“The most valuable part of RDA/NE Festivals for me as a young dancer was learning how to pace and push myself through days of fantastically taxing classes and rehearsals… and then perform. Working collectively as a company to adhere to the scheduling, and to navigate different festival settings created awesome teamwork while challenging and preparing young dancers for post-high school possibilities.” Sean Dubs – student at School of Toronto Dance Theatre, formerly of Pennsylvania Regional Ballet |
 “The most valuable experience that RDA provided for me was the chance to work with reputable teachers and branching out into different styles of dance in the various classes. Having to take classes in dance forms that I wasn’t used to helped me later on when I needed to move a certain way for a choreographer.” Elizabeth Lentz – dancer in the professional division of Orlando Ballet, formerly of Pennsylvania Regional Ballet |
 “My experience with RDA and festivals began in 1979 as a dancer with the Vineland Regional Dance Company (VRDC). Performing at festivals ignited my passion for the stage. This love of dance afforded me the opportunity to graduate from The Juilliard School, receive the Princess Grace Award and provide me with the momentum to dance professionally with the Eliot Feld Ballet. My affiliation with Regional Dance America (RDA) and Regional Dance America Northeast (RDA/NE) helped me professionally as a dancer, master teacher and choreographer. As a dancer with an RDA/NE company, I attended the Craft of Choreography Conference and received the coveted Monticello Choreography Award. Meeting professionals in the world of dance through RDA opened many doors for me. I began as a dancer in a regional company, established my own professional career and now have come full circle to serve as the artistic director of the VRDC. I am thrilled to give back to an organization that helps one share knowledge, practices and expertise with other model arts individuals, helping us all to remain on the cutting edge of innovation while keeping tradition alive.”
Kimberly Chapman, Artistic Director, Vineland Regional Dance Company |
 “I learned how important it was for me to experience so many other forms of dance, to be able to absorb as much information as possible from so many leading teachers in the profession on both a technical and performance level. As far as as being a part of a company associated with RDA, most importantly I learned discipline, dedication and determination. All of which I pass on to students that I now have the privilege to work with. These three things I have also incorporated into my own career and which I believe have had a long and lasting effect on my work. For that, I thank you personally and the Canton Ballet.”
Tee Jaye (Tommie Jenkins), RDA Craft of Choreography alumn, dancer, singer and actor on London’s West End, in national tours of Broadway musicals and in films, formerly of Canton Ballet |
 RDA Festival allows dancers a unique opportunity to interact with their peers from around the country. This experiences enriches not only individual artistry but also the sense of community that is crucial for the development of such a personal art.
Philip Colucci, Pennsylvania Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance, formerly of Vineland Regional Dance Company |
 “Going to the RDA festivals nourished my body and mind with different styles of dance and exposed me to a broader dance world at a very young age. I think RDA was essential to the process of becoming the dancer I am today.”
Zachary Catazaro, New York City Ballet, formerly of Canton Ballet |
 “As a young dancer, it helped to watch other dancers in classes and performances, enabling me to realize my points of strength, as well as points that needed more attention, and at the end, realizing we all have something to offer, that there is more to being a great dancer than just perfect technique. The opportunities that Canton Ballet and RDA festival afforded me, not only prepared me to be a professional dancer, but to be an artist.”
Kelly Yankle, Cincinnati Ballet, formerly of Canton Ballet |
