What is Labanotation?

Named after its originator, Rudolf Laban, Labanotation is the system for recording movement on paper.  First published in 1928, the system has since been highly developed through use by many practitioners in a wide range of movement styles and disciplines all over the world.

A predominant use of Labanotation has been in the dance field, long deprived of a written form of preservation and a recorded history.  Many choreographic works, as well as dance techniques such as ballet, contemporary and ethnic dance, have been recorded in Labanotation and are available to future generations as part of their cultural heritage.

The use of Labanotation has spread worldwide with centres of activity not only in Europe and the U.S.A, but also in Australia, China, Malaysia, Mexico and South Africa.  International conferences are held biennially at locations on different continents and members of the International Council of Kinetography Laban (ICKL) meet regularly to discuss and further refine the system.  Labanotation has become an integral subject in the study of dance in colleges and universities, providing students with the skills to record their own choreography, analyse dance in greater depth, and revive and perform historical dance works.  Students can go on to train as professional Labanotators, notating works for professional choreographers, Labanotation teachers, and dance directors, reviving works from score for professional dance companies.

On the Page

Labanotation is similar to music in that it's written by placing symbols along a staff, except that Labanotation is written and read vertically rather than horizontally.   The staff is divided into columns, the centre line dividing right and left, and each column represents a different main part of the body.  The symbols denote specific parts of the body and the direction, level and manner in which that part is to move.  The length of symbols indicates timing.

Motif

Motif Notation originated from Labanotation, its general statements about movement allow greater freedom in the interpretation of how actions can be performed.  As investigation becomes increasingly specific, Motif Notation leads to the definitive form that is Labanotation.

How does Language of Dance^® relate to Motif Notation?

Language of Dance^® is a teaching approach that uses Motif Notation symbols to help develop dance literacy and movement understanding.

Labanotation Publications at the Language of Dance^® Centre

Publications in Labanotation include textbooks ranging from beginner level to the Advanced Series, dances and dance techniques in Labanotation, and complete choreographic scores of major dance works.  See our publications page for more details.