CMA Movement Notation & Labanotation Flashcards

Labanotation is a system for:

Answer: Recording human movement in written symbols

Labanotation is a comprehensive written notation system for recording human movement, developed by Rudolf Laban.

In Labanotation, the staff is read:

Answer: Bottom to top, vertically, representing time moving upward

Labanotation is read from bottom to top on a vertical staff, with time moving upward — earlier movements at the bottom, later ones at the top.

In Labanotation, the center vertical line of the staff represents:

Answer: The body's center (spinal axis)

The center line of the Labanotation staff represents the central axis of the body, with columns on each side representing body parts symmetrically.

Which of the following is NOT a component recorded in Labanotation?

Answer: Costume color

Labanotation records movement parameters such as direction, level, duration, and body part — but not visual design elements like costume color.

In Labanotation, direction symbols are read with their shading to indicate:

Answer: The spatial level: high, middle, or low

The shading pattern of Labanotation direction symbols indicates the spatial level — white for high, gray/dotted for middle, and black for low.

The 'Motif Notation' (or Motif Writing) differs from full Labanotation in that it:

Answer: Captures movement themes and intentions without prescribing full anatomical detail

Motif Notation captures the essential movement themes, qualities, and intentions using fewer symbols, allowing more interpretive freedom than full Labanotation.