MIT researchers are launching a study to explore how dance — specifically classical Indian dance — may influence mental and physical well-being.
McGovern Investigator John Gabrieli is leading a study examining the health benefits of Kuchipudi classical Indian dance in undergraduate students.
As a cognitive scientist, Gabrieli’s research focuses on understanding how the human brain enables learning, thinking, and feeling — and how that knowledge can help people live healthier and more productive lives. This latest study builds on his team’s track record of assessing interventions that lead to mental well-being — including how daily mindfulness reduces stress levels in children, musical training boosts attention, and sleep consistency leads to better academic performance.
The study will be conducted in fall 2026 in partnership with MIT’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation and renowned Kuchipudi guru Arunima Kumar of London’s Arunima Kumar Dance Company, the UK’s largest Kuchipudi institution.
Fall 2026 Movement Study at MIT
Are you interested in finding out whether dance can shift not just how you feel, but how your brain processes the world? Learn more about the MIT study below.
Movement classes
MIT students will join a seven-week structured Kuchipudi dance course or one of two control groups: archery or no physical activity.
Well-being measures
Researchers will measure changes in mental and physical well-being across all groups, before and after the seven-week courses.
Next steps
If the initial seven-week trial shows improvements in mental or physical health, MIT will conduct a follow-up imaging study to understand the neural basis of those benefits.
Interested in this research?
More than $90,000 has already been raised toward this study, bringing the team close to launching this novel investigation at the intersection of dance, culture, mental health, and brain science. We are now seeking the final $30,000 needed to fully fund the project.
Interested in furthering this research? We would be grateful to hear from individuals and organizations eager to help us close this funding gap, make an introduction, or learn more about the study.
To learn more, please contact Kara Flyg at kflyg@mit.edu or 617-324-0134.
