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Rasche Notation
Notation system for Argentine Tango
Notation system for Argentine Tango
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Notation
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Book
Notebooks +pencil Software NEW! Link to this page Developments Reviews [in full] Discuss [contacts] FAQ [workshops] |
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Welcome ! This is the official homepage of Rasche Notation:
You can write Argentine Tango steps !
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The official and authoritative book for Rasche Notation 
Video Watch the introduction to Rasche Notation video (with notation captions) Notebooks A4 sheets to enable you to write your steps. Including a full list of symbols for quick reference! 
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How can I write dance steps? Have you ever tried to write down your dance steps? 'Starting classes of Tango 1997, I wanted to remember the steps that I was learning. This was difficult, as it only took a day or two before I had forgotten what they were. I would try to write the steps down long hand, but to limited effect. They were muddled notes, that combined aspects about music, my partner's moves, my feet, her feet, my leading, her following, feelings, various alternatives, details and more. Taking videos was not an option, so I decided to design my first notation system. This worked at first, but with time it has changed, improved and been simplified. Now, after more than 10 years of development, here is a system that you can understand in 10 minutes! 'I am pleased to announce the publication of my work in the new book: Rasche Notation. I trust that you will be able to benefit from this notation system, to be able to write the steps that you are teaching, choreographing or learning, for all levels of Tango.' Thomas What is Rasche Notation? Rasche Notation is a sophisticated dance notation for Argentine Tango that makes it is easy to write your dance steps. You can write the steps of two dancers: in detail, and as dance phrases, all with reference to the music. The notation uses familiar text symbols to describe the destinations of each step, so that you can write them by hand or computer. First introduced in the book Argentine Tango - Class Companion, the notation has now been fully revised and updated in the new Rasche Notation book. This notation is suited for all teachers, choreographers and dancers who wish to write and recall their steps. A short summary of Rasche Notation: As a quick summary to help you understand Rasche Notation, here are some essential bits: -The notation describes destinations of movements. -Words and sentences are abbreviated using the syntax 'what goes where'. -Useful symbols are the four giro steps (these define step destinations relative to the partner): S (side step), F (forwards cross step), $ (side step, with pivot), B (back cross step). -Directions can also be described (absolutely) as clock directions, e.g. 3 (to the right). -Other symbols can describe much more detail, such as weight, parts of steps, step sizes etc. -The stave combines context (music, phrases and information) together with the steps. -The stave and lines of notation are written across the page, using text symbols. What does Rasche Notation look like? Rasche Notation is written across the page using familiar text symbols you can find on the computer. Each row of notation is made up of four lines: the Compás line, the Description line, and the Man and Woman dance lines. The Compás line is a summary of the music phrases. The Description line is a summary of the dance phrases (and various other bits of information). The Man and Woman dance lines are two lines, one for each dancer, and they are used to describe the details of each step. Together, these four lines are called a stave (similar to music; US=staff). Here is a simple example: C A1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 D { walk } M L R L # W R L R # In this example, you can see: - The four lines that make up the stave, labelled C, D, M and W: The Compás line (top line) counts the music phrase, The Description line (second line) for the dance phrases and notes, The Man's line, for the description of his steps and movements, The Woman's dance line, for the description of her steps and movements. - The Compás counts 1 to 8 on the Compás line. - The phrase label A1 which indicates which section within the music this phrase occurs. - The step symbols of the man and woman, which describe the steps in detail. - The dance phrase summary, using the { } brackets. it is labelled as a 'walk' step. - Comparing the vertical alignment of the Compás counts, steps and dance phrase brackets, it is possible to read which and how many steps are taken, and how these fit to the music. - The dividing line separates context and general descriptions above, and details below. The step symbols are abbreviations of the essential words, those used if a sentence was to be written. Rasche Notation then also uses a syntax, as well as a series of assumptions, to reduce the amount of writing further. This means that only essentials need to be written down, leaving the page uncluttered. The notation is a clear, efficient and powerful system to represent Tango dance movements. The syntax used is 'what goes where', to describe the destination of each movement, for example, a foot is described (L left or R right), followed by a direction. An example of an assumption is that if no direction is written after the L or R, this means straight ahead for the man, or the direction is mirrored by the woman. Here's and example to describe 'the left foot goes to the left': Notice the syntax 'what goes where': 'the left foot (what) goes (goes) to the left (where)'. Abbreviating this, the left foot is L and to the left is in clock direction 9. Therefore, this step is described with: L9 Here's another example to describe the woman's cross step (her left foot steps across the right foot, so that the little toes touch). Notice the syntax 'what goes where': 'the left foot (what) does a closed step (it is placed and takes weight)(goes), in clock direction (in brackets so as she sees it)(where)'. Therefore, this step is described with: L#(3) Usually, this is reduced to #(3) , because it is clear that the left foot moves. Steps can also be described with more detailed information. This description can show the steps to be small or large, whether they are early or late movements, with an embellishment, whether they are placed relative to oneself or the partner, musicality and more. Furthermore, for more complex steps, the dance phrase can be expanded beyond a word or name. It can also summarise a step sequence, with information about it's type and more. This is very helpful if the steps are complicated, as it allows a quick understanding of what the intention of the steps is. What symbols are used in Rasche Notation? Here are the essential symbols for Rasche Notation. Using these, you can reduce the amount of writing you would normally have used. The benefit of this is to keep your notes clear, as well as fitting neatly across the page, when you use the stave as shown above: M, W Man(-’s), Woman(-’s). You can abbreviate the words man and woman to their first letters. L, R Left… (foot), Right… (foot). You can describe the left or right foot (and therefore also the leg) with their first letters. 1…12 Clock direction, as on a clock face. Relative to the inter-axis line, from the man's perspective. You can describe a destination, where you place a foot, accurately. (1)…(12) Clock direction (in brackets), from the Woman’s perspective (written on her dance line). This enables you to describe the destination from the woman's perspective. # Close step. The free foot steps to be next to the standing foot. You can easily describe a foot closing against the other, with it taking weight. S, F, $, B The four giro steps: Side, Forward, $ide and Back steps. You can quickly summarise open or crossed steps, which form part of a giro (turn). C+, C- Lower body pivots: clockwise and anticlockwise. You can describe a swivel of the hips, as you take your next step in a new direction. T Torsion. Upper body rotates, above and from the hip. It is possible to show how you turn your embrace. % Step between partner’s feet (or info. inside of). You can avoid a small drawing, as this explains a step between the partner's feet. Π, ∩ These are parts of a step. They describe weight transfer (completely, or in part). You can describe a movement, even if it is not a complete step. Note: the best font suited for the notation is Arial (san serif). This enables you to keep your writing clear and neat. How can I write my own steps? Rasche Notation is designed to be easy to write. It uses normal text symbols and is written across the page. This makes it possible to write it long hand, or as a text on your computer, phone or eReader. To help you get started, you can use a Notebook, which contains pre-printed staves and some Compás counts, as well as a summary of all the symbols. Can I animate my Tango steps with software? NEW! Dance steps can now be animated using Rasche Notation. A step software has been developed by Fred Bolder, which enables you to describe steps using Rasche Notation. These are plotted and animated as moving footsteps. This software is available for free from this dance step software link. Within the software, under the 'Tools' tab, click on 'Rasche Notation' to find, create, import and edit steps! Fred's dance website: Het Dansblad (The Dance Magazine). Can I publish my own steps? Yes, you can publish your own steps. Imagine: you can write your own steps and publish them. You can describe your favourite steps or create a curriculum for your Tango class. You can even fully choreograph a Tango piece! You can publish your steps on paper, on a website, in a book, or as you prefer. If you want to publish on your own website, you can include a link back to this website for people to find out more (for this, use the Rasche Notation logo). Also, you can publish and discuss your steps on the collaborative Notation E-group page. Where can I find out more information about Rasche Notation? You can discover more in the Rasche Notation book. This book fully explains the notation and the symbols, all for less than the cost of a private dance class! Simply click the image link at the top of the panel on the left, or [click here]. Return to top |
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Rasche Notation
Book
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The Rasche Notation book is the complete, authoritative
and official guide for Rasche Notation. It contains all the information
you need to learn, understand, read and write your steps! The book features: -100 page book, in perfect bound Royal format, written in English, -The book is set out in a clear and easy to understand way, -Clear explanations of concepts and the thinking behind the notation, -Diagrams, to explain symbols and concepts, -Many examples, from individual steps, to step sequences and a full choreography, -This book is suitable for all: Teachers, Choreographers, Dancers: whether beginner, improver, advanced or professional, leader or follower. Return to top |
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Rasche Notation
Notebooks
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These Rasche Notation Notebooks contain pages of
blank staves, ready for you to write down your steps. They will help you
to keep your notes
neat, tidy and together, whether you are writing down new steps or
creating a full dance choreography to a piece of music. They even have a summary
of the Rasche Notation symbols for quick reference ! The notebooks feature: -32 pages in A4 format, -Organised so that a typical piece of Tango music will fit neatly onto a few pages, -Sufficient pages for eight full choreographies, -Pre-printed staves, left blank for your notes, -Pre-printed Compás counts, including counts of 8 and 12, -Compás counts are spaced equally and sufficiently apart for writing dance symbols, -The notebooks also contain a quick-reference summary of all notation symbols. -The notebooks are available with a selection of different covers: (Ice prints), (Leaves) or (Sand prints) -German notebook: Notizbuch auf Deutsch (hier erhältlich) -See also: eNotebook |
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Rasche Notation
Pencils 
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Write your steps into the notebooks using these propelling
Rasche Notation pencils ! These pencils are the perfect compliment to the notebooks, ensuring you can clearly and easily write and correct your notes ! Based on the popular Bic Matic mechanical pencils with three 0.7mm leads with a soft rubber eraser. They are white in colour, with the Rasche Notation logo printed on them. To purchase these pencils, please email Thomas at: thomas[]tangolincs.co.uk (please replace [] with the @ sign) Return to top |
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Notebook for eReaders
eNotebook 
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With portable eReaders in mind, this eNotebook is in a
format that enables you to create and use a library of steps, accessible
in a portable electronic format. This is an eBook version of the Rasche Notation notebooks. It is suited to eReaders such as the Sony Touch PRS-600, where notation can be written directly over the lines with a touch sensitive screen and stylus. This document is available in the .epub format. This eNotebook features: -35 staves for 6 pieces. -Compás counts 1-8 written onto each row. -Rasche Notation summary of symbols. Return to top |
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Reviews: (read reviews in full on the Reviews page) Here are reviews of Rasche Notation, from the books, workshops and more: "...Rasche Notation is quick to learn and the writing of steps does not take much work. Obvious information [within the dance] need not be included, so that a compact format remains..." (translation). Fred Bolder, January 2010 (read the article: Dansblad 116). (Dance website Het Dansblad (The Dance Magazine). Developed by Fred Bolder, to animate Rasche Notation: dance step software. Free to download, see tab 'Tools' > and click on 'Rasche Notation'). "...Thomas Rasche has devised an astonishingly comprehensive and concise system, using easily understandable signs and reducing information down to the absolutely necessary ... Beside the advantage of acquiring a tool, people who will use his system will be challenged to gain insight into the precise nature of a movement that encompasses both the leader and the follower. The system also has inbuilt space for one's own improvements and additions..." Ruth Zimmermann, March 2009 (read the full review) (Tango Oblivion, Totnes, Devon, UK. Ruth is the organiser of the very popular Tango Mangos). "Thomas has produced a true shorthand that is very neat, clean and powerful for noting Argentine Tango steps. For anyone who's ever forgotten a move they loved in class, here is the answer!" Richard A. February 2009, UK. "An ingenious system -very useful for choreography- also very useful for 'improvers' like myself to have the movements broken down into parts- so that I remember all the individual components (techniques) of the steps." A.W., UK, March 2009 "...The author [of the Argentine Tango-Class Companion book] has...endeavoured to find a way to write down the dance of tango; with astonishment and happiness I can say that he has achieve it well: described with clarity at the end of the book, a system of notation to read-and-write which is usable with a bit of practice..." Damián Esell, Buenos Aires (www.damianynancy.com) Return to top |
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Discuss: If you have thoughts, comments and views about notation and the dance of Tango, you can discuss these with others by joining the discussion forum at the Tango Notation E-group.
You can also: -Discuss Rasche Notation on Facebook (click here). -Learn more by attending a Workshop. -See examples of Rasche Notation on the Contacts page. -Email this page to a friend. Return to top |
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Do you want to publish your own notation? If you want to publish your own steps, you can include the Rasche Notation logo on your website as a quick link back to this page. This will help visitors to your website find out more about the steps you describe. Simply copy and paste the text below into your web html source code (the logo will appear as below). By using this logo, you agree to the Terms and Conditions: <br /> <!------- Start of Rasche Notation logo -----> <a href="http://www.RascheNotation.com" target="_blank"> <img src="http://www.TangoLincs.co.uk/RaNote_logo.jpg" border="0" width="130" height="60" title="Write Tango steps here! www.RascheNotation.com" alt="Write Argentine Tango steps with Rasche Notation !" /> </a> <!------- End of Rasche Notation logo -----> <br />  You can use this Rasche Notation logo on your website, it will help your website visitors find out more ! Return to top |
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Developments:
The current version of Rasche Notation is available in the book: Rasche Notation. Software (posted on 04th March 2010): Software is now available to animate dance steps using Rasche Notation (free to download): Software: Dance step software. See tab 'Tools' > and click on 'Rasche Notation'). Developed by Fred Bolder, Het Dansblad (The Dance Magazine). eBook (posted on 08th October 2009): The new eBook: Tango Companion eBook is now available. It consists of selected extracts from the two books 'Argentine Tango - Class Companion' and 'Rasche Notation'. It is an epub document, suitable for eReaders. Furthermore, an accompanying eNotebook is also available, which is an epub document similar to the paper notebook, with staves and a summary of symbols. It is designed for eReaders, such as the Sony Touch eReader PRS-600 which has a touch screen. Using this eNotebook and device, you can hand-write your notation directly into electronic format ! For more information, see the eBook section on the Books page. Unicode/ASCII symbols (development posted on 08th October 2009): Some symbols used in Rasche Notation are in Unicode and not in ASCII, which means that they are too specialised to be read by programs and devices that can only write ASCII symbols (e.g. MS-Notepad and eReaders). For this reason, new ASCII symbols are required. Note that these are alternatives, not replacements for the symbols used in Rasche Notation: k Legs (was an omega symbol. Now a 'kicking' k). r Partial weight transfer (was an upside down ‘U’ symbol, now, an 'r' is visually half an 'n'). n Full weight transfer (was and upside down ‘U’ symbol with sharp corners, now the most similar ASCII symbol: 'n'). d Dynamic movement (was similar to an italics ‘d’ symbol, now just a normal 'd'). µ Axis of rotation (was a phi symbol, now a mu symbol can also be used). Superscript and subscript are used to reduce space. If these cannot be supported, it is possible simply not to use them. The other Unicode symbols are less frequently used and can be described as further information: longhand and in brackets. Facebook (development posted on 22nd April 2009): When writing or posting messages on Facebook (and probably other internet postings too), repeated blank spaces are reduced down to one space. This can shrink and then confuse the vertical alignment used between the different lines of notation. An effective method to adapt is to use repeated full stops (e.g. 1...... 2...... ). The notation has full stops defined as separating punctuation between different steps, so using repeated full stops in this way fits the system of notation. Different fonts represent dots and letters with different pixel widths, so this can also change the vertical alignment. A similar font to that in Facebook can be represented using 'veranda' in MS-Word. Video subtitling with Rasche Notation (development posted on 30th March 2009): It is possible to notate a video with captions or subtitles, using Rasche Notation. This is a slightly different circumstance to writing on paper, as the dance is visible on the video, together with the music. Furthermore, there is limited space on screen for writing. Therefore, the best method to notate is to write the Man and Woman step symbols, only as they appear, on two rows. This can be done with different software, but an example is to use a YouTube video, and subtitling it with Overstream. Here you can find an example of this on the Tango Bodyshop video above (both the Man and Woman lines appear in the second half of the video). First publication of Rasche Notation (July 2007): |
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Rasche Notation was originally published in the book Argentine Tango - Class Companion. This is an excellent book as an introduction to the culture of Tango. It covers background and information about Tango that is not covered in a dance class. The notation in this book has now been fully revised and updated. The current version of notation can be found in the new Rasche Notation book. Return to top |
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FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
The current version of Rasche Notation is available in the book: Rasche Notation. Is weight represented in Rasche Notation ? (posted on 22nd April 2009): Yes, weight is represented in Rasche Notation. However, weight is assumed to be part of every step, so that a dancer's step will include full weight transfer onto each placed foot, and to allow the steps as described. Therefore, only if this is not the case will weight be represented (for example if a foot is placed but the weight is not placed fully onto it, or if only a weight transfer happens without a foot movement). Return to top |
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Contact:
You can contact Thomas by emailing: thomas[]tangolincs.co.uk (please replace [] with the @ sign) |
More books (as well as CDs, DVDs and music scores) are available here: English (and Spanish) language items, German language items, and French language items. You can also use the Amazon search fields for more. Click here for other types of Notation, as well as other worldwide Tango links. |
This web page is licensed under a Creative Commons Licence. Users of this website may make copies of the content for personal use. The content may not be published, including on another website. See also the the Terms and Conditions. 
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