Matt Gough Blog [closed]: extensible dance script notation [xdsn]
Sunday, Apr 18 2004, 02:58
extensible dance script notation [xdsn]
xdsn is a dance notation system designed for
What
xdsn is not a traditional form of dance notation. rather than recording what happed, it suggests what may happen. the notation uses words, numbers and abstract symbols with an emphasis on retaining the choreographers unique approach, it has:
a small, familiar lexis, with a well formed syntax mean that xdsn is simple to write and read yet retains the ability to define new terms according to specific needs. defined terms include: body parts effort / dynamics notes, comments, tasks , scripts, and properties [sfx, lfx, props]
a numerical system defines direction of movement impulse
the ability to include drawings, scribbles or any abstract symbol the choreographer uses whilst retaining the notations machine readable capabilities.
xdsn informs, not instructs.
Why
existing dance notation (such as benesh and laban) are unsuitable for dance works where the intention behind the movement is of greater importance than the observable movement. because they record observations they struggle with improvised, task and goal orientated, complex and emergent dance works (think of william forsythe). traditionally dance notations work with a single kinesphere and 'whole body' approach. xdsn deconstructs the body into multiple autonomous kinespheres, although body locations are defined the system allows any point to be defined by the choreographer according to need (bmc based works could define the liver).
existing notations can be slow to write, and or complex to learn. xdsn can be used with a simple set of principles and general dance knowledge. xdsn's absence of specialised symbols or re appropriation of existing symbols help to speed ease of learning. potentially, the most complex aspect of the notation system to learn is the impulse form, however it is possible to learn the principles of xdsn in a day and have a basic working knowledge of the written form in two days.
xdsn can be used to plan dances, develop choreographic techniques, notate dance exercises and record dance / movement traces. the format of the score in both the hand written and machine readable forms encourages cross arts collaboration and dance production. xdsn scores can be useful in dance and technology, dance for camera, dance and music technology, lighting design, music composition, cueing and stage management. xdsn can be used throughout the choreograph process and is therefore also of particular use to rehearsal directors (is is possible to notate both the choreography and the composition).
existing notation systems are difficult to transfer into machine readable formats, this is especially true of abstract symbol based notations. in cases where machine readable formats have been created they can prove difficult for human interpretation. this situation is acceptable if the form is only for software use. if we wish to create searchable digital archives it becomes problematic. the machine readable format of xdsn can be read by both machines and humans due to it's xml based syntax.
additions
xdsn software
a notation program that allows fast creation of visual (handwritten) and machine readable scores at the same time. this software does not currently exist but the machine readable format has been design to facilitate cross platform development and uses w3c standard file formats. in the meantime machine readable formats can be hand coded in notepad and viewed with a web browser. for more advanced features a range of free, cross platform software can be utilized.extensible dance scripting
extensible dance scripting (xds) uses the principle and score of xdsn without the requirements of the notation. the scripting approach can be used to document existing work for the purposes of research or to provide and open format for dance planning and development. xds can provide a comparative framework of difference artists choreographic methods whist retaining the uniqueness of their approach. it can organise a wealth of choreographic material in a searchable format suitable for analysis and research.if you would like to learn or learn more about xdsn please e-mail me at matt-gough at SAFe-mail dot net [replace 'at' with '@' and 'dot' with '.' and remove spaces and plain text only please] i will be running a series of courses starting in summer 2004
if you need specific, points in space style notation that is quick to write try motif or action stroke notation. if you want to accurately document what happens and reconstruct it with a high level of fidelity try benesh, sutton, or laban.
a full bibliography and suggested reading list, and web links to papers / software etc will be given soon, in the meantime
laban, kandinsky, longstaff, zhao, bernstein, cohen, kestenburg, jeannerod, cage, w3c, hutchinson guest, neagle.
thanks for your time.
Filed by Article19 at 2:58 PM | 
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