12 Students Inducted into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA)

"Making dances is an act of progress; it is an act of growth, an act of music, an act of teaching, an act of celebration, an act of joy.”  - Alvin Ailey
 
On October 15, 2024, 12 North Shore High School students were inducted into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) under the leadership of Ms. Simone Kuranshi, Director of Dance. She welcomed everyone to the Induction Ceremony and then the Advanced Dance Ensemble impressed the audience with a beautiful dance performance. Ms. Dalia Rodriguez announced the Officer Swearing in Ceremony of the 2024-25 NHSDA Officers including Axel Glatt (President), Abigail Neice (Vice President), Olivia McCarthy (Secretary), and Juliana Meli (Treasurer & Workshop Organizer).

Ms. Kuranshi took the podium and congratulated the 2024-25 Dance Arts inductees. She said, “This year I hope you find all of those things that Alvin Ailey communicated (above) within our walls. May you find the process of learning and creating to be even more important than the performance. May you find moments in which you grow not only as a dancer but as a student, a teacher, and a human being. May you hear the music, listen to the rhythms, notes, and lyrics and learn how to channel them into physical works of art. May you find your voice and learn how to use it to share messages that speak to you through your dancing. May you learn to advocate for yourselves and others, and use your dancing as a conduit for which that is communicated…”      

Congratulations to the 2024-25 Dance Arts inductees including Grace Capone, Ashley Freidlin, Adriana Goris, Grace Harding, Fiona Hughes, Samantha Maffei, Grace O’Neill, Savannah Plosky, Siena Siu, Olivia Volz, Joshlynn Wang, and Maebel Wright. Bravo to senior, Axel Glatt, who was recognized with an award for “Graduating with Honors.”

The students raised their right hand and took the pledge. Then the keynote speaker, Mr. Jason Domingo, Orchestra Teacher and Conductor, spoke about his love of music and the importance of dance arts in the lives of our students. He concluded by saying how our dance students and Mrs. Kuranshi have inspired him throughout the years…so much so, that he is considering taking dance lessons in the future.

Ms. Kuranishi concluded by saying, “I’ve said it before, but I will say it again. To be a dancer is a gift. Thank you for allowing me to teach you and be taught by you. For every day I am learning from you. Thank you for allowing me to take part in your growth and progress. To celebrate alongside you and partake in your joy. Congratulations again to each and every one of you. It has been my honor to be your teacher.”

Congratulations to all the inductees into the NHSDA. We look forward to your endeavors in the dance arts in the future! Go Vikings Go!

Article and photos by Shelly Newman