IDEO’s primary goals are to strengthen the state's voice and vision for dance and advocate for dance education in the arts.

The four primary activities IDEO uses to accomplish these goals are:

1) Develop and strengthen networks at the state level with national and state agencies, arts and education associations, businesses, corporations, and philanthropic foundations.

2) Advocate for dance education for the arts and dance education research. As an advocate for dance and dance arts education, IDEO seeks to influence policy and resource allocation decisions within the state government.

3) Strengthen communication and dissemination of information among the teaching arts workforce in dance education in the arts.

4) Encourage and support local, state, and national policies and legislation that advance dance as arts education. Along with liaisons and partnering organizations, IDEO participates in setting the state agenda for arts education, defining the significant issues, developing strategic plans, lobbying lawmakers, and drafting legislation and policy recommendations.