Regional Festivals

A limitless world of promise for our artists.

RDA Festivals inspire artistic and personal growth, creativity, and excellence!

 

RDA member companies gather in their Regions annually for three-day-long Festivals, each hosted by a member company or jointly hosted by the Region. Over 1500 dancers from 70 regional companies, 300 parents, 100 artistic directors and staff members, and nearly 100 faculty members and musicians attend the annual Festivals.

The Making of a Regional Festival

The exciting process begins each spring when RDA’s world-class Adjudicators tour the Regions to select works by member companies and arrange Festival programs. The Adjudicators provide constructive feedback to member companies to elevate their accomplishments. The season culminates at the Festivals, where participants attend master classes, seminars, and college roundtables during the day, as well as perform each evening. Dancers from member companies are seen by college and professional training program recruiters and have the opportunity to audition for awards and scholarships. Member company directors network with well-known dance educators and choreographers.

Outstanding Soloists

RDA’s annual Adjudication also includes individual evaluations as part of the RDA Outstanding Soloist Program. Over 600 dancers have received one-on-one coaching and feedback during their Company’s Adjudication through this Program.

National Choreography Intensive

For over 60 years, RDA has nurtured and provided opportunities for emerging and seasoned choreographers. RDA highlights budding new talent during Emerging Choreographer Showcases, and it awards choreographers who present the most outstanding works at the festivals. Choreographers and dancers alike can receive scholarships to RDA’s annual National Choreography Intensive.

National Training Program

The newest summer offering is RDA’s National Training Program, which offers dancers an extended opportunity to train with world class faculty in RDA’s signature trusted environment through daily technique classes, repertory classes, engaging workshops, and visits with the National Choreography Intensive directors and participants. RDA Dancers receive automatic acceptance to the National Training Program to further their training.

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2025 RDA Festivals

 

RDA/Southwest
March 13-15 in Fort Smith, AR
At the ArcBest Performing Arts Center, Fort Smith Convention Center, and Wyndham Fort Smith


RDA/Pacific
March 20 – 22 in Palo Alto, CA
At the Cubberley Community Center and Crowne Plaza Palo Alto


RDA/Northeast
April 24-26 in Scranton, PA
At the Scranton Cultural Center and Hilton Scranton & Conference Center


RDA/Southeast
May 1-3 in Memphis, TN
At the Sheraton Memphis Downtown and Renasant Convention Center


RDA/MidStates
May 1-3 in Overland Park, KS
At the Midwest Trust Center and DoubleTree

Experience a Festival before pursuing company membership!

Get involved with RDA!

BECOME A SPONSOR OF RDA
RDA connects you to an ESSENTIAL NETWORK of thousands of dancers, parents, artistic directors, executive directors, dance faculty members, choreographers, and musicians from across the US. RDA offers year-round connection with these individuals through virtual and on-site opportunities such as master classes, seminars, direct email, social media outreach, performances, and networking events. Get involved, support our programs, and reach our audience and beyond!

RECRUIT AND/OR OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS

RDA offers ACCESS to thousands of highly trained, extremely dedicated pre-professional dancers who are eager to explore training opportunities. REACH these talented artists and provide offers to participate in your summer, winter, college, or university program through RDA’s robust online scholarship and recruitment process with on-site Festival follow-up. Join a virtual roundtable, offer scholarships… get involved!

ATTEND A FESTIVAL AS A GUEST
Festivals are the heart and soul of RDA. EXPERIENCE one of the greatest highlights of RDA membership by attending a Festival as a guest before your company evaluates for membership.

Regional Dance America thanks our 2024 Sponsors

Ready to become a member and open new doors for your organization?