1 Notating from Observation

raga algorave, koto surf, americana jungle · 3:27

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Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Watch the dancer move across the floor
See it once, then twice, then three times more
Every gesture tells a story true
But we need to catch each detail too
Don't rush to write what you think you see
Let the movement show its mystery

[Chorus]
Observe, identify, support comes first
Gestures layer by layer, don't reverse
Dynamics flow, then review the score
Six steps to notation, nothing more
Watch and write, write and check
From your eyes to symbols on the deck

[Verse 2]
Find the rhythm hiding in the phrase
Count the beats through all the dancer's ways
Musical structure guides our notation hand
Timing is the key to understand
Mark the measures, feel the pulse inside
Let the music be your faithful guide

[Chorus]
Observe, identify, support comes first
Gestures layer by layer, don't reverse
Dynamics flow, then review the score
Six steps to notation, nothing more
Watch and write, write and check
From your eyes to symbols on the deck

[Bridge]
Steps and weight shifts form the foundation
Every transfer needs documentation
Arms and head come in the second round
Layer upon layer, safe and sound
Quality marks show how movement flows
Soft or sharp, the body always knows

[Verse 3]
Read it back and dance what you have penned
Does it match from beginning to the end
If something's wrong, go back and make it right
Verification brings the truth to light
From observation to the written page
Movement captured for another age

[Final Chorus]
Observe, identify, support comes first
Gestures layer by layer, don't reverse
Dynamics flow, then review the score
Six steps to notation, nothing more
Watch and write, write and check
From your eyes to symbols on the deck

[Outro]
Six simple steps to catch the dance
Give every movement its proper chance

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