“Affiliation with this dynamic organization has provided positive experiences for the dancers and directors, raised their levels of self expectation, and expanded their awareness of the dance world.”

JENNIFER BEASLEY, Artistic Director of Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet

“I’ve been a part of RDA for 20 years now. Because of RDA, I got many scholarships over the years and had a professional career because of one of those opportunities. Now, in my position, I continue to be #rdagrateful for the opportunities that it presents to my students and seeing them emerge the way I did as a student.”

KYLIE BERRY, Associate Artistic Director of Appalachian Ballet Company & RDA/Southeast Alumna

“Being a part of RDA has been a fantastic experience. It has been instrumental in allowing me to break out of my comfort zone and really grow as a dancer through all of the opportunities the scholarship program has given me to attend summer intensives.”

KENDALL F., Dancer with Inwood Dance Company

“Being a part of RDA allows for dancers to get to be a part of a large family. It allows for dancers to meet people who have the same appreciation for the arts as them. And being able to be a part of such a great environment means so much to me. The staff and other dancers of RDA continue to push me to be the best that I can.”

JULIA W., Dancer with Appalachian Ballet Company

“Being in RDA means that I can perform and go beyond my technical training and learn how to become a more well rounded dancer. It gives me chances to learn about different genres of dance that I would not normally be exposed to. Overall being in RDA means a community of dancers who all love what they are doing and give up so much to be doing it and I value that so much.”

JULIANA T., Dancer with Raleigh Dance Theatre

“It’s incredible to get to receive the amazing experiences and opportunities that we have with RDA. It is so important to me to experience new teachers, choreographers, and dancers so that I can be as diverse as possible and without RDA I would not be able to accomplish this.”

BROOKE T., Dancer with Roswell Dance Theatre

“As a colored dancer I love the equal opportunities this program advocates for. I love the dance community and can’t wait to learn from guest teachers during festivals.”

TULSI A., Dancer with Triangle Youth Ballet

“Being a part of RDA is very special to me because it allows me the opportunity to be part of a larger dance community and immerse myself with other talented dancers.”

JAEGER H., Dancer with Terminus Student Company

“[RDA] opens additional opportunities for me to interact and meet other individuals that share the love of dance. It helps me explore other dance opportunities and continue to grow in my dance career.”

ANNA H., Dancer with High Point Ballet

“Being a member of RDA has connected me with amazing teachers, role models, and dancers throughout the country. Representing High Point Ballet while attending RDA makes me feel a sense of pride and joy for the hard work we put into dance on a daily basis. Through RDA I've been able to accomplish far beyond what I would have without it!”

EMILY C., Dancer with High Point Ballet