Tasters and Workshops experientially introduce participants to the Movement Alphabet concepts and symbols. Thematic content courses may also be offered, immersing participants in a specific area of application: technique, composition, assessment, pedagogy, dance history, creative movement, or improvisation using selected Movement Alphabet concepts. Participants use the LOD Framework to develop lessons to implement. These great experiences could be a one-hour taster or anywhere between a 3 hour to 4 day workshop.

Each of these professional development courses for dance artists and dance/arts educators introduces the Movement Alphabet and motif notation, as applied to educational, creative or community settings, or as a tool to facilitate understanding with clients. By the end of the course, you present an application of how you will integrate these literacy tools into your practice.  Each part can be taken as a discrete entity. Participants are awarded certificates on the successful completion of each Foundations course.

Comprehensive education in the Language of Dance Approach is offered through three stages of certification. Collectively, these courses sequentially and substantively explore the full scope and depth of the Language of Dance framework as presented in Your Move: The Language of Dance Approach to the Study of Movement and Dance (Guest & Curran 2008). These experiential and inquiry-based courses are taken in order. Module A builds upon the theory, principles, and application of the basic building blocks of the Movement Alphabet presented in the pre-requisite Language of Dance Foundations courses. Each stage of certification progresses in depth of theory and application to creatively cultivate and pedagogically integrate dance literacy into the teaching and learning of dance and dance in education.

The full certification course (3 modules) delves into the complete system of LOD pedagogy and motif notation use and application and how to make it useful in your practice. The three modules must be completed in sequence. We are offering them in a summer, winter, summer (2019-2020) sequence. In all three modules, you will: write and interpret scores, have formative practice teaching using the LOD pedagogy and compositional tools, receive resources, focus your own project, and experience mentorship through the process. Total Hours in 3 modules: (200 Hour Certification Process) are structured around the following concepts, which are summarized here: 
 

• Module A  REVIEW and EXTENSION into new specifics in concept families: Action/Stillness, Motion/Destination, Flexion/Extension, Rotation, Springing, Travel/Floorplans, Relationships, Situations in Meeting, Change of Support, Part Leading, Parts of Body, Dynamics, Emotional Dynamics, Direction, Body Key and Standard Key, Intro to Labanotation, Beginning level readings. Start project.
  
• Module B  DEEPENING and Learning Specifics and details: Springing combined with other actions, more Relationships, Folding/Contracting/Joining, Twisting using Parts of Body, Tilting, Shifting (isolations), Travel combined with other actions, Gestural Pathways, Design Drawing, Scatter/Gather, Left-Right Staff, Intro to Labanotation, Intermediate level readings. Continue developing project.
  
• Module C Advanced material and final projects: Shape, Symmetrical/Asymmetrical, Balance/Falling, Spiral Pathways, Gestural Pathways, Looking/Seeing/Gazing, Direction of Progression, Minor Directions, Constant Cross Key and Stance Key, Intro to Labanotation, Advanced level readings. Sharing of final project. Certificate awarded upon completion with invitation to assist teaching LOD Foundations courses.
  

Participants are awarded certificates on the successful completion of each stage of coursework. Those who complete the Module C final project receive the designation of Language of Dance^® Master Practitioner. Certification courses must be taken sequentially. If you would like more information about LOD certification, please email Rachel Wurman.

Coming Soon.

Invitation only events! These seven-day courses provide you with a playful learning and creating experience to share new pedagogical developments in the LOD Approach and also an opportunity for professional exchange, dance literacy sharing, and exploring new ideas. The LOD approach has evolved to include equal emphasis on theory, application, and pedagogy. The result is the new Language of Dance Foundations courses emphasizing multiple applications of the Movement Alphabet in dance education and creative practices. The LOD Practioner Professional Development events allow time for us to share the LOD approach with you and have you share your LOD methods with us.