Dear Dance Educators of New York, 

My name is Christine Catalano and I am delighted to introduce myself as the newly elected Director of National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) for New York State. I am succeeding the wonderful Cindy Hanna and will be serving on the New York State Dance Education Association (NYSDEA) Board in this position for a duration of three years. I hope to encourage unity and create opportunities for connections throughout our state of New York by promoting and expanding our NHSDA program within our education systems, studios, performing arts organizations and communities.

NHSDA is a program offered through the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) and is an excellent opportunity for students to gain recognition when applying/auditioning for high schools, submitting college applications/embarking on the college audition process, and serves as a resume builder for those entering various dance related fields. It is a recognized, respected name that provides immediate reference to a student's character and ability to demonstrate both academic rigor and excellence through their knowledge of dance and dance performance. 

Our Junior Program is suitable for grades 6-8 (ages 11-14), our Secondary Program is suitable for grades 9-12 (ages 15-18), and our Collegiate Program is suitable for students in college or university dance programs (ages 19+).

NHSDA New York Chapters can be approved to those institutions who provide:
-Dance education to students in 6th-12th grade in a private, public, or charter school setting
-Dance education to students at the collegiate level in a college or university setting  
-Dance education to students ages 11-18 in a private dance studio setting
-Dance education to students of performing arts organizations or community center organizations that offer dance programs

You may read additional information regarding the benefits of NHSDA on our member website here: https://www.nhsda-ndeo.org/  
(Please Note: You must first apply for your NDEO Institutional Membership to begin a NHSDA chapter at your school, studio or organization. Institutional Membership rates are available here). 

Please feel free to reach out to me via email at nhsda@nysdea.org if you would like more information or assistance in beginning a chapter. Establishing a NHSDA chapter is one very important way that you can honor and advocate for your students as well as help advance the field of dance education.

Best Wishes for a Promising New Year, 
Christine Catalano 
Director of National Honor Society for Dance Arts
New York, New York
MA Dance Education, NYU Steinhardt
NYS Professional Certification
Dance/General/Special Education
NYC Licensed Dance Educator Pre K-12
https://www.nysdea.org/nhsda