Mission

The mission of Dance Houston is to increase dance appreciation in Houston.  To accomplish this goal, Dance Houston aims to raise the awareness and attractiveness of dance in and around Houston and to make dance more accessible to Houston patrons.  We facilitate and encourage collaboration amongst companies and choreographers and provide educational and performance opportunities to dancers of many styles.

Values

Dance Houston believes dance is the expression of a people.  We strive to present a kind and caliber of dance performance that represents and engages the people of Houston.  We respect and appreciate the diverse cultures and aesthetics that thrive in Houston, and we believe they should have a place on the Houston stage.  Through innovative, multi-cultural programming, we intend to portray Houston as a sophisticated city that is an exciting place to live and visit.

History

Dance Houston debuted in 2003 with a full-length performance featuring dance pieces by 12 Houston area companies.  It showcased a broad range of dance styles including modern, jazz, hip hop, swing and ethnic dance.  The concert premiered on Saturday, March 15^th at St. John’s School.  The companies performed in variety show format, each presenting a work about 5 minutes in length. Approximately 600 attended the sold-out show.   

In 2004, Dance Houston officially incorporated and gained its nonprofit status.  The signature concert grew to feature thirteen dance companies from the Houston area.  It presented three identical shows at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in Zilhka Hall, and our audience expanded to 750 people. 

Dance Houston broadened its horizons when it produced and directed its first Spotlight Performance called Flamenco en Vivo featuring the Houston debut of Antonio Granjero.  Considered by flamenco specialists to be among the world’s finest flamenco dancers, the concert presented a level of expertise in flamenco rarely seen by the Houston audience.  The concert was held in Zilkha Hall on February 10^th and 11^th 2005 at 7:30pm and approximately 675 people were in attendance. 

Dance Houston 2005 surpassed previous endeavors in its diversity, artistic caliber and attendance.  On a late weekend in June, Dance Houston presented a record of 18 local dance companies. Veterans of Dance Houston showed remarkable improvements from years past and newcomers brought fresh ideas and excitement.  Professor of Dance Terry Walsh Crews wrote, “These dance companies proved that Houston could be a powerful force in the country as a major dance city, if only Houston paid attention and offered more support to these talented young artists.”  

Over 1100 people were in attendance at Zilkha Hall for Dance Houston 2005.  In response to our expansion, Dance Houston has implemented a competitive application process from which the Dance Houston Artistic Advisory Board selects the most promising companies.   

When it comes to raising the level of attractiveness in dance, collaboration is key.  To facilitate artistic and technical growth in dance, Dance Houston organized a choreographer’s project from January thru March 2006 in which nine independent choreographers worked together and shared a cast of 35 dancers to create a brand new show.  The process involved intense rehearsal schedules and training in many kinds of dance as well as artistic and production design meetings upon which the show was mounted.  It culminated in a show called “Dance Houston Does Houston” which debuted to excited audiences in March 2006.  In a review of the show, dance critic Nancy Wozny wrote, “Young choreographers need a safe venue to get a start and Dance Houston provides such a place.” 

In 2006, Dance Houston also began a summer dance camp called Young & Intense.  Young & Intense offers training and performance opportunities in modern, jazz, hip hop, social, and cultural dance to dancers ages twelve to sixteen.  A two-week intensive workshop and performance, Young & Intense plants the seeds for discipline and growth in Houston’s young dancers.  Students receive individual attention from the choreographers plus the opportunity to work closely within a dedicated community of dancers.  Dance Houston continues to host Young & Intense annually.

Our August 2006 concert featured eighteen dance companies at Zilkha Hall, and it was the featured event of the Hobby Center’s Theater District Open House.  The house was packed to a Standing Room Only capacity.  In December, Dance Houston produced its first Winter Formal, presenting the works of four Houston-based hip hop companies.  It was well-received by an audience of 705, and Dance Houston looks forward to presenting a similar show in 2007.  Our most recent production was Flamenco en Vivo on March 30 and 31, 2007, at Zilkha Hall.  It featured the Houston debut of San Franciscan Flamenco star Melissa Cruz and her company. 

We leaped to new heights in August 2007 when we presented our 5th annual city-wide dance festival at the Wortham Center's Cullen Theater.  Made possible by the City of Houston's Convention and Entertainment Facilities Department, this festival featured thirteen local dance companies performing hip hop, ballroom, contemporary, and cultural dance.  Local dance critics and our enthusiastic audience heralded the concert as one of the most enjoyable dance performances this city has ever experienced.  We appreciate their support and look forward to many more opportunities to enrich people's lives through dance.

Dance Houston is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation.

Dance Houston, 406 W. Clay, Houston, TX  77019.  713.526.1049