I would very much like to be a certified instructor and judge. My question is this; Can anyone tell me what they know about Professional Dance Vision International Dance Association (ProDVIDA)? Is there another organization I should choose instead? I just don't want a bogus certification.

IDTA and/or ISTD certification would probably go further especially for judging.

DVIDA is viewed primarily as an american style organization even though they presumably offer an international style certifcation.

Judges in the US are allowed to judge based on their accredidation, and more importantly on their visibility in the dance world - the pay is the same for a nationally known judge and a local guy, so most comps use the 'big names'. For instance, you can't judge Championship level dancers unless you have Championship credentials.

DVIDA is an organization based out of a dance retailer's website, so they are not taken to seriously at all. My guess is that selling certifications ranks along with dance videos and dancewear with these folks!

Look at who judges and teaches the students at the kinds of competitions you want to aspire to.

You underestimate DVIDA - they are one of the leaders for AMERICAN style. But pretty much ignored for international.

Er, leaders in what way? Giving out accreditations? It looks to me like a commercial organization (with their company name 'Dance Vision' as part of the name of the 'organization').

"Er, leaders in what way? Giving out accreditations? It looks to me like a commercial organization (with their company name 'Dance Vision' as part of the name of the 'organization')."

They are pretty much the leader in non-chain publishing and teacher training classes for amercian style. Or at least they share that position with USISTD.

International style is of course a very different story.

What about the NDCA?

"What about the NDCA?"

NDCA does not conduct certification exams.

An NDCA credential is based on the approval of other source evidence - certfications from other organizations, competition results, etc.

I ask because I know they are behind the Ohio Star Ball, and on their website, they do have a direct link to Dance Vision. One would assume this gives a little bit more credability to dance vision.

"I ask because I know they are behind the Ohio Star Ball, and on their website, they do have a direct link to Dance Vision. One would assume this gives a little bit more credability to dance vision."

You are reading a lot into vague business aliances that have nothing to do with dancing.

NDCA does not run Ohio Star Ball. Sam Sodano does. He does it with NDCA permission, but that is far more theoretical than practical.