A flow arts choreography toolbox
The Kinetic Alphabet: A Notation System for Flow Arts
Introduction
The Kinetic Alphabet is a developing notation system designed specifically for the flow arts community. By providing a structured method to transcribe movement sequences, it enables practitioners to document, communicate, and refine their choreography with greater precision. Influenced by systems such as Vulcan Tech Gospel (VTG), siteswap, and music theory, the Kinetic Alphabet offers a fresh approach to movement notation that caters to the unique needs of prop-based performance.
This system is currently evolving into a website and tutorial series, with future expansions planned for workshops and in-depth educational resources. By engaging with the Kinetic Alphabet, artists gain a powerful tool to elevate their practice, collaborate more effectively, and explore new creative possibilities.
Why Notate Flow Arts?
Unlike traditional dance, flow arts often lack a standardized means of recording movement. The ephemeral nature of improvisation makes it difficult to replicate sequences or share choreography in a structured way. The Kinetic Alphabet bridges this gap by providing a visual and linguistic framework that transforms movement into a readable, teachable format.
With this system, practitioners can:
Preserve intricate sequences that might otherwise be lost.
Learn and teach more efficiently, reducing ambiguity in instruction.
Experiment with movement structure by visually analyzing and modifying patterns.
Collaborate on choreography, creating synchronized performances with greater ease.
Foundations
The Kinetic Alphabet builds upon several existing systems of notation and movement analysis:
Vulcan Tech Gospel (VTG) – A system used within the poi and staff spinning communities to define timing and direction.
Siteswap – A numerical juggling notation system that provides inspiration for structuring movement sequences.
Music Theory – The concept of beats, rhythm, and phrasing plays a crucial role in defining flow sequences.
These influences shape the Kinetic Alphabet into a hybrid system designed specifically for flow artists.
How It Works
At its core, the Kinetic Alphabet employs a grid-based system where pictographs and letters combine to form sequences. Each beat of movement is transcribed using these elements, allowing users to map out routines in a way that is both structured and adaptable. While the pictographs provide a universal visual representation of movement, the accompanying letters serve as shorthand to make communication easier.
Key components:
Hand Positions and Motions – Defined by a structured 4-point grid (diamond or box mode) that enables clear positional notation.
Dashes and Static Motion Types – Unlike VTG, which focuses on continuous rotational shifts, the Kinetic Alphabet allows for the description of non-continuous patterns. This makes it uniquely suited for static props rather than props like poi, which follow continuous circular movements.
Reversals and Permutations – Tools that account for mirrored, rotated, or altered versions of sequences.
Motion Modifications – Simple sequences can be adapted by changing the number of rotations applied to individual motions on a given beat.
The system is designed for accessibility, allowing practitioners to start with simple sequences and gradually incorporate more complex elements as they advance.
Future Development
The Kinetic Alphabet is an ever-evolving system, shaped by contributions from the flow arts community.
Planned developments include:
Website & Tutorials – A dedicated online platform in development to host tutorials, interactive tools, and downloadable resources.
Workshops & Live Education – Plans for in-person and virtual workshops to provide hands-on instruction for those looking to master the system.
Community Engagement – Growth through collaborative contributions, allowing for new expansions and refinements based on real-world usage.
Efficient Communication in Choreography
The Kinetic Alphabet condenses terminology, making communication between practitioners faster and more efficient—a valuable tool for synchronized group choreography.
Instead of relying on lengthy descriptions or videos, the Kinetic Alphabet allows motion sequences to be quickly spoken, written, or drawn. By assigning letters to motion combinations, practitioners can reference movements by beat instead of describing the full motion each time. This streamlines collaboration, making structured performances more efficient.
Conclusion
The Kinetic Alphabet provides a practical and adaptable way for flow artists to document and refine movement, making choreography easier to share and build upon. As the system grows through its website, tutorials, and future workshops, it has the potential to become a foundational tool for artists looking to enhance their practice and push the boundaries of what is possible in prop-based movement.
With the Kinetic Alphabet, flow artists have a new tool for exploring, communicating, and refining their craft in a way that is both efficient and collaborative.
