LODC UK
The Language of Dance® Centre UK, based in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, was established in 1967 by Dr Ann Hutchinson Guest and registered as a charity (Language of Dance® Trust, charity no. 281268) in 1980. The Language of Dance® Trust supports the work of the Language of Dance® Centre, and conversely the Language of Dance® Centre operates under the auspices of the Language of Dance® Trust.
We deliver dance tuition in primary, secondary and special educational needs schools, as well as providing CPD, training courses and resources for teachers and dance practitioners.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to promote and provide universal access to dance literacy as a means to explore and create dance.
OUR AIMS
Our aims are:
– To bring dance and all its benefits to people of all ages and abilities through creative, high-quality dance activities – from community outreach through to professional development and resources for teachers and dance practitioners.
– To push the parameters of how dance achievement is measured through expanding the framework of dance education.
– To continue Dr Ann Hutchinson Guest’s legacy by promoting LOD around the world through educational resources and publications.
OUR TEAM
Eve Knights
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
After gaining her degree, Eve Knights began her professional career as a dancer with V-Tol Dance Company’s outreach program. She continued to work on outreach projects before venturing into teaching in 2003. Eve has performed professionally in a variety of dance and musical theatre productions and was cast member for the 2012 Olympic Ceremonies and the FIFA World Cup final in 2013.
Since 2009, Eve has been the LODT’s Outreach Project Manager, teaching and managing projects that have reached thousands of children and young people. Eve was key in expanding the LODT’s offer in SEND schools and utilising LOD’s inclusive approach to reach those who’ve never had the opportunity to dance before. During this time, Eve also completed her Diploma in Dance Teaching at Trinity Laban, London. Most recently, Eve was appointed Executive Director of the LODT.
- eve@lodc.org
Arianna Carloni
COURSES & EXAMINATIONS MANAGER
After completing a Masters in Audio Visual Translation at City University, London, Arianna started working in the translation industry as a project manager and subtitler, but then decided to change careers to pursue her longstanding passion for dance and inclusive dance education.
Arianna started working for the LODC in 2015 as an Administrator and Courses Coordinator. She has since then completed Stage 1 and 2 of the LOD Certification Courses, and is currently working towards achieving Stage 3 and apprenticing as LOD Tutor.
In 2022, Arianna was promoted to Courses & Examinations Manager. She is also currently undertaking a PhD in Audio Description for Dance at the University of Surrey.
- arianna@lodc.org
Paola Piccato
OUTREACH PROJECT DEVELOPER
Paola began her dance studies in contemporary and ballet at the Accademia Regionale di Danza del Teatro Nuovo, before undertaking a diploma in Set Design at the Accademia di Belle Arti, Turin, Italy. Paola then went on to study a post graduate certificate in Dance in community from Trinity Laban, London.
Paola began her employment for the LODT back in 2009, when she became a freelance Language of Dance teacher for our Dance Moves projects. Since then, she has worked in many primary schools in London, teaching the Movement Alphabet® program.
Paola worked as a choreographer for the Wilton Music Hall, in London for the “Scene in Time” family events, from 2014 to 2017 working with the local schools. She has also delivered dance workshops in adults’ community setting and for school children in London and in Italy.
In late 2022, Paola joined the LODT permanently as Outreach Project Developer.
- paola@lodc.org
OUR TRUSTEES
Dr Inma Alvarez
Sandra Mitchell
Lynda Howarth
Angela Garvey Hammond
Jane Dulieu
Grace Walcott