The Greater Washington Dance Center
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."
The Junior program is for students in grades 6-8, and the Secondary program is for students in grades 9-12. Just like GWDC, the 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.
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:
What are the expectations if I join?
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).
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 GWDC, 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.
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.
How can I join NHSDA?
Criteria for NHSDA Selection
NHSDA Application Instructions
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."
The Junior program is for students in grades 6-8, and the Secondary program is for students in grades 9-12. Just like GWDC, the 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.
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:
- Recognition for artistic merit, academic achievement, and leadership.
- Certificates, pins, medals, and cords for achieving milestones of induction and graduation with honors.
- Mentorship from the chapter and networking with peers.
- Leadership and development opportunities, such as assisting with chapter administration, record keeping, fundraising, and event planning.
What are the expectations if I join?
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).
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 GWDC, 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.
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.
How can I join NHSDA?
Criteria for NHSDA Selection
- In 6th-12th grade and enrolled in dance at GWDC.
- Complete the required NHSDA Application.
- Achieve the required number of "points" each year (see "Points Sheet" below):
- 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.
- 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.
- Any combination of points can be used, but you must have points from each category.
- In order to maintain eligibility and be inducted, members must achieve the required number of points each year. Points earned starting June 1, 2024 are valid to use to apply for induction for the 2024-2025 NHSDA year.
NHSDA Application Instructions
- 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 office of GWDC or sent via email to: [email protected]
- All applications for NHSDA are due by June 1, 2024.
- You will be notified of acceptance by the program director.