Why does music make us dance?

When you hear a good beat, it can be hard not to tap your toe or bob your head. Why is this? It turns out, we may be hardwired to start dancing when we hear certain rhythms. Join Molly and co-host Adriel as they explore how the brain turns sounds into dance moves. Plus, we’ll talk to a real DJ about making beats that get people moving. And a sound that might be tough to dance to: the Mystery Sound.

Guests:

Julia Basso, assistant professor at Virginia Tech

Constantina Theofanopoulou, assistant professor at Rockefeller University

Sophia Eris, Musician and International DJ

Click here for a transcript.

Brains On is a completely independent podcast, and we rely on your contributions to help make all of our shows. You can do that by joining Smarty Pass. As a member you get ad-free versions of all the Brains On Universe shows, bonus episodes, online hangouts with the Brains On crew, discounts on merch and more. go to ⁠smartypass.org ⁠to learn more and sign up.

Want to see Brains On or Smash Boom Best live? We're about to head out on our fall tour. For links to tickets go to ⁠brainson.org/events⁠.

9/19 Minneapolis, MN*

9/26 Charlotte, NC

10/11 Dallas, TX*

10/17 Colorado Springs, CO (two shows)

11/7 Norfolk, VA

12/6 Evanston, IL (two shows)

1/31 Princeton, NJ

*Smash Boom Best show