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To become a dance therapist should I study special education as well?

Well I am a dancer and doctors say I can never dance professionally so I decided to become a dance therapist. Therefore nothing can stop me from dancing and I can help others considering I was born with deformities as well. Dance has changed my life and I wanna use it to help others just like me. #dance #dance-therapist #performing-arts #arts #art #college

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Jane’s Answer

Definitely find a site where you can volunteer and/or intern with special education. Start with early studies in developmental psychology, human development, and at the same time, specialize in a genre of dance. Identifying a group you wish to teach dance therapy to is always helpful in terms of the career route you hope for. The American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) has an accredited program that you can complete in the US or overseas to advance your professional standing in therapy and/or counseling. Do not let anyone ever break your dreams! Follow your passion and good luck!
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Jenna’s Answer

It can't hurt to have additional training to go along with the dance, so you can apply your dance knowledge to whatever field you are in. Education is a great idea- special education is always in need of talented, dedicated professionals. There are also other therapeutic uses for dance, such as physical therapy or senior populations, so I would advise you to speak with your career counselor, and to take several non-dance-oriented classes to see what other fields you might be able to apply your dance talents to in a career. Then you can get the necessary credentials to perform in that field and to use your dance skills. Good luck!
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Judith’s Answer

I believe becoming a dance therapist can be beneficial in special ed. I have worked my entire life with learning challenged children and adults. They love the movement and it is calming to them, even when they cannot find the words to express. Another possibility for using your dance therapy is to work with the elder population who would appreciate the focus. The learning of steps and dancing to music can assist their cognitive function and maintain a great quality of life.

To work with special needs children, you may require an adaptive PE degree which will require a masters degree. Why not do both. Work your way through all the academic requirements while teaching dance as an activities coordinator in an elder situation.

Best of luck to you.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Indya,

Reply:

Becoming a dance therapist doesn't necessitate a background in special education. However, such knowledge can be advantageous, equipping you with additional skills that could be beneficial in your dance therapy practice.

Dance therapy, or dance movement therapy, is an expressive therapy type that leverages dance and movement to bolster the body's intellectual, emotional, and motor functions. It's often employed therapeutically for individuals facing a range of physical, emotional, cognitive, and social challenges.

While special education studies can provide valuable insights into working with individuals with disabilities or special needs, a degree in dance/movement therapy or a related field like psychology, counseling, or performing arts therapy would be more directly applicable to a dance therapist's career. These programs usually offer training in dance techniques and therapeutic methods specific to dance therapy.

Your personal experience as a dancer with deformities can indeed foster empathy and understanding, potentially enhancing your ability to relate to and support others dealing with similar challenges. Your enthusiasm for using dance as a healing and empowering tool is praiseworthy. A career in dance therapy can be a rewarding way to merge your love for dance with your aspiration to assist others.

In conclusion, while special education studies can enrich your journey to becoming a dance therapist, the focus should be on acquiring relevant qualifications and experience in dance/movement therapy to realize your goal.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA): As the leading organization advocating for the dance/movement therapy profession, ADTA offers valuable information on educational prerequisites, certification procedures, and best practices in dance therapy.

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC): As a professional association dedicated to advancing the education of individuals with exceptionalities, CEC's resources can provide insights into special education practices and their possible overlap with therapeutic methods like dance/movement therapy.

National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies Associations (NCCATA): As an alliance of professional associations representing creative arts therapies, including dance/movement therapy, NCCATA's publications and research can further elucidate the role of creative arts therapies in assisting individuals with diverse needs.

These sources were referenced to provide accurate and current information on the intersection of special education and dance therapy in addressing individual needs through movement-based interventions.

GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
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Tyzhanae’s Answer

Keep dancing. As a dance therapist your story will motivate others to dance as well.
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