[Verse 1] Movement has a quality, not just where and when The way we press or glide or punch tells us how again Dynamic markings modify the structure that we write They answer "with what feeling does this motion come to light?" [Chorus] Eight basic efforts, qualities that flow Strong or light, direct or flex, fast or slow Time and space and weight and flow Mark them down so dancers know How the movement breathes and grows [Verse 2] Take your arm and reach forward, simple gesture clean Now try it eight different ways, feel what each can mean Press with strength and focus, float with gentle care Glide with smooth persistence, flick with flair to spare [Chorus] Eight basic efforts, qualities that flow Strong or light, direct or flex, fast or slow Time and space and weight and flow Mark them down so dancers know How the movement breathes and grows [Bridge] Punch it quick and powerful Dab with light control Wring with flexible strength Slash cuts through your soul [Verse 3] Watch the dancers moving, see the effort shine Notice how the quality changes line by line Notate what you're seeing, mark the dynamic way Structure shows the movement, effort shows the play [Chorus] Eight basic efforts, qualities that flow Strong or light, direct or flex, fast or slow Time and space and weight and flow Mark them down so dancers know How the movement breathes and grows [Outro] From strong to light, from quick to slow The quality makes the movement glow
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