It has always been important to Miss Mary that Dance Connection not only provide students with an excellent dance education, but that our teachers, staff, dancers, and entire DC family work to support our community and to develop skills that they can carry into their everyday life. Miss Mary also strives to give our students the opportunity to be recognized for excellence and dedication to dance.

It was for these reasons that Miss Mary and Mr. Joe decided to form a studio chapter of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts here in 2014. The NHSDA gives us another way to provide our students with a supportive and positive community in which to practice and share their passion for dance while helping them to brighten their community through dance as well.

Becoming a part of our NHSDA chapter requires a Middle or High School Level student to have earned a minimum amount of points for their work in dance according to the organization’s guidelines, to have demonstrated teamwork, motivation, and to have participated in the choreography, teaching, performance, and production of dance. Students at a Junior High or Middle School level have to earn 20 points, and High School level students must have earned 30 points. Only 10 points may be earned outside of the studio for either level. After being inducted, members may continue to earn points and will be awarded a star for every additional 5 points, up to 5 stars.

The NHSDA and Dance Connection’s chapter encourage members to pursue and share their passion for dance within their community, and we offer opportunities to do so, as with our upcoming productions “Step Into Christmas” and our third annual “Making Wishes Grow” performance that benefit local charities.

The induction ceremony in the beginning of May is a very special experience, complete with a guest speaker who helps to convey how dance has been a part of and informed their daily lives. One of our past speakers was our very own Miss Tiffany, who shared her journey of making her childhood dream of being a Radio City Rockette a reality. The induction ceremony is a wonderful time for family, friends, and our entire studio staff to recognize the hard work and dedication of our fantastic students, and to let them know just how proud of them we are. After the ceremony there is a reception in the studio and everyone gets to take pictures with the newly inducted members of our chapter. You can see the pride on the faces of the inductees and their families, and our whole staff is so happy to be able to share that moment.

If you or your dancer are interested in becoming a part of the chapter please contact Mr. Joe at joe@lidanceconnection.com or (631) 224-7134 x602 as soon as possible. We hope to celebrate with you and your family this May!