National Dance Association

Issues & Actions

What is Advocacy?

Advocacy is communication for the purpose of influencing others about a meaningful issue, idea or concern.  It is a method of ensuring that representation of your views or the views of others you represent are heard and/or included in the decision-making process.

NDA and Advocacy

Dance is an integral, profoundly significant component of the social structure in many cultures. People dance to celebrate, share social interactions, increase physical abilities, meet other people, express spiritual beliefs, entertain, and communicate ideas with others.  

Yet, dance remains only an extra-curricular activity in many K-12 schools and colleges/universities in the United States. Even when dance has been recognized at both the national and state levels as one of the essential art forms needed for a comprehensive education, it is rarely treated as an equal partner with the visual arts, music and theater education.  

We must have a strong voice to clearly articulate the benefits of dance. NDA and its members are committed to furthering the cause of dance education in K-12 schools and in colleges/universities.