Regional Dance America’s mission is to advance and foster the growth and education of dancers, choreographers, directors and dance companies in every community across the United States and Canada. RDA provides a national identity and support for its five regional associations; MidStates, Northeast, Pacific, Southeast and Southwest.

Development of member companies is further promoted through regional and national festivals by affirming standards of appraisal, evaluation and performance to which all members are held.

We envision a future in which quality dance is an important part of the rich and diverse culture available to all individuals in every community across the United States and Canada. The pre-professional dance company will be at the core of this future, reaching communities and populations that may not be served by larger, professional companies. These companies will claim national and international recognition for the standards to which they are held. Young dancers regardless of geographic boundaries will have access to quality dance performance and training opportunities; choreographers will thrive in enriching settings with all resources necessary to grow and develop into regional, national and international stature.

Regional Dance America will be the national identity for member companies, unifying the five regional associations.

Regional Dance America will be holding four regional festivals in 2011. The purpose of these festivals is:

• to provide educational and performing opportunities for students with a serious commitment to their arts education.

• to provide net-working opportunities for directors and teachers from across the United States.

• to increase the awareness that RDA is an important and valuable part of the fabric and history of the American dance community.

Festival Specifics • A total of over three thousand pre-professional dancers and dance professionals will attend the festivals in 2011 festivals

• Each festival will have three performances showcasing the member companies of each region

• Each festival will hold numerous master classes taught daily by renowned dance instructors The festivals will have teachers at the top of their fields who will teach master classes in:

• ballet • modern • jazz • nutrition • dancer health • Other related dance topics