“It is a chance to connect with dance on a regional and national level, giving the director and dancers opportunities and resources beyond their local community. RDA membership makes us part of a family of artists working to make the world a better place.”

CYNTHIA CREWS, Artistic Director of Lawrence Ballet Theatre

“It pushes me to strive for a higher standard of dance within my company and school. It is a chance to connect with similar organizations beyond the confines of the local community and to extend broader opportunities to my dancers.”

JIM McEWAN, Artistic Director of Greater Lansing Ballet

“RDA is a great experience to meet new dance friends and take classes from great teachers. It is a very safe environment where you can be yourself."

KAYLA H., Dancer with Forum Dance Theatre

“To me, being a part of RDA is gaining opportunities to improve myself as a dancer and person. It means working towards becoming more well-rounded and trying out different styles that I have never tried before.”

ELLA R., Dancer with Dance Wisconsin

“Being a part of RDA means representing the dance community in a positive way and having access to performances and classes that would otherwise not be available to me.”

KATHERINE B., Dancer with Greater Lansing Ballet

“RDA means being a member of the larger dance community. It means that I am able to meet others who share my passion for dance, take classes from accomplished dancers, and have the opportunity for receiving scholarships to further my dance abilities.”

YVIE G., Dancer with Forum Dance Theatre

“For me, RDA is a chance to explore new styles of dance, meet new dancers in the dance community, and receive instruction from some of the best professionals in the country. It is also an opportunity for me to bond with my own company and for us to perform together in an amazing and fun environment.”

LUCY S., Dancer with DanceWest Ballet Company

“In my eyes, being a part of Regional Dance America means you are a part of a much larger community of dancers than you'd normally realize. Being part of RDA (as a dancer) means getting the opportunity to witness and experience amazing performances, take professional-level classes with confounding instructors, and meet/dance with some incredible people that you may have never met before.”

KAYLEE C., Dancer with Greater Lansing Ballet

“I am so excited to be part of the RDA association. Meeting dancers from around the country and seeing different techniques and influences adds so much to the experience. Knowing that wherever I end up, in summer intensives, college, or as a professional dancer, I will have the relationships that have been fostered through years of RDA festivals to help me succeed and feel at home.”

REBECCA W., Dancer with Central Indiana Dance Ensemble

“I find that having the opportunity to be a part of RDA is an amazing experience for my dance career. RDA allows me the possibility to learn from new teachers and interact with students from companies all over the Midwest. The festival helps me grow as a dancer as I appreciate those around me and the support we feed each other to become stronger dancers together.”

SASHA P., Dancer with Eisenhower Dance Detroit Youth Ensemble