Hutchinson Guest Ann

Dr. Ann Hutchinson Guest was a pioneer in dance studies. As a world-renowned expert in dance notation, renowned author and founder of the Language of Dance Centre, she had a lasting influence on international dance research.

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In the 1930s, Dr. Hutchinson studied Guest Labanotation with Sigurd Leeder at Dartington Hall, England, and continued her training in modern dance and ballet. Her career took her to New York, where she co-founded and directed the Dance Notation Bureau, danced on Broadway and taught at the renowned Juilliard School.

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Her research into historical dance notation systems enabled the revival of ballets such as the Pas de Six from La Vivandière and Nijinsky's L'Après-midi d'un Faune.

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Through her research and analysis of movement, she developed the pedagogically versatile teaching method Language of Dance. She was awarded two honorary doctorates for the development and practical application of Labanotation. She also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Motus Humanus and the Outstanding Contribution to Dance Research Award from both the Congress on Research in Dance and the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO).

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Ann Hutchinson Guest's numerous dance scores and publications include The Bournonville School and The Cecchetti Method, as well as an extensive collection of Language of Dance books and materials, including Your Move and Introduction to Motif Notation.