[Adta] replying to student inquiries about researching DMT

[Christine Hopkins]

I often respond to students' inquiries. In fact, I have done so often 
enough that I wrote an official ADTA Letter to Students that is posted 
on our web site and offers guidelines for student research projects on 
DMT. This letter to tudents, however, is posted in a way that makes it 
appear it is for people who are interested in training to become 
dance/movement therapists, whereas these students are just doing school 
papers on DMT. Currently the letter to students is posted under the 
Students FAQ. I wonder if there's a way to re-post it, even as a button 
on the home page titling it as introductory guidance for students doing 
research projects on DMT? Maybe it's just fine where it is and we can 
simply refer students to it in our replies to their inquiries.

It seems that about 5 years ago, the word started getting out among high 
school students that DMT is a cool topic for term papers and school 
video projects. I've given guidance to a couple of dozen high school 
students over the years. Many of them are in Dance Club and/or 
cheerleading squads in their high schools.

We are on the map!

In future I will post my initial reply to the listserv so that others 
know the student's inquiry has been replied to and to share how I 
correspond with them, directing them towards useful pathways into 
research, but not doing their research for them! Here is the letter:
______________________________

*A Letter for Interested Students
*

Dear Students:

The dance/movement therapy community welcomes your interest in our 
profession. In order to help you get the best results from your 
inquiries, here are some suggestions:

1. Do some preliminary research first – (1) Read the extensive 
information on the American Dance Therapy Association website, including 
research and bibliographies. (2) Check with your school library or local 
public library for books and articles about dance/movement therapy. A 
librarian can give you useful guidance on finding reading materials 
about dance therapy.

2. Introduce yourself – When you contact us for input on your project or 
area of interest, please tell us a little bit about yourself. Are you a 
high school, college or graduate student? What part of the country or 
world are you located in? How did you first hear about dance/movement 
therapy?

3. Tell us about your project - Will your project result in a paper, 
video or presentation? What class is your project for: dance, physical 
education, health sciences, career exploration, psychology? What is the 
timeline for your project? It’s best if you contact us early in your 
project timeline.

4. Tell us about your focus - What in particular most interests you 
about dance/movement therapy? Is it a particular type of patient, 
disease, treatment method, artistic aspect? The more specific and clear 
you are about your questions and learning needs, the better we will be 
able to help you.

You will find that the dance/movement therapy community is willing and 
generous in its response to inquiries from students. Following the above 
suggestions will ensure that you get the best results from contacting us 
about your project.

Thank you so much for your interest in dance therapy!

Sincerely,

American Dance Therapy Association
________________________________

It is wonderful that students are interested in learning more and know 
about dance/movement therapy!

Christine Hopkins