AXIS SYLLABUS is a compendium of information from the study of anatomy, bio-mechanics, physics, and other related fields relevant to the moving body. The intention of Axis Syllabus classes is to re-train movement patterns for respectful coherence with our anatomical design, as inherited through thousands of years of evolution. This re-training supports longevity of the body’s physical structures while reducing the risk of injury and repetitive strain. Improvisational exercises and choreographed motifs are used to create frames for the study of healthy joint parameters, fascial pulls and pathways through the body, and other phenomenon relevant to the moving body. The result is kinetically capable and anatomically educated movers that can approach the demands of physical engagement with the world from an informed and empowered relation to their bodies.

Students are encouraged to engage material at a pace and approach that preferences integration over achievement. To this end, teachers often offer a range of adaptations to proposed movement motifs so learning can be supported for beginners and seasoned dancers simultaneously.

Some examples of possible subjects for an Axis class or workshop include:
Chronological Architecture, Fascial Meridians, Counter-Rotation and Kinematic Chains, Motoric Masses, Harnessing Undulations, Walking Mechanics, Landing and Launching Pads, Spinal Mechanics, The Hip/ Shoulder Axis Arc, Centrifugal Force, Inertia and Falling Mechanics, Mechano-Receptors, And Countless more…

(Description courtesy of Daniel Bear Davis)


“Axis” is a reference to vector coordinates allowing the calculation of inertial values and kinetic energy equations, and “Syllabus” means a list or lexicon, organising these referents and correlating them with documented practice. Having a non-specific cross-sector impact, his work has met with an enthusiastic, international response from various performance oriented artists, as well as a wide cross-section of the scientific community. Ten years ago, prompted by a convincing popular interest in this work, Frey founded the AS – Research Community, which has since developed an instructor’s certification program with operational centers in seven countries and participants in development and study numbering in the thousands.

With a brief tour of the website: www.axissyllabus.org, you can see relevant articles and find links to tutorials and performance projects, or find the ASRC on Facebook.