Core Viewpoint - The recent inclusion of "dance therapy" as a new undergraduate major by the Ministry of Education has sparked interest and demand, but there are concerns regarding the qualifications of graduates to work in specialized fields like autism therapy [2][10][11] Group 1: Industry Development - Dance therapy has been recognized as a potential non-drug treatment method, but its acceptance as a legitimate psychological therapy in China is still developing [3][10] - The demand for dance therapy is increasing, particularly in areas such as autism, mental disabilities, and elderly cognitive disorders, yet the industry lacks standardized practices and regulations [2][12] - The first undergraduate program in dance therapy has been approved at Nanjing Normal University, indicating a shift towards formal education in this field [10][11] Group 2: Professional Training and Qualifications - There is skepticism about whether graduates from arts schools can effectively work in medical settings due to insufficient psychological training [11][12] - Internationally, professional art therapists are required to have a strong medical knowledge background, which is not yet the case in China [12][16] - The lack of a formal certification system and inconsistent training standards highlight that dance therapy is still in its infancy in China [16][18] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The pricing for dance therapy sessions varies widely, with some classes costing between 500 to 1200 yuan per person, reflecting a chaotic market influenced by various stakeholders [13][14] - The industry faces challenges such as funding shortages and a lack of qualified personnel, which hampers the growth of dance therapy initiatives [14][16] - Concerns from educational institutions about integrating art therapy into existing curricula include funding, safety, and the positioning of art therapy alongside traditional educational methods [16][17] Group 4: Clinical Acceptance and Evidence - The medical community remains cautious about dance therapy, often viewing it as a supplementary rather than a primary treatment option for conditions like autism [18][19] - Successful case studies, such as collaborations between art therapy organizations and hospitals, demonstrate the potential for dance therapy to be integrated into clinical settings [19]