Welcome - 2026 ACDA Northeast Conference

We are pleased to offer all performances as part of the 2026 ACDA Northeast Conference OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

INFO:

We are offering a unique opportunity to dive into different academic dance programs around our region, which takes the audience into a wide variety of dance performances and choreographies. Thirty-two universities from New York to Maryland are bringing 400 faculty and students to perform at The Palace Theatre between Saturday, February 28 - Tuesday, March 3. Here's a run down of the shows and what to expect:

Adjudication Performances: See a variety of choreography from Universities in this Adjudicated process. Three Adjudicators will be viewing each work, taking notes, and providing feedback to the choreographers (feedback not a part of the performance). These FOUR shows are all different and are a mix & match chance of what you're going to see on stage! What is guaranteed? Awesome dance and awesome choreography. Choreography can be from Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, Guest Artists/Professional Choreographers, or Faculty. The Adjudicators do not know what school is displaying their artworks, but program information is provided to the audience!
Show run time: approximately 2 hours each show, 10-12 pieces per show.

Adjudication Show #1: Saturday, February 28, 1pm
Adjudication Show #2: Saturday, February 28, 8pm
Adjudication Show #3: Sunday, March 1, 1pm
Adjudication Show #4: Sunday, March 1, 8pm
*Please do NOT WEAR any school identifying clothing or accessories. This is very important to keep anonymous for the Adjudicators. You may be asked to leave.*
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Faculty Choreography & Performance Project: This 45 minute performance has been constructed and facilitated by Peter DiMuro working with up to 30 different faculty from all the Universities attending this conference. This has been put together between Saturday and Monday and the focus hovers around our conference theme: "Why do YOU dance?" This exploration will be a meaningful display rooting the performers together through shared histories, experiences, techniques, and expressions of their passion for the dance arts. Andy Hasenfplug will be composing and playing live for this performance and should be a very special display of professionalism at the highest level.
Show run time: approximately 45 minutes, full length performance piece.

Monday, March 2, 1pm
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Encore Performance: After the four Adjudication Performances, Adjudicators and a Voter's Choice process select TWELVE of their favorite pieces to watch again. Show run time: approximately 2 hrs, 12 pieces.

Tuesday, March 3, 12:30pm

TICKETS WILL BE LIVE ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

Ticket sales will not be offered at the door and must be completed in advance.
For performances, there is no re-entry to the theatre permitted; once you’ve entered and passed security, you cannot leave and come back. This applies to ticket holders and conference attendees (with wristbands)- if you can be sure to pass that along.
No outside food or beverage is permitted. We will be offering concession sales on the mezzanine level and have a water fountain on the first and second levels.

The 2026 Northeast ACDA Conference at Seton Hill University is focusing on YOU.

We are interested in developing conversations about connecting with your unique histories, dance forms, inspirations and solidifying "Why are YOU dancing?" - Connecting historical relevance. Investigating intention. Exploring "self" in dance.

The Vibe: Interested in exploring a wide variety of topics through guest lectures and faculty revealing their own personal connections to what they teach and do.
Panel Reflection: Spend time with the adjudicators after Encore Performance selections have been made
Audience Voting: We want YOU to reflect on your favorite pieces and why YOU would consider them for the gala!
Keynote Speaker + Opening Night Community Building: We'd like to set the tone for the Conference this year with an inspiring keynote speaker (Peter DiMuro) that highlights "connecting to self" in dance and looking towards the future of the community. We will also be offering lite bites afterwards with randomized teams and fun group ice breaking games. This conference is ALL about CONNECTING and CREATING. Let's have some fun!
Faculty Group Performance Project: Facilitated and co-created by Peter DiMuro, faculty can sign up to create together and explore the conference theme: "Why do YOU dance?" in a variety of ways. This performance will engage faculty together through creative expression and exploration.
Classes + Performances: A wide variety of exciting classes for students to sign up for + choreographic performances!
All Performances: Students and faculty will have the opportunity to perform at the historic Palace Theatre in downtown Greensburg!
T-shirt Contest: Registered faculty and students for the Northeast Conference will have the opportunity to flex those visual art or graphic design skills. We are seeking designs for the 2026 ACDA Northeast Conference Merch and YOU could win a $25 Amazon Gift Card! Details to follow post-registration.

Please visit the "Schedule" page for detailed listings of all Conference activities!