Dance has always been more than just movement. For many, it’s a language of healing, a way to connect, express, and rebuild. That’s why careers in dance therapy have been gaining attention, especially as more people recognize the mental, emotional, and physical benefits of combining movement with psychology. If you’ve ever considered turning your passion for dance into a profession that helps others especially children, dance therapy may be your calling.
As someone with a background in dance education and a deep love for teaching, I’ve often found myself drawn to the idea of using dance as a tool for healing. In fact, I’ve been especially curious about its application in pediatric settings. While I’m still in the process of deciding which master’s program is right for me, dance therapy is something I continue to explore seriously.
So, what does it take to become a dance therapist? What does a career look like, and where can you study this unique profession? Let’s break it down.
What Is Dance/Movement Therapy?
Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is a mental health profession that uses movement as a way to help individuals improve their emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration. This form of therapy is often used with children, adults, seniors, individuals with developmental challenges, trauma survivors, and people navigating mental health conditions.
Dance therapy is grounded in the idea that the body and mind are deeply connected. Through movement, clients are able to explore emotions, develop new coping strategies, build self-awareness, and improve self-esteem.
If you’re curious about how dance connects to science and therapy, check out What is Dance Science? Exploring the Degree & Careers for more insight into how movement is studied on an academic level.
Education & Training: How to Become a Dance Therapist
To work as a registered dance/movement therapist (R-DMT), you typically need:
- A master’s degree in dance/movement therapy or a related mental health field with additional DMT training.
- Completion of clinical fieldwork and supervised internships.
- Certification through the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA).
There are two main paths to get credentialed:
- ADTA-approved master’s programs, which include all necessary coursework and clinical hours.
- Alternate Route, where a student completes a related master’s degree (such as counseling or psychology) and supplements it with specific DMT coursework and supervised clinical hours.
If you’re still exploring options and want to keep your future flexible, you might start with a broader dance or psychology program and later pursue dance therapy through the Alternate Route.
Schools That Offer Dance/Movement Therapy Programs
The following schools offer ADTA-approved master’s programs in dance/movement therapy:
- Lesley University (Cambridge, MA)
- Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA)
- Sarah Lawrence College (Bronxville, NY)
- Naropa University (Boulder, CO)
- Columbia College Chicago (Chicago, IL)
- Antioch University (Keene, NH)
Each program has its unique focus, but all combine coursework in psychology with intensive movement-based training.
You can also explore undergraduate dance programs to lay a strong foundation. Start with this list of 10 College Dance Programs You Should Know About.
Career Outlook: What Does a Dance Therapist Do?
Dance/movement therapists work in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals (such as psychiatric units or children’s hospitals)
- Schools (especially those serving neurodiverse populations)
- Rehabilitation centers
- Nursing homes or elder care facilities
- Private practice or community mental health centers
- Arts-based nonprofits and wellness centers
Their daily work includes leading movement sessions, documenting client progress, collaborating with other therapists or medical professionals, and continually developing movement strategies to meet individual needs.
For those like me who are drawn to working with children, Children’s Hospital Colorado is one example of a facility that offers a dance therapy program as part of their creative arts therapy services. Programs like these provide pediatric patients with holistic care that supports emotional healing during recovery.
Salary Expectations
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and data gathered from the American Dance Therapy Association:
- Entry-level dance therapists can expect to earn around $45,000 to $55,000 annually.
- With experience and specialization, salaries can range between $60,000 to $80,000, especially in private practice or hospital settings.
- Location, level of education, and the population served also play a significant role in earnings.
While the financial path may start modestly, the reward of changing lives through movement particularly for children facing emotional or medical challenges, is powerful.
Why I’m Considering This Career
As someone who’s spent years teaching and choreographing, I’ve always seen dance as more than just steps. In my own classrooms, I’ve watched how movement brings kids out of their shell, helps them process big feelings, and gives them tools to express what they can’t always say with words.
While I haven’t committed to a specific graduate program yet, the idea of focusing on pediatric dance therapy keeps calling to me. I’m currently exploring both traditional counseling degrees and ADTA-approved programs to find the best fit for my journey.
And if you’re also wondering what careers exist for dancers beyond the stage, I’ve pulled together a full list in Top 15 Career Choices for Dancers Off the Stage. Dance therapy is just one of many fulfilling paths.
Final Thoughts
Dance therapy is a beautiful blend of movement and mental health — and if you’re passionate about helping others through creative expression, it’s a field worth exploring.
Whether you’ve been a dancer all your life or are just discovering the healing power of movement, dance therapy offers a career filled with purpose, creativity, and connection.
If you’ve ever considered a career where dance meets healing, I encourage you to explore it further — especially if, like me, you feel pulled toward working with children. The field needs more compassionate movers and thinkers ready to bring healing through motion.
Happy Dancing!
Taylor B.
