Led by Ingrid Zimmer, Executive Director of Dumbarton Arts & Education, and Jessica Phillips-Silver, PhD, RYT, Music Neuroscience Scholar, Consultant, and Artistic Creator.
This experiential workshop explores the science of the brain–gut connection and its role in shaping our deepest emotional experiences—from fear and anger to joy, longing, and calm. Participants will learn how neural circuits linking the brain and digestive system influence emotional processing, and how intentional movement and sound can cultivate and refine these pathways.
Drawing inspiration from Isadora Duncan’s expressive movement motifs set to the emotionally rich music, the presenters blend neuroscience, music, and dance to translate theory into embodied practice. Participants will engage in guided movement experiences—moving individually and collectively to process emotions such as fear and anger, transition into joy, and ultimately arrive at states of calm and regulation.
Through discussion and movement-based exploration, this workshop demonstrates how music and movement can be powerful tools for emotional awareness, regulation, and resilience. Participants will leave with practical, embodied strategies they can adapt to support emotional learning and well-being. No prior dance experience required.
Participants will:
Understand the role of the brain–gut neural pathway in processing strong emotions
Experience how music and movement influence emotional regulation
Explore movement strategies for processing fear, anger, joy, and calm
Gain practical tools for using rhythm and movement to support emotional well-being
When: Saturday Feb 21, 2026; 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM
Where: Silver Spring Library, 900 Wayne Ave, Silver Spring, MD. 3rd Floor, meeting rooms 1&2. Parking across the street. Metro and bus accessible.
In-person sign-up: HERE
Zoom: $10 (20% discount on groups of 5 or more). Virtual sign-up: HERE
Admission: Pay what you can HERE or upon arrival using PayPal link or cash.