Dance has been a method of expression and physical exercise for centuries, but the establishment of dance as a therapy and as profession did not occur until the 1950s in the United States. It helped the country's people get out of the shadow of World War II and resume normal lives.

In the US and Europe, where dance therapy is well developed, professional organizations such as The American Dance Therapy Association and The Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy in the United Kingdom set guidelines for the profession's education and offer credentials.

One has to complete strict training and pass grueling tests to acquire the credentials to become a dance therapist.