An explanation of the basic elements of Labanotation:

• staff
• meter
• measure numbers
• columns
• direction symbols:
  direction
  level
  duration
  

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the staff
Labanotation is written on a vertical three line staff.
One starts reading at the bottom of the staff upward.

meter
The meter is indicated at the beginning of a dance score. In the score above the meter is 3 / 4.

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measure numbers
The staff can be divided into measures just like a staff in a musical score.

columns
The columns make up the staff.
weight bearing movements
The two middle columns immediately to the right and left side of the center line of the staff are used to notate any movement which changes the way the body supports its weight. So, any shift of weight of the body through space, possibly onto another body part can be read in these columns.

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non weight bearing movements
The symmetry of the body is reflected in the staff as much as possible: right side body parts are notated on the right of the staff, the left ones on the left side.
The columns in which movements of the legs (that do not carry weight) are notated.

The columns in which movements of the arms are notated.

The columns in which movements of the torso, chest, waist and pelvis are notated.

The column in which movements of the head are notated.

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Direction Symbols
Direction symbols are the basic symbols of Labanotation describing the direction, level and duration of a movement. A symbol is placed in a column on the staff. This column indicates which body part should execute the movement.

direction

The direction (forward / backward, right / left) of a movement is indicated by the shape of the direction symbol.

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level

The level (down / middle / up) of a movement is indicated by the shading of the direction symbol.

duration

The duration of a movement is indicated by the relative length of the direction symbol.

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| examples of Labanotation | an explanation of the basic elements of Labanotation | 27 symbols |