'''Viewpoints''' is a techniquemovement-based pedagogical and artistic practice<ref>{{Cite book |last=Overlie |first=Mary |title=Standing in Space: The Six Viewpoints Theory & Practice |publisher=Fallon Press |year=2016 |isbn=9781513613611 |edition=1st |___location=Billings, Montana |pages=vii |language=English}}</ref> that provides a framework for creating and analyzing performance by exploring spatial relationships, shape, time, emotion, movement mechanics, and storytelling. Rooted in the ___domain of [[Choreography (dance)|dance composition]], thatthe Viewpoints actsoperate as a medium for thinking about and acting upon [[Motion (physics)|movement]], [[gesture]], and creative space.<ref name="BogartLandau2004">{{cite book|author1=Anne Bogart|author2=Tina Landau|title=The Viewpoints Book: A Practical Guide to Viewpoints and Composition|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yk_6CAAAQBAJ&pg=PA7|date=1 August 2004|publisher=Theatre Communications Group|isbn=978-1-55936-677-9|pages=7–12}}</ref> OriginallyThe Six Viewpoints was originally developed in the 1970s by master theater artist and educator [[Mary Overlie]], thelater conceptualised in her book ''Standing in Space: The Six Viewpoints Theory & Practice'' (2016)''.'' The Six Viewpoints has been studied and practiced for decades in theatre and dance. Overlie's practice and theory profoundly enables access to the source of inspiration and creativity. The Six Viewpoints, if practiced in the purest form, is found to be indescribably powerful and effective in all areas of investigation of, and for making art. In the simplest form, it is a practice for improvisation.
The Six Viewpoints theory was adapted by directors [[Anne Bogart]] and [[Tina Landau]] over the course of 10 years, ultimately resulting in the delineation of nine "physical" Viewpoints and 5 "vocal" ones. Bogart and Overlie were on the faculty of ETW at NYU in the late 1970s and early 1980s, during which time Bogart was influenced by Overlie's innovations. Overlie's Six Viewpoints (space, story, time, emotion, movement, and shape) are considered to be a logical way to examine, analyze, and create art in a profound way while Bogart's Viewpoints are considered practical in creating staging with actors.
