NHSDA
National Honor Society for Dance Arts
The Mission of the
National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA)
Promote and honor outstanding artistic merit, leadership, and academic achievement in students 11 years of age and older studying dance in public and private schools, dance studios, cultural/community centers, performing arts organizations, and post-secondary education. Establish and maintain a chapter giving schools a means to recognize dance as an art form worthy of recognition and respect. Encourage well-rounded dance artists to become leaders in their communities before and after graduation.
How is NHSDA Awarded?
All Chapter Applications and Student Applications are awarded through NDEO/NHSDA.
How is a chapter started in a school?
You must have institutional membership in the National Dance Education Organization, which includes membership in the Florida Dance Education Organization.
How do students receive student membership for NHSDA?
Student membership is awarded based on points earned for meritorious work in dance that meet the honor society’s general guidelines and, when appropriate, grade point average. Student Application Form
The prospective member’s dedication to collaborative teamwork, motivation, and participation in many aspects of dance is a factor in eligibility.
Students re-apply for each of three levels: middle school/ high school/ collegiate. See the Chapter Handbook links for guidelines.
Chapter Handbook Junior / Secondary / Collegiate
Student members at each level will be verified to meet eligibility requirements by their chapter sponsor and then pay membership dues of $10.
All student members will receive a certificate of membership, participate in activities with their chapter, and can participate in unique events sponsored by the Florida Dance Education Organization.
High school seniors can receive eligibility to wear an NHSDA honor cord, gold pin for their graduation and may be eligible for honors medallions.
Members may also purchase and wear the NHSDA Florida Honors t-shirts and be recognized in all their school publications for their membership and can submit articles for publication in Dance Arts Now!
Florida Honors Dance Concert
Performance selection criteria:
Florida chapters may submit an application to perform in this annual event during Florida Dance Performance Assessment (FDPA) and Beyond.
A limited number of pieces can be selected so plan early to submit your video and application form.
The dancers within the piece selected must be members of NHSDA.
Registration and Rules Coming Soon.
NDEO/FDEO Artistic Merit, Leadership and Academic Achievement Award
What is this award, and how to apply?
Through FDEO our state offers an opportunity for students to compete on a state level for the Artistic Merit, Leadership, and Academic Achievement Award. Winners at the Florida state level will receive a monetary award along with the opportunity to perform their work in the Florida Honors Concert. The award recipient will also be recognized on our website as the winner.
All junior and senior high school NHSDA members are eligible for nomination to receive this award.
Dancers choreograph and record a solo, write essays, get recommendations, and submit their grade point average.
Each state submits a select few high school students and middle school students for consideration at the national level.
High school winner will receive $500 and the runner-up will receive $250 (2023 amounts are subject to change in the future).
Middle school winner will receive $300 and the runner-up will receive $150 (2023 amounts are subject to change in the future).
For more information:
E-mail: nhsdafl@gmail.com. For inquiries about starting a chapter please include the school's name and topic in the subject line.