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Steps

1

Stepping actions

Tick as many as you think are a correct ending to this statement.

In a general sense, a step involves...

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
a) That's correct. The centre of gravity moves in space with a stepping action.a) Wrong. The centre of gravity moves in space with a stepping action.b) That's correct. A stepping action can be done with many parts of the body, although it is usually performed with the legs.b) Wrong. A stepping action can be done with many parts of the body, although it is usually performed with the legs.c) That's correct. Direction for step is in relation to the body not the room, unless specified.c) Wrong. Direction for step is in relation to the body not the room, unless specified.d) That's correct. A stepping action involves transferring weight between supporting body parts.d) Wrong. A stepping action involves transferring weight between supporting body parts.e) That's correct. A stepping action involves movement with a displacement.e) Wrong. A stepping action involves movement with a displacement.
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2

Definition of step

What is the definition of a step in Labanotation?

This is a black and white photograph of a dancer dancing in a garden. She is stepping forward in her tip-toes with her right leg her left arm stretched forward and her right forearm pointing forward as well. She is barefoot wearing a headband across her head and a light tunic covering her body.

A step is a total transference of weight from one support to another support. For example, from one foot to the other, one foot to the opposite knee, or two hands to one foot.Check your answer

3

Level of steps

Match the signs with the level they refer to.

a)
b)
c)
d)
That's correct.Wrong. Try again.Your answer has been saved.
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4

Change of levels in steps

What is the difference between these two movements?


Movement a)


Movement b)

In a) the action is a step backwards with the right foot going from low level to middle level. The change of level is fluid with no break in the action.

In b) two steps take place. First one step backwards low and then a step in place middle. The action should show two stepping movements at different levels and directions. Retaining the weight on the left (hold sign).

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5

Hold sign in the support column

Why is the hold sign used in the second bar twice?

This is a labanotation score.

The hold sign in the first count, after stepping with the right foot, means that the weight will continue on the right foot. This means that both feet are supporting the body on the second count. The second hold sign applies to both legs and indicates that there is a waiting at high level on both feet during the third count. Without the hold sign the transfer of weight continues, as from the first bar to the second when the weight is transferred from the left foot at middle level to the right foot at high level. The absence of the hold sign also indicates going up in the air. If the second hold sign were not there, it would mean the body is doing an aerial movement.Check your answer

6

Cancellation of the hold sign

How is a hold sign (or hold weight indication) cancelled?

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
The correct answers are b), d) and e). Answer a) is wrong because the cancellation only occurs if the gesturing leg is the supporting leg. Answer c) is wrong because there is no cancellation when the body makes a gesture as this action does not affect the support.
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