As you may know, in a continuous effort to honor the hard work and dedication of our students, we formed our own studio chapter of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts at Dance Connection in December 2014 for high school students (grades 9-12) and a chapter of the National Junior Honor Society for Dance Arts for middle school students (grades 6-8).  Last May, we inducted 16 of our dancers into the honor society at a very special induction ceremony at the studio.

The primary mission of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts is to promote and honor outstanding dance achievement in middle and high school level students.  Student membership is awarded on the basis of points earned for meritorious work in dance that meet the honor society’s general guidelines. In addition, the prospective member’s demonstration of collaborative teamwork, motivation, and participation in the many aspects of dance (choreography, performance, teaching, production, etc.) is a factor in the determination of eligibility for membership.

To quality for membership at the middle school level, a student must earn 20 points, at least 12 of which should be earned while participating in dance activities at Dance Connection.  To quality for membership at the high school level, a student must earn 30 points, at least 20 of which should be earned while participating in dance activities at Dance Connection. A student may earn up to 8 or 10 points while participating in eligible community dance activities or other activities in the performing arts outside of the studio.  After a student has been inducted at the high school level, he/she may continue to accumulate points toward the awarding of stars for continued meritorious work in dance. Up to 5 stars can be awarded, 1 star for every 5 points earned.

It is our continued belief that the NHSDA chapter will be a great opportunity for our students and offer them recognition for their hard work, a transcribed acknowledgement of their dedication that can be used for college applications, and a further incentive to achieve excellence in the performing arts.

Induction into the NHSDA is at no cost to the student.  Students can be inducted into the honor society once they accumulate the required 20 or 30 points (please see point sheet).

Middle School Level inductees will be inducted thru an induction ceremony held in May of each year and will receive a certificate from the NHSDA.  High School Level inductees will be inducted thru an induction ceremony held in May of each year.  High School Students will receive a certificate as well as honor cords and a gold pin that can be worn at graduation, with the permission of their high school principal.  Both levels of the honor society require a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in school, as per NHSDA guidelines.

If you are currently in 6th thru 12th grade and are interested in the NHSDA or Jr. NHSDA, please contact me at  joe@lidanceconnection.com or (631) 224-7134 x602 as soon as possible.  Please feel free to contact me with questions anytime!