Dance Physical Therapy

[Guest sodancaMiss]

Hi I am getting to the pointe where I want to find something other than ballet to work in. I think I don't have too much more in my dance career so I would like to work as a Dance Physical Therapist. Can anyone give me any information on how to go by that or what schools offer PT specfically for Dance? ANY IDEAS?

[Victoria Leigh]

sodanca, are you talking about Physical Therapy for Dancers, or Dance Therapy? There is a big difference. Dance Therapy is not working with dancers, but using dance in the therapy in working with mentally handicapped people. One needs a college degree and a graduate degree in Dance Therapy.

 

For Physical Therapy, you would also need to go to school, but I'm not sure where you would go for this. I can find out tomorrow.

[Guest sodancaMiss]

VL I am so sorry I did not make that clear. It would be Dance PT working with dancers and THEIR needs. Thank you for giving me a heads up. It is a bit confusing.

 

RENEE

[Victoria Leigh]

It is confusing, Renee! One would think that Dance Therapy would be working with dancers, but it isn't at all.

 

I have a fabulous Physical Therapist who I see tomorrow a.m., so I will ask her about the way to go to train for that.

[BW]

You might like to take a look at this website Washington University's outline of their PT program. It's a pretty nice website that should give you a good overview of the field. Physical therapists have to go through extensive training via graduate school. I'm sure if you went to look at The Princeton Review of Graduate Schools you could find many.

 

Most of the PT's I met who worked at West Side Dance Physical Therapy had some of their own background in dance to start. Many of these PTs worked on dance students such as my own daughter, and professional dancers from NYCB, and other ballet companies in New York.

 

Perhaps after you've researched a bit more, you might set up an appointment with someone who practices PT with regard to dancers per se. Maybe you already have one of your own you could talk to?

[dancemaven]

Dear Sodancamiss,

 

My sister is a PT and I have a couple friends who are. The PT programs are graduate level programs and are quite competitive to get into. The undergrad degree should include some basic and not-so-basic science and biology, but it probably does not have to be a science degree. (I know a PT whose undergrad degree was dance--but she did have to go back and pick up some science classes). Numerous universities offer these programs. I would suggest that you check with several to get an idea of the undergraduate classes that the programs would require to be sure you get those in.

 

Secondly, PTs often end up with a focus in their practice. For instance, my sister, who studied, trained, and stayed in Florida, owned a PT practice that in large part specialized in geriatric patients and stroke victims. My current pilates teacher is a PT/former professional dancer whose practice group includes many types of patients and ailments. She, however, is working to develop a practice that includes the pre-pro dancers and professional dancers in our city along with other young athletes.

 

I would think that when you get around to deciding which school's PT program you wish to apply to that (along with all the other criteria that goes into choosing a school) you take into consideration the likely population of potential patients in that area. That is, if you want to work with dancers, look for a school that is in an area that is likely to have dancers as clientele. If you want to work with professional football players, look to a school in a city with professional football players, etc.

 

After all, those are the people that will be available to you in your clinical rotations and that will be visiting the clinics and groups with whom you will begin to establish contacts and network with while in school.

[Dance_Scholar_London]

Sodanca, I am not sure if you consider studying in Europe but Laban in London does offer a MSc in Dance Science. "The MSc Dance Science is designed to put dancers and teachers in touch with issues arising from an improved understanding of the body and the training process, as better information and new ways of training emerge. Full time: one year Part time: two years". Here is the link http://www.laban.org/laban/dance_training/...e_science.phtml Good luck!

[Victoria Leigh]

Sodanca, a graduate degree is definitely required. I am waiting for some information on a program in the Rochester, NY area that really is geared for PT for dancers. Will post as soon as I have it.

[Guest LisaB]

The American Physical Therapy Association (www.apta.org) can probably give you the information you need. I believe most physical therapists have master's degree training, although there are still a few BS programs in the US. My understanding of how to become a dance PT is similar to dancemaven's explanation, all PTs undergo similar training and then pursue their individual interests.

[Garyecht]

I think dancemave gave a very good overview. The only thing I have to add is that PTs are licensed in most states. That means having appropriate educational requirements and passing a licensing exam. My understanding is also that the licensing exams are pretty difficult too, as the demand for PTs in established practices is less than the supply of new licensees in the states I know best.

 

For whatever reason, wanting to be a PT is currently a very popular occupational choice. Consequently, graduate schools are flooded with applications. Fewer than 50% get accepted to most programs as I understand. And because demand far exceeds supply, graduate schools can easily increase their requirements.

 

Starts to sound almost like having a career in ballet—lots of hurdles, a big candidate pool, and relatively few established (I’m ignoring private practice) positions. I don’t think it is as difficult as having a ballet career, however.

 

Though I could be wrong, what I sense in sodancaMiss’s querry is her desire to work with dancers. I would encourage her to weigh working with dancers against being a PT. I mean which job would she prefer: having a job involving dancers that was something other than being a PT or being a PT and not being involved at all with dancers? Of course she wants both, but is good to be forced into making priorities. I think how she answers that question can guide her in her post-dance life.

[vagansmom]

Ithaca College here has a highly respected 5 year PT program. I know one ballet dancer who has just graduated from there. I believe she is now going on to a specialty field within PT but I can't remember which one.

[AEDancer]

I am interestd in the same thing, I heard you can go to school major in pt, then specialize in dance pt.

[Robin G]

I understand PT will be more and more in demand along with Dance Medicine and Sports Medicine-as the baby boomers(including yours truely )age.My PT friends seem to find good employment!

[Guest <3 to dance]

i have been taking pt for 4 weeks with 3 sessions a week and will continue for another 4 weeks because i fractured my back. i am also a dancer and after i experienced pt, i think i would like to study in this field. i am currently a sophomore in high school and i dont think im good enough to become a prefessional but i would still like to work with dancers.. i agree that this would be a super cool job -- also it pays well

[Mel Johnson]

Ouch!