DEL Functional Anatomy

In this six-week asynchronous course, students will be introduced to the basic principles affecting the anatomical structure of the human body.

Students will work to heighten understanding of the anatomy of moving bodies, including dynamic alignment and postural control, with laboratory applications for many movement practices. Students explore the musculoskeletal system and embodiment of functional anatomy explorations.They will learn anatomical names and terms that will inform their lives as dancers, dance educators, and humans. Current functional anatomy research is applied to concepts of movement analysis, alignment assessment, and performance enhancement. Students will explore their own body’s potential and learn tools to apply functional anatomy practices in their dance classrooms. Each asynchronous module will include the following components:

• Discover: Watch the video & read the slides to provide base/foundational information on the topic
• Deepen: Read the assignment to deepen understanding of content
• Dance: dance, embody, investigate, explore the content through movement prompt
• Dive in: Write reflection on application into personal movement practice and teaching practice
• Demonstrate Knowledge: Take a quiz to deepen understanding!

Students will also be asked to secure a copy of the required reading: Haas, J. G. (2025). Dance Anatomy 3rd edition. Champagne, IL: Human Kinetics.

Course scholarships and discounts are available! Learn more about scholarship opportunities here. 

Must register by Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

Meet Your Instructors

Allegra Romita

Allegra Romita (MA, CMA, EdM, RYT) is co-creator of Functional Awareness: Anatomy in Action®.  Allegra’s collaborative work with Nancy Romita includes publishing Functional Awareness: Anatomy in Action for Dancers and Functional Awareness and Yoga: An Anatomical Guide to the Body in Reflective Practice (Oxford University Press). She has presented workshops...

Read More About Allegra Romita