3 answers
Grace
Student
Dalton, Massachusetts
2
Questions
Updated
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Career steps
What steps should I take if I would like to study Kinesiology and exercise science to become a dance physiologist. ?
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3 answers
Shawndra Winter
Content Strategist, Organizational Development
12
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Shawndra’s Answer
If dance has always made sense to you, and you’re also curious about how the body works, this could be a really good fit. Dance physiologists are people who help dancers stay strong, healthy, and able to keep doing what they love. If you go to college for kinesiology or exercise science, you’ll take a lot of science classes. Some will be tough. That’s normal. What matters is whether you find yourself interested, not whether it feels easy.
It helps to keep dance in your life, even if it looks different than it used to. Teaching, assisting, or just staying involved gives you perspective that science alone can’t. Try to see what the work actually looks like. Shadow someone. Volunteer. Ask questions. Seeing the day-to-day helps you decide if this is right for you. I've worked in professional dance and all star dance studio competitions - Find an internship or studio that will let you attend or shadow with them. Visit schools that have strong competitive dance programs and ask to connect with their sports medicine departments!
It helps to keep dance in your life, even if it looks different than it used to. Teaching, assisting, or just staying involved gives you perspective that science alone can’t. Try to see what the work actually looks like. Shadow someone. Volunteer. Ask questions. Seeing the day-to-day helps you decide if this is right for you. I've worked in professional dance and all star dance studio competitions - Find an internship or studio that will let you attend or shadow with them. Visit schools that have strong competitive dance programs and ask to connect with their sports medicine departments!
Jane Akinyemi
Lecturer
22
Answers
Salem, Massachusetts
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Hi Grace,
Becoming a dance physiologist is a great choice. It combines movement, science, and caring for the body. It begins with obtaining a bachelor’s degree in fields such as Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Human Movement Science, Sports Science, or Physiotherapy. Focus on courses like Anatomy & Physiology, Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Motor Learning, and Psychology of Movement.
Getting a good education is key. It is important to choose schools that emphasize human movement and exercise science. Additionally, gaining dance and movement experience by taking classes in styles like ballet or contemporary dance is beneficial. Working with dance groups or schools, volunteering, or interning with dancers can help you learn about their bodies, injuries, and performance needs.
Most professionals pursue a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Sports & Exercise Science, or Human Performance. During this time, focus on Performance Physiology, Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Movement Analysis. Considering research related to dance or movement can also be advantageous.
While optional, obtaining certifications can enhance your credibility. Relevant certifications include Exercise Physiologist, Personal Trainer, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Pilates, Yoga, Movement Therapy, and Corrective Exercise Specialist.
Taking short courses in dance medicine, performing arts rehabilitation, or movement therapy can help you specialize in dance health. To gain practical experience, work or intern with dance companies, fitness centers, schools, or clinics. Your responsibilities may include assessing movement, designing conditioning programs, preventing injuries, and supporting dancers’ performance. If you aim to teach at a university or conduct research, pursuing a PhD in kinesiology or exercise science is recommended.
I hope this helps,
All the best in your endeavors.
Dr. Jane Akinyemi
Becoming a dance physiologist is a great choice. It combines movement, science, and caring for the body. It begins with obtaining a bachelor’s degree in fields such as Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Human Movement Science, Sports Science, or Physiotherapy. Focus on courses like Anatomy & Physiology, Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Motor Learning, and Psychology of Movement.
Getting a good education is key. It is important to choose schools that emphasize human movement and exercise science. Additionally, gaining dance and movement experience by taking classes in styles like ballet or contemporary dance is beneficial. Working with dance groups or schools, volunteering, or interning with dancers can help you learn about their bodies, injuries, and performance needs.
Most professionals pursue a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Sports & Exercise Science, or Human Performance. During this time, focus on Performance Physiology, Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Movement Analysis. Considering research related to dance or movement can also be advantageous.
While optional, obtaining certifications can enhance your credibility. Relevant certifications include Exercise Physiologist, Personal Trainer, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Pilates, Yoga, Movement Therapy, and Corrective Exercise Specialist.
Taking short courses in dance medicine, performing arts rehabilitation, or movement therapy can help you specialize in dance health. To gain practical experience, work or intern with dance companies, fitness centers, schools, or clinics. Your responsibilities may include assessing movement, designing conditioning programs, preventing injuries, and supporting dancers’ performance. If you aim to teach at a university or conduct research, pursuing a PhD in kinesiology or exercise science is recommended.
I hope this helps,
All the best in your endeavors.
Dr. Jane Akinyemi
Mason Briles, MS, LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
1
Answer
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Mason’s Answer
While I’ve never heard of this exact profession, I would think a strong background in anatomy and biomechanics would be necessary for this role. I would research schools with a strong kinesiology school/department, particularly those who do research into biomechanics. While in school, I’d apply to work in the biomechanics lab to bolster your resume, future applications, and knowledge. Even better if the school also has a strong dance program that you could maybe volunteer with to learn about dance and the needs of high-level dancers. I would focus on learning about the strength, conditioning, practice, and recovery needs of these specialized athletes. I can also imagine where a background in nutrition would be beneficial as well so I would take a couple of nutrition courses and maybe look into sports nutrition certifications.
If this job is about injury prevention and healing injuries, I would assume you’re also going to need to go to physical therapy school and get your doctorate or to an athletic training school for your masters degree (this is sports medicine, which is what I do). So I would make sure while in college, to check prerequisite coursework for PT/AT programs and plan to take any additional classes that aren’t required for your major and to tailor your required electives to complete those prerequisites. I’m unsure if these exist, but see if any PT or AT programs pair with dance departments or local dance programs to provide care/learning experiences for students. I would think it would be more likely to find this sort of collaboration within an AT program.
I hope this helps!
Look into colleges with strong kinesiology programs - biomechanics research lab would be a nice touch
Focus courses on prerequisites for PT or AT school + nutrition and biomechanics
Look into PT/AT programs who may partner with dance academies or programs. You can also always suggest it to a program as an interest in interviews - definitely a unique interest that would help you stand out
Orient learning experiences in school to opportunities to work with dance OR build knowledge that would benefit you working with dancers
Seek out professionals in the field and shadow now, while in college, and/or graduate school. Dance Medicine programs exist and most professionals are happy to mentor and teach.
If this job is about injury prevention and healing injuries, I would assume you’re also going to need to go to physical therapy school and get your doctorate or to an athletic training school for your masters degree (this is sports medicine, which is what I do). So I would make sure while in college, to check prerequisite coursework for PT/AT programs and plan to take any additional classes that aren’t required for your major and to tailor your required electives to complete those prerequisites. I’m unsure if these exist, but see if any PT or AT programs pair with dance departments or local dance programs to provide care/learning experiences for students. I would think it would be more likely to find this sort of collaboration within an AT program.
I hope this helps!
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