DANCE | HUNGER | ACTION
2026
THE ARTS CAN BE A POWERFUL FORCE FOR COMMUNITY CHANGE
Why Dance | Hunger | Action?
In 2021, SMCDT Artistic Director Elijah Alhadji Gibson began volunteering at the Houston Food Bank. Through that experience, he witnessed firsthand both the realities of food insecurity and the extraordinary work being carried out by volunteers, staff, and community partners across Houston.
Inspired by those experiences, he began exploring how dance and performance could serve as a platform for awareness, engagement, and collective action.
What began as a small initiative has grown into a festival that brings together youth performers, emerging artists, professional dance makers, educators, and community members through performances, educational experiences, scholarships, volunteer initiatives, and community programming.
Today, Dance | Hunger | Action continues to connect artistic practice with meaningful community impact through performances, education, service, and partnership.
SUPPORT DANCE | HUNGER | ACTION
Dance | Hunger | Action brings together artists, students, educators, and community members through performance, education, community engagement, and service in support of the Houston Food Bank during Hunger Action Month.Your support helps make festival programming, educational opportunities, student scholarships, and community engagement possible.
OUR IMPACT
Since its launch, Dance | Hunger | Action has brought together youth performers, emerging artists, educators, and professional dance makers from across Texas and beyond.
37,000+ 200+ 22 14+
Meals Provided Performing Artists Participating Groups. Scholarships Awarded
HELP EXTEND THE IMPACT
Every $1 donated helps provide 3 meals for individuals and families experiencing hunger across Southeast Texas. Your support helps Dance | Hunger | Action continue its work of connecting dance, community engagement, and the fight against food insecurity throughout Hunger Action Month.
FESTIVAL EXPERIENCES
Dance | Hunger | Action brings together performances, educational opportunities, volunteer service, scholarship programs, and community engagement throughout Hunger Action Month.
COMMUNITY
Join SMCDT and fellow community members for a volunteer day at the
Houston Food Bank as we give back directly in honor of Hunger Action Month.
Volunteer Day
Houston Food Bank | September 21
Festival Performances
Youth Concert | September 13 | MATCH Box 2
Celebrates dance in our schools and community programs.
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Meyerland PVA Middle School
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Woodlands Dance Theatre
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Rising Stars of Dance
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Cedar Bayou Middle School
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Stacey's Dance Studio
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Dance Du Coeur
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Mitsi Dancing School
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Dance of Asian America
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Anjali Center for Performing Arts
Pre - Professional Concert | September 17 | MATCH Box 4
Celebrates the next generation of movers in a high-energy showcase .
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Kinkaid Dance Company
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Carver Dance Company
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eMotion Dance Company
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Academy of City Ballet of Houston
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Dance Du Coeur
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Stacey's Dance Studio
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Rising Stars of Dance
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Anjali Center for Performing Arts
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Dance of Asian America
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University of Houston Dance
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Stephen F. Austin University
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San Jacinto College South
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Texas A&M University
Professional Concert | September 18 | MATCH Box 4
Unites Houston dance professionals for an evening of spectacular performance.
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Social Movement Contemporary Dance Theater
- Choreography by Travis Prokop
- Choreography by Adam Castaneda
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Riddles Three Dance Company
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Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective
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Anjali Center for Performing Arts
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TY&CO
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Mezclada Dance Company
MASTER CLASSES
September 26 | The Kinkaid School
JESUS ACOSTA
Jazz
9:30–10:45 AM
DORRELL MARTIN
Contemporary
10:50 AM–12:05 PM
CAMRYN WALDRON
Hip Hop
12:30–1:45 PM
$20 + ONE NONPERISHABLE FOOD ITEM
Join us for the Dance | Hunger | Action Master Class Series featuring three classes led by professional artists and educators.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Participating dancers will have opportunities to receive scholarships from Dance | Hunger | Action training and education partners.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
