Labanotation is a standardised system for analysing and recording dance movement. Hungarian Rudolph von Laban (1879-1958) published this first in 1928 as “Kinetographie”.
Staff
The “Staff” is a vertical grid which indicates which part of the body is moving/gesturing etc
- Support column – transference of weight eg steps
- Leg gesture column
- Body column
- Arm gesture column
- Head column
Bars, Beats and Time
The centre line will indicate beats with a short dash across and bars are indicated with a line right across. A vertical line indicates the duration of each step eg position 1 transfers weight to right foot for 2 beats.
Directions
Horizontal movement is indicated using the symbols at the top of the page. Vertical movement uses similar symbols; cross-hatched symbol is up high, dot in the middle is level/horizontal, and full-shade is low/down gestures.
Relationship Pins
Indicated horizontal and vertical directions and can be used to show directions in a room/space, written in a square. Can also show intermediate positions by modifying the direction of the symbol, and by merging two pins together.
Arm and Leg Gestures
These symbols show the position of the limbs.
Intermediate Direction Gestures
Usually in increments of 15º but it is possible to get intermediate 7.5º, using symbols connected with a bow. Eg a symbol for 0º and another for 45º with a dot between.
Foot connections uses modified pins.
Centre of weight and transference of weight
Five thing can happen:
- Everything stays as it is
- Centre of weight is shifted
- Weight is transferred – steps
- Jumps
- turns
A small circle = hold weight
The staff should be read from the bottom up.
A/ The starting position; weight on both feet, legs straight, both arms down.
B/ Weight stays on both feet
C/ Right leg lifted to mid point, left arm to low point
D/ Hold weight on right arm, left arm straight down
E/ Transfer weight to both feet
F/ Weight stays on both feet
G/ Jump and leg gesture
H/ Land on both feet
Shifting the Centre of Weight and Steps
Walking
Jumps and Turns
Body Parts
Quantity Signs and Connection Bows
Paths
Floor Plans
These are just some of the basic symbols used in Labanotation. There is also software available which facilitates the drawing of symbols.