her innovative performances which often combine movement with music. Her performances explore themes of heritage and identity, offering a unique blend of spoken word and physical movement which often leaves the audience breathless.
Another prominent figure in the movement poetry scene is the Brazilian poet and performance artist Tayo Aluko. Aluko’s performances often focus on the link between music and movement, creating mesmeric performances which draw the audience in and keep them captivated. Aluko’s performances often explore themes of identity, power and oppression, with his passionate and emotive performances leaving the viewer with a sense of awe and admiration.
Limitations of Movement Poetry
Despite its creativity and potential, movement poetry has various limitations which must be considered. It can be difficult to achieve a sense of nuance in movement poetry performances, as the emphasis is placed on the physical movements rather than the words. This means that performers may find it difficult to express complex ideas, as the physical movements may not be capable of conveying the desired meaning.
Additionally, movement poetry can be difficult to film and capture on a phone. Due to the physical nature of the performance, certain shots may be unobtainable or blurred, meaning that the full impact of the performance may be lost. This problem is made worse in live performances, as the performance must be seen in its entirety in order to truly appreciate the power and emotion of the performance.
Finally, movement poetry can be physically taxing for the performer. Due to the need for intense physicality, performers may find that their performances become tiring or uncomfortable. This may lead to performers cutting short their performances or choosing not to perform certain movements, which can reduce the overall impact of the performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, movement poetry is a form of spoken word which explores the use of physicality to convey emotion and ideas. While this form has various benefits, it also has various limitations which must be taken into consideration. Nevertheless, movement poetry has been used by various contemporary performers to both entertain and educate, and it continues to be one of the most powerful and expressive forms of spoken word today.
