I have long been looking for a notation to effectively write down tango steps and sequences. Ideally, I would be able to send any tango teacher a text message or an email, and they would instantly know what sequence I had in mind and be able to answer my question. This is what I’ve found so far:
- Hong Kong Tango Academy — able to expressed in email, but very long notes to get across a single step. Just take a look at the basic!
- Labanotation — Seems very complete, but doesn’t allow for the ease and flexibility of text-based systems. How could one write to a friend or a teacher with a question?
- Tangotation — Requires a three column system to be able to visually parse the letter sequence. Plus, it’s really easy to get lost in the letters and have to look up more information.
- Rasche Notation — Incorporates a complex grid of direction, angle, footwork, and musicality. Very complete, but totally impossible to implement in any meaningful way without the special notebook.
Unfortunately, these are the only systems I’ve been able to find that are worth mention. All of them are unsatisfactory in one way or another — does a good tango notation system exist? Is there any way to relay tango sequences with a text-based system?
#1 by Sharon W. - October 3rd, 2009 at 21:56
Have you tried looking at how the ballroom texts/ballet texts write their notation. They have texts which allow teachers to not only learn, but of being ballroom, allows examination of teaching. Of course, in my opinion examination would not be the goal, but the communication would be. They have 2 different notations or writing styles according to the style. It may just give some ideas, thats all. I know of someone who has been heading in this direction in australia as well, his ideas may be worth looking at… Juan Rando Dance Academy.
#2 by ThomasR - October 13th, 2009 at 12:24
I found this summary of notation systems for Tango, which I read with interest. I designed the Rasche Notation system for Tango, and I believe it suits your needs. You described it as using a grid (this is not so). It is designed to write across a page, as an email, text etc, the notebook is optional and not essential. If you had a few steps you wanted to describe, this is possible to do. I would welcome questions, to demonstrate or explain this. Regards, Thomas