The RAD helps preserve traditional Brazilian dances

Here at the RAD, the home of Benesh Movement Notation (BMN), the team from Benesh International were asked to get involved in producing a book that records and preserves traditional Brazilian dances.

Dancebook Brasil is published by Banco Bradesco and was curated by choreographer Carlinhos de Jesus. It was created as part of a cultural initiative as, unlike other forms of dance around the world, Brazilian music has never been formally recorded in notation.

The project sees traditional Brazilian dance rhythms available through choreographic scores using Benesh Movement Notation, the system widely used by major ballet companies across Europe to record and preserve both new and classic works.

Devised by Rudolf and Joan Benesh, and first published in 1956, BMN is a written system for recording human movement. It is widely used in the recording and restaging of dance works, but is also used in physiotherapy to help with patient posture. To date, over 1,750 BMN scores have been written.

Speaking of the their involvement, the head of Benesh International, Melanie Simpkin said: “The notation of dance from around the world showcases the flexibility and adaptability of Benesh Movement Notation in preserving our global cultural heritage, helping to protect dance traditions that might otherwise be lost.”

A special copy of the book is now kept in the RAD Library and Archives.