Performing Arts Therapy
The Telegraph, 22nd Feb., 2009 Heal with song & dance A STAFF REPORTER Rabindra Bharati University’s BT Road campus will next month become the first institution to start a performing arts therapy course approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC). “Doctors and NGOs already use music and dance to treat those suffering from pain, stress, depression and lack of self-respect. But now we have a structured course, complete with professional training in physiotherapy and psychology, that will help them do the same job better,” said Kathak danseuse Amita Dutt, the dean of fine arts. Arpita Chatterjee, the course co-ordinator, said the UGC had sounded out the university last year for some new job-oriented courses. “We had suggested a couple of courses to them, of which performing arts therapy was selected for financial aid.” Classes will be conducted in the evening. “We will begin with a certificate course and later introduce a two-year diploma course and a three-year advanced diplom