Dance_Therapy

Jordan LeBlanc Professor Williams English 1301 October 11, 2012 Dance Therapist Dance therapy careers provide the opportunity to use movement to improve the lives of others. Dance therapy is a love dance and a strong desire to help others. Dance therapists use movement to help clients improve emotional, mental and physical health. According to the American Dance Therapy Association (www.adta.org), they are trained to help others develop communication skills, reduce stress, boost self-esteem and overcome physical disabilities through movement. The American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) recommends that aspiring dance therapists possess a strong dance background in addition to a liberal arts degree. As undergraduates, students can pursue degrees in psychology, dance, recreation therapy and other liberal arts or human services fields. After earning a bachelor's degree, students can enroll in an ADTA-approved master's degree program in dance therapy. They take courses that may include counseling, body movement assessment, psychotherapy, and movement therapy. A program might also include a supervised internship. There were six master's degree programs in the country that were approved by the ADTA as of September 2011. “Those schools include Antioch University, New England, Columbia College, Chicago, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Lesley University, Cambridge, Naropa University, Colorado, and Pratt Institute, New York” (www.adta.org). Students who already hold a master's or doctoral degree in a field related to human services can earn a master's degree in dance therapy by completing specific dance therapy courses and training. There are two different credentials offered by the Dance Movement Therapy Certification Board, Inc: the Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT) credential and the more advanced Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (BC-DMT). A BC-DMT can provide training and work in private practice, while an R-DMT can work only in a clinical or educational setting and cannot provide training. To earn the BC-DMT, several thousands of hours of clinical experience are required. Dance therapists work in nursing homes, schools, hospitals, mental health facilities and counseling centers. They use their specialized skills to work with both groups and individuals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that jobs for all types of recreational therapists were expected to increase 15% from 2008-2018. “The median earnings for dance/movement therapists, who are classified as recreational therapists, were $39,410 in 2010” (www.bls.gov). This salary is dependent upon the setting and location in which the therapist works. There are several paths to becoming a dance therapist. If you are interested in helping people overcome physical and mental health issues through movement. Some of the degree options are that before earning your master's degree in dance therapy, you must complete an undergraduate degree. Becoming a dancer requires determination and hard work, and schools help each student realize his or her potential through a rigorous curriculum. Graduates may pursue performance careers or open a dance studio upon completion of a bachelor's degree program. Most schools combine a core of general education courses with daily technique classes, usually in ballet or modern dance. In addition to this technical foundation, schools allow students to choose from an array of dance styles and topics, such as choreography, Labanotation, world dance, tap, jazz, hip hop and Gyro kinesis. Students may wish to select a program that offers the most instruction in their desired style. To supplement a student's training, schools may invite guest artists to hold master classes or work in-residence. This allows students to experience different techniques and make connections with professionals in the dance industry. Students may also wish to research the careers and accomplishments of regular dance faculty, as some schools employ well-known dancers, producers and choreographers. Although most dancers begin formal training at an early age, a degree in dance can provide the theoretical and technical mastery that is required for professional careers within the industry. Dance degree programs can be found at the associate, bachelor's and master's degree level. Associate degrees in dance typically are designed for students who plan to transfer to a 4-year degree program at a college or university. The curriculum provides basic instruction in dance and provides the dance knowledge and performance experience needed to meet selective admission criteria for upper-level programs. Students study the history, theory, technique and art of dance. A variety of classical and contemporary dance styles, such as ballet, jazz, interpretive and modern dance are included. Although previous dance experience is preferred for program applicants, admission requirements typically only include a high school diploma or GED. “Program Coursework for an associate degree program in dance combines a comprehensive dance curriculum with required general education coursework in English, mathematical studies, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences”(http://healthcareers.about.com). The core dance curriculum usually includes the following topics: Dance history Ballet Modern dance Dance production Jazz Choreography basics Social dance Although many graduates will choose to transfer to 4-year bachelor's degree program, others will pursue immediate career opportunities. Individuals who have completed a formal dance program at the associate degree level may find job opportunities as a: Dance teacher Professional dancer Dance coach Dance fitness instructor Dance therapists aren't the only types of therapists who focus on movement. Others include recreational therapy job and occupational therapy career. Prior to entering into a dance therapy program, you may be able to complete some or all of your prerequisite coursework without going to campus. The information needed for some of the online courses and degrees for students interested in studying liberal arts or human services fields before pursuing a dance therapy graduate program are an online B.A. in psychology, Counseling psychology online, recreational therapy online. After learning what goes into becoming a Dance therapist, going to a school in either New York, Chicago, Colorado, Philadelphia, Cambridge, or New England, And with only making about $37,000 a year, I've decide that this is no longer the career I wish to pursue Works Cited “ADTA - Home." ADTA - Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2012. .” "How to Become a Dance Movement Therapist." About.com Health Careers. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2012. . "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2012. .