5 Day Human Cadaver Dissection For Movement Artists 2026- FAQ
PREREQUISITES:
What will be expected of me?
A behaviour that shows maturity and respect for the donors and their gift.
The ability to manage personal needs; the first time in a cadaver lab can be challenging for some (see Comfort below)
Do I have to have knowledge about anatomy to attend?
No, you do not. Although it is helpful to have previous anatomy knowledge it is not required. There are learning advantages in both identifying structures you are familiar with and exploring structures without preconceptions. Learning anatomy from books and doing dissection are two very different things.
PAYMENT
Discounts:
Early Bird Discounts: $2600 when paid in full before June 8, 2026 ($150 discount)
Groups:$2400/person when purchased in groups of 4 or more ($350 discount/person)
Referrals: $100/referral, given as refund after referral completes enrollment
Payment plans
-Payment plans are available through Paypal’s ‘Pay Later’ which is available as a payment method in your enrollment form prior to checkout.
Deposit and Refunds
This class requires a very serious commitment on the part of everyone involve which includes a significant cost outlay to secure lab time and material
-A non-refundable $850/person deposit is required to secure spots. The remaining balance is due by June 22, 2026 (6 weeks) prior to the start day of the class.
-Full refunds minus a $100 administrative fee are available prior to May 11, 2026
-50% refunds minus a $100 administrative fee are available prior to June 22, 2026
-Since spots created by late cancellations are not easily filled, there are no refunds made for cancellations on or after June 22, 2026. You may however pay a $100 administrative fee and transfer your enrollment to another person.
Payment methods
-Credit card/Apple Pay/ Google Pay (w/ ~3% surcharge)
-Zelle
-Venmo
-Paypal/ Pay Later
-Personal check
COMFORT
The first time in a cadaver lab can be challenging for some people. It is an environment that can be surreal and confronts one with mortality.
Please be aware that you will be encouraged to immerse yourself into the environment at a pace that is comfortable for you. Be aware of your needs and tend to them. Feel free to step back if needed, remember to take breaks from the lab, and keep hydrated, etc. There will always be someone around with whom you can ask for help.
Working with cadavers
Cadavers can either be ‘fixed’ or unfixed’
Fixed: The cadaver is preserved using an embalming process that fixes the body at the time of death. The cadavers are sterile and do not bleed. Although this process creates a chemical odor, at also creates a stiffer body that holds its form and allows for easier distinction of individual structures.
Unfixed: The cadaver is preserved only with refrigeration. The cadavers are tested to be free of any dangerous pathogens. Although the lack of embalming leaves makes it more difficult to differentiate distinct structures, it enhances the ability to observe the integrated nature of the structures. Also the lack of stiffening makes the movement potential of the body available for exploration and study.
Where do the cadavers come from?
The cadavers are from individuals who have willfully donated their bodies to research. The cadaver is no longer the person but rather the material that the person has left behind for educational study.
It is their gift to you so that you may learn by exploring their form in an intimate manner. The lab is a place where the last wishes of the donor and their family can be accomplished.
The generosity of their gift should not be underestimated and in their honor we fully connect with the experience and with an appreciation for how fortunate we are to do this type of workshop.
Here is a link the the lab’s FAQ regarding Willed Body donation
LAB ENVIRONMENT
Does it smell?
When working with fixed forms there is a distinct smell. This smell has a chemical nature to it, but it is nothing like the strong formaldehyde smell that you would have smelled if you did dissections in school.
The workshop takes place in a very well-ventilated lab in which a slight clinical aroma is still present.
What works well for people who are distracted by the smell is to bring essential oils which can be applied to a face mask or a bandana worn around the neck or over the face.
Can I take photographs?
No photographs, videos or recordings on any camera or mobile device are allowed. Our intent is to maintain the integrity of the lab and the donor program. This is a very serious and strict rule for us and if it is breached, you will be removed from the lab and the class.
Etiquette
Food and drink are not allowed in the lab. Whatever you bring can be left in an adjacent room for snacking, lunch etc.
Cell phone use in the lab is not allowed. If you need to use your phone, please leave the lab to do so.
What do I need to bring?
All dissection tools will be supplied.
You will need to bring a box of latex or nitrile gloves that you will use during the class.
Closed toes shoes are required in the lab.
We ask that you bring a lab coat and comfortable clothing such as scrubs to wear during the class.
You will also be responsible for any masks, eye protection, or essential oils etc. that you would like to use.
WORKSHOP CONTENT
There will be a maximum 8 participants per cadaver.
When we begin the week we work in teams, with 3-4 people on each side of the cadaver form. As the week progresses this may change to accommodate arising projects.
What am I required to do?
All that is asked of you is that you do what you are comfortable doing and nothing else, whether it be hanging back and observing from time to time, or fully immersing yourself up close. It is important that you respect your needs and work at your own pace.
This workshop is a learning experience on many levels, you will be expertly guided through all aspects of the learning process.
Can I undertake my own projects?
Throughout the week we will discuss options and define projects. Many of the dissection projects that we will take on will require the effort of more than one person so projects are usually done in teams although some projects will undoubtedly be solo endeavors.
The wonderful thing about dissection is that we will have the option of attempting to create presentations of our choosing. Your ideas and suggestions will definitely be taken into account.
It all cases you will we receive guidance with your journeys of discovery.
How is learning anatomy from dissection different from learning from text books and software?
Text books and software typically show very cleaned up and/or averaged representations and don’t convey a truly accurate understanding of the real form.
This workshop takes you into the fascinating and often disorienting world of real anatomy and offers the opportunity to study via the dissecting of human cadavers.
Each cadaver is unique, and structures often don’t match anatomical resource materials. Cadaver study allows the observer to appreciate the multitude of ways the basic pattern of the body can be expressed.
How will this dissection experience benefit me?
This workshop will change the way you perceive the human body. You will get a practical understanding of how the body is an integrated whole and how functional movement utilizes this integration.
Your ability to visualize internal structures will be strengthened and your inner kinesthetic sense will be heightened, both of these attributes will contribute to making your training more effective and enjoyable.
This workshop will also likely change the way you feel about the world around you. Participants commonly express a heighten sense of wonder with the natural world, and increased creativity. A great boost for the artist within.
OUTSIDE OF THE LAB
You will have time to enjoy Colorado Springs and surrounding areas.
The area offers so many things to do and explore, you will want to take advantage of this opportunity!
You can explore: Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Cheynne Mountain, Manitou Springs Incline, Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, Shopping in Old Colorado City, Fine quality restaurants, Sunwater Spa in Manitou Springs, and many other opportunities for fun and adventure!