Dance Therapist
Uses dance and movement therapeutically to improve body image, self-esteem and emotional health.
Overview
Dance Therapists bring about an improvement in the total body image, restoration and build-up of self-esteem. Dance therapy can be applied in various areas such as health care, education, rehabilitation centers, hospices, with most of the patients including children, adults, and senior adults. Physical, emotional or psychosocial conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Autism, Alzheimer's, eating disorders, differently abled or trauma can be dealt with this therapy.
Where they work
- School
- University
- Hospital
- Old Age Homes
- Prison
- Private centres
Work environment
The work hours depend on the timing of the particular place you are working in. As a dance therapist, you will work in sessions. Entrepreneurship: you can start your own dance therapy institute.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have a strong desire to help others
- You have a creative bent of mind
- You like to lead
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in any stream
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Sc/B.A.) in Psychology.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree in the same field with a specialization in Dance Movement Therapy
Alternative route 3
- 1Pursue a Diploma in Dance Movement Therapy.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered in a few institutes across India. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Women's Christian College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Creative Movement Therapy Association of India, Delhi & Bengaluru
- Symbiosis School of Liberal Arts, Pune, Maharashtra
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- SHRISTI Centre of Performing Arts and Institute of Dance Therapy, New Delhi
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Dance Therapist
- 2Supervisor/Director of Programs
Related careers to explore
Clinical Psychologist
Assesses and treats mental, emotional and behavioural disorders through counselling and therapy.
Occupational Therapist
Helps people of all ages rebuild the ability to take part in everyday tasks.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Tripura Kashyap — Considered a pioneer of dance therapy in India. She realized working with disabled children that while dancing, they beautifully reacted to the musical rhythms irrespective of their disabilities. Thus, began her journey in dance therapy. She pursued dance therapy as a subject at Hancock Centre of Movement Art and Therapies Wisconsin in 2005. She came back to India to work with autistic children and develop dance movement therapy as a therapeutic supplement for their treatment.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 329 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://blog.mentoria.com/career/dance-therapist/
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The source card lists these institutes without splitting them into government and private; they are shown here as one list. Verify current course availability on each institute's official website.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.