The mission of AzDEO is to support and advance
dance education centered in the arts.

AzDEO believes in the following core values:

1. Every person has the right and the ability to experience the joy of dance.
2. A high quality dance education is essential to the development of the whole person.
3. Dance is an equal component of a balanced arts and culture community.
4. Dance has the power to transform through physical expression, emotional connection and the creative process.
5. Dance reflects, challenges and affirms the cultural values of the larger community.

The primary goals of AzDEO include:

1. Build needed networks for communication, action and services through various communication vehicles including technology.
2. Provide organization and power to dance educators to advocate for the field of dance education.
3. Provide services to support the field of dance education.
4. Provide professional development opportunities to support dance educators and classroom teachers.
5. Maintain connections and collaborations with the professional dance community.

6. Represent and advocate for the interests of Arizona dance education through affiliations with other local, state, and national organizations including the Arizona Alliance for Arts Education (AAAE).
    

7. To work with the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) in carrying out the national mission of promoting and strengthening dance education, centered in the arts, and as an effective tool for education.