Science and the arts came together in this pair of free events which explore the relationship between our brains and dance. Dance Theatre of Harlem and Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute partner to bring you inside both the body and mind of a dancer. In this pair of events we will explore the concept of muscle memory and how we can harness neuroplasticity to learn and perform dance.

In Muscle Memory… in action scientist and dancer Gregory Youdan, physiotherapist and dancer Sarah Edery-Atlas and Dance Theatre of Harlem dancers, Anthony Santos and Delaney Washington will lead participants in an interactive exploration of movement and the brain, and how dance can be restorative.

Registration is optional but recommended: we will email you the link for the event closer to the event date, and send you a reminder on the date itself.
 

**This event will be preceded by a live-streamed performance and conversation on March 22, 2022, at 6:30 pm. Click HERE to find out more.


About the speakers and performers
 

Gregory Youdan Jr., MA, MS performed as a dancer with the NY Baroque Dance Company, Sokolow Theatre/Dance, David Parker and the Bang Group, and Heidi Latsky dance, where he now serves as a board member. Currently, Greg is a visiting research scholar at Brown University and an adjunct lecturer at Lehman College. He is a Westheimer Fellow through Mark Morris Dance Group’s Dance for PD program and is a teaching artist in their Dance for PD en Español. As a scientist, Greg researches dance for health interventions for people with neurological conditions. He was a 2021 Latin Impact Honoree. Greg serves on the development committee for the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS), the research committee for the National Organization for Arts in Health (NOAH), and the advisory council for Dance Data Project. 

Sarah Edery-Altas, PT, PDT received her bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and behavior from Columbia University in 2011 and her doctorate in physical therapy, also from Columbia University, in 2014. She is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and is trained in the Graston Technique. She has also received additional postgraduate training in performing arts and dance physical therapy.
 

Anthony Santos was born in New York, NY. Anthony’s training includes Rosie’s Theatre Kids, North Carolina School of the Arts, Jacobs Pillow, Alonzo King LINES, Joffrey Ballet.

Delaney Washington was born in the San Francisco Bay area. Delaney’s training includes Lise la Cour’s LaCademy, The Ailey School/Fordham University, and Jacob’s Pillow Summer Program 2021 under the direction of Helen Pickett and Milton Myers. Delaney’s professional experience includes Palm Beach Dance Festival. Repertoire includes: Works by Dwight Rhoden, Helen Simoneau, Yusha Marie-Sorzano, Maurya Kerr, Pedro Ruiz, and Andre Zachery. Delaney is the recipient of the Alvin Ailey Artistic Scholarship. This is Delaney’s first season with Dance Theatre of Harlem.

Questions? Please email [email protected]
 

The BRAIN at the BARRE is supported by the Dana Foundation’s Brain Awareness Week Outreach Grants Program.