The American College Dance Association’s primary focus is to support and promote the wealth of talent and creativity that is prominent throughout college and university dance departments. ACDA’s sponsorship of regional conferences and the National College Dance Festival provides the venue for students and faculty to engage in three days of performances, workshops, panels, and guest artist classes taught by instructors from around the region and country. The conferences also provide the unique opportunity for students and faculty to have their dance works adjudicated by a panel of nationally recognized dance professionals in an open and constructive forum. The conferences are the primary means for college and university dance programs to perform outside their own academic setting and to gain exposure to the diversity of college dance throughout the United States. Many conferences culminate with the presentation of pieces selected for their exemplary artistic quality.

ACDA has established 11 regions throughout the country for organizational purposes and maintains a strong regional structure through its regional directors and institutional membership to help facilitate the exchange of information. Colleges and universities may attend any regional conference and may present one or two works for adjudication.

ACDA also sponsors the National College Dance Festival. A biennial event, the National Festival showcases works selected from each regional conference for presentation on gala concerts.  The National Festival is usually presented at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.  The next National Festival will be held in Spring of 2025.