MISSION STATEMENT. . .

The primary mission of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) is to promote and honor outstanding dance achievement in middle and high school level students (11-18 years of age).  Further, NHSDA hopes to encourage well-rounded dance artists to become leaders in their communities after high school graduation.

ELIGIBILITY. . .

Student membership in the NHSDA is awarded on the basis of points earned for meritorious work in dance that meet the honor society’s general guidelines and, when appropriate, on the basis of dance class grade point average.  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.

The sponsors of each NHSDA Student Chapter will be responsible for determining when each student has met the criteria for becoming an official member of the local chapter.  These criteria may be determined by the needs of each individual situation as they relate to the NHSDA guidelines.

  All junior and senior high school age students inducted into a NHSDA Student Chapter are eligible for nomination, by the Chapter Sponsor, to receive the NDEO Artistic Merit, Leadership, and Academic Achievement Award.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS . . .

Upon induction, all members will receive a certificate of membership.  Members in participating high schools can wear the NHSDA honor cord and honor gold pin during graduation ceremonies.  In addition, members may participate in special events or receive mailings generated by the state chapters.

Inducted students are encouraged to include their membership in scholarship packets and/or resumes for college or dance employment.

GUIDELINES FOR AWARDING OF ELIGIBILITY POINTS

• To qualify for membership at the high school level, a student must earn 30 points, at least 22 of which should be earned while participating in dance activities within the program of the chapter site.  At the sponsor’s discretion, a student may earn up to 8 points while participating in community dance activities or other activities in the performing arts outside of the chapter program.  Documentation (programs, signed letters of participation, etc.) will be obtained for any activities the student submits outside of the chapter’s program.

• All prospective members who have met the eligibility criteria must pay the membership fee established by the NDEO prior to induction.