Director Spotlight
Dr. Deepa Mahadevan is a force to reckon with. She instills passion, precision, and power into the field of dance and dance studies. Her work in inspiring youth through arts education is exemplary. dNc is proud to have Dr. Mahadevan as the director of the K12 program. A Bharatnatyam/ Odissi practitioner, researcher, teacher, choreographer, and curator, her work is at the intersection of being and becoming.
Welcome to dNc Scouts and Guides
Fall 2025 Cohort Deadlines
Membership: September 10 2025
Apply for Induction: September 15 2025
Register for Induction: October 1 2025
Academic Cohort: October 15 2025
dNc Scouts and Guides (NHSDA)
Pitch A New Idea: Lead: Create: Learn: Change: Move
Through membership, students are honored for their commitment to dance training, performance, scholarship, and service within their communities. It encourages the development of well-rounded individuals who embody discipline, creativity, and integrity both inside and outside the studio. As part of this honor society, members engage in performances, leadership opportunities, community outreach, and collaborative projects that advance the role of dance in education and society. Induction into NHSDA (National Honor Society for Dance Arts) is both a recognition of past achievements and an invitation to further excellence in the arts.
Welcome to Fall 2025 Cohort Director
Rima Bhattacharjee's journey in classical Indian dance began at the age of four, with rigorous training in Kathak under Guru Mrs. Nandini Bhattacharya of the Lucknow Gharana. Over the next sixteen years, she immersed herself in the intricate rhythms, expressive storytelling, and refined technique that define the Kathak tradition. Her professional career later led her across continents, where she discovered and embraced the Indian classical dance form of Odissi. Under the mentorship of renowned Guru Mrs. Supradipta Datta in Houston, Rima deepened her understanding of Odissi’s lyrical grace and spiritual depth. Over the past six years, she has performed Odissi extensively with arts and cultural organizations across the United States, including as the first Odissi soloist featured at Dance Source Houston’s Mind The Gap dance event. She was also selected to participate in the Artist Lab at the Odyssey Odissi 2025 conference. In addition to her own artistic practice, Rima is passionate about community engagement and arts education. She actively choreographs and mentors young dancers within her community, nurturing a love for Odissi in the next generation. Through her work, she seeks to inspire individuals—especially those balancing corporate careers and family life—to explore the timeless beauty and contemporary relevance of Indian Classical dance.
STEP ONE
MEMBERSHIP DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 10 2025
To maintain active status dNc Scouts and Guides, members are required to pay annual dues. These dues support programming, community research initiatives, events, and recognition of member achievements.
Membership Dues Amount: $150 per year
Online Payment Instructions:
Card Payment: https://pay.bluevine.com/p/0db718d75ad74f1abe3bfedbb8a5b72b/pay/
PayPal Name: Dance and Community Research Institute
PayPal Email: dancencommunity@gmail.com
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/RTZSNJK2ULBMY
Deadline: Membership dues must be received by September 10 2025 to ensure eligibility for honor society benefits.
Confirmation: Once payment is received, you will receive an official confirmation email and your membership status will be updated in the Institute’s records.
STEP TWO
INDUCTION DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 20 2025
Induction is a distinguished recognition of excellence in dance scholarship, community engagement, and artistic leadership. It honors members who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the Institute’s values through sustained participation, achievement, and contribution.
You will choose "dNc Scouts and Guides" as your Chapter Sponsor. You do not need to upload any documentation on the NDEO website.
Click here to apply for induction: https://www.ndeo.org/nhsda/Apply-for-Induction
STEP THREE
REGISTER FOR INDUCTION DEADLINE OCTOBER 1 2025
Once approved, you will receive official notification from dNc and you will be invited to an in-person induction ceremony on November 21 2025 (6-7 pm or 8-9 pm) and an online induction on November 22 2025 (10-11 am to 12-1 pm). You will need to register for one of the two Induction Ceremonies by October 1 2025. The induction ceremony is a formal event designed to celebrate the accomplishments of our distinguished students. Your eligibility reflects the hard work and perseverance you have shown throughout your academic journey. Further details regarding the ceremony, including date, time, and formal attire requirements, will be shared by September 15.
FALL 2025 INDUCTION
Book your Spot [Limited Seats]: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/dancencommunity/nhsda-fall-2025-induction
Get your Swag [by October 10]: https://www.promoplace.com/1041546/
Password is Dance
STEP FOUR
ACADEMIC COHORT 2025-2026
DEMOCRACY IN PLIE: LEARN AND ENGAGE (30 points)
Exploring the intersection of dance and American democracy provides a rich framework for understanding how artistic expression reflects and shapes social and political narratives. Through dance, students can study historical and contemporary movements that engage with civic identity, protest, and cultural memory, gaining insight into issues such as civil rights, democracy, and social justice. Analyzing choreography, performance contexts, and community-based dance initiatives encourages critical thinking about power, representation, and public discourse. This approach not only deepens technical and artistic learning but also cultivates civic awareness, allowing dancers to see their art as both a form of personal expression and a vehicle for political engagement.
DANCING WORLDS: LEARN AND ENGAGE (300 points)
Exploring the rich connections between dance and culture across the globe, highlights how movement reflects identity, tradition, and social values. From ceremonial and folk dances to contemporary and experimental forms, dance serves as a lens through which communities express history, belief systems, and collective memory. By studying dance in diverse cultural contexts, learners gain insight into global perspectives, cross-cultural exchange, and the ways artistic practices both preserve heritage and inspire innovation.
Sign up By October 1 2025
