Free Workshops Explore Muscle, Skeletal Systems and Movement
News Durham, NC - In October, Duke community members can learn more about their
bodies and how their muscles and skeletal system impact movement.
Two free, experiential workshops that explore the creative pedagogy of anatomy
will take place on Oct. 1 and 2 as part of a performance and workshop residency
interdisciplinary program. Led by visiting James Madison University faculty Sharon
Babcock (associate professor of biology) and Kate Trammell (professor of dance),
each session will focus on different aspects of anatomy. All Duke community members
can participate for free, but must preregister online.
Both events include discussion and in-class work that involve movement to put into
practice lessons about the various bones and muscles. No previous yoga,
dance or anatomical knowledge is needed to participate.
“Our hope is that people come away with an enhanced understanding of their own structure
and function,” Trammell said. “Whether it’s a yoga practitioner or a dancer or a pre-med
student, they’ll have a deeper understanding of how to use their bodies in movement that’s
going to help their body’s longevity, whether it’s for facility or expressivity.”
From 4:40 to 6:10 p.m. on Oct. 1 at Hull Studio, participants will learn about the spine by using
anatomical models and collaborative movement to better understand how individual vertebrae
contributes to mobility and stability.
From 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. on Oct. 2 at the Ark, Babcock and Trammell will teach about the importance
of the heart, lungs and diaphragm to movement and life processes like breathing.
In addition to the workshops, a free dance performance will also be held at 8 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Ark.
Called “Namely, Muscles,” the event is an evening-length solo by 2013 Guggenheim Fellow Claire
Porter, performed by Trammell. The comedic dance theater work showcases Trammell acting out
more than 30 poems that highlight 68 major muscles of the human body. The performance will be
followed by a panel discussion with Babcock and members of the Duke community.
“It’s a great chance to learn more about ourselves and who doesn’t benefit from knowing more about
how we work?” Trammell said. “People may know more about how their cars work than how their bodies
work, so it’s a chance to better understand the architecture of the body.”
The week of events and residency is co-sponsored by the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology,
Dan Kiehart , Duke’s dean of Natural Sciences, the Office of the Vice Provost for the Arts, and is supported
by the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation.
Office of Communication Services
705 Broad Street, Box 90496, Durham, NC 27708
(919) 681-4533; FAX: (919) 681-7926