About

Deeper Than Dance (DTD) is a non-profit dance company based in Houston, Texas founded by University of Houston dance alumna Mariah Henry. In 2018 Mariah established DTD with the mission to provide an environment that uses faith and the Word of God as the main inspiration behind DTD’s movement, as well as to connect the body, soul, and spirit of dancers as they participate in, perform, and create the art of dance. Since DTD’s establishment in 2018, Henry has choreographed several short choreography concept videos under DTD presented via YouTube and Instagram as well as DTD’s official website. In 2019 DTD was invited by national artists platform ‘RAW Artists’ to perform a piece titled “Find Me” originally created for camera at the House of Blues Houston. After Henry’s graduation in 2021, DTD focused on a dance on film project titled HERO that debuted at the MATCH on June 25, 2022. The show included various Houston based dancers and choreographers live performances followed by the 30-minute long dance film. DTD’s most recent dance film titled ‘Ambition’ premiered on June 11, 2023 and was funded in part by the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance. DTD is now working on producing an evening length work expanding ‘Ambition’ with hopes to debut it in the fall of 2024.

Deeper Than Dance is a foundation dedicated to conforming the momentary happiness of participating in dance to happiness that can last a lifetime and even after that. Rather than simply teaching technique and choreography, we emphasize the growth of the thoughts, soul, and spirit as the core of enabling the physical body to create art. In order to grow in all areas we integrate stories, testimonies, and most importantly, the word of God into our classes, workshops, performances and various projects. Using various styles deriving from hip-hop and contemporary dance and given opportunities to perform, create new works, and projects, we aim to work with both local and even worldwide dancers, singers, and artists to make a history of receiving glory in the body and spirit possible. DTD aims to challenge the stereotypical “praise” and “worship” dance that the world defines and showcase that movement has been instilled in human beings from the original creator Himself- we need not be told what can or cannot be classified as dance for God by the world or Christianity, our movement and works can be classified as dance for God by the sincerity in our heart and thoughts before the Heavens. As founder and artistic director Mariah Henry would say, “since God has given us talents, we must give them back to Him!” 

What we offer

• Coming Soon - Dancing with DTD: A program offering dance classes, intensives, or camps tailored to you and your community!

• Open dance classes for children and adults offered at dance studio spaces around Houston

• Performance opportunities

• Opportunities to be involved in dance projects including dance concept videos

Our Goals

• Enhancement in performance and technical aspects of dance

• Individual growth and encouragement

• Spiritual guidance and further growth in the individuals relationship with God through art

• Advancement in style and originality