National Honor Society for Dance Arts
Dreams Dance Academy is proud to offer two on-site chapters of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts!
What is the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA)?
NHSDA is a program of the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) whose mission is to "recognize outstanding artistic merit, leadership, and academic achievement in students studying dance and to foster an appreciation for dance as a true art form and one worthy of recognition and prestige."
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The Junior program is for students in grades 6-8, and the Secondary program is for students in grades 9-12. Just like Dreams Dance Academy, NHSDA emphasizes community, kindness, and artistry. Students will identify and work towards their personal and professional goals. By participating in NHSDA, students will have a chance to be a part of projects, events, and other opportunities in addition to their traditional classes and performances that will help them reach these goals.
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Why should I join NHSDA?
Joining NHSDA is a great opportunity for students to further their education. Students in both chapters will receive the benefits of:
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Recognition for artistic merit, academic achievement, and leadership.
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Certificates, pins, medals, and cords for achieving milestones of induction and graduation with honors.
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Mentorship from chapter sponsor and networking with peers.
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Leadership and development opportunities, such as assisting with chapter administration, record keeping, fundraising, and event planning.
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DDA looks forward to utilizing NHSDA as an opportunity to lead students in both artistic and academic excellence to reach their full potential.
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What are the expectations if I join?
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As an honors society focused on both artistic and academic achievement, students will need to meet the Honors GPA requirement of at least 3.0 (for Juniors) and 3.5 (for secondary), and submit a paragraph explaining why they are interested in NHSDA and what they hope to achieve through it in order to become a member of DDA's chapters.
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After they have been accepted, students will work throughout the school year to earn points in order to qualify for induction into the National Honors Society. Students can earn points through taking class, rehearsals, performances, research, workshops, or community service, and participating in other events at DDA, alongside the required GPA. There are also opportunities for students to earn points through school and extracurricular activities. Induction into NHSDA is earned through the accumulation of 15 points (Junior program) or 30 points (Secondary program) that are awarded for meritorious work in dance that meets the honor society's general guidelines (see "Point System Documents" below).
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Once induction has been achieved, students can earn additional points in the same manner to qualify for graduation with honors. The NHSDA organization also offers scholarship opportunities to graduating seniors.
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How can I join NHSDA?
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Students interested in joining NHSDA need to complete an application. An up-to-date report card will also need to be submitted at the end of each school semester.
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Criteria for NHSDA Selection
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In 6th-12th grade and enrolled in dance at DDA.
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Complete the required NHSDA Application.
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Achieve the required number of "points" each year (see "Points Sheet" below):
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Secondary Chapter (high school) members must achieve at least 30 points are required for induction, 20 of which must be earned through participation in chapter site program activities.
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Junior Chapter (middle school) members must achieve at least 15 points are required for induction, 10 of which must be earned through participation in chapter site program activities.
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Any combination of points can be used, but you must have points from each category.
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As this is DDA's first year starting a chapter for NHSDA, we understand some flexibility may be needed and don't want a lack of hours in a certain area to stop anyone from applying.
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Members are responsible for tracking their own points using the "NHSDA Tracking Sheet" and will be expected to show proof of points achieved by August 1, 2024.
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In order to maintain eligibility and be inducted, members must achieve the required number of points each year. Points earned starting September 1, 2023 are valid to use to apply for induction for the 2023-24 NHSDA year
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NHSDA Application Instructions
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Applicants also need to submit a copy of their most recent report card and the completed NHSDA Point Tracking Sheet. These can be dropped off at the DDA front desk or sent via email to: info@dreamsdance.com
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All applications for NHSDA are due by August 1, 2024. Reminder as this is DDA's first year starting a chapter for NHSDA, we understand some flexibility may be needed and don't want a lack of hours in a certain area to stop anyone from applying.
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You will be notified of acceptance by the program director.
Click on the images below to open the Point System Documents for the DDA Junior Chapter & Secondary Chapter of NHSDA
