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Distance-space measurements and contractions

1

Use of space

What two types of orientation can we perceive when notating space?

This is a colour photo of a female dancer performing on a stage. She is wearing a white dress with only one sleeve. She is standing with her feet apart on a shinny dark floor. Her upper body is moving with both of her arms flexed towards the ceiling. She is facing up to her left side. Her shadow is projected on a light rounded object.

  1. Spatial orientation: the amount of space covered (big or small steps)
  2. Bodily orientation: contraction and extension of the limbs (towards or away from the body centre)
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2

Indication of distance and contraction/extension

What are the notation symbols to indicate contraction (or shortening) and extension (or lengthening)? How many degrees can we use for each?

This symbol X indicates contraction or shortening or moving towards the centre. It has six degrees.

This symbol indicates extension or lengthening or moving away from the centre. It has eight degrees.

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3

Indication of place

This symbol indicates 'place' and is equivalent to a six degree contraction of a limb or for steps on the spot.

a)
b)
That's correct. Maximum contraction (6 degrees) can be also written with this sign . However for steps in place the shortening of steps in degrees is never used.No. Try again.Your answer has been saved.
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4

Differences in stepping

What is the difference between these notations?


Notation a)


Notation b)


Notation c)

a) the sign used as a presign to the direction symbol indicates length of step. In this case, a wider step than usual.

b) the sign used next to the support indicates the state of the leg in a stepping action. In this case, a stretched leg.

c) both signs together indicate that the step is wide with a stretched leg.

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5

Extension and contraction of the limbs

How many degrees of contraction and extension are possible in the limbs?

This is a colour photo of a black couple. The background is all white and they are sitting on the floor on their sides with their legs bended. They look happy and he is looking at her while she is looking away. They are wearing black sleeveless t-shirts and colourful trousers. She has long black hair and he is bald.

Six degrees of contraction for a limb and two degrees of extension.Check your answer

6

Contraction of the arm

Where does contraction of the whole arm occur?

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Contraction of the arm occurs in the elbow and shoulder joints only.
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7

Contraction of the leg

Where does contraction of the whole leg occur?

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Contraction of the leg occurs in the knee and hip joints only.
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8

Space measurement

What is the difference between these two notations?


Notation a)


Notation b)

In a) the step forward middle is followed by a sudden contraction while in b) the contraction is more sustained and lasts the whole count.Check your answer

9

Duration of contraction and extension of gestures of the limbs

Which of the following are true?

a)
b)
c)
d)
a) That's right. Even if the limb continues in the same direction, the presign will be cancelled. The presign must be repeated with each new direction sign.a) Wrong. Even if the limb continues in the same direction, the presign will be cancelled. The presign must be repeated with each new direction sign.b) That's right. Every new gesture for a limb needs a presign or a caret or a bracket to specify that the whole sequence is with a particular contraction or extension.b) Wrong. Every new gesture for a limb needs a presign or a caret or a bracket to specify that the whole sequence is with a particular contraction or extension.c) That's right. A back to normal indication cancels a contraction.c) Wrong. A back to normal indication cancels a contraction.d) That's right. A presign only last for the sign it accompanies. In order for it to last, a caret must be used.d) Wrong. A presign only last for the sign it accompanies. In order for it to last, a caret must be used.
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10

Describing actions

Explain the action at bar 1 of this notation.

Labanotation score.

The left support lowers to middle level while the right leg slides forward through the foot terminating in a touch with the toe (a ballet tendu action). Both arms move forward middle with a slight contraction and the finger tips meet at the centre of the body.Check your answer