At first sight, the idea that dance could be used to interpret epigenetics – the chemical modification of DNA or its proteins – seems far-fetched. Yet to see young dancers perform so exuberantly, and to hear how discussion of the dance's fluid choreography led to sophisticated discussion of DNA and inheritance, is to appreciate the power of artistic approaches to engage people with biomedical science.

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The intricate moves of the young dancers in IMPACT Danscience's project draw upon both classical Indian dance and the dynamics of cells, nuclei and chromosomes. The project is the result of a series of workshops run by the choreographers Mayuri Boonham and Subathra Subramaniam of ANGIKA Dance Company, and biomedical scientist Dr Sheila Ochugboju.

If dance and epigenetics seems like a strange combination, how about cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and frozen peas? Acclaimed performance artist Bobby Baker, who has herself undergone CBT and other psychotherapies, raises important and challenging issues in her 'How to Live' project, which featured at a special event at the European Science Open Forum in Munich in July 2006 and later played at the Barbican.

By helping a frozen pea diagnosed with a personality disorder undergo CBT, Baker manages to be both thought-provoking and entertaining. "Charming, eccentric, thoughtful," said The Financial Times; "Farcical and dark, and as Bobby promises at the outset, makes you feel better," thought the Guardian.

Image: Epigenetics dancers; D Kampfner

External links

• DVD of IMPACT Danscience

'How to Live' also received support from Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and Arts Council England. It is due to tour in 2007.