photo courtesy of adta.org

As a graduate student entering the professional world of dance/movement therapy, it is important to know the benefits of joining the American Dance Therapy Association as soon as possible. The ADTA serves students, professionals, dancers, somatic practitioners, and retirees alike—providing a multitude of support through various online databases, discussion forums and scholarly research.

photo courtesy of adta.org

When you become a member of ADTA, you automatically have access to many perks! Four newsletters a year are sent out to members containing regional, national, and global news related to the field of dance/movement therapy. As a member you will also receive two issues of the American Journal of Dance Therapy. which is a wonderful resource. Access to the membership directory and discussion forums are also hugely beneficial as a student when looking for fellow dance/movement therapists. This is also convenient to those who are looking for a supervisor, or clinical consultation while continuing to practice in the field. Members can also direct any of their questions to the national office staff, members-at-large or the Board of Directors for support.

photo courtesy of adta.org

As members of ADTA we also have access to the online store, where we can purchase books, abstracts, conference proceedings, and DVDS to help us throughout our coursework and also to aid in our thesis writing. Continuing education Webinars are also offered to members throughout the year, touching on a wide variety of subjects within the field of dance/movement therapy. These webinars are incredibly convenient and the subject matter is always very exciting and applicable.

ADTA members also get their own membership profile, as well as access to special documents like ATDA Bylaws, and public relations material. Members of ADTA also get a discounted rate on conference fees, as well as a discounted rates on other journals like Body, Movement and Dance in Psychotherapy. This year the American Dance Therapy Association’s 50th annual conference will be in San Diego, California and I cannot wait to attend!

The ADTA is also in conjunction with the Marian Chace Foundation, which is dedicated to introducing the power of communicative dance and body awareness as treatment in health and educational settings. The annual lecture series affiliated with the foundation sponsors scholars whose lectures are then published in the American Journal of Dance Therapy.