Dance Source Houston Announces Recipients of 2025 Honors

Dance Source Houston (DSH), an arts service organization dedicated to the local dance community, proudly announces the two individuals to be recognized for its 2025 SPARK distinctions – Cecil C. Conner, Jr. as the Giannelli Service Awardee and Karen Stokes as the Dance Source Houston Artistic Honoree. Dance Source Houston began its annual community awards presentation in 2022 to spotlight local dance leaders for their artistic and service contributions. 

Conner and Stokes will be presented with their recognitions at SPARK on March 1, 2025, at Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston (MATCH). The annual event gathers dance supporters and artists to celebrate Houston’s vibrant dance community and honor individuals who have made a significant, sustained impact.

Conner served as Managing Director of Houston Ballet from 1995-2012 and remains an active dance advocate, serving on boards of local, national, and international organizations. Stokes was the Director of Dance at the University of Houston from 1998-2022 and has been the Artistic Director of Karen Stokes Dance since 1997. 

“With this year’s SPARK event, we have the opportunity to honor two incredible leaders and shine a light on our organization’s 20th-anniversary milestone,” said DSH Executive Director Mollie Haven Miller. “We are excited to honor CC and Karen for the undeniable impact they’ve made on dance in our city and can’t wait to celebrate them with our community.”

In addition to being a community celebration, SPARK is Dance Source Houston’s annual fundraiser event and includes light bites, drinks, raffle packages, a short performance, and of course, lots of dancing. Funds raised will support DSH’s programs that address the needs of freelance dancers and small dance companies.

Tickets for SPARK are on sale now at dancesourcehouston.org/spark.

Dance Source Houston’s SPARK 2025, Image credit DSH