KAREN STOKES HONORED FOR ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE BY DANCE SOURCE HOUSTON

Karen Stokes, former Director of Dance at the University of Houston’s School of Theatre & Dance (1998–2022), has been named the 2025 Artistic Excellence Honoree by Dance Source Houston. The organization selected Stokes following a competitive nomination process for her enduring artistic contributions to Houston’s dance community, her extraordinary vision, and her significant impact on local dance artists and audiences.

The award will be presented on March 1, 2025 at Dance Source Houston’s annual Spark event, which supports the local dance community through ticket sales and fundraising efforts. Stokes shared her gratitude for the honor, attributing part of her success to her time at the University of Houston.

For ticket information, visit dancesourcehouston.org/spark.

What does this honor mean to you personally, especially after your long career at the University of Houston?

What it means is that I am old! Seriously, it is a wonderful to receive an honor that recognizes the broader trajectory of my career. But no one does anything alone. We are all products of teachers, mentors, colleagues, students, supporters, friends, family, community. It is hard to overstate my deep appreciation and gratitude for our shared interconnection. When we understand interconnection, we lean into our community and find that it was always there. I am leaning. And leaning brings me joy.

How has your work at UH shaped the local dance community and contributed to the impact Dance Source Houston is recognizing?

UH provided a home base for me. UH provided opportunities to collaborate with colleagues & students on campus and in the larger community. It was through my choreographic research that I most deeply connected with the larger Houston community of artists, venues, writers, dancers, historians, dance schools, and audiences. UH also provided a place for me to invite artists onto the UH campus – which correlates to my interest in bridge building between the institution and our community.

Are there any standout moments or projects during your time at UH that you feel played a key role in earning this recognition?

I tend to develop large-scale projects over time. For example, CWMCA support of my project “The Secondary Colors” was significant. It was my first large scale collaboration with a composer, which led to many other collaborations with amazing composers. UH MD Anderson Library gave me a great place to get “into the stacks” of City of Houston archives for my Houston based work. Working with UH students on dance composition was integral to my own perceptions and growth as a choreographer. Early on Professor Steve Mintz (Associate Dean at the time) encouraged me to create a dance distance education course. Back in 2000, there were no examples of distance ed in dance to follow. I proceeded to create a large-scale distance education project that spanned from artists interviews & demonstrations on choreography, studio lab demonstrations on dance composition, and lectures. The project was a huge, challenging, fun. It led to deepening of connections to Houston community and my field at large.

What are you most looking forward to about the March 1 event?

Being with the dance community and art community – sharing friendship and recognizing our larger dance community, our city, our nation, our world. Dancing with everyone on the dance floor, having a chance to celebrate our community.

Are there specific people at UH who have inspired or supported your work in ways you’d like to highlight?

My team of dance colleagues within the Dance Program are first and foremost: Long-term colleagues Teresa Chapman, Toni Valle, Becky Valls, Jackie Bobet, Firat Oszoy - all of whom worked with me 20 plus years. All of my dance colleagues – including multiple fabulous adjuncts – created a strong community that combined collegial fun with a strong work ethic and high standards of productivity. I was also inspired by the women’s leadership group created by Professor Lois Zamora. Here I learned many aspects of management and problem solving at the institution – and had another group of friendship and fellowship. In my 25 years at UH, the list of those who supported & inspired me is long, wide, and deep. If you are reading this – you are likely someone who supported and helped me. Thank you.

What message would you like to share with current students or young artists about making a lasting impact in their field?

Do not fear failure. Failure is deep learning that returns as a gift. It is an opportunity in disguise. When you fail (and you will fail more than you will succeed - especially in dance), get up and try again. The world needs your artistry and courage now more than ever. Dance is a bridge to human connection and understanding – use that bridge. The deeper you learn, the more rich and fertile your life will become. Build community and friendship. Practice and learn. Find the joy. Stay the course.