In 2009, a short specialist BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) qualification in Language of Dance® was set up to run at Brockenhurst College (Hampshire, UK). Having seen the positive impact the BTEC made, the LODC wanted to offer the same opportunity to young people of all abilities across the UK. In order to achieve this vision, in 2015 the course was moved over to the national awarding body NCFE as a customised award, and became the Level 1 Award in Language of Dance® Movement Exploration. NCFE is recognised as an awarding organisation by the qualification regulators for England (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation – Ofqual), Wales (the Welsh Government) and Northern Ireland (Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment – CCEA).

The Level 1 Award is based on students working at their own level of ability to explore eight movement concepts from the Movement Alphabet, learn the corresponding LOD symbols and choreograph short dance sequences. It offers a clear structure, which allows for a type of measurable progression that is not based on physical abilities; it addresses all four learning styles; and can be applied to any dance style or genre. Through a creative, engaging and measurable method, the Award helps students increase physical activity levels, develop interpersonal and life skills, boost self-confidence, and increase motivation and focus within the dance sessions and beyond. 

Students who wish to take their LOD learning further can progress to the Level 2 Award in Language of Dance® Motif Notation, also accredited by NCFE. In the Level 2 Award, students consolidate what they have learnt for the Level 1 Award as well as some additional symbols, how to read simple notation scores and how to interpret them in movement following the indicated timing.