Staff Positions

When writing sequences with staves, it helps to mark the thumb end with a line. The performer can use it to keep track of rotations and check their position on every step. It also encourages negative space/body turns instead of finger spinning.

In the following examples, an end is always at the center point.

Practice each position below, paying attention to the thumb orientation.

Thumbs: in out (out/in) (in/out)

Alpha

Beta

Gamma

Many of the pictographs in this guide are depicted with no thumb ends when categorizing. It is usually noted only during sequences.

Most sequences in this guide start with thumbs in for consistency. It’s equally valid to start any sequence from a different thumb orientation.