Changes and New Developments in Labanotation

Submitted by Mei-Chen Lu -- July 13, 2026

Changes and New Developments in Labanotation (1966)
Edited by Muriel Topaz

This publication documents an important stage in the evolution of Labanotation. In her introduction, Topaz observed that twenty-five years of practical application had expanded practitioners’ understanding of the system and its expressive possibilities. She emphasized that, like any language, Labanotation must continue to evolve: “no language can remain static—it must grow and flourish in order to continue as a viable form of communication.”

The revisions presented in this volume emerged through careful study and discussion among American and European Labanotation practitioners, particularly during international conferences. Intended to improve precision and consistency in the description of movement, these developments represented an evolutionary refinement of the notation system rather than a departure from its established principles. Topaz also stressed the importance of incorporating these revisions into future editions of the standard Labanotation texts to promote an internationally unified notation practice.

As part of the Dance Notation Bureau’s ongoing efforts to preserve and provide access to historical notation resources, we are pleased to share this significant publication with the Labanotation community.