National Honors Society for Dance Arts

Information Session - Fall 2025

AGENDA

• What is NHSDA?
• Boulder Ballet Chapters
• Benefits of Joining
• Applying to Become a Member
• Induction
• Graduating with Honors

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May 2025 Inductees

What is NHSDA?

The National Honor Society for Dance Arts™ (NHSDA) is a program of the National Dance Education Organization. Established in 2005, the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) now has over 1,000 chapters nationwide, with approximately 5,000 students inducted annually. Through its National Honor Society for Dance Arts, NDEO encourages students as young as sixth grade all the way up to college seniors to actively engage with their local and national dance communities, as they become the next generation of leaders in the field.

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Induction into NHSDA is a prestigious honor that uplifts the study of dance. Students earn points toward induction through participation in a range of activities under the three NHSDA strands of artistic merit, leadership and academic achievement. The total number of required points differs based on program level, but accepted activities include participation in dance classes and performances, various forms of dance scholarship, volunteer hours related to dance service work, essay writing and more. Induction also requires a GPA of 3.5 for Junior and Secondary chapters.

As dancers look ahead toward college, they’re also able to note their Honor Society experience on scholarship and admissions applications. (Plus, NHSDA offers its own scholarship to high school juniors and seniors. NHSDA students receive an induction certificate along with honor cords and a pin).

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Vision, Mission & Goals

Vision

We envision a nation in which all students have equal opportunity and access to quality dance arts education and are recognized for their outstanding artistic merit,

leadership and academic achievement in the field of dance.

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Mission

1. To recognize outstanding artistic merit, leadership and academic achievement in students studying dance in public and private schools in K-12 education, dance studios, cultural/community centers, performing arts organizations, and colleges/ universities.
2. To foster an appreciation for dance as a true art form and one worthy of recognition and prestige.

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Goals

• To promote a desire for life-long learning in the field of dance.
• To encourage an understanding of, and an appreciation for, dance as an art form and develop knowledgeable audiences for tomorrow.

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Boulder Ballet Chapters

Middle School �(or Junior)

Chapter

Grades 6-8

High School �(or Secondary)

Chapter

Grades 9-12

Benefits of Joining NHSDA

• Recognition of artistic merit, academic achievement, and leadership throughout their educational experience
• Certificates at each level of induction, opportunity to wear the gold Honor Pin (Inductees) and blue and white Honor Cord (graduating students)
• Mentorship from Chapter Sponsor and networking with peers
• Leadership and development opportunities within our NHSDA Chapter, as they can assist the Chapter Sponsor with Chapter administration, record keeping,fundraising, and event planning
• National and State-level scholarship and award opportunities

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Induction Requirements

• To be eligible for induction students must earn a gpa of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale plus earn a set number of points based on the division:
• 15 points for Middle School/Junior chapters (10 must be through Boulder Ballet)
• 30 points for HIgh School/Secondary chapters (20 must be through Boulder Ballet)
• In addition, students must show demonstration of character, manifested through collaborative teamwork, motivation, and leadership in the many aspects of dance that may include choreography, performance, teaching, and production.
• Students must be enrolled in classes at Boulder Ballet to apply and be inducted
• Students track their points and apply when they have accumulated the required number of points – this may take more than one year
• Students are only inducted once into each program
• Student Induction is a lifetime recognition, and the NHSDA designation remains with the student's record.
• Inductions are done once a year towards the end of the Spring semester

Applying to Become a Member

• Keep track of your points
• Submit your application to NHSDA website during our application process
• Pay membership fee of $20 once accepted (membership fee covers certificate and membership pins along with induction ceremony)
• Graduating seniors may pay an additional $17.50 for blue and white NDHS graduation cords to wear at graduation

Point Tracking Cards

Please Note:

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Cards are available in Beth’s office for students to pick up and start to complete. They will need to get verification stamps from BB Staff or provide proof for prior completions outside of BBS.

Point Tracking Cards

Point tracking cards will need to be turned in along with a copy of transcripts or report card.

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Applications are due �Monday, �April 27, 2026

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Induction will be during showcase�Saturday, �May 23, 2026

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Submitting Your Online Application

All Students will need to apply for induction online by following the steps below:

1. Go to the NHSDA website.
2. Select “Apply for Induction” from the menu at the top of the page.
3. Complete the Member Signup Form by filling out your general information, address and other contact information, and creating a username and password.
4. In the “NHSDA Chapter Name” box, type in Boulder Ballet.
5. Click “Search.”
6. Once you find the correct chapter, click the name of the NHSDA Chapter (Junior or Secondary) and then click on the gray apply for induction button.
7. Enter your Graduation year.

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Specific screenshots available on the BBS Family Resource Site!

Submitting Your Points & Grades

All Students will need to submit their supporting documentation as part of their application for induction. Please submit the following to Beth no later than April 27th at 5 PM:

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1. Completed Point Tracking Card (Both Sides) with supporting documentation
2. Copy of Transcript or Report Card for prior semester with GPA, if applicable

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Resources Available on BBS Family Resource Site

Graduating with Honors

Students may apply to Graduate with Honors which is an additional designation for members that have been inducted.

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To graduate with honors, students must:

• Maintain the required GPA
• Complete an additional 15 points of dance-related activities beyond initial induction requirements
• Submit an 250-500 word essay to Andrea answering the question(s):
• What impact dance has had on your life, in and out of the studio?
• How do you plan to use this influence in the future to have an impact on other people and communities?

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NEW FOR THIS YEAR!

Application Tips & Tricks

• Points build from year to year so you can use your existing point card to track points until you are inducted.
• It is helpful to keep a document with the specific details of your points – dates, activities, and hours (if applicable) – submit this with your point card to Beth.
• Make sure you don’t forget your report card or transcript as part of your application
• Make sure you complete the NHSDA online application portion – you cannot be inducted without this step
• Character also counts so this is at the discretion of Andrea!

Example from Tracking Tool

Available on the BBS Family Resource Site or click here

Timeline

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QUESTIONS?

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MORE INFORMATION

Family Resource Site under NDHS