What is NHSDA?
We are thrilled to announce Kathy Blake Dance Studios’ official sponsorship of a Secondary Chapter in the National Honor Society for Dance Arts! NHSDA is a program of the National Dance Education Organization 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. By recognizing dance students nationwide and providing institutions with a way to promote their dance programs, NHSDA helps to advance the field of dance and the importance of dance education.
Dance students are inducted based on a “point system.” Points are awarded for dance activities such as dance classes, rehearsals, performances, research, workshops, or community service, alongside a GPA of at least 3.0. Dancers who are inducted receive recognition of their artistic merit, academic achievement, and leadership throughout their educational experience. They receive certificates at each level of induction with the opportunity to wear the gold Honor Pin and blue and white Honor Cord with graduation gowns, mentorship from the KBDS Chapter Sponsors, networking with their peers, and have access to leadership and development opportunities within their NHSDA Chapter. Inducted students are also able to apply for the NHSDA National Merit, Leadership, and Academic Achievement Award, a scholarship award and the highest honor from the National Dance Education Organization. We are so excited to offer this fantastic opportunity to our students!
Requirements for Induction:
- The student must be in grades 6-12 and currently enrolled at KBDS.
- The student must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- The student must demonstrate collaborative teamwork, motivation, and leadership as determined by KBDS.
- The student must earn a minimum of 15 points (grades 6-8), 30 points (grades 9-12) earned on the NHSDA Induction Point System.
Induction Point System:
The NHSDA Induction Point System provides a range of points possible for various activities. Students must earn a minimum of 30 points in order to be considered for induction. Points can be earned in a variety of ways, including:
- Participation in weekly dance classes at the studio.
- Participation in dance related activities including competitions, conventions, performances & master classes.
- Participation in other duties related to dance production.
- Participation in community service, volunteering and/or leadership at KBDS, including taking part in the student teaching program.
- Demonstration of dance scholarship and research outside of the studio.
- Individual customized activities as determined by the KBDS sponsor and inductee.
Points must be tracked by the student and signed off on by a supervising adult. 20 of the 30 points must be earned through KBDS sponsored activities.
View the full breakdown of the NHSDA point system here.
Click here for a tracking sheet to easily keep track of your points.
NHSDA Artistic Merit, Leadership & Academic Achievement Award:
KBDS students who have been inducted into NHSDA and are current juniors and seniors in high school are eligible for the NHSDA Artistic Merit, Leadership and Academic Achievement Award. The National Winner of this award will receive up to a $1000 monetary award/scholarship and a certificate. The 2 National Finalists will each receive a $250 monetary award/scholarship and a certificate. Honorable Mention Recipients will receive a certificate.
For more information on the NHSDA Artistic Merit, Leadership & Academic Achievement Award, and to apply, please visit: https://www.ndeo.org/nhsda/Scholarship/NHSDA-Award
To read more, please visit the NDEO-NHSDA website.
Those interested in being inducted into the KBDS NHSDA Chapter should send an email to KBDShonorsociety@gmail.com