I love all things dance. From technique classes to choreography to performance, I’ve always felt at home in a studio. But over the past year, I’ve started diving deeper into the field behind the movement, what makes dancers perform at their best, stay injury-free, and train smarter. That curiosity led me to dance science. And let me tell you, the more I read, the more intrigued I became.
For years I’ve been thinking about going back to school for a master’s degree in something dance-related. But I didn’t just want to get another performance-based degree. I wanted something that would let me contribute to the field of dance in a deeper, more research-informed way. That’s when dance science popped up on my radar. I had never heard much about it in my undergrad training, but it opened up a world of possibilities for how I could merge my love of movement with science, health, and education.
If you’re a dancer, educator, or just someone who geeks out over how the human body works, this might be the perfect fit for you too. Here’s what I’ve learned so far.
What Is Dance Science?
Dance science is the study of how scientific principles can be applied to dance training, performance, and injury prevention. It combines aspects of physiology, biomechanics, anatomy, psychology, and motor learning with the artistic practice of dance.
In simpler terms, it’s about helping dancers train more effectively and sustainably. Think of it like sports science but with a dance-specific lens. Dance scientists study things like:
- Optimal warm-up and cool-down techniques
- How to reduce injuries through conditioning
- Nutrition for dancers
- Mental health and performance psychology
- Body alignment, postural analysis, and motor control
It’s the kind of knowledge that every dancer should have access to, but isn’t always taught in traditional training environments. If you’re interested in how dance can be integrated with other subjects, you might enjoy my article on how to plan a cross-curricular dance lesson.
Why Dance Science Matters
As a teacher and former student myself, I can say this: we need more people in dance who understand the science of movement. So many injuries, burnout, and plateaus could be avoided if we trained with evidence-based strategies. Dance science empowers us to:
- Educate dancers on how their bodies function
- Improve training protocols
- Advocate for dancer health and longevity
- Bridge the gap between art and science
For someone like me, who still loves the stage but also loves teaching and mentoring, this field felt like a natural next step. I started imagining how I could use this degree to support younger dancers, contribute to research, or even work with companies to help them build more sustainable training environments.
What Does a Dance Science Degree Look Like?
Most dance science programs are offered at the graduate level, although some undergraduate programs exist too. A Master’s in Dance Science typically includes coursework in:
- Biomechanics
- Exercise physiology
- Dance kinesiology
- Research methods
- Psychology of dance
- Nutrition and somatic practices
Some programs even include opportunities for lab work, internships, or conducting original research. Depending on the school, you may choose between a thesis or non-thesis option.
The degree usually takes 1.5 to 2 years to complete full-time, or longer if pursued part-time. You’ll likely be doing a mix of classroom learning, hands-on practice, and possibly some teaching or assisting.
Where Can You Study Dance Science?
Here are a few well-regarded programs in the U.S. and internationally:
United States
- University of Utah – MFA in Modern Dance with an emphasis in dance science
- California State University, Long Beach – MA in Kinesiology with a dance science concentration
- University of South Florida – Graduate Certificate in Dance Medicine and Science
- Texas A&M University – MS in Kinesiology with emphasis in motor behavior and dance applications
United Kingdom
- Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance – MSc in Dance Science (one of the pioneers in the field)
- University of Wolverhampton – MSc in Dance Science and Education
Online or hybrid programs are also growing, especially with more universities recognizing the need for flexible graduate education.
Career Paths in Dance Science
One of the reasons I got excited about dance science was the variety of career options it opened up. You don’t have to be onstage or in a studio every day to make an impact. With a dance science degree, you could work in:
- Higher Education: Teach dance kinesiology, anatomy, and wellness in colleges or conservatories.
- Research: Work in labs or publish findings to support dancer health and education.
- Injury Prevention and Rehab: Partner with physical therapists, athletic trainers, or dance companies.
- Wellness Coaching: Support dancers in developing sustainable training, recovery, and nutrition plans.
- Professional Companies: Help design conditioning programs, screenings, and injury tracking systems.
You can also carve out your own niche. I’ve seen dance scientists run workshops, start their own online platforms, and become consultants for schools and studios. For tips on preparing for the teaching side of things, check out my post on tips for beginner dance teachers.
Who Should Consider a Dance Science Degree?
If you’re someone who:
- Loves movement but also enjoys critical thinking and problem-solving
- Wants to contribute to dancer health and longevity
- Is passionate about teaching or mentorship
- Is curious about how the body works
…then this might be worth exploring. Especially if, like me, you’re ready to return to school but want your next step to feel purposeful.
It’s also great for dancers transitioning out of performance who want to stay connected to the field. The degree helps you pivot without leaving the world you love.
My Next Steps
I haven’t applied yet, I’m still researching programs, prerequisites, and what kind of support I’ll need to make it work. But this process has already taught me so much about what’s possible in the field of dance beyond performing or teaching choreo.
Dance science feels like the perfect blend of my artistic background and my growing interest in health, education, and advocacy. I’m excited to continue learning, connecting with others in the field, and maybe one day contributing to the next generation of healthier, smarter, and more supported dancers.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never heard of dance science before, I hope this article sparked your curiosity. We often talk about dancers as athletes, but we rarely treat them that way when it comes to training, recovery, or long-term health. Dance science is changing that.
Whether you’re a dancer, teacher, studio owner, or just someone who wants to support the art form in a more sustainable way, this could be a meaningful next step for you too. If you’re exploring different teaching settings, you might enjoy my article on the difference between teaching dance in public schools vs. private studios.
For more resources on dance education, career paths, and movement-based learning, check out other articles on www.myorderedsteps.co. Let’s keep learning and growing together.
Happy Dancing!
Taylor B.
