Dance Houston is an evening of art & excitement from across Houston. It brings together 13 dance companies, all specializing in different styles of dance, to celebrate diversity in motion. This is a must-see event for everyone who dances, wants to dance, or enjoys being a part of the arts!

Stop by our youtube site for an idea of what you'll be seeing this year plus videos of past concerts, including some soon-to-be-released footage from our Winter Formal. We're at www.youtube.com/dance houston.

Check out our 2008 line-up:

Dance Houston's Young and Intense Performance on July 19th at Barnevelder Movement/Arts Complex was the culmination of two weeks of hard work by the students at Dance Houston's Summer Camp. The performers ranged in age from 12-16 and displayed an equally broad range of talented dancing. Performing Latin dance, modern dance, hip-hop, social dance, popping, jazz, stepping, ballet, and ethnic dance, the students executed a dizzying array of dance styles - all with avid energy and enthusiasm. The performers were divided in three groups: beginner, intermediate, and advanced level dancers. They performed most dances within these groups, and three dances in a mixture of these groups. In all, these budding artists learned and performed 17 dances (about 7 dances per dancer), which is an amazing amount of choreography to learn and master in only two weeks!

An outstanding piece of choreography in the show can undoubtedly be contributed to Andrea Cody, who is also the Dance Houston Executive Director. She put together a darling piece reminiscent of summer vacations at the lakeside. Complete with a beach ball and swimming costumes, these bathing beauties frolicked along to the big band swing music of Benny Goodman. The dancers clearly relished the cheery and lively nature of this piece.

Another stand-out piece was "Eeekkk", a hip-hop routine which featured 13 talented female dancers and one amazing young man, Josiah Ware. Josiah performed a break-out solo where he popped with incredible control, creating sharp angles and extreme contrasts between abrupt and fluid movements. He is most certainly a dancer to watch!

The summer performance was a wonderful example of how educational summer programs, such as Dance Houston's Young and Intense Program, can instill a sense of self-confidence and accomplishment in young people. It was clear from this concert that these blossoming dancers learned not only a vast array of technical, artistic, and performance skills, but also had fun doing so.

by Amanda Austin

Photo by J. Wiseman

Do you think you have what it takes to compete against the best of the best dance hip hop crews nation-wide? Grab your crews, choreograph your hottest dance routine and contact Opulence Entertainment immediately to register for the "Wipe Down Dance Tour" Coming to Houston this October.

Crews your registration fee is $100.00 per Team, Solo is $50.00. You will be competing to win $1000.00 cash prize and you will qualify to go to Atlanta for the finals and compete there for $20,000 and national exposure!!!!

Registration ends August 30th and spots are limited... So sign up and start preparing! If you are interested then email me today at cheri@mediawebnetworks.com for full tour details or call  214-604-7303 !

Ad Deum Dance Company and Hosanna Sacred Arts will be performing in an intensive summer dance concert, a Mighty Spirit. It will occur at the Faith Bible Church this Friday, August 8, 2008.

Ad Deum Dance Company is contemporary dance and physical theatre, a visual fusion of moving image and dramatic presentation which was founded and has been directed by Randall Flinn since January 2000, is a Houston, Texas based professional company. The company is comprised of dance artists that have found a new home in Houston from all across the USA and others nations of the world. Hosanna Sacred Arts is a professional dance company committed to revealing the glory of God through excellence in the arts. The beauty and splendor of an "old world" tradition is infused with the "pioneering spirit" of faith and innovation. Hosanna Sacred Arts tours nationally presenting concerts that are stirring and uplifting; a memorable evening for the entire family.

Date/Time: Friday, August 8th - 8:00pm
Place: Faith Bible Church, 5505 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas

Alegria Arts is hosting Noche Flamenca, their 2008 Gala & Fundraiser. It includes dinner, silent auction and a flamenco show featuring performances by visiting and resident artists.

Enjoy live performances by:
Ricardo Anglada - Guitarra
Vicente Griego - Cante
Fanny Ara, Melissa Cruz & Laura Uribe - Baile
The Alegria Dance Company- Baile

Proceeds will go toward scholarships to study in Spain, workshops for underprivileged adults & children, studio improvements, and community outreach programs.

Tickets are $65 per person or $480 for a table of 8.
To book tickets- call  713 681 6200  or email - postermaster@algeria-arts.com
Date/Time: August 28, 2008 - 7:30pm
Location: Chateau Crystal, 2517 S Gessner Rd, Houston, Texas