New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art has introduced health and fitness sessions before public opening hours, offering its audience the chance to go on a two-mile journey as they dance their way through the museum’s exhibits.

Hosted by the Monica Bill Barnes & Company – a contemporary American dance troupe that ‘brings dance where it does not belong’, the 45-minute workout travels on a route curated and narrated by illustrator Maira Kalman.

Instructors hosting the sessions act in a dual role as trainer and docent, travelling through the museum at various speeds, incorporating marching, speed walking, jumping and jogging into the dance workout.

“Through constant movement, exercises, and light stretching, led by choreographer Monica Bill Barnes and dance partner Anna Bass, participants experience an awakening to their surroundings unlike any other Museum tour,” said a Met statement. “Connecting with the art and the overwhelming power of the galleries by activating one's own body and mind makes this new work so radical.”

A commission of MetLiveArts, the event debuted on 19 January and will continue until 12 February, running every Thursday to Sunday between those dates.

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