New York Times Article
Katja Heitman is a choreographer who took on a project that collects mannerisms and habits. The work is titled “Motus Mori”. The purpose of this project was to keep the art of movement alive. People were able to “donate” their own personal habits, movements, fidgets, etc. A group of dancers would then recreate these gestures. It is unique because of how personal the project is. No two people share an exact mannerism.
The movement that stuck out the most to me was the one with the mother and her young child. mirrored to them was an older couple. I think that the parallels between young and old were very beautiful. Another one that caught my eye was the smaller image of a man interlacing his hands. I couldn’t find an image of it (it wont let me take it from the website) but I do something similar myself.
There were many movements of people that I know that I immediately thought about. The first one was definitely my Mom. Whenever she is comfortable or zoned out, she grabs a small section of hair and pulls it between her lips. Apparently she has done this her whole life and it is definitely her signature gesture.
My best friend makes this very distinct face when she is confused. I am not quite sure how to explain it but her forehead creases in the exact same way every time. I can remember seeing this face as early as the 5th grade. Looking at her childhood photos, it also seems like she has been doing it forever.
My last habit that I have noticed might be a bit out there but I would say it still counts… My cat, Lightning, always puts out his paw and stretches it as far as he can. He literally does this almost every time he lays down and it is always the same exact arm that is extended. I think that this means he is either sleepy or wanting to be cuddly.
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