Labanotation Fundamentals
Labanotation captures movement on page, ensuring it can be communicated across the world and preserved for future generations.
Explore below for an overview of the FOUR FUNDAMENTALS of Labanotation:
1 The direction of the movement
The shapes of the symbols indicate nine different directions in space.
Each symbol can denote either a step or a gesture; for instance, the forward symbol can represent either a step forward or a forward gesture.
2 The part of the body doing the movement
Symbols are positioned on a vertical staff, read from bottom to top. The placement of a symbol on the staff indicates the body part executing the movement.
The dark lines on the staff represent the staff lines, while the dotted lines signify the different columns for body parts. The centerline of the staff corresponds to the body’s centerline, with supports (usually the feet) written alongside it. Symbols to the right of this line pertain to the right side of the body, while those on the left side denote the left side.
3 The level of the movement
The shading of the symbol indicates the level of the movement.
In steps, a low level corresponds to a bent leg, a middle level to a straight leg, and a high level to being up on the toes.
In gesture, a middle level is indicated when the limb is parallel to the floor, with the hand or foot at the same level as the shoulder or hip. Each level is delineated in 45-degree increments in the same direction. A low level is positioned below the shoulder or hip, while a high level is situated above.
4 The duration of the movement
The length of a symbol indicates the timing of the movement. A longer symbol represents a movement that takes more time to execute. In Labanotation, the staff is organized into measures to correspond with the measures of the music. Tick marks denote the beats, while bar lines across the staff delineate the beginning and end of each movement sequence or section.
CONTACT
US
I'D LIKE TO GET
INFORMATION ON...
Feel Free to stand up and dance along!
Reading movement becomes more accessible when you physically engage with it rather than attempting to visualize it.
Keep in mind, Labanotation is read from the bottom up. Begin by scrolling down to the bottom of the example to start reading.
Click here for help with or to check your reading of the third measure
Click here for help with or to check your reading of the starting position
= hold.
The weight holds on the right foot as you step on the left.
THE THIRD MEASURE
On count 1, take two steps forward, first with the left foot and then with the right. Each step takes half a beat. Keep the steps at a low level, bending the knees accordingly. As you step, allow the arms to rise forward gradually throughout the count, reaching a position parallel to the floor by the end.
On counts 2 and 3, execute a two-count step forward with the left foot, ensuring that the step is taken up on the ball of the foot. Use the full two counts to complete the step; avoid stepping on one count and holding on the second. Simultaneously, extend the arms to the forward diagonals, maintaining their alignment parallel to the floor. The forward diagonals refer to the directions halfway between forward and side, towards the corners of an imaginary square surrounding you.
THE SECOND MEASURE
As you transition to count 1, step backward on the right foot. Simultaneously, begin to raise the arms forward to shoulder level in the first half of the beat. In the second half of the beat, continue lifting the arms until they are extended forward at a 45-degree angle above shoulder.
On count 2, step to the left side with the left foot, extending the arms out to the sides while maintaining their alignment parallel to the floor.
On count 3, bring the right foot alongside the left foot, distributing weight evenly between both feet. Simultaneously, lower the arms to a 45-degree angle while keeping them at the sides. Measures 1 and 2 together constitute the box step.
THE FIRST MEASURE
As you reach count 1, step forward with the left foot, ensuring the knees remain straight. Concurrently, raise the arms forward to shoulder level. Complete the movement with the arms parallel to the floor.
On count 2, step to the right side with the right foot shifting weight away from the left foot. Extend the arms out to the sides, maintaining their alignment parallel to the floor.
On count 3, bring the left foot next to the right foot, distributing weight evenly between both feet. Simultaneously, lower the arms to a 45-degree angle while keeping them at the sides.
O = hold sign. This symbol indicates a momentary pause; maintaining weight on the right foot while stepping with the left.
THE STARTING POSITION
The time signature displayed to the left of the starting position indicates a meter of ¾, signifying three beats per measure, with each quarter note receiving one beat.
Begin with the feet together and knees straight. Place the arms out to the sides, angled downwards at a 45-degree inclination.
Begin with the feet together and knees straight. Place the arms out to the sides, angled downwards at a 45-degree inclination.
On count 2, step to the right side with the right foot shifting weight away from the left foot. Extend the arms out to the sides, maintaining their alignment parallel to the floor.
On count 3, bring the left foot next to the right foot, distributing weight evenly between both feet. Simultaneously, lower the arms to a 45-degree angle while keeping them at the sides.
O = hold sign. This symbol indicates a momentary pause; maintaining weight on the right foot while stepping with the left.
On count 2, step to the left side with the left foot, extending the arms out to the sides while maintaining their alignment parallel to the floor.
On count 3, bring the right foot alongside the left foot, distributing weight evenly between both feet. Simultaneously, lower the arms to a 45-degree angle while keeping them at the sides. Measures 1 and 2 together constitute the box step.
On counts 2 and 3, execute a two-count step forward with the left foot, ensuring that the step is taken up on the ball of the foot. Use the full two counts to complete the step; avoid stepping on one count and holding on the second. Simultaneously, extend the arms to the forward diagonals, maintaining their alignment parallel to the floor. The forward diagonals refer to the directions halfway between forward and side, towards the corners of an imaginary square surrounding you.
Examples for your practice:


= slightly bent. The arms slightly rounded.
= in front. The arms in front of the center line of the body.
= in back. One foot is behind the other.
= in front. One foot is in front of the other.

= performs a total of four times.
Section A is danced four times and then Section B is done four times.

Basic Tango

Basic Cha-Cha

Basic Two Steps

before step means a large step.
before a leg gesture means
slightly bent.
means hold.
attached to a leg gesture means ball of the foot touching the floor.
before a step means a small step.
before step means a large step.
before a leg gesture means slightly bent.
means hold.
attached to a leg gesture means ball of the foot touching the floor.
before a step means a small step.