Feuillet notation

Definition

Feuillet notation is a system of dance notation developed in the early 18th century by the French dancer and choreographer Raoul-Auger Feuillet. It serves as a way to document and preserve dance movements and choreography, using symbols to represent various body positions, movements, and patterns. This method played a significant role in the evolution of dance documentation, particularly in the context of Baroque dance forms and styles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Feuillet notation uses a series of symbols to indicate foot positions, turns, and other movements, making it possible to notate entire dances on paper.
2. This notation system was particularly important for preserving Baroque dance, allowing choreographers to share their work with others and ensuring that styles were not lost over time.
3. Feuillet published his most famous work, 'Chorégraphie,' in 1700, which served as both a guide for dancers and a manual for understanding his notation system.
4. The use of feuillet notation helped to standardize dance practices in France during the Baroque period, providing a common language for dancers and choreographers.
5. Although less commonly used today, feuillet notation laid the groundwork for later dance notation systems that continue to be utilized in modern dance.

Review Questions

• How did feuillet notation contribute to the preservation and dissemination of Baroque dance forms?
  • Feuillet notation allowed choreographers to document their dances using a clear system of symbols that represented movements and positions. This preservation method ensured that Baroque dance forms could be shared and taught across generations. By providing a way to record choreography on paper, feuillet notation played a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and evolution of dance styles during the Baroque period.
• In what ways did feuillet notation influence choreography during the 18th century?
  • Feuillet notation influenced choreography by providing a standardized method for documenting dance movements. Choreographers could use this system to create complex routines that could be accurately taught to dancers. The availability of this notation allowed for greater creativity and experimentation in choreography, as it enabled dancers to learn new works without relying solely on oral tradition.
• Evaluate the significance of feuillet notation in the broader context of dance history and its impact on contemporary dance notation systems.
  • Feuillet notation is significant in dance history as it represents one of the earliest attempts to create a formalized system for documenting choreography. Its influence extends beyond Baroque dance, shaping how later generations approached dance documentation. By laying the groundwork for more advanced systems like Labanotation or Benesh Movement Notation, feuillet notation has impacted contemporary practices, emphasizing the importance of preserving movement through written forms while also reflecting the evolving nature of dance as an art form.

Related terms

Choreography: The art of creating and arranging dance movements, which can be documented through various notation systems, including feuillet notation.

Baroque Dance: A style of dance that emerged during the Baroque period, characterized by its elegance and formality, often associated with the court dances of the time.

Dance Notation: A symbolic representation of dance movements that allows for the recording and reproduction of choreography, which includes various systems like feuillet notation.