Biomechanics of Movement: Best practices for optimal dance physiology with Dr. Shriya Srinivasan

Presented by Harvard Dance Center, this workshop, led by professional Bharatanatyam dancer and biomedical researcher Dr. Shriya Srinivasan, will provide an overview of the physiological principles and anatomy of dance. An interactive session putting theory into practice, participants will learn how to use the musculoskeletal system optimally for dance through best methods for warming up and cooling down the body and strengthening exercises related to injury-prevention and performance. Finally, the class will lead participants to connect their body awareness to the physics of jumps, turns, and more!

For all types of movers at all levels of experience. 

Due to current conditions with Covid, only active Harvard affiliates enrolled in Harvard's testing cadence will be admitted. All participants must provide their Harvard ID at the door. See below for additional COVID safety protocols.

REGISTER TODAY!

About Dr. Shriya Srinivasan

Dr. Shriya Srinivasan has studied Bharatanatyam from Guru Sujatha Srinivasan, Artistic Director of Shri Kalaa Mandir, for the past 19 years and is known for her vibrant stage presence, emotive capacity, and ability to blend sharp Nrtta with elegant grace. She recently co-choreographed "Vivarta: Transformations," an original work on environmental conservation, which premiered at the Cleveland Public Theatre for DanceWorks 2019. She co-founded and directs Anubhava Dance Company, comprised of first-generation Indian-American Bharatanatyam dancers and musicians and has toured to over 14 cities with her new productions to great acclaim. An upcoming Carnatic vocalist, passionate about sanskrit and yoga, she brings a holistic approach to her art and recently performed in the Madras Music Academy’s Spirit of Youth Festival and HCL series.

Dr. Srinivasan is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard's Society of Fellows and is working on neural interfaces for gastrointestinal neuromodulations at the MIT Langer Lab. She was recently awarded the Lemelson prize for her inventions related to neuroprosthetics.

Dance Center Covid Safety Protocols

• Only active Harvard affiliates enrolled in Harvard's testing cadence will be admitted. All participants must provide their Harvard ID at the door.
• If you are experiencing any symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid, please stay home.
• Face coverings are required to enter the building and must stay on throughout the workshop. Extra masks are available if needed.
• The Dance Center is equipped with multiple HEPA filters for air filtration.
• Hand sanitizer is available at the entrance of the studio.
• Capacity in Studio 1 has been reduced to allow for more space between participants.
• Please pay attention to specific traffic flow patterns indicated by signs.
• Only water is allowed to be consumed in the studio. Please make best efforts to minimally remove mask while drinking. Please bring your own filled water bottle.

Accessibility:

The Dance Center’s main floor, which houses Studio 1 and two all-gender restrooms, is wheelchair accessible. If you anticipate needing any other type of access to participate, please email dance@fas.harvard.edu. We welcome the conversation!

Image Descriptions:

Image 1.) Close black and white headshot of Dr. Shriya Srinivasan in traditional costume for classical Indian dance. She is looking directly at the camera with a warm closed mouth smile. Image 2.) Dr. Shriya Srinivasan in a gestural movement dancing Bharatanatyam wearing full traditional costume.

Photos are courtesy of Dr. Shriya Srinivasan.

The Harvard Dance Center is funded through the Office for the Arts, with additional support from Theater, Dance & Media.