The Labanotator
Long before there was a Theory Bulletin Board, LabanTalk, and the CMAlist, The Labanotator provided a forum for discussing notation issues.
Edited by Ann Hutchinson Guest, The Labanotator was first published by the Dance Notation Bureau from 1957 to 1965 and later by the Language of Dance Centre from 1978 to 1994. The periodical served as a forum for discussing the finer points of Labanotation not covered in textbooks, including ambiguous usages and how notation should be performed. It was not an official guide, but rather a space for presenting unresolved issues, sharing ideas, and encouraging open discussions, all aimed at fostering critical thought and advancing research in the field. The Labanotator featured contributions from Ann Hutchinson Guest and other experts, helping to solidify Labanotation as a vital tool for dance preservation, analysis, and education.
The Labanotator became a key resource for Labanotation practitioners interested in the written documentation of dance. Through its comprehensive coverage of Labanotation theory and practice, the journal played a significant role in the global recognition and adoption of the system. Although publication ceased in 1994, the legacy of The Labanotator endures through its archived issues, which remain a valuable resource for contemporary scholars, educators, and practitioners. The periodical’s historical significance continues to resonate as a foundational text in the field of dance documentation and preservation.