The National Honor Society for Dance Arts™ (NHSDA), a distinguished program under the umbrella of the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), stands as a beacon of recognition for outstanding achievement in dance. For institutions that are members of NDEO, NHSDA offers a remarkable opportunity to honor their dance students. Since its inception, the NHSDA has grown to include Secondary Programs (9-12 grades, established in 2005), Collegiate Programs (launched in 2012), and Junior Programs (6-8 grades, officially separated and launched in 2016), boasting over 1,000 chapters across the US and having inducted over 35,000 students in recent years.
Dance-Teacher.com has highlighted the significance of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts in two prominent articles, underscoring its importance within the dance education community.
It is crucial to note that the National Honor Society for Dance Arts operates through institutional chapters. Schools at the Junior, Secondary, and Collegiate levels must establish their own chapters. Only students actively enrolled in a school with a functioning NHSDA chapter are eligible to apply for induction, ensuring that these National Dance Honors are directly linked to institutional dance programs. Individual students without an affiliated school chapter are, unfortunately, not eligible for induction.
Mission of National Dance Honors
The core mission of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, and by extension, these esteemed national dance honors, is twofold:
- Recognition of Outstanding Achievement: To formally acknowledge and celebrate students who demonstrate exceptional artistic talent, leadership qualities, and strong academic performance within their dance studies. This recognition spans various educational settings, including K-12 public and private schools, dance studios, community centers, performing arts organizations, and higher education institutions. These national dance honors serve to highlight the dedication and excellence of young dancers across diverse platforms.
- Fostering Appreciation for Dance: To elevate the perception of dance as a significant and respected art form, deserving of prestige and honor on par with other academic and artistic disciplines. By bestowing national dance honors, the NHSDA aims to cultivate a deeper appreciation for dance within educational institutions and the wider community, reinforcing its value and artistic merit.
Establishing an NHSDA chapter within your educational institution is a powerful step towards advocating for dance education. By formally recognizing students with national dance honors for their artistic merit, leadership, and academic achievements, institutions contribute to building prestige and respect for dance. This not only benefits the students and the institution but also strengthens the entire field of dance education by improving its image and perceived value in the eyes of those outside the dance world.
Benefits for Students Receiving National Dance Honors
Students inducted into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts through their institutions gain significant advantages and recognition for their dedication to dance:
- Formal Recognition Throughout Education: Induction into NHSDA provides students with tangible recognition of their artistic talent, academic accomplishments, and leadership skills at each stage of their educational journey, from junior high through collegiate levels. This ongoing acknowledgment of national dance honors motivates students and validates their hard work.
- Tangible Awards and Graduation Honors: Inductees receive certificates at each level of induction, signifying their achievement in national dance honors. Furthermore, they have the prestigious opportunity to receive the gold Honor Pin and wear the blue and white Honor Cord and/or Medallion during graduation ceremonies. Please note: NDEO no longer prints and mails certificates as of October 21, 2024; however, Chapter Sponsors can still self-print certificates.
- Mentorship and Networking Opportunities: NHSDA provides a valuable platform for mentorship through the Chapter Sponsor and facilitates networking among peers who share a passion for dance and have achieved national dance honors. This community fosters collaboration and support among talented young dancers.
- Leadership and Development Skills: Students can actively participate in their NHSDA Chapter, assisting Chapter Sponsors with administrative tasks, record keeping, fundraising initiatives, and event planning. These experiences cultivate essential leadership and organizational skills, enriching their overall development beyond dance technique and performance, further enhancing the value of their national dance honors.
