The Language of Dance® Center (LODC)

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Language of Dance Center

The Language of Dance^® Center (LODC) is an educational service organization dedicated to the advancement and promotion of movement literacy. Developed by Dr. Ann Hutchinson Guest, the Language of Dance^® Approach links movement exploration with Motif symbols to build an explicit foundation of movement knowledge.

Services

Who We Are

Our mission is to advance and promote Language of Dance^® (LOD) nationally and internationally as an essential element to empower educators, professionals, and the general public in their study, practice, appreciation, and research in dance.

Coursework

The Language of Dance Center offers many educational opportunities: Tasters and Workshops, Language of Dance Foundations, three levels of Master Practitioner Certification, the Master Practitioner Bridge Course, and LOD Practitioner Professional Development. (LOD Master Practitioner Bridge Course, LOD Foundations Online)

Shop

The Language of Dance Center offers Coaching Services and has Motif publications and teaching aids available to purchase for your teaching and creative needs. Start shopping now!

Movement Alphabet

The Movement Alphabet are the prime actions ('verbs') and concepts of which movement is comprised. Each Movement Alphabet symbol is a Motif, a representation of an entire constellation of ideas in a single concept, for the mover to interpret in a myriad of ways.

Our History

The Language of Dance^® Approach grew out of Ann Hutchinson Guest’s work with children at the New York City 92nd Street Y.M.H.A. in the 1950’s and later with adults in London’s Teacher Training College of the Royal Academy of Dance in the 1970’s.

Membership

Join the Language of Dance Center! As a member, enjoy full access to members-only resources; discounts on our online Foundations courses, coaching services and in our LODC, USA Shop; and much more!

Staff, Board, Instructors

Our dedicated staff and instructors are available to help you navigate Language of Dance. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

News

Top Stories

New Product Alert! Dr. Ann Hutchinson Guest's out-of-print Dancer's Glancer is back and better than ever.

April 11, 2021

The LODC is proud to announce our newest publication Dancer's Glancer 2nd Edition: A Quick Guide to Labanotation.

LOD for Community - New LODC events!

April 4, 2021

LOD for Community, a new and FREE monthly remote PD event from the LODC, offers opportunities to make new connections with peers AND with the Language of Dance, have some fun, and dance!

Brand New 4th Ed. Movement Alphabet Posters Now Available

April 3, 2021

New and improved with even thicker symbols that can be seen from greater distances in the studio, we are proud to unveil our newest and most fabulous poster yet: the 4th Edition Movement Alphabet Posters, available in 2 great studio sizes.

LODC Foundations Part 1 and Part 2 Online Registration Open

January 10, 2021

Language of Dance Foundations Part 1 and Part 2 will be online for the first time. Participants will receive a blend of synchronous meetings and asynchronous lessons. BIPOC Scholarships available (click on article for link).

Brand new Benefits added for our Membership Program!

December 7, 2020

The LODC is revamping our membership program and adding a slew of exciting, new benefits!

Announcing LOD Coaching Services!

December 7, 2020

The Language of Dance Center is proud to now offer Coaching Services. Book a session with one of our outstanding Language of Dance® Certified Teacher Trainers for either an Asynchronous Score Check and Lesson Feedback OR for One-On-One Coaching.

LOD Lesson for Remote Learning

March 23, 2020

We know that Dance Educators around the country are facing the unique challenge of quickly creating online, remote learning lessons. We would love to help in some small way. Our own LOD Certification Specialist Beth Megill created this dance education les