What Degree of Talent Is Needed to Become a Dance Therapist? How Can I Incorporate “Groove” Into My Career?

Question by Alannah: What degree of talent is needed to become a dance therapist? How can I incorporate “Groove” into my career?
Hi everyone,

I’m currently a third year undergraduate psychology student, and have interests in health psychology, dance therapy, and the “Groove Method”.

I would like to work as a health psychologist, perhaps helping out those with chronic medical conditions, and incorporate some dance therapy into my practice.

So, my question is, what degree of talent is needed to become a dance therapist? Is it as fierce as the professional dance world? What degree of flexibility is needed? Could you please give me some examples? How many years of training in dance would be required?

Now, if dance therapy turns out not to be for me, I would still like to incorporate the “Groove Method” into my career.

In a Groove class, you learn simple and easy choreography and you can the moves your own way! These classes aren’t about the following the leader – it’s all about you, and dancing for the health of it! I’m going to do the certification course.

If I don’t continue on with dance therapy, how else could I incorporate the Groove Method into my career as a practicing health psychologist? Do you have any ideas? I think we need to think outside of the square for this one, but nothing is coming to mind! I’d love some help!

Thank you!

Best answer:

Answer by Mandibella
Hi Jane,

I’m thrilled that you are looking into dance therapy. As a ballet dance for 12 years, it is very encouraging! My answer (for what it’s worth) it two fold.

First – Utilizing any kind of “dance” therapy in your work, it would probably be best to have a dance background. Depending on the purposes you want to use it for (rehabilitation? Mental growth / health / stimulation? Special needs therapy?) it could be hazardous for your clients bodies. There is so much that goes on skeletally that often, dancers themselves aren’t even aware they’re hurting themselves. (I have had to undergo some pretty rigid chiropractic work to undo damage I have done to myself). It’s best to have a good handle on HOW the muscle structure and skeletal system all work together to avoid injury when you’re actually trying to help!
Dance therapy is not as “fierce” in as the actual dance world – however many ballet dancers DO go on to become dance therapists when they’re finished with their dance careers. It’s a natural progression.

More than “dance” therapy, you may want to look into “movement” therapy. You can learn SO MUCH about the body, how it works together in a healthy manner, and how it can benefit from free movement, without “dance” training.

This moves me to my second point.
Your desire to incorporate the “Groove Method” may better fit with this kind of therapy. With movement training, you are better able to cater to your clients physical heath, as well as mental, as the whole POINT of it is to incorporate health THRU movement. Not necessarily “dance”. Plus, let’s face it, as a mental health professional you are already going to have to pay attention to high insurance premiums, you don’t need to add anything to your pocketbook by trying to also be any kind of authority in “dance”. It’s a lawsuit waiting to happen.

The Alexander technique is a PRIME place to start when you’re looking at movement, and how it effects our bodies, as well as mental health. I think if you maybe look deeper into Movement Therapy, and not restrict yourself to traditional definitions of “dance therapy” it may be more freeing and fulfilling to you.

Just an opinion. :)

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