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How did Vaslav Nijinsky modify Stepanov notation?
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dance notation
Comparison of five systems of dance notation. (A) Starting position: stand with feet together. (B) Step forward on the right foot (count 1). (C) Land to the left, feet together, knees bent (count 2).
Vaslav Nijinsky, who learned Stepanov notation at the Imperial School, developed his own modification of the system during a period of inactivity while separated from the Ballets Russes.1
Nijinskyâs version provided significant improvements over Stepanovâs original ideas, particularly regarding the indication of movement directions and levels. He utilized this modified system to record every movement of his 1912 ballet, LâAprès-midi dâun faune (Afternoon of a Faun). The code to his notation system was eventually broken in 1988, which allowed for the revival of that ballet in its authentic, original version.1