7 Notation Dance Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Ann Hutchinson Guest's decades of experience in dance notation culminate in this fourth edition of Labanotation, which thoroughly updates and refines Rudolf Laban's original system. You gain the ability to read and record complex human movements with precision, from ballet choreography to subtle facial expressions, making this a versatile tool beyond dance into physical therapy and industrial motion studies. The book balances technical depth with accessibility, even children can grasp the basics, while serious students and professionals find detailed frameworks for reconstructing movement. If you're involved in dance, movement analysis, or any field requiring detailed movement documentation, this book provides both the method and the context you need to master Labanotation.

While working as a Language of Dance© Master Practitioner and Teacher Trainer, Beth Megill noticed a lack of accessible resources showcasing diverse Motif Notation dance voices. She curated this chapbook to bridge that gap, assembling a collection that spans from beginner to advanced scores. You’ll explore a variety of dance stories and techniques, each reflecting unique cultural and artistic perspectives, framed within an easy-to-navigate format. This book is especially suited for dancers, educators, and choreographers eager to deepen their understanding and practice of Motif Notation in a portable, inspiring way.

This tailored book explores the fundamentals and techniques of notation dance, crafted specifically to fit your background and interests. It covers the essential principles of representing movement through written symbols, offering a clear path through complex notation systems. By focusing on your personal goals and preferred sub-topics, this book reveals how to capture dance movements with precision and artistry. It examines both the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of notation, giving you a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding at your own pace. The personalized approach ensures the content matches your experience level and learning style, making the study of dance notation both accessible and engaging.

Rudolf von Laban, a seminal figure in movement theory, crafted this book to clarify the complex language of dance notation. Here, you encounter a practical system for recording and analyzing movement, illustrated through 114 basic graphs that decode motion into visual symbols. The work is tailored for dancers, choreographers, and movement scholars seeking to deepen their technical understanding of notation systems essential for preserving choreography or studying movement scientifically. Rather than abstract theory, this book offers concrete examples of movement representation, making it a valuable reference for anyone serious about the structural aspects of dance documentation.

Felipe Hsieh approaches the classic Argentine tango with a precise system of notation that breaks down the dance into clear, digestible sequences. This book guides you through tango rhythms and step structures using detailed visual notations paired with straightforward explanations across its chapters. You'll learn to navigate from fundamental moves to complex phrases, gaining insight into tango's rhythmic and structural elements that empower you to develop your own style. This methodical approach benefits dancers who want a structured, visual way to master tango beyond traditional instruction, especially those inclined toward analytical learning of dance patterns.

What began as Beth Megill's dedication to amplifying dance-notator voices evolved into this unique collection of Motif Notation dance scores, gathered from a diverse group of dance makers worldwide. You’ll find a range of scores, from beginner to advanced, each revealing distinct storytelling, technique, and cultural elements through Motif Notation. The chapbook format keeps it accessible and portable, encouraging you to engage with these dances repeatedly. If you’re exploring Motif Notation or seeking fresh perspectives on dance composition, this collection offers a tactile, varied experience that bridges global voices and personal practice.

This tailored book explores a step-by-step journey to rapidly enhance your notation dance skills through carefully crafted daily lessons. It covers core principles of dance notation systems while focusing on your unique learning pace and background, ensuring each chapter resonates with your specific interests and goals. The book examines techniques to interpret and record movement with precision, fostering a deeper understanding of choreographic language. By offering a personalized blend of foundational concepts and focused practice, it reveals how consistent, targeted effort accelerates mastery in notation. This personalized guide bridges expert knowledge and your individual pathway, making complex notation accessible and engaging.

Ann Kipling Brown and Monica Parker bring their extensive experience in dance and movement study to this introductory guide on Labanotation and Benesh Movement Notation. This book takes you through the foundational elements of these notation systems, helping you understand how to visually record and analyze dance movements effectively. You’ll find clear explanations of key symbols and examples illustrating how to apply them, making it accessible if you’re new to dance notation. This resource is especially helpful for students, choreographers, and dance historians seeking to deepen their grasp of movement documentation without prior exposure to complex technical jargon.

The authoritative expertise behind this book lies in Alexander Gorsky's close association with Vladimir Stepanov, who pioneered a system of human movement notation inspired by musical notation. Gorsky's two essays delve deeply into the practical application of Stepanov's system within classical ballet, specifically tailored for students of the Mariinsky and Bolshoi schools. Through detailed explanation and examples, you gain insight into how to transcribe complex ballet movements, offering a rare window into notational methods that shaped Russian ballet tradition. This book suits dancers, choreographers, and historians seeking to understand or apply the Stepanov system within classical dance contexts.