Mariah Henry: Dancer, Artistic director, Woman of god

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Mariah Henry is a graduate from the University of Houston where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance. Beginning dance at the early age of 3, she went on to eventually train and compete on a petite dance team for 5 years prior to focusing on leading her in-school dance and cheer team. She has training in ballet, jazz, modern, urban contemporary styles, and hip-hop. From the age of 11 Mariah began choreographing for her church dance department. She has choreographed and performed for national and international church retreat performances and is currently the artistic director and choreographer of her own non-profit dance company, Deeper Than Dance (DTD). DTD’s company dance pieces have been performed at renown concert hall, House of Blues in downtown Houston, as well as productions done in collaboration with a brand new church founded production team called Golden Path Studios (GPS). She not only took part in choreographing productions done with GPS, but took the lead in artistically and creatively directing each show. With DTD she has choreographed and produced 6 short dance films, and is currently focused on continuing the creation of dance for the camera in addition to live performances. During her time with the University of Houston’s Dance Program, she performed in choreographic works by UH Alumna Tempest McLendon, Sugey Estrada, and Crissy Jones, as well as a piece by guest choreographer Tina Mullone. Mariah is currently continuing to expand her work in dance on film and teach dance classes at Annunciation Orthodox School.

Artists Statement

I am a dancer, choreographer, and the artistic director for Deeper Than Dance. 

My absolute love for God and His truth is the driving force for my ability to create movement that glorifies his very name, and brings faith deeper into the dance community. Fighting the stereotype of faith inspired dancing simply being “praise dance,” I combine movement and music influenced by hip-hop culture to impact and stimulate my audience. I use dance as prayer, conversation, love, and testimony, with the hopes to leave a positive effect on both believers and non-believers through telling stories and sharing sermons through movement. 

As a dancer, I have experienced the raw and undeniable happiness that comes from the creation of dance and movement, only to have it end the second my dance ends. Because of this inevitable truth, I am determined to focus on happiness received on a foundation of faith that is met with the art of dance, rather than focus on dance as the main stimulus for happiness. 

I believe true happiness lasts beyond the limitation of time and our physical lives. It is only when the eternal truth can become my foundation for movement that dance can be much deeper than minutes of moving my body.

Aside from Mariah’s work here at DTD, she now offers:

  • Private dance lessons in: Hip-hop, ballet, jazz, contemporary (all ages)

  • Quinceañera choreography

  • Wedding surprise dance choreography

  • Competitive solo and group choreography (all ages)