Community Dance is a rapidly growing field, and we see clear opportunities for our graduates to find or create employment. Teaching artists, for example, represent a large and expanding sector of the dance employment field. They work for non-profit organizations, community arts schools or centers, dance companies, museums, K-12 schools, and organizations that specialize in school programming.
Over the last ten years, the number of dance teaching artists employed nationally has grown significantly, and one recent study concluded that this rapid growth has outpaced the supply of qualified teaching artists. Related career opportunities include positions as community engagement or integration/inclusion specialists for dance companies or other non-profit organizations. For example, Very Special Ohio employs dance teaching artists, as do other non-profit organizations focused on health, wellness, and recovery. In fact, this is an area where we see great potential for community dance employment: with social services and organizations serving adults in recovery for substance abuse and domestic violence; adults with Parkinson’s Disease or other physical challenges; and other special needs adults.
Similarly, we see the growing senior population as an opportunity, since research clearly demonstrates the benefit of dance participation among older adults. Finally, graduates of the M.A. in Community Dance will be prepared to create their own innovative new programs, studios, and schools, or to secure positions as Directors of existing programs.
