BY KAREN BOSSICK

Six young dancers will be inducted as Dance Scholars in the National Honor Society for Dance Arts at an induction ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 8, in the Minnie Moore room of the Community Campus in Hailey.

The students are Wood River High School Seniors Bryn Downey, Taylor Telford and Chloe Henderson; Sage School Senior Sophia Schoen, and Wood River High School Juniors Samantha White and Murphy Kendall.

Most of the dancers started dancing when they were 4, said Hilarie Neely, director of Footlight Dance.

The National Dance Honor Society, part of the National Dance Educators organization, recognizes outstanding artistic merit, leadership and academic achievements in students studying dance at the high school level.

The Wood River High School chapter, which is relatively new, is one of more than 300 chapters across the United States. The faculty advisor is Joyce Pratt. Twenty-four members from Footlight Dance and Sun Valley Ballet participate in the chapter.

Dancers must maintain a solid grade point average on top of taking part in dancing as a year-round artistic endeavor.

The requirements to be inducted are rigorous with dancers attending master classes with guest teachers throughout the year and summer workshops to broaden their understanding of dance. They’re also required to provide community service to promote dance and assist young dancers.

Some dancers also pursue school projects exploring dance with choreography.