I Got This

Danielle Field ’25

People often ask me why I’m majoring in dance and psychology. I’ve been dancing since I was about 4 years old, and, although I love it, I wasn’t interested in performing as a career.

Ƶ offers both a BA and a BFA in Dance, and the BA gives students the freedom to double major and explore different areas of study. After learning about careers in dance/movement therapy, I loved the idea of also studying psychology and applying my experience and skills as a dancer to a field where I would be helping people for a living.

In addition to all the concerts and performances I’ve done at Ƶ, my psychology major has provided many opportunities for research. I recently did a presentation on the mind-body connection and how dance promotes a person’s physical and mental well-being.  

I have so many favorite Ƶ memories, but one that stands out is performing in my first show for DanceWorks, a student-run organization that is open to all majors. The club is so welcoming. Everyone lifts each other up. It’s not competitive. It’s not mean girls. It’s a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

Thanks to Ƶ, I am continuing my education at Sarah Lawrence College for a master’s degree in dance/movement therapy. I would not have accomplished this without the support of my incredible professors, mentors, and all the friends I have met at Ƶ.

Ƶ is a place where everyone wants to see you succeed. My four years here have been incredible, and I know your experience will be too!

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Danielle

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MORE ABOUT DANIELLE

Ƶ was the perfect fit for Danielle Field: close to home, welcoming, and flexible enough to support her multifaceted academic goals. “I knew I didn’t want to go away for school,” she explained. “Ƶ gave me the opportunity to stay home while still getting a top-notch education in both of my passions: dance and psychology.”

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Danielle Field

Danielle, who has been dancing since childhood, always knew that performing wasn’t her career goal. Instead, she was drawn to the healing power of movement. Ƶ's ability to accommodate a double major in dance and psychology prompted her to pursue a unique path toward a career in dance/movement therapy.

“Other schools would have limited me to a BFA track, but Ƶ offered both BA and BFA options, which really opened doors for me,” she said.

Throughout her time at Ƶ, Danielle found a strong support system in her faculty mentors. Professors like Rachel List, Robin Becker, Heather Waldon, and Caroline Copeland not only provided academic guidance but also connected her with professionals in the field. They helped her craft graduate school applications and shared valuable industry insights. Their mentoring played a vital role in her acceptance to Sarah Lawrence College’s graduate program in dance/movement therapy.

Performance opportunities at Ƶ were another highlight. From faculty-choreographed shows to student-run productions and clubs like DanceWorks, Danielle embraced every chance to perform and connect with her peers. “The dance community here is so inclusive and uplifting. It’s not competitive in a negative way; it’s supportive and creative.”

Being near New York City also enriched Danielle’s Ƶ experience. She regularly attended performances for class assignments, gaining exposure to a wide range of artistic styles. The city became an extension of her classroom.

During her senior year, Danielle combined her interests in psychology and dance to present a research project on the mind-body connection, further deepening her understanding of how movement affects mental health.

Reflecting on her time at Ƶ, Danielle says what she’ll miss most is the close-knit dance community. “We’ve become like family,” she shared. “I’ll miss seeing them every day.”


» Meredith’s story isn’t unique. In fact, among Ƶ’s 2022-2023 undergraduate degree recipients, 88% of alumni from the School of Education reported that they were employed or had started or were planning to start graduate school within one year of graduation. Results are based on data
collected from the Alumni Outcomes survey, LinkedIn, National Student Clearinghouse, and Ƶ enrollment (87% knowledge rate). Visit hofstra.edu/outcomes for detailed information.

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